Come along with me on a journey through the Eras of Arda, from the world’s debut through its endgame... Click the video linked above for the full history of Middle-earth!

A summary of the history of Arda loosely inspired by the concept of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, because why not?

Debut: Ainulindalë // In the beginning, the world was created through the Music of the Ainur. Despite the Discord of Melkor, the earth was slowly shaped and made ready for the coming of the Children of Ilúvatar…

Fearless: The Shaping of the World // The Valar strove against Melkor in the shaping of the earth, until he abandoned Arda for a time and hid in the outer darkness. The earth was made ready for the coming of Men and Elves (and Dwarves).

Speak Now: The Spring of Arda // The Valar created two lamps to light the earth. Melkor returned to Arda and destroyed the lamps, changing the geography of Arda in the process. The Valar relocated to Aman, the westernmost region of the earth.

Red: The Years of the Trees // The Valar established Valinor and grew the Two Trees to light the earth. Aulë created the Dwarves and the Elves awakened in Middle-earth. Many elves migrated to Valinor, while others stayed behind. Thingol married Melian and Lúthien was born.

1989: The War of the Jewels // In Valinor, the elf Fëanor created the Silmarils. They were stolen by Melkor (renamed Morgoth); Fëanor vowed vengeance and led many of the elves to Middle-earth. A hopeless war ensued until the Valar intervened at Eärendil’s plea. Morgoth was cast into the void.

Reputation: The Rings of Power // In the blank space left after Morgoth’s defeat, his most cunning servant Sauron rose to power. Sauron sought to control all of Middle-earth through the Rings of Power, but many resisted. At the end of the Second Age, he was defeated — but only for a time.

Lover: The Fall of Númenor // The Men who aided the Valar against Morgoth were given the kingdom of Númenor. They grew to covet immortality and waged war against the Blessed Realm. As a result, it was removed from the earth and Númenor was drowned. Some escaped the downfall and fled to Middle-earth.

Folklore: The Third Age // Sauron slowly regained his power and sought out his ruling Ring, which remained lost for 2,000+ years. By a chance of fate, it was found by Bilbo Baggins. His heir Frodo carried it to Mordor where it was destroyed and Sauron’s reign ended.

Evermore: The Return of the King // After Sauron was defeated, the ring-bearers left Middle-earth and sought out healing in the Blessed Realm. The Shire was reclaimed and healed. The kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor were reunited under Aragorn Elessar.

Midnights: The Dagor Dagorath // There are whispers of a Battle of Battles in which Morgoth would be utterly defeated. The Silmarils would be recovered, broken, and their light returned to the Two Trees. Following this Battle, there would be a hope for ‘Arda Remade’ or ‘Arda Healed’.