Who killed Morgoth? – The Lord of the Rings Guide
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, Morgoth’s fall is a key moment. It changed Middle-earth forever. Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, brought terror and was eventually defeated. This has captivated fans of The Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion.
But who defeated this powerful enemy? Let’s explore the story of Morgoth’s death. We’ll see how it changed Tolkien’s mythical world.
Understanding Morgoth’s Origin and Power
Morgoth, the Dark Lord, was once Melkor, the most powerful Ainur. Eru Ilúvatar created them in the Timeless Halls. Melkor wanted to create his own things, so he looked for the Flame Imperishable.
This search for power led to Melkor becoming Morgoth. He became the first Dark Lord, casting a shadow over Middle-earth for ages. He could corrupt the Valar, the world’s guardians, and wanted to destroy Elves and Men.
The Creation of Melkor in the Timeless Halls
Melkor was born in the Timeless Halls, created by Eru Ilúvatar. He was the most powerful Ainur, even more than his brother Manwë. Manwë was the leader of the Valar.
Powers as the Mightiest of the Valar
Melkor’s powers were unmatched. He could explore Arda’s secrets, change the physical world, and control elements. His abilities made him a strong foe, challenging the Valar and causing trouble in Middle-earth.
Rise as the First Dark Lord
Melkor became Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, because of his desire for power. His rebellion against Eru’s plan turned him against the Valar and Middle-earth’s people. This conflict shaped Tolkien’s world for many generations.
The Early Conflicts and First Rebellion
The early fights between Melkor, also known as Morgoth, and the Valar changed Arda’s landscape. Melkor, the strongest Valar, wanted to cause trouble and upset the order. He destroyed the Two Lamps, splitting Middle-earth into two lands. He built Utumno in the north and Angband as a backup.
The Valar fought Melkor in the First War. This war destroyed much of the world. The Valar tried to keep Middle-earth balanced. The Rebellion of the Noldor started when Fëanor and his sons vowed to get back the Silmarils. Many Noldor joined them, making the fight bigger.
- The First Age, or Elder Days, was the oldest and shortest Age in Tolkien’s stories. It lasted six hundred years of battles with Morgoth.
- The Dagor Aglareb, the first battle the Noldor fought against Morgoth’s forces, was a big event.
- The Dagor Bragollach, the Battle of Sudden Flame, was very hard for the Noldor.
- The Nírnaeth Arnoediad, the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, broke Beleriand’s defenses and alliances.
These early battles and the First Rebellion started the long fight between light and darkness in Middle-earth. This is told in Tolkien’s The Silmarillion.
Event | Description |
---|---|
Destruction of the Two Lamps | Melkor’s actions caused Middle-earth to split into two continents. |
Construction of Utumno and Angband | Melkor built strongholds to carry out his plans of discord and domination. |
The First War | The Valar’s fight to stop Melkor’s trouble led to a lot of destruction. |
The Rebellion of the Noldor | Fëanor and his sons vowed to get back the stolen Silmarils, dividing the Noldor. |
“Melkor, first and mightiest of the Valar, was from the beginning filled with the desire to subdue and rule all things.” – The Silmarillion
The early fights and the First Rebellion started the long battle between light and darkness in Middle-earth. This is told in Tolkien’s epic The Silmarillion.
Morgoth’s Reign of Terror in Middle-earth
Morgoth, the dark lord, brought terror to Middle-earth. His evil acts filled the world with darkness and despair. The horrors he caused are still remembered in Tolkien’s stories.
The Destruction of the Two Lamps
Morgoth’s terror started with the destruction of the Two Lamps. These huge pillars of light lit up the world. Without them, Middle-earth was forever shrouded in darkness, ready for Morgoth’s evil plans.
Creation of the First Orcs
Morgoth made the first Orcs by corrupting Elves. He turned their pure spirits into evil beings. This act showed Morgoth’s deep evil and his wish to destroy good.
The Darkening of Valinor
Morgoth’s terror reached its peak with the Darkening of Valinor. He worked with Ungoliant to destroy the Two Trees. With the Silmarils, he fled Valinor, starting a long-lasting conflict.
Significant Events | Consequences |
---|---|
Destruction of the Two Lamps | Plunged Middle-earth into darkness |
Creation of the First Orcs | Corrupted Elves, created a force of evil |
The Darkening of Valinor | Stole the Silmarils, sparked a conflict that would last for generations |
“The Light of Valinor was extinguished, and the Blessed Realm fell into darkness.” – The Silmarillion
Morgoth’s terror changed Middle-earth forever. His evil deeds cast a shadow of despair. This shadow tested the courage of even the bravest heroes.
Who killed Morgoth?
In the epic conflict known as the War of Wrath, the Host of Valinor led by Eönwë fought against Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. Morgoth was not killed but defeated and banished from Arda.
The Elf-lord Eärendil played a key role in Morgoth’s defeat. He sailed to the Blessed Realm and asked the Valar for help. Eärendil then killed the huge dragon, Ancalagon the Black, changing the war’s outcome.
“Eärendil was a mariner that tarried in Valinor, the oldest of tales, and he built a great ship and sailed once more from the Havens of Sirion, and was not seen on Middle-earth again.”
The Host of Valinor then captured Morgoth. They bound him with Angainor and threw him into the Void. He remains there today.
Morgoth’s defeat and banishment ended his terror in Middle-earth. The War of Wrath was a key moment in Arda’s history. It led to the rise of new powers and shaped the world.
The War of Wrath: The Final Battle
The War of Wrath lasted 42 years. It was a huge fight between the Host of Valinor and Morgoth’s dark forces. The Host of Valinor came to Beleriand for a big battle. This battle changed Middle-earth forever.
The Host of Valinor’s Assault
The Host of Valinor was the biggest army of Men and Elves ever. They fought Morgoth’s army of Orcs, Balrogs, and Dragons. The battle was very fierce and changed Beleriand’s landscape.
Eärendil and the Flying Ships
Eärendil came with his ship, Vingilot, and the Eagles of Manwë. They helped turn the battle around. Eärendil and the Eagles scared Morgoth’s army.
The Fall of Angband
The final battle destroyed Angband and Thangorodrim. The war changed Middle-earth’s geography. Much of Beleriand sank into the sea.
The War of Wrath ended with the Host of Valinor winning. But, the Elves and Edain faced a hard future. Beleriand was changed forever.
Statistic | Value |
---|---|
Duration | 42 years (FA 545 – FA 587) |
Outcome | Decisive but costly victory for the Host of Valinor |
Forces Engaged | Hosts of Angband and Easterlings vs. Host of Valinor, Elves, Edain, Great Eagles |
Commanders | Morgoth, Ancalagon, Eönwë, Finarfin, Ingwion, Eärendil, Túrin Turambar, Thorondor, Edain leaders |
Armies | Millions of Orcs, Balrogs, Wolves, Werewolves, Dragons vs. Hundreds of thousands of Elves, Edain, Maiar, Valar, Great Eagles |
Casualties | Massive losses for Morgoth’s forces, with near-total destruction |
Aftermath | Extensive geographical destruction, Elves requested to return to Aman, Edain given Númenor |
Morgoth’s Ultimate Defeat and Imprisonment
The Valar finally defeated the dark lord Morgoth after a long battle. They used the Angainor, a powerful chain, to bind him. This ensured he could never harm Middle-earth again.
The Valar took the two remaining Silmarils from Morgoth’s crown. These jewels were stolen from the Elves. Morgoth’s spirit was then cast into the Void beyond the Door of Night.
“Morgoth was utterly defeated, and the Silmarils were recovered. But they could not be recovered unsullied; for Morgoth had blackened the two remaining jewels with his malign touch.”
Morgoth’s defeat was a turning point in Middle-earth’s history. It brought peace and a chance for rebuilding. But Morgoth’s actions would still have a lasting impact, leading to Sauron’s rise.
The Aftermath of Morgoth’s Defeat
- Morgoth was bound once again with the mighty chain Angainor.
- The two remaining Silmarils were taken from Morgoth’s crown by the Valar.
- Morgoth’s spirit was separated from his physical form and cast into the endless Void beyond the Door of Night.
- Eärendil, the Half-Elven, was appointed as the guardian of the Door of Night, ensuring Morgoth could never return to Arda.
Contributor | Posts | Race | Homeland |
---|---|---|---|
Arath | 664 | Elf | Rivendell |
Grondmaster | 25465 | Dwarf | Glittering Caves |
Thorin Oakenshield | 4614 | Dwarf | Moria |
Morgoth the dark one | 51 | Hobbit | Hobbiton |
Ammornil | 440 | Elf | Lothlorien |
Virumor | 3567 | Rohirrim | Edoras |
Balrogs R Us | 551 | Uruk-Hai | Isengard |
Legacy and Impact on Middle-earth
The War of Wrath changed Middle-earth forever. It lasted over 40 years and changed the land. Much of Beleriand was lost under the sea.
But, a new evil was born. Sauron, Morgoth’s follower, began to plot in the shadows. He would later threaten the Númenóreans and the Rings of Power.
The Beleriand changes made Middle-earth different. The Sirion River and Mountains of Hithlum were just a few changes. They shaped the future of Middle-earth.
But, the War of Wrath’s impact was not all bad. The Elves, who fought in the war, started new cultures. They spread their languages and traditions across Middle-earth.
Some Elves stayed in the east, fearing Morgoth’s legacy. They formed their own societies, separate from the others.
The war’s effects continued to shape Middle-earth’s history. Events like the Revolt of the Ñoldor and the War of the Great Jewels followed. And Sauron’s rise set the stage for more darkness.
Prophecy of Dagor Dagorath
The prophecy of Dagor Dagorath tells of a final battle between good and evil. This battle, called the “Battle of all Battles,” will end Middle-earth. It’s said to be the end of Arda, the world made by the Valar.
Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, will return. His coming will start a huge war. Elves, Dwarves, Ents, and Hobbits will fight against Orcs, Trolls, Dragons, and Balrogs. Túrin Turambar, a legendary dragon-slayer, will help defeat Morgoth and avenge the sorrows of Elves and Men.
The battle will end with a victory for Valinor, but at a great cost. Morgoth will be defeated. This will lead to big changes: the Two Trees will shine again, the Silmarils will be recovered, and Arda will be remade. After the battle, a new era will begin, with Men and Elves singing in the new song of Arda.
The prophecy of Dagor Dagorath is key to Tolkien’s story. It shows the power of his world and the chance for renewal and redemption, even in the darkest times.
Concepts | Descriptions |
---|---|
Dagor Dagorath | The “Battle of all Battles” that will mark the end of Arda |
Morgoth’s Return | The prophesied reemergence of the first Dark Lord, unleashing a cataclysmic war |
Túrin Turambar’s Role | The legendary dragon-slayer expected to deliver the death blow to Morgoth |
Pyrrhic Victory | The forces of Valinor achieving victory, but at a great cost |
Reconstruction of Arda | The destruction and subsequent remaking of the world, ushering in a new era |
Second Music of the Ainur | The creation of a transformed world where Men and Elves participate in the song of Arda’s destiny |
“The Dagor Dagorath is the ‘Battle of all Battles’ that will mark the end of Arda, with Morgoth’s return unleashing a cataclysmic war between the Free Peoples and the Dark Powers. Túrin Turambar is prophesied to play a pivotal role, delivering the death blow to the first Dark Lord.”
Conclusion
The defeat of Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, was a key moment in Middle-earth’s history. His legacy lived on through Sauron, who kept the darkness going. “The Silmarillion” gives us a deep look into the events leading up to “The Lord of the Rings”.
Pengolodh’s view, shaped by his ties to Gondolin, has influenced our understanding. He made Fingolfin seem heroic and Fëanor’s actions less good. This view has shaped how we see the First Age.
Tolkien’s stories and world-building still draw us in. The prophecy of Dagor Dagorath hints at a future battle. It makes us wonder about Arda’s destiny. Thinking about Morgoth’s legacy and Tolkien’s work fills me with awe and appreciation.
Source Links
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- Morgoth’s 10 Worst Crimes In The Lord Of The Rings History – https://screenrant.com/lord-of-the-rings-morgoth-worst-crimes/
- Why Morgoth’s War of Wrath Matters So Much to THE RINGS OF POWER – https://nerdist.com/article/lord-of-the-rings-the-rings-of-power-morgoth-war-of-wrath-why-it-is-so-important/
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- Dagor Dagorath – https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Dagor_Dagorath
- Who Wins The True Final Battle After Lord Of The Rings: Tolkien’s Dagor Dagorath Explained – https://screenrant.com/lord-of-the-rings-dagor-dagorath-final-battle-explained/
- Beren in Dagor Dagorath – The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum – http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=19636
- The Deaths of Kings: Historical Bias in the Death Scenes of Fëanor and Fingolfin – https://dawnfelagund.com/node/8
- Pro Morgoth version of the Dagor Dagorath – http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=19284
- How could Sauron be killed? – https://www.planet-tolkien.com/board/3/4049/0/how-could-sauron-be-killed-.html