In the earliest of days, before the godlike Valar entered the realm of Arda, the Dark Lord originated as a spirit called a Maia. He was at first one of the most powerful servants. He is described as being concerned with ordering the universe.

The Dark Lord, during his service to Master, was described as being less evil than him only because he first served another, and not himself. After his Master was defeated and cast outside the confines of the world, the Dark Lord encouraged and coerced Men to worship himself as gods.