
The Years of the Sun (Q."Anarindanar") is the current and longest-lasting period in the history of Arda, beginning with the first rising of the Sun at the dawn of the First Age and continuing to the present day in the Seventh Age. This epoch succeeded the Years of the Trees and marked the end of the Elder Days, transitioning Arda into an era illuminated by the Sun and Moon. It also ushered in the gradual waning of the Eldar and the rising dominion of the Secondborn, Men, for which it is often referred to as the Time of Men. It is foretold that the Years of the Sun will culminate in the apocalyptic Dagor Dagorath, the Final Battle that will bring the end of the world and its renewal in Second Music of Ainur.
The primary unit of time during the Years of the Sun is the coranar ("sun-round"), equivalent to one Solar Year (SY) of 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds. Another term used is the loa (Q."growth"), which refers more specifically to the seasonal cycle of life. While the coranar measures the astronomical passage of the Earth around the Sun, the loa reflects the natural rhythm of Arda’s seasons, particularly the renewal and flourishing of life.
The Ages of the Years of the Sun[]
First Age[]
The First Age of the Sun was defined by the Great Wars for the Silmarils between the Elves, Men, and Dwarves against Morgoth in Middle-earth. It culminated in the War of Wrath, the overthrow of Morgoth, and the reshaping of Arda. Beleriand, once the greatest land of the West, was destroyed and submerged beneath the sea of Belegaer.
Second Age[]
The Second Age saw the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Great Rings, and the ascendancy of Sauron. It ended with the War of the Last Alliance and the defeat of Sauron, though not his destruction, as the One Ring was not yet unmade.
Third Age[]
The Third Age is remembered as the time of the fading of the Elves and the dominance of Men. It culminated in the War of the Ring, the final destruction of the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, and the downfall of Sauron.
Fourth Age[]
The Fourth Age marked the beginning of the Dominion of Men. The Elves departed across the Sea to Valinor, and Middle-earth saw the restoration of kingdoms such as Gondor and Arnor under the rule of the heirs of Elendil.
Fifth Age[]
The Fifth Age was a time of change and upheaval, ending in a great flood that reshaped much of the known world.
Sixth Age[]
Seventh Age[]
The Seventh Age is said to encompass the present day, a time when the memory of the Valar, Elves, and the ancient powers has all but faded into myth.