It started with the music of the Ainur.

But Melkor had other ideas.

Until finally, Ilúvatar stood up and raised both hands.

And Ilúvatar taught the Ainur about the World.

And the Ainur saw that

being busy with their music,

they had prepared a living place

for the Children of Ilúvatar.

But they didn’t understand its purpose

beyond its beauty.

Because the Children of Ilúvatar were only created by himself

in the third music theme.

And the Ainur didn’t play any part in their creation.

So the Ainur saw something other than themselves,

strange and free.

And the Ainur loved the Children of Ilúvatar.

So the Ainur learned something totally new

from the wisdom of Ilúvatar.

The Children of Ilúvatar are Elves and Men,

the First-born and the Followers.