The Majesty of Creation and the Power of the Ainur

In this chapter, they discuss the concept of 'arta' which is the elvish word for earth. They explain that arta refers to the habitation of elves and men and is a vivid image of a wide pillar that is as wide as the earth but sharper than a needle. This image represents the power of the Ainur, who are about to become the Vala, in the world.