In the ages prior to the sun, Arda was reformed by the massive energy released when Melkor destroyed the original light sources, the two Lamps. The Valar fled the razing to the newly formed continent of Aman and built Valinor, while Melkor reigned unchecked in the new continent of Middle-earth, where he corrupted the surviving beasts. Unaware of these designs, the Valar did not approach him for fear that the confrontation would be just as world-devastating as the extinguishment of the light. Their priority was to protect the original plan of creation, though they were unsure of what was salvageable. They did not know if Eru's personal creations, elves and men, would now ever come into being after the catastrophe.