Morgoth: Difference between revisions

From Tolkien Gateway
m (Added German interwiki link)
(185 intermediate revisions by 54 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{sources}}
{{evil infobox
{{evil infobox
| image=[[Image:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - May.jpg|300px]]
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - And Morgoth came.jpg|250px]]
| name=Morgoth Bauglir
| name=Morgoth
| othernames=[[Melkor]], [[Bauglir]], [[Morgoth#Names|See below for more]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Melkor<br/>''[[Morgoth#Names|See below]]''
| titles=Dark Lord
| position=
| location=[[Utumno]]<br/>[[Angband]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| birth=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| rule=c. [[YOTL]]- [[YOTL 1500]], c. [[YOTL 1900]] - [[YOTT 1100]], c. [[YOTT 1500]] - [[War of Wrath]], [[First Age 590|F.A. 590]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=In the future
| deathlocation=[[Dagor Dagorath]]
| age=
| age=
| death=Thrust into the [[void]] F.A. 590; [[Dagor Dagorath]]
| notablefor=Disrupting the [[Music of the Ainur|Music]]<br/>Controlling all of [[Middle-earth]]<br/>Creating [[Orcs]]<br/>Destroying the [[Two Trees]]<br/>Stealing the [[Silmarils]]<br/>Taking over [[Beleriand]]
| realm=[[Utumno]], [[Angband]]
| parentage=
| siblings=[[Manwë]]
| spouse=
| children=
| race=[[Ainur]]
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| race=[[Valar]]
| height=Tall
| description=
| hair=
| characteristics=
| eyes=
|}}
| clothing=
'''Morgoth''' (earlier '''Melkor''') was the greatest of the [[Ainur]], who fell from glory when he disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur]] and defied the will of [[Eru Ilúvatar]]. He brought down many other Ainur with him, fought the [[Valar]], and corrupted [[Arda]]. Eventually he was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the [[Void]], leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant [[Sauron]], to trouble the world. One day, according to the legendarium, Morgoth will rise again and be destroyed in the [[Dagor Dagorath]] by [[Túrin Turambar]].
| weapons=[[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]]
| steed=
}}
'''Morgoth''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmorɡoθ]}}), also known as '''[[Morgoth#Names|Melkor]]''', was the greatest of the [[Ainur]]. He fell from glory when he disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur]] and defied the will of [[Ilúvatar|Eru Ilúvatar]]. Morgoth corrupted many of the Ainur to his allegiance, fought the [[Valar]], and corrupted [[Arda]]. His theft of the [[Silmarils]] and [[Wars of Beleriand|wars]] against [[Elves]] and [[Men]] encompassed much of the history of the [[First Age]]. Eventually, Morgoth was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the [[Void]], leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant [[Sauron]], to trouble the world. One day, according to [[Final Battle|prophecy]], Morgoth will rise again in great wrath, but he will be destroyed in the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]].{{Pronounce|Sindarin - Morgoth.mp3|Gilgamesh}}


==History==
==History==
===Shaping of Arda===
The first and most powerful of the [[Ainur]] that [[Ilúvatar]] created was a spirit known as Melkor. Because he wandered through the [[Void]] in an attempt to find and use the [[Flame Imperishable]], the source of [[Ilúvatar]]'s creative activity, Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur. His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, for he wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void and was dissatisfied by the fact that Ilúvatar had not done so. However, Melkor could not find the Flame, for it was not in the Void, but with Ilúvatar.


The most powerful and knowledgeable of the [[Ainur]] was a spirit later known as [[Melkor]] (his original [[Valarin]] name is unknown). Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur, and began to probe the emptiness of the [[Void]] for the [[Flame of Ilúvatar]], the source of spirit matter.  For Melkor wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void.  His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, and he could not find the Flame (for it was not in the Void, but with [[Ilúvatar]]).  When the Ainur [[Music of the Ainur|made music]], Melkor made his own music against the theme of beauty and honor, and it clashed with the holy music.  Some of the Ainur joined him in this new theme, and for a while the two themes warred against one another. But Eru Ilúvatar smiled, and sent forth a new theme.  Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s gained dominance. Eru grew angry, and sent out a second theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last Eru, now very angry with a cold fury, halted the music completely with a single chord.
===The Music of the Ainur===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Melkor weaves Opposing Music'']]
When the Ainur [[Music of the Ainur|made music]], Melkor wove his strange thoughts into his song. His song clashed against the Theme of Ilúvatar, disturbing the Ainur around him and causing some of them to attune their music to his. For a while the Theme of Ilúvatar and the discords of Melkor warred against one another. But Eru smiled, and sent forth a new theme.  Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last, many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s discords gained dominance. Eru sent out a third Theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last, Eru halted the music completely with a single chord.


[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Melkor weaves Opposing Music'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music found its source in Himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own nor alter the true Music. Thus though Melkor oppose Eru to his last breath, he would only be furthering the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways, for Music belonged to Ilúvatar. Melkor was shamed but angered by this judgement. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, [[Arda]], Melkor was one of those who begged to be sent down to Earth, pretending to be willing to cultivate it and steward it for Ilúvatar’s glory. In actuality, he wished to dominate it. Thus he became one of the [[Valar]], and eventually declared to his comrades that he was the master of Arda henceforth. [[Mānawenūz]] (later [[Manwë]]), his brother, did not understand evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors on Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor left to the remote regions of the world, and the Valar knew not what it did there.
Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music finds its source in himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own song or truly alter the Themes of Ilúvatar. Thus, though Melkor opposed Eru to his last breath, he only furthered the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways. Melkor was shamed and angered by this judgment, but hid his feelings. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, [[]], Melkor was one of those who begged to enter [[Arda]], pretending to be willing to cultivate it and guide it for Ilúvatar’s glory. He actually wished to dominate Arda and its creatures, especially the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter Eä and come to Arda with the other [[Valar]]. Once there, Melkor declared to his colleagues that he was the master of Arda henceforth. [[Manwë]], his brother, did not understand his evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors in Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor departed to the remote regions of Eä, leaving the world in peace for a while.
 
But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth.  There was war, and though Melkor disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit came to Arda to combat him, named [[Tulukastāz]] (later [[Tulkas]]).  Tulkas drove him away, and the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was made solid.


===Wars of the Valar===
===Wars of the Valar===
But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth. There was war, the [[First War with Melkor]], and though he disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit named [[Tulkas]] came to Arda from other regions of Eä to combat him. After Tulkas drove Melkor away, the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was established.


The rest of the Valar dwelt in a place called [[Almaren]], and raised up [[two lamps]] to light the young earth: [[Illuin]] and [[Ormal]].  Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention and even in a few cases admiration from the [[Maiar]], the lesser spirits of [[Arda]].  Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time.  As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda was filled with hatred.  Tulkas was wedded to [[Nessa]] at that feast, and she danced before the Valar.  Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor made his move.
The Valar dwelt in a land called [[Almaren]], and raised up [[two lamps]] to light the young earth: [[Illuin]] and [[Ormal]].  Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention--and in a few cases, admiration--of the [[Maiar]], the lesser spirits of [[Arda]].  Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time.  As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda, was filled with hatred.  Tulkas was wedded to [[Nessa]] at that feast, and she danced before the Valar.  Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor struck.


Melkor with his host passed over the [[Walls of Night]] and returned to Arda once more.  Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called [[Utumno]] beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin.  The [[Spring of Arda]] became blighted as evil flowed out of the fortress.  Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers.  The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.
Melkor with his host passed over the [[Walls of Night]] and returned to Arda once more.  Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called [[Utumno]] northwards beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin.  The [[Spring of Arda]] became blighted as the cold evil flowed out of the fortress.  Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers.  The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.


But Melkor struck the first blow.  He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water.  The symmetry of Arda was broken.  And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno.  Though the Valar were together stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin.  The Spring of Arda was ended.
But Melkor struck the first blow.  He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water.  The symmetry of Arda was broken.  And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno.  Though together the Valar were stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin.  The Spring of Arda had ended in turmoil.


Almaren being destroyed, the Valar left to a new continent across the [[Belegaer|sea]], [[Aman]], and built [[Valinor]].  They also established new sources of light, the [[Two Trees]], to light the world.  Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of [[Middle-earth]], in various guises, but armed with cold and fire.  Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; [[Ulmo]] and [[Yavanna]] especially. Also [[Oromë]] would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.
===Dominance of Middle-earth===
With Almaren destroyed, the Valar departed to a new continent across the [[Belegaer|sea]], [[Aman]], and built [[Valinor]].  They also established new sources of light, the [[Two Trees]], to light the world.  Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of [[Middle-earth]], in various guises, but armed with cold and fire.  Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; [[Ulmo]] and [[Yavanna]], particularly. Also [[Oromë]] would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.


Melkor brooded in the north, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as [[Balrogs]].  He also created another fortress and armory called [[Angband]], not far from the sea, to resist any Valarin attacks.  He placed his greatest servant, [[Sauron]], in control of that place.  Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], the [[Elves]]. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them.  Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into [[Orcs]] by torture and breeding.
Melkor brooded in the north and built his strength, gathering his demons about him, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as [[Balrogs]].  He also created another fortress and armory called [[Angband]], in the northwest of Middle Earth, to resist any Valarin attacks.  He placed his greatest servant, [[Sauron]], in control of that stronghold.  Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], the [[Elves]]. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them.  Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into [[Orcs]] by torture and breeding.


The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves.  Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs.  They laid [[Siege of Utumno|siege to Utumno]], and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed.  Melkor was captured and chained with the chain [[Angainor]], but Sauron escaped.  Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of [[Mandos]], and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.
===Time in Valinor===
[[File:Jacek Kopalski - The Captivity of Morgoth.jpg|thumb|left|Jacek Kopalski - ''The Captivity of Morgoth'']]


===Wars of Beleriand===
The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves.  Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs. They laid [[Siege of Utumno|siege to Utumno]], and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed. Melkor was [[Captivity of Melkor|captured]] and chained with the chain [[Angainor]], but Sauron escaped. Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of [[Mandos]], and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.
====Darkening of Valinor====


At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon.  Manwë granted him thus, though [[Ulmo]] and [[Tulkas]] were displeased with this judgement.  Yet the Valar would not let him leave there sight, and he stayed in [[Valmar]].  Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the [[Noldor]].  For the [[Vanyar]] did not trust him, and the [[Teleri]] he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.
At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon.  Manwë granted him thus, though [[Ulmo]] and [[Tulkas]] were displeased with this judgement.  Yet the Valar would not let him leave their sight, and he stayed in [[Valmar]].  Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the [[Noldor]].  For the [[Vanyar]] did not trust him, and the [[Teleri]] he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.


In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]].  Fëanor was the creator of the [[Silmarils]], which Melkor lusted after.  As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of [[Men]] in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source.  His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor.  They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed.  Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles.  Tulkas left straightaway to deal with him, but found Melkor gone.  He had escaped.
===Revenge against the Valar===
[[File:John Howe - The Killing of the Trees.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''The Killing of the Trees'']]
In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]].  Fëanor was the creator of the [[Silmarils]], which Melkor lusted after.  As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of [[Men]] in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source.  His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor.  They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed.  Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles.  Tulkas left straight-away to deal with him, but found Melkor gone.  He had escaped.


Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at [[Formenos]] to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him.  Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much.  He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him.  Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of [[Hyarmentir]], to the shadowed valley of [[Avathar]] where there dwelt [[Ungoliant]], a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure.  After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.
Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at [[Formenos]] to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him.  Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much.  He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him.  Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of [[Hyarmentir]], to the shadowed valley of [[Avathar]] where there dwelt [[Ungoliant]], a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure.  After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.


[[Image:John Howe - Melkor and Ungoliant before the Two Trees.jpg|thumb|right|400px|''Melkor and Ungoliant before the Two Trees'' by [[John Howe]]]]Then Melkor and Ungoliant came while there was festival in [[Valmar]].  Melkor drained the [[Two Trees]] with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood.  Then she drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]], and the two went north to [[Formenos]], leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion.  At Formenos Melkor slew [[Finwë]] and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the [[Silmarils]].  Then he passed over the icy [[Helcaraxë]], entering once more into [[Middle-earth]].  He was soon in [[Angband]].  He had struck swiftly and surely.  But Fëanor cursed him, naming him [[Morgoth]], and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.
Then Melkor and Ungoliant attacked while there was festival in [[Valmar]].  Melkor drained the [[Two Trees]] with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood.  Then she drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]], and the two fled north to [[Formenos]], leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion.  At Formenos Melkor slew [[Finwë]] and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the [[Silmarils]].  Then he passed over the icy [[Helcaraxë]], entering once more into [[Middle-earth]].  He was soon back in [[Angband]].  He had struck swiftly and surely.  But Fëanor cursed him, naming him [[Morgoth]], and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.


====Ungoliant and the First Battle====
===Return to Beleriand===


Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor.  The Lob had grown in size and terror, and Morgoth feared her suddenly.  He reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful works of art, and Ungoliant devoured them.  But he refused to give up the Silmarils, though she tortured him. His screams went out to [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]] and the [[balrogs]], and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whips.  So Morgoth returned to Angband.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils'']]


Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth.  [[Elu Thingol]] and the [[Sindar]] dwelt in the woodland kingdom of [[Doriath]], while [[Círdan]] and the [[Teleri]] lived at the [[Falas]] and [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and the [[Nandor]] camped in [[Ossiriand]].  Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan.  But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the [[Orcs]] between [[Aros]] and [[Gelion]]Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the [[First Battle]].  Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the [[Naugrim]].  The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.
Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor.  The spider had grown in size and strength, and Morgoth, now very weak from his efforts, feared her suddenly. Lacking the strength to fight the monstrous spider, he reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful gems, and Ungoliant devoured them.  But Morgoth refused to give up the Silmarils, and she encased him in webs, torturing him and nearly devouring himA loud cry of desperation from Morgoth penetrated deep into the walls of Angband and was heeded by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] and the [[balrogs]], and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whipsSo Morgoth returned to Angband.<!-- The Silmarillion, Quenta Silmarillion, Ch 9, Of the Flight of the Noldor -->


====Dagor-nuin-Giliath and Dagor Aglareb====
===Wars of Beleriand===
Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth.  [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] and the [[Sindar]] dwelt in the woodland kingdom of [[Doriath]], while [[Círdan]] and the [[Teleri]] lived at the [[Falas]] and [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and the [[Nandor]] camped in [[Ossiriand]].  Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan.  But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the [[Orcs]] between [[Aros]] and [[Gelion]].  Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the [[First Battle]].  Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the [[Naugrim]].  The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.


====Dagor-nuin-Giliath====
Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth.  They set up at [[Mithrim]], but Morgoth [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|attacked them]] quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat.  But the Elves were just come out of [[Aman]], and they had the light of that country in their eyes.  The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind.  Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the [[Thangorodrim]] and the gates of [[Angband]], but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs.  Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back.  The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost [[Beleriand]] outside of the [[Ered Engrin]], he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.
Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth.  They set up at [[Mithrim]], but Morgoth [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|attacked them]] quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat.  But the Elves were just come out of [[Aman]], and they had the light of that country in their eyes.  The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind.  Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the [[Thangorodrim]] and the gates of [[Angband]], but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs.  Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back.  The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost [[Beleriand]] outside of the [[Ered Engrin]], he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.


====Dagor Aglareb====
Yet [[Fingolfin]] came next, with his sons and the sons of [[Finarfin]].  They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther.  As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again.  It was the [[Dagor Aglareb]], the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves.  Fingolfin and [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth.  They then set up the [[Siege of Angband]], which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.
Yet [[Fingolfin]] came next, with his sons and the sons of [[Finarfin]].  They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther.  As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again.  It was the [[Dagor Aglareb]], the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves.  Fingolfin and [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth.  They then set up the [[Siege of Angband]], which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.


====Dagor Bragollach, Fingolfin, and the Quest for the Silmaril====
====Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin====
[[Image:John Howe - Fingolfin's Challenge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[John Howe]] - ''Fingolfin's Challenge'']]Though Morgoth was not as helpless as he appeared, he remained dormant and hidden until {{FA|455}}.  Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surprise.  Flames covered the formerly green [[Ard-galen]] (causing the battle to be known as the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combat.  Much of Beleriand was overrun and [[Dorthonion]] was taken, as were northern [[Sirion]] and [[Maglor's Gap]].  In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have preferred.  [[Himring]] and [[Hithlum]] had held against him.  King [[Fingolfin]] was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband.  There he challenged Morgoth to single combat. Morgoth scoffed the warrior, and did not dare refuse his challenge. He strode out, his footsteps like thunder on the earth. He was clad in black armor with a spiked crown and shield, with [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], the Hammer of the Underworld, and he and Fingolfin fought in a ferocious duel. Flames gashed from the earth with each strike of his hammer, but Fingolfin was faster and avoided each powerful, but slow, swing. The Elf-lord gave Morgoth seven wounds, and though Morgoth shouted in anguish, he was too powerful to be slain. Fingolfin grew weary and was struck down by Morgoth's shield. Thrice he staggered to his feet in vain, his crown and shield broken, and thrice Morgoth cast him down, before Fingolfin collapsed over one of the pits left by Grond.  As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin's neck to break it, Fingolfin ran his blade through his foot, and Morgoth’s blood filled pools made by his hammer. The enraged Morgoth crushed Fingolfin, though he was left with a permanent limp from the injury. Morgoth wished to rend the corpse and feed it to his wolves, but could not desecrate the body, for [[Thorondor]] flew in, scratching Morgoth's face and escaping with Fingolfin's body.
 
====The Quest for the Silmaril====
For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort.  The southern part of [[Beleriand]] was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath.  There arose two in [[Doriath]], [[Beren]] of [[House of Bëor|Bëor’s House]] and [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]], Thingol’s daughter.  These two lovers embarked on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], in the process removing [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and entering Angband in disguise.  Morgoth plotted some evil against Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but allowed her to dance for him and she lured him to sleep with her song.  One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the [[War of Wrath]].


[[Image:John Howe - Morgoth vs. Fingolfin.png|thumb|right|300px|''Morgoth vs. Fingolfin'' by [[John Howe]]]]Though Morgoth wasn’t quite so helpless as they would have liked to believe, he remained dormant and hidden until [[First Age 455|455]].  Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surpriseFlames covered the formerly green [[Ard-galen]] (causing the battle to be known as the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combatBeleriand was overrun.  [[Dorthonion]] was taken, as were northern [[Sirion]] and [[Maglor's Gap]].  In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have liked.  [[Himring]] and [[Hithlum]] had held against him.  King [[Fingolfin]] was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband.  There he challenged Morgoth to single combat.  Morgoth dared not refuse, for fear of showing himself a coward in front of his servants.  With [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], the Hammer of the Underworld, he fought Fingolfin long.  The Elf-lord gave him seven wounds, but at last was struck down.  As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin to crush him, Fingolfin struck one last time, and Morgoth’s blood filled the pools made by his hammer.  Morgoth could not desecrate the body, for [[Thorondor]] flew into his face and escaped with the body.
====Nirnaeth Arnoediad====
Some time after, in {{FA|471}}, [[Maedhros]] made a great [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] with the [[Naugrim]], [[Edain]], and other [[Noldor]].  They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forcesBut Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the [[Easterlings]] in a huge battle in which he prevailed, and many princes and rulers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves fell.  Thus the battle was named ''[[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]'', “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”.  Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed [[Hithlum]], the [[Falas]], the [[March of Maedhros]], as well as [[Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495|n}}.  But [[Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], escaped by the valiant actions of the [[House of Hador]], the last of the [[Edain]] in the north.  The survivors had all gone down to the [[Isle of Balar]] and the [[Mouths of Sirion]].


For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort.  The southern part of [[Beleriand]] was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath. There arose two in [[Doriath]], [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] of [[House of Bëor|Bëor’s House]] and [[Lúthien Tinúviel]], Thingol’s daughterThese two lovers embarked on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], in the process removing [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and entering Angband in disguise.  Morgoth lusted after Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but she danced for him and lured him to sleep with her magic robes.  One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the [[War of Wrath]].
===The Curse of Morgoth===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Morgoth Punishes Húrin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Morgoth Punishes Húrin'']]
Morgoth took [[Húrin]], who had been captured during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursedUpon the death of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]] and [[Nienor]], Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.


====Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the Fall of Gondolin, and the War of Wrath====
===The Fall of Gondolin===
Some time later, by the aid of [[Maeglin]], a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to [[Gondolin]].  [[Turgon]] King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed during the siege.  Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]] his captain and marshall of his armies.  Also, a small remnant including [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]] escaped the destruction of the city, bearing their son [[Eärendil]].


Some time after, in [[First Age 471|471]], [[Maedhros]] made a great [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] with the [[Naugrim]], [[Edain]], and other [[Noldor]].  They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forces.  But Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the [[Easterlings]] in  was huge, and many princes and rulers of men, elves, and dwarves fellThus the battle was named ''[[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]'', “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”.  Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed [[Hithlum]], the [[Falas]], the [[March of Maedhros]], as well as [[Nargothrond]] in [[First Age 495|495]].  But [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], escaped by the valiant actions of the [[House of Hador]], the last of the Noldor in the north. The survivors had all gone down to the [[Isle of Balar]] and the [[Mouths of the Sirion]]. Morgoth took [[Húrin]], who had been captured during the Nirnaeth, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursed.  Upon the death of [[Túrin Turambar]] and [[Nienor]], Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.
===The War of Wrath===
This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to [[Valinor]] seeking the pardon of the [[Valar]].  This he earned, and the Valar advanced across [[Belegaer]] with a mighty host.  Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their mightHis dragons fell to the [[Eagles]], and [[Ancalagon]] was brought down by Eärendil himself from his ship, [[Vingilot]].  Morgoth was seized in his fortress Angband, his feet "hewn from under him, and he was hurled upon his face", the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more with the chain called Angainor.<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> This time, however, he was ejected from Arda and cast into the [[Void]]. But though he had been vanquished, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still at large to carry on his evil legacy: his greatest servant, the fallen Maia [[Sauron]].


Some time later, by the aid of [[Maeglin]], a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to [[Gondolin]]. [[Turgon the Wise|Turgon]] King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed in the sack.  Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]] his captain and many other leaders in the battle. Also, a small remnant including [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]] escaped the rape of the city, bearing their son [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]].  This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to [[Valinor]] seeking the pardon of the [[Valar]]. This he earned, and the Valar advanced across [[Belegaer]] with a mighty host. Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their might.  His dragons fell to the [[Eagles]], and [[Ancalagon]] was brought down by Eärendil himself atop his ship, [[Vingilot]]. Morgoth was taken from Angband, the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more and cast into the [[Void]].  There he remains until the [[Dagor Dagorath]], where he will be slain by [[Túrin Turambar]] whom he had cursed. But though he was gone, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still on the loose to carry on his legacy, if to a lesser degree: his greatest servant, [[Sauron]].
==The Future==
Morgoth remains in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. Nevertheless, according to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], Morgoth will come back and attack Arda. He will fight a great battle, called the [[Final Battle|Dagor Dagorath]], against the Valar and their allies, but will ultimately be slain by [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], the Man he cursed. By finally defeating Morgoth, Túrin will avenge not only himself, but all members of the race of Men, since Morgoth seduced them long ago.
In other versions Eönwë is the one who will kill Morgoth for his love for Arien (previously named Urwendi), instead of Turin. This is said at the end of The Hiding of Valinor. Either way, the prophecy states that Melkor will bring great devastation to Arda, which will be remade into a greater form after his permanent defeat.
 
==Legacy==
Morgoth's will was suffused into the matter of Arda, so in a sense he is never truly gone. Arda was [[Arda Marred|marred]] by him so deeply that only Eru could fully repair the damage. Those who wished to follow in Morgoth's footsteps, such as Sauron, found that by using his residual influence, they could easily corrupt  races they wished to dominate.


==Characteristics==
==Characteristics==
It was said of Morgoth that "his might was greatest of all things in this world". Fitting to his name, Morgoth eventually took a form great and terrible, and soon was unable to leave it. He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons. Physically, Morgoth was described as highly imposing, and was reckoned to a tower compared to the warrior Fingolfin, and the shadow of the shield he wielded was like a stormcloud. Ever since his downfall, Morgoth held a desire for power; above all else, however, Morgoth held deep hatred of the mere existence of intelligent or beautiful life. Unlike his servant Sauron, Morgoth's ultimate goal was solely the destruction, not control, of all that he despised. He was nonetheless persuasive, and could sway and corrupt many forms of life to become his willing servants.<ref name="Ruin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref><ref>{{MR|Myths}}</ref>


[[Image:James Stirzaker - Melkor and the Silmarils.jpg|thumb|left|275px|''Melkor and the Silmarils'' by [[James Stirzaker]]]]Morgoth had taken form great and terrible, and was eventually unable to leave it. Traditionally he was covered head to foot in armor, though this is not specifically stated by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]].  He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons.
Morgoth wielded [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]] in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in [[Angband]] (unless Sauron or [[Gothmog]] had held it safe after the [[Siege of Utumno]]), and was clad in black armor, with an iron crown. Morgoth was originally the most powerful of the Ainur and stronger than any other Vala; however, after his treachery, he continually spread his influence and might thin across Arda and suffered several defeats, and his power slowly, though significantly, weakened. Despite his immense power, it was stated that he alone of the Valar had a deep fear of death, and even against inferior foes he held a hesitance to ever risk his own life.<ref name="Ruin"/>


Morgoth wielded [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]] in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in [[Angband]] (unless Sauron or Gothmog had held it safe after the [[Siege of Utumno]]).  He also had great mental and physical power, at least in the earlier days, greater than any of the other [[Valar]].
==Etymology==
The [[Sindarin]] name ''Morgoth'' ("the Black Foe"<ref name=VT49a>{{VT|49a}}, pp. 24-5</ref> or "Dark Tyrant"<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref>) was given him by [[Fëanor]].


In many ways Morgoth was the stereotypical arch-villain, like Satan of the Christian religion.  Many Christians (probably including Tolkien) believed that Satan fell from Heaven, which is also true of Melkor/Morgoth.
Tolkien experimented (but apparently never reached a decision) with different Quenya translations of ''Morgoth'': ''Moringotto'', ''Moriñgotho'', or ''Morikotto''.<ref name=VT49a/>


==Names==
==Names==
===Melkor===
'''''Melkor''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmelkor]}}) means "mighty arising"<ref name=PE17>{{PE|17}}, p. 115</ref> or "'Mighty-rising', [[Wikipedia:Viz.|sc.]] 'uprising of power'"<ref name=P4k>{{MR|P4k}}, p. 350</ref>. The name is generally used to refer to this [[Valar|Vala]] prior to his theft of the [[Silmarils]]; for after the theft [[Fëanor]] named him ''Morgoth''.


* ''Morgoth'' (''[[Bauglir]]'') – [[Q.]] “The Dark Enemy” (“The Constrainer”), given him by [[Fëanor]]
''Melkor'' is a compound of ''mbelek-'' (''melek'', "great, mighty, powerful"; root [[BEL|BEL, MBEL]]) + ''[[óre]]''.<ref name=PE17/>
* ''Melkor'' [[Q.]] “He who arises in might”
 
The older form of ''Melkor'' is said to be ''Melkórë''.<ref name=P4k/>
 
In earlier versions of the [[legendarium]], the form of the name was ''Melko''.<ref>{{HM|HM}}</ref> At one instance in a late glossary (c. 1959), ''Melko'', meaning "simply 'the Mighty One'", is also said to be an alternative form of ''Melkor''.<ref name=P4k/>
 
===Other names and titles===
*'''''Bauglir''''', ([[S.]] "the Constrainer") was a title given to Melkor after his return to [[Angband]] at the beginning of the [[First Age]].  It was often combined with the name ''Morgoth'' to become the full title ''Morgoth Bauglir''.
* ''Dark King (of Angband)'' – given him by [[Men]]
* ''Dark King (of Angband)'' – given him by [[Men]]
* ''[[Dark Lord]]''
* ''[[Dark Lord]]''
* ''[[Belegur]]([[Belegurth|th]])'' [[S.]] “Great Death”
* [[Sindarin]] '''''Belegûr''''' ("he who arises in might") or '''''Belegurth''''' ("Great Death"; containing the element ''[[gurth]]'' "death")<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, p. 358 (note 21)</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>
* ''King of the World'' - called thus himself after his return to the Middle-earth<ref>{{S|9}}.</ref>
* ''Black King''<ref>{{CH|1}}, p. 42</ref>
* ''Lord of All'' and ''Giver of Freedom'' &ndash; thus called by [[Sauron]] who encouraged [[Ar-Pharazôn]] to worship Melkor<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
* ''Lord of the Dark''
* ''Lord of the Dark''
* ''Dark Hunter'' – Given him by the fearful early [[Elves]] before they met [[Oromë]]
* ''Dark Hunter'' – Given him by the fearful early [[Elves]] before they met [[Oromë]]
* ''[[mbelekôro]]'' – [[C.E.]] Unknown meaning
* ''mbelekôro'' – [[Common Eldarin]]
* ''Great Enemy''
* ''Great Enemy''
* ''Black Foe''
* ''Master of Lies'' - given him by [[Amlach]]<ref>{{S|17}}.</ref>
* ''Master of the fates of Arda'' - used by him when speaking to [[Húrin]]
* ''[[Elder King]]'' - used when speaking to [[Húrin]]<ref>{{CH|3}}, p. 64</ref>
* ''Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko'' – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned
* ''Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko'' – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned


==Minions==
==Minions==
* [[Sauron]] – Greatest of his servants, later to become [[Lord of the Rings]], perished with [[the One Ring]]
* [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], [[Lord of Balrogs]] – killed by [[Ecthelion|Ecthelion of the Fountain]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]
* [[Glaurung]] – [[Father of Dragons]], killed by [[Túrin]]
* [[Draugluin]] - First of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Carcharoth]] - Greatest of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Thuringwethil]] - Vampire Herald of Sauron
* [[Ancalagon]] – Greatest of the [[Winged Dragons]], slain by [[Eärendil]]
* [[Othrod]] – [[Orcs|Orc]]-general during the Fall of Gondolin, killed by [[Tuor]]
* [[Lungorthin]] - A Balrog, Master of the Guard of Angband
* [[Fankil]] - Evil spirit, escaped from Utumno after its fall, leader of dark armies in the East (Palisor)


* [[Sauron]] – Greatest of his servants, later to become [[Lord of the Rings]], perished with the [[One Ring]]
==See also==
* [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]], [[Lord of Balrogs]] – killed by [[Ecthelion of the Fountain]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]
* [[:Category:Images of Morgoth|Images of Morgoth]]
* [[Glaurung]] – [[Father of Dragons]], killed by [[Túrin Turambar|Túrin]]
* [[Ancalagon]] – Greatest of the [[Winged Dragons]], slain by [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]]
* [[Othrond]] – (noncanon) [[Orc]]-general during the Fall of Gondolin, killed by [[Tuor]]


{{references}}


===See also===
{{Ainur}}
* [[:Category:Images of Morgoth|Images of Morgoth]]


[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Valar]]
[[Category:Valar]]


[[de:Morgoth]]
[[de:Morgoth]]
 
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/morgoth]]
__NOTOC__
[[fi:Morgoth]]

Revision as of 19:33, 10 April 2015

"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made.
Morgoth
Ainur
Jenny Dolfen - And Morgoth came.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesMelkor
See below
TitlesDark Lord
LocationUtumno
Angband
BirthBefore the Music of the Ainur
DeathIn the future
Dagor Dagorath
Notable forDisrupting the Music
Controlling all of Middle-earth
Creating Orcs
Destroying the Two Trees
Stealing the Silmarils
Taking over Beleriand
Family
SiblingsManwë
Physical Description
RaceAinur
GenderMale
HeightTall
WeaponryGrond
GalleryImages of Morgoth

Morgoth (S, pron. [ˈmorɡoθ]), also known as Melkor, was the greatest of the Ainur. He fell from glory when he disrupted the Music of the Ainur and defied the will of Eru Ilúvatar. Morgoth corrupted many of the Ainur to his allegiance, fought the Valar, and corrupted Arda. His theft of the Silmarils and wars against Elves and Men encompassed much of the history of the First Age. Eventually, Morgoth was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the Void, leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant Sauron, to trouble the world. One day, according to prophecy, Morgoth will rise again in great wrath, but he will be destroyed in the Dagor Dagorath.

History

The first and most powerful of the Ainur that Ilúvatar created was a spirit known as Melkor. Because he wandered through the Void in an attempt to find and use the Flame Imperishable, the source of Ilúvatar's creative activity, Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur. His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, for he wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void and was dissatisfied by the fact that Ilúvatar had not done so. However, Melkor could not find the Flame, for it was not in the Void, but with Ilúvatar.

The Music of the Ainur

Ted Nasmith - Melkor weaves Opposing Music

When the Ainur made music, Melkor wove his strange thoughts into his song. His song clashed against the Theme of Ilúvatar, disturbing the Ainur around him and causing some of them to attune their music to his. For a while the Theme of Ilúvatar and the discords of Melkor warred against one another. But Eru smiled, and sent forth a new theme. Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last, many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s discords gained dominance. Eru sent out a third Theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last, Eru halted the music completely with a single chord.

Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music finds its source in himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own song or truly alter the Themes of Ilúvatar. Thus, though Melkor opposed Eru to his last breath, he only furthered the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways. Melkor was shamed and angered by this judgment, but hid his feelings. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, , Melkor was one of those who begged to enter Arda, pretending to be willing to cultivate it and guide it for Ilúvatar’s glory. He actually wished to dominate Arda and its creatures, especially the Children of Ilúvatar. Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter Eä and come to Arda with the other Valar. Once there, Melkor declared to his colleagues that he was the master of Arda henceforth. Manwë, his brother, did not understand his evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors in Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor departed to the remote regions of Eä, leaving the world in peace for a while.

Wars of the Valar

But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth. There was war, the First War with Melkor, and though he disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit named Tulkas came to Arda from other regions of Eä to combat him. After Tulkas drove Melkor away, the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was established.

The Valar dwelt in a land called Almaren, and raised up two lamps to light the young earth: Illuin and Ormal. Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention--and in a few cases, admiration--of the Maiar, the lesser spirits of Arda. Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time. As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda, was filled with hatred. Tulkas was wedded to Nessa at that feast, and she danced before the Valar. Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor struck.

Melkor with his host passed over the Walls of Night and returned to Arda once more. Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called Utumno northwards beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin. The Spring of Arda became blighted as the cold evil flowed out of the fortress. Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers. The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.

But Melkor struck the first blow. He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water. The symmetry of Arda was broken. And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno. Though together the Valar were stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin. The Spring of Arda had ended in turmoil.

Dominance of Middle-earth

With Almaren destroyed, the Valar departed to a new continent across the sea, Aman, and built Valinor. They also established new sources of light, the Two Trees, to light the world. Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of Middle-earth, in various guises, but armed with cold and fire. Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; Ulmo and Yavanna, particularly. Also Oromë would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.

Melkor brooded in the north and built his strength, gathering his demons about him, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as Balrogs. He also created another fortress and armory called Angband, in the northwest of Middle Earth, to resist any Valarin attacks. He placed his greatest servant, Sauron, in control of that stronghold. Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the Children of Ilúvatar, the Elves. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them. Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into Orcs by torture and breeding.

Time in Valinor

Jacek Kopalski - The Captivity of Morgoth

The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves. Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs. They laid siege to Utumno, and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed. Melkor was captured and chained with the chain Angainor, but Sauron escaped. Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of Mandos, and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.

At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon. Manwë granted him thus, though Ulmo and Tulkas were displeased with this judgement. Yet the Valar would not let him leave their sight, and he stayed in Valmar. Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the Noldor. For the Vanyar did not trust him, and the Teleri he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.

Revenge against the Valar

John Howe - The Killing of the Trees

In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of Fëanor, the eldest son of Finwë, High King of the Noldor. Fëanor was the creator of the Silmarils, which Melkor lusted after. As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of Men in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source. His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor. They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed. Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles. Tulkas left straight-away to deal with him, but found Melkor gone. He had escaped.

Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at Formenos to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him. Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much. He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him. Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of Hyarmentir, to the shadowed valley of Avathar where there dwelt Ungoliant, a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure. After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.

Then Melkor and Ungoliant attacked while there was festival in Valmar. Melkor drained the Two Trees with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood. Then she drank dry the Wells of Varda, and the two fled north to Formenos, leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion. At Formenos Melkor slew Finwë and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the Silmarils. Then he passed over the icy Helcaraxë, entering once more into Middle-earth. He was soon back in Angband. He had struck swiftly and surely. But Fëanor cursed him, naming him Morgoth, and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.

Return to Beleriand

Ted Nasmith - Ungoliant Demands the Silmarils

Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor. The spider had grown in size and strength, and Morgoth, now very weak from his efforts, feared her suddenly. Lacking the strength to fight the monstrous spider, he reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful gems, and Ungoliant devoured them. But Morgoth refused to give up the Silmarils, and she encased him in webs, torturing him and nearly devouring him. A loud cry of desperation from Morgoth penetrated deep into the walls of Angband and was heeded by Gothmog and the balrogs, and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whips. So Morgoth returned to Angband.

Wars of Beleriand

Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth. Elu Thingol and the Sindar dwelt in the woodland kingdom of Doriath, while Círdan and the Teleri lived at the Falas and Denethor and the Nandor camped in Ossiriand. Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan. But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the Orcs between Aros and Gelion. Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the First Battle. Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the Naugrim. The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.

Dagor-nuin-Giliath

Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth. They set up at Mithrim, but Morgoth attacked them quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat. But the Elves were just come out of Aman, and they had the light of that country in their eyes. The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind. Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the Thangorodrim and the gates of Angband, but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs. Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back. The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost Beleriand outside of the Ered Engrin, he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.

Dagor Aglareb

Yet Fingolfin came next, with his sons and the sons of Finarfin. They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther. As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again. It was the Dagor Aglareb, the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves. Fingolfin and Maedhros, eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth. They then set up the Siege of Angband, which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.

Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin

John Howe - Fingolfin's Challenge

Though Morgoth was not as helpless as he appeared, he remained dormant and hidden until F.A. 455. Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surprise. Flames covered the formerly green Ard-galen (causing the battle to be known as the Dagor Bragollach), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combat. Much of Beleriand was overrun and Dorthonion was taken, as were northern Sirion and Maglor's Gap. In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have preferred. Himring and Hithlum had held against him. King Fingolfin was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband. There he challenged Morgoth to single combat. Morgoth scoffed the warrior, and did not dare refuse his challenge. He strode out, his footsteps like thunder on the earth. He was clad in black armor with a spiked crown and shield, with Grond, the Hammer of the Underworld, and he and Fingolfin fought in a ferocious duel. Flames gashed from the earth with each strike of his hammer, but Fingolfin was faster and avoided each powerful, but slow, swing. The Elf-lord gave Morgoth seven wounds, and though Morgoth shouted in anguish, he was too powerful to be slain. Fingolfin grew weary and was struck down by Morgoth's shield. Thrice he staggered to his feet in vain, his crown and shield broken, and thrice Morgoth cast him down, before Fingolfin collapsed over one of the pits left by Grond. As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin's neck to break it, Fingolfin ran his blade through his foot, and Morgoth’s blood filled pools made by his hammer. The enraged Morgoth crushed Fingolfin, though he was left with a permanent limp from the injury. Morgoth wished to rend the corpse and feed it to his wolves, but could not desecrate the body, for Thorondor flew in, scratching Morgoth's face and escaping with Fingolfin's body.

The Quest for the Silmaril

For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort. The southern part of Beleriand was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath. There arose two in Doriath, Beren of Bëor’s House and Lúthien Tinúviel, Thingol’s daughter. These two lovers embarked on the Quest for the Silmaril, in the process removing Sauron from Tol-in-Gaurhoth and entering Angband in disguise. Morgoth plotted some evil against Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but allowed her to dance for him and she lured him to sleep with her song. One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the War of Wrath.

Nirnaeth Arnoediad

Some time after, in F.A. 471, Maedhros made a great alliance with the Naugrim, Edain, and other Noldor. They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forces. But Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the Easterlings in a huge battle in which he prevailed, and many princes and rulers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves fell. Thus the battle was named Nirnaeth Arnoediad, “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”. Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed Hithlum, the Falas, the March of Maedhros, as well as Nargothrond in 495. But Turgon, King of Gondolin, escaped by the valiant actions of the House of Hador, the last of the Edain in the north. The survivors had all gone down to the Isle of Balar and the Mouths of Sirion.

The Curse of Morgoth

Ted Nasmith - Morgoth Punishes Húrin

Morgoth took Húrin, who had been captured during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursed. Upon the death of Túrin Turambar and Nienor, Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.

The Fall of Gondolin

Some time later, by the aid of Maeglin, a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to Gondolin. Turgon King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed during the siege. Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost Gothmog his captain and marshall of his armies. Also, a small remnant including Tuor and Idril escaped the destruction of the city, bearing their son Eärendil.

The War of Wrath

This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to Valinor seeking the pardon of the Valar. This he earned, and the Valar advanced across Belegaer with a mighty host. Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their might. His dragons fell to the Eagles, and Ancalagon was brought down by Eärendil himself from his ship, Vingilot. Morgoth was seized in his fortress Angband, his feet "hewn from under him, and he was hurled upon his face", the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more with the chain called Angainor.[1] This time, however, he was ejected from Arda and cast into the Void. But though he had been vanquished, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still at large to carry on his evil legacy: his greatest servant, the fallen Maia Sauron.

The Future

Morgoth remains in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. Nevertheless, according to the Second Prophecy of Mandos, Morgoth will come back and attack Arda. He will fight a great battle, called the Dagor Dagorath, against the Valar and their allies, but will ultimately be slain by Túrin Turambar, the Man he cursed. By finally defeating Morgoth, Túrin will avenge not only himself, but all members of the race of Men, since Morgoth seduced them long ago. In other versions Eönwë is the one who will kill Morgoth for his love for Arien (previously named Urwendi), instead of Turin. This is said at the end of The Hiding of Valinor. Either way, the prophecy states that Melkor will bring great devastation to Arda, which will be remade into a greater form after his permanent defeat.

Legacy

Morgoth's will was suffused into the matter of Arda, so in a sense he is never truly gone. Arda was marred by him so deeply that only Eru could fully repair the damage. Those who wished to follow in Morgoth's footsteps, such as Sauron, found that by using his residual influence, they could easily corrupt races they wished to dominate.

Characteristics

It was said of Morgoth that "his might was greatest of all things in this world". Fitting to his name, Morgoth eventually took a form great and terrible, and soon was unable to leave it. He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons. Physically, Morgoth was described as highly imposing, and was reckoned to a tower compared to the warrior Fingolfin, and the shadow of the shield he wielded was like a stormcloud. Ever since his downfall, Morgoth held a desire for power; above all else, however, Morgoth held deep hatred of the mere existence of intelligent or beautiful life. Unlike his servant Sauron, Morgoth's ultimate goal was solely the destruction, not control, of all that he despised. He was nonetheless persuasive, and could sway and corrupt many forms of life to become his willing servants.[2][3]

Morgoth wielded Grond in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in Angband (unless Sauron or Gothmog had held it safe after the Siege of Utumno), and was clad in black armor, with an iron crown. Morgoth was originally the most powerful of the Ainur and stronger than any other Vala; however, after his treachery, he continually spread his influence and might thin across Arda and suffered several defeats, and his power slowly, though significantly, weakened. Despite his immense power, it was stated that he alone of the Valar had a deep fear of death, and even against inferior foes he held a hesitance to ever risk his own life.[2]

Etymology

The Sindarin name Morgoth ("the Black Foe"[4] or "Dark Tyrant"[5]) was given him by Fëanor.

Tolkien experimented (but apparently never reached a decision) with different Quenya translations of Morgoth: Moringotto, Moriñgotho, or Morikotto.[4]

Names

Melkor

Melkor (Q, pron. [ˈmelkor]) means "mighty arising"[6] or "'Mighty-rising', sc. 'uprising of power'"[7]. The name is generally used to refer to this Vala prior to his theft of the Silmarils; for after the theft Fëanor named him Morgoth.

Melkor is a compound of mbelek- (melek, "great, mighty, powerful"; root BEL, MBEL) + óre.[6]

The older form of Melkor is said to be Melkórë.[7]

In earlier versions of the legendarium, the form of the name was Melko.[8] At one instance in a late glossary (c. 1959), Melko, meaning "simply 'the Mighty One'", is also said to be an alternative form of Melkor.[7]

Other names and titles

  • Bauglir, (S. "the Constrainer") was a title given to Melkor after his return to Angband at the beginning of the First Age. It was often combined with the name Morgoth to become the full title Morgoth Bauglir.
  • Dark King (of Angband) – given him by Men
  • Dark Lord
  • Sindarin Belegûr ("he who arises in might") or Belegurth ("Great Death"; containing the element gurth "death")[9][10]
  • King of the World - called thus himself after his return to the Middle-earth[11]
  • Black King[12]
  • Lord of All and Giver of Freedom – thus called by Sauron who encouraged Ar-Pharazôn to worship Melkor[13]
  • Lord of the Dark
  • Dark Hunter – Given him by the fearful early Elves before they met Oromë
  • mbelekôroCommon Eldarin
  • Great Enemy
  • Master of Lies - given him by Amlach[14]
  • Master of the fates of Arda - used by him when speaking to Húrin
  • Elder King - used when speaking to Húrin[15]
  • Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned

Minions

See also

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath"
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Five. Myths Transformed"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, "Eldarin Hands, Fingers & Numerals and Related Writings — Part Three" (edited by Patrick H. Wynne), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 49, June 2007, pp. 24-5
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Qenya Noun Structure", in Parma Eldalamberon XXI (edited by Christopher Gilson, Patrick H. Wynne and Arden R. Smith), p. 85
  6. 6.0 6.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 115
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Four. Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth: Glossary", p. 350
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The History of Middle-earth, passim
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", p. 358 (note 21)
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Flight of the Noldor".
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Children of Húrin, "The Childhood of Túrin", p. 42
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Akallabêth: The Downfall of Númenor"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of Men into the West".
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Children of Húrin, "The Words of Húrin and Morgoth", p. 64
Ainur
Valar Lords Manwë · Ulmo · Aulë · Oromë · Mandos · Irmo · Tulkas · Melkor
Valier Varda · Yavanna · Nienna · Estë · Vairë · Vána · Nessa
Maiar Arien · Blue Wizards · Eönwë · Gandalf · Ilmarë · Melian · Ossë · Radagast · Salmar · Saruman · Tilion · Uinen
Úmaiar Sauron · Balrogs (Gothmog · Durin's Bane) · Boldogs
Concepts and locations Almaren · Aratar (indicated in italics) · Creation of the Ainur · Fana · Máhanaxar · Ainulindalë · Order of Wizards (indicated in bold) · Second Music of the Ainur · Timeless Halls · Valarin · Valinor · Valimar