The Lament of Lúthien, Part 2

Continued from Part 1:

As the tale proceeds through the history of the Elder Days, the Valar attempt to apprehend Melkor but he retreats into his fell fortress of Utumno, deep within the Iron Mountains to the north. Any attempt to assail the fortress would result in an all-out war, and the Valar will not to risk the destruction of Middle-earth while the Children of Ilúvatar yet sleep. Instead they cross the Great Sea Belegaer and arrive in Aman, building the realm of Valinor.

But though he felled the sacred lamps
and brought to ruin the Valars’ camps,
he cowed before his ancient foe
and sought refuge in Utumno.
For Manwë’s voice blew strong and loud
resounding through both wind and cloud;
decrying his lost brother’s sin
against Ormal and Illuin.
And Tulkas great in might and mirth,
who once drove Melkor from the earth,
came thundering into the north
and challenged Melkor to come forth.
But shying from their dreadful calls
he hid within his frozen walls,
and delving deeper underground
the Valar’s bane was left unbound.

And seeing that their vengeance would
be thwarted while those fell gates stood,
Manwë the first among the Powers
foresaw that in those darkest hours
the realm of Middle-earth would fall
under the sway of Melkor’s call.
Yet fearing that their holy war
would woefully rend the earth, before
the ‘wakening of Elf and Man—
who slumbered as the world began—
the Valar gathered up their hosts
and stood upon the Western coasts;
beholding lands beyond the sea,
that Blessed Realm that hence would be
their home. They hastened to Aman
establishing their thrones upon
those golden shores and verdant fields,
and raised up the Pelóri’s shields.
The Valar then began again
to sow in forest, field, and glen;
to shape the hills and tend the herd;
and fill the wood with beast and bird.

Glossary

Manwë

The King of the Valar and the King of Arda, given his dominion by Eru Ilúvatar. He held the greatest authority among the Valar, but was weaker in power than his brother Melkor. Controlled the winds of Arda and the birds that flew therein.

Pelóri

After arriving in Aman, the Valar raised up the Pelóri—the Mountains of Defense— to prevent Melkor from breaching their new dwelling. The Pelóri were the tallest mountains in the world and they shielded the continent of Aman on its eastern side.

Tulkas

Physically the mightiest of the Valar, he took great delight in combat and feats of strength. He was the last of the Valar to arrive in Arda, and the sound of his laughter and wrath caused Melkor to retreat from the earth for a time.

Utumno

Melkor’s fortress deep within the Iron Mountains. Home to Melkor’s host of demons and other fell creatures of his own making.