Eru Ilúvatar
Before the Creation, Eru Ilúvatar made the Ainur or "holy ones". The Universe was created through the "Music of the Ainur" or "Ainulindalë", music sung by the Ainur in response to themes introduced by Eru. This universe, the song endowed with existence by Eru, was called Eä in Quenya. The Earth was called Arda. Those of the Ainur who felt concern for the Creation entered it, and became the Valar and the Maiar, the guardians of Creation.