Guide to The Silmarillion: Of the Darkening of Valinor (Ch. 8)

Chapter Eight: Of the Darkening of Valinor

“So the great darkness fell upon Valinor... The Light failed; but the Darkness that followed was more than loss of light. In that hour was made a Darkness that seemed not lack but a thing with being of its own: for it was indeed made by malice out of Light, and it had power to pierce the eye, and to enter heart and mind, and strangle the very will."

Melkor secretly passed into the south hiding in the region of Avathar where Ungoliant dwelt. Ungoliant agreed to help Melkor after he promised to give her “whatsoever her lust may demand”.  Melkor and Ungoliant came secretly closer and closer towards the Light of the Two Trees. Because it was a time of festival, the Valar, Maiar, and most of the Eldar were gathered upon Taniquetil. Even Fëanor came, at the bidding of Manwë. 

The Death of the Trees

Melkor and Ungoliant came, and they smote and killed the Two Trees of Valinor. A great darkness fell upon Valinor. Manwë perceived that this was done by Melkor and thus began a great pursuit, but the hosts of the Valar could not find him.