Gaalsed

Gaalsed is a term that appears in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, notably in *The Silmarillion*. It refers to the Elder Days, a period in the history of Arda (the world) that predates the First Age. This era is characterized by the presence of the Valar, the angelic beings who shaped the world, and the Elves, the firstborn children of Ilúvatar. The events of the Elder Days are central to the mythology of Middle-earth, detailing the creation of the world, the rebellion of Melkor (later Morgoth), and the early struggles of the Elves.

The Elder Days are often described as a time of great beauty and immense power, but also of profound sorrow and conflict. Many of the foundational myths and histories of Tolkien's world originate from this period. Significant events include the lighting of the Two Trees of Valinor, the theft of the Silmarils by Morgoth, and the subsequent wars that devastated Beleriand. Understanding the Gaalsed is crucial for comprehending the motivations and histories of the characters and races in the subsequent ages of Middle-earth. The term itself is not frequently used within the narrative of *The Silmarillion*, with specific ages and events often being named instead, but it serves as a general descriptor for this primordial epoch.