LOTR: How The Elements Of Middle Earth Were Brought Into Being

gamerant.com:

There are many different creation myths around the world, in different religions, cultures and ancient civilizations. Nearly every world culture has a story of how an omniscient being or beings, the creator or creators of all life, brought the universe into being. Although incredibly varied, and personal to each people that puts their faith in them, lots of the legends about how the world came to be have certain components in common. Most include an all-powerful being who first envisions the world with pure intentions, an antagonist who seeks to somehow corrupt or destroy the unity of this vision, and some physical elements that are used to bring the world into reality. When creating fictional worlds and devising creation myths for these worlds, authors often employ a similar structure — and Tolkein's Lord of the Rings universe is no exception.

The Silmarillion is essentially Tolkien’s version of the creation myth for Middle Earth. Illuvatar serves the role of the original figure who has a beautiful concept of what he wants to create. Melkor, one of his Ainur, is the antagonist who seeks to destroy it before it has even begun. The physical elements used to bring the world into being are Fire, Earth, Air and Water. The Ainulindale, the first book in The Silmarillion, teaches readers how Illuvatar brought the Ainur, immortal godlike spirits, into being, and helped them sculpt Middle Earth out of these four elements. Of course, those elements first must be created themselves.

This Scene In The Hobbit Was One Of The Most Harrowing To Create

When Illuvatar first awakens the Ainur, he fills them with wonder and curiosity. He shows them visions of the beautiful world he plans to create, and the creatures he plans to fill it with.