Valinor was established on the western continent Aman when Melkor (a Vala later named Morgoth, the black foe, by the Elves) destroyed the Valar's original home on the island Almaren in primeval Middle-earth. To defend their new home from attack, they raised the Pelóri Mountains. They also established Valimar, the radiant Two Trees, and their abiding places. Valinor was said to have surpassed Almaren in beauty.