What were the balrogs before?

Characteristics. Tolkien’s conception of Balrogs changed over time. In all his early writing, they are numerous. In later writings they ceased to be creatures, but are instead Maiar, lesser Ainur like Gandalf or Sauron, spirits of fire whom Melkor had corrupted before the creation of the World.

Why did Melkor hate the elves?

Elves, and still more Men, he despised because of their ‘weakness’: that is their lack of physical force, or power over ‘matter’; but he was also afraid of them.

How did the Balrog end up in Moria?

It’s very likely the Balrog wandered up into Moria after the Dwarves delved too deep, hitting one of the deeper still and more ancient tunnels.

Did Morgoth make the Balrogs?

Images of Balrogs The Balrogs, or Balrogath (“Balrog-kind”) were Maiar corrupted by Morgoth during the creation of Arda, who cloaked themselves in shadow and flame and carried whips and swords. Famed Balrogs include Gothmog, slain by Ecthelion, and Durin’s Bane, slain by Gandalf.

Why did the Valar release melkor?

The Valar overcame the hosts of Melkor and he retreated into Utumno. After the passing of the Ages, Melkor was brought before Manwë, and feigned repentance. Unable to comprehend the evil of Melkor, being himself free of it, Manwë ordered him released.

What is the connection between Melkor and the Balrogs?

Melkor was the Dark Lord of the First Age, and Sauron served as his lieutenant. The Balrogs were corrupted by Melkor’s power and splendor, and they lived in a subterranean domain called Utumno, which was carved by Melkor himself. Balrogs aren’t just independent spirits – no, they actually have (or had) a Lord, and his name was Gothmog.

Could the balrogs have done good?

The Balrogs could have done good. Unfortunately, they were corrupted by Melkor. Melkor was the first Dark Lord of Eä (the name for Tolkien’s fictional universe), and he was the predecessor of Sauron. Melkor was the Dark Lord of the First Age, and Sauron served as his lieutenant.

What is the relationship between Sauron and Melkor?

Melkor was the Dark Lord of the First Age, and Sauron served as his lieutenant. The Balrogs were corrupted by Melkor’s power and splendor, and they lived in a subterranean domain called Utumno, which was carved by Melkor himself.

What happened to the Balrogs in The Lord of the Rings?

The remaining Balrogs fought in the War of Wrath. While most were destroyed, some managed to escape and hide in Earth’s deep caverns. Sauron gathered “all the evil things of the days of Morgoth that remained on earth and beneath it”, starting Accursed Years, however it is not clear whether or not Balrogs were involved.