[GollumsPrecious]

Just started to read The Silmarillion and am prolly about a quarter of the way through it. If u don't mind I have a couple of q's to ask which I was hoping some of the boards more informed posters might help me out with.

1. Arda and Ea...

As far as I understand it Arda is "The Earth" and "Ea" is the universe. What I was wondering was if there are any other worlds other than Arda within Ea..or is Arda the only world within the entire Universe that was created by Illuvatar and the Ainur ?

2. Orcs...

Orcs were the work of Melkeor/Morgoth, that much I accept...the only question is how did he make them. According to the text:

"...and naught that had life of it's own, nor the semblence of life, could ever Melkeor make"

..how then did he make orcs ? Were they somehow evolved from the Elves he imprisoned ?

So far I am really enjoying reading the Silmarillion and the index at the back is superb. However, I may have another few questions from time to time and if it's ok I'll come back and post them here on the Barrow-Downs.

Thanks for your help,

Paul.