Guide to The Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor (Ch. 3)

Chapter Three: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor

Middle-earth lay in a twilight — but Melkor did not sleep. Instead, he built up his strength in the North, gathering evil creatures such as Balrogs. Sauron was in charge of Melkor’s stronghold called Angband. In this time, Varda (Elbereth) made the stars.

The Coming of the Elves

Finally, the Elves awakened beneath Varda’s stars. They named themselves the Quendi. Oromë was the first of the Valar to find the Elves, but they feared him because Melkor had gotten to them first and taught them to fear. Oromë named the Elves the Eldar, but this name is only used for the Elves who followed him later. Melkor made the Orcs by capturing Elves and tormenting them, corrupting them into his service. 

The Captivity of Melkor

Finally, the Valar made war against Melkor on behalf of the Elves. Tulkas wrestled with Melkor and won; Melkor was taken into captivity. Sauron was not found at this time, so he remained free. Melkor was sentenced to prison for three ages before he could plead for pardon again.

The Summons to Valinor

The Valar summoned the Quendi to come to Valinor, but only some were willing to come. In order to earn their trust, Oromë brought ambassadors to Valinor: Ingwë, Finwë, and Elwë. These Ambassadors returned and urged their kindred to answer the summons and remove to the West. Some agreed, and others did not. The Eldar are the elves who agreed to leave; the Avari are the elves who refused the summons.

Thus began a great march of the Eldar to Aman. Those who arrived in Aman are called the Calaquendi; those who either remained at first or left the march along the way are called the Moriquendi.