Two Lamps
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In the mythology of J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional Middle-earth, Illuin (Sky-blue) and Ormal (high gold) were great lamps which stood respectively at the northern and southern ends of Arda during the Years of the Lamps.
After the Valar entered the world, there was a misty light veiling the barren ground. The Valar concentrated this light into two large lamps, Iluin and Ormal. Aulë forged great towers, one in the furthest north, Helcar (also spelt Helkar), and another in the deepest south, Ringil. Illuin was set upon Helcar and Ormal upon Ringil. In the middle of Arda, where the light of the lamps mingled, lay the Great Lake with the island Almaren, where the Valar dwelt.
The lamps were destroyed in an assault by Melkor, and the Valar fled Middle-earth for Valinor. At the site where Illuin fell, the inland Sea of Helkar was formed, of which Cuiviénen was a bay. According to the earlier writings of Tolkien, there was also the Sea of Ringil to the south, perhaps associated with the roots of Ormal.
According to older writings not used in the published version of The Silmarillion, the Valar wanted peace with Melkor, and decided to ask his assistance: they wished to fix the lamps upon Arda's ground. Melkor, black with hate and envy of the rest of the Valar, agreed to help. He gave Aulë a substance which was both sturdy and strong, and as of yet unknown to the Valar: ice. Melkor bided his time and allowed the Valar to do as they wished until the fateful day when the Lamps' light and heat melted the ice and crashed upon Arda, flooding it with water and darkness.
