Valinor: The Paradise Lost from Tolkien's World | Silmarillion Explained

Valinor, realm of the Valar in the uttermost West, is Tolkien's vision of paradise within Arda. After Melkor destroyed the Two Lamps, the divine powers withdrew to Aman and built Valinor behind the Pelóri Mountains. Yavanna sang the Two Trees into being - Telperion of silver and Laurelin of gold - providing light before Sun or Moon existed. The Valar summoned the Elves westward, but paradise witnessed tragedy. Melkor and Ungoliant destroyed the Trees, while Fëanor's pride led to the Kinslaying, the first slaying of Elf by Elf. Immortal Elves were bound to Arda forever; mortal Men received death as gift and freedom from the world's circles. When Númenor rejected this gift and Ar-Pharazôn invaded Valinor seeking immortality, Ilúvatar intervened catastrophically. Númenor drowned and Aman was removed from the physical world. The Straight Road remained for Elves, and a few mortal Ring-bearers found healing before inevitable death. Valinor survives in human myth as Avalon, Atlantis, and Tír na nÓg.