How was Middle-earth created?

Middle-earth, the fictional setting of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, is a rich and detailed world that has captivated readers for decades. At the heart of this world lies a creation myth that provides the foundation for its rich history and mythology.

According to Tolkien's creation myth, Middle-earth was created by a divine being known as Eru Ilúvatar, who created the Ainur, a group of powerful spirits who helped him to shape the world. The Ainur were initially responsible for creating the music of the universe, but Eru Ilúvatar eventually granted them the power to create the physical world as well.

Many of the Ainur were drawn to the physical world, and they began to shape it in accordance with their own visions and desires. One of the Ainur, a powerful spirit named Melkor, rebelled against Eru Ilúvatar and sought to shape the world according to his own will. This led to a great conflict known as the War of the Powers, which ultimately ended with the defeat of Melkor and the creation of the physical world as we know it.

Middle-earth is just one of the many worlds that exists within Tolkien's legendarium, and its creation myth provides a fascinating glimpse into the complex and intricate mythology that Tolkien created.