Also referred to as the three ages of peace in Aman, the Captivity of Melkor occured long before the Elves awoke in Valinor.

After many years of destruction and disobediance, Melkor destroyed the Lamps of the Valar and their dwellings on the green island of Almaren.

Fearing that the Elves would soon awake, the Valar drove Melkor to Valinor and waged war with him.

After his defeat, Melkor was imprisoned for three ages of Valinor.

At the end of the three ages of his captivity, Melkor was brought before the Valar, and Nienna begged for his pardon and Manwë released him.

After his release, Melkor murdered Finwë, stole the Silmarils, and destroyed the Two Trees of Valinor.

He then fled to Angband and then became known by the name of Morgoth the Constrainer.
Encyclopedia entry originally written by Electra_Calen