The Fate of Morgoth in Middle-earth: Unveiling the Untold Story

Highlights

Melkor, also known as Morgoth, was the first Dark Lord who rebelled against his creator and sought to corrupt and destroy all that he despised.

Morgoth waged wars against the Elves and Men, decimating the Two Trees of Valinor and plundering the Silmarils, until he met his ultimate downfall in the War of Wrath.

Following his defeat, Morgoth was apprehended and banished to the Timeless Void, signifying the conclusion of his oppressive rule. Nonetheless, an ominous prophecy suggests that he may resurface to lead the final Battle of All Battles. Meanwhile, Sauron, his loyal servant, persisted in his mission within Middle-earth.

Despite only a brief mention in The Lord of the Rings, Melkor, also known as Morgoth, was the original Dark Lord, leaving a long-lasting shadow on Middle-earth. As one of the Ainur, the first beings crafted by Eru Ilúvatar, Melkor was initially considered the most powerful of the Valar. However, he fell from grace when he rejected his creator's vision for the world, rebelling by disrupting the harmony of the Ainur's music. Desiring only the corruption of all he despised, Morgoth successfully influenced many Ainur, including Sauron, to become his devoted servants.

Morgoth's destructive actions, symbolized by his icy attire and fiery crown, eventually led the Valar to retreat to the continent of Aman in Valinor, fearing his relentless threats. This allowed Morgoth to freely exert his influence and strengthen his hold over Middle-earth. For years, he waged wars against the Elves and Men until the Valar finally confronted him in the War of Wrath.

Who Fought Against Morgoth in the War of Wrath?

Morgoth, the dark lord, populated Middle-Earth with terrifying creatures like mutilated Elves turned into Orcs, werewolves, and demons known as Balrogs. He then proceeded to destroy the Two Trees of Valinor and stole the precious Silmarils, which were jewels created by the Ñoldorin Elf Fëanor. These jewels were mounted into the Iron Crown, which Morgoth used to declare himself as the "King of the World". This triggered a series of battles known as the War of the Jewels or the Wars of Beleriand, including the First Battle, the Battle Under the Stars, the Glorious Battle, the Battle of Sudden Flame, the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, and ultimately, the War of Wrath.

The War of Wrath, the largest battle ever to take place in Arda, lasted for over 40 years. When Morgoth attacked Gondolin, a hidden Elven city in Beleriand, a few of its inhabitants managed to escape, including a young Half-elf mariner named Eärendil, who was also the father of Elrond. Years later, Eärendil sailed to Valinor and pleaded with the Valar to assist the Men and Elves in their fight against Morgoth. Despite the curse laid upon the Ñoldor for their previous actions, Eärendil's speech convinced the Valar to intervene. A mighty force marched across Beleriand to confront Morgoth's army in the plains of Anfauglith. Despite the presence of numerous Orcs, Balrogs, and even dragons such as Ancalagon the Black, they proved no match for the combined might of the Valar. The decisive moment came when the Great Eagles arrived, sealing Morgoth's defeat.

What Happened to Morgoth After the War of Wrath?

Morgoth fled to the depths of the mines in his fortress, Angband, where he was eventually discovered and captured. He pleaded for forgiveness, but the Valar restrained him with the chain Angainor. His crown was transformed into a collar as the Silmarils were recovered (though they were soon lost again). Ultimately, he was banished "through the Door of Night beyond the Walls of the World, into the Timeless Void," signaling the end of his oppressive rule.

Nevertheless, according to Tolkien's unpublished writings, the Second Prophecy of Mandos foretells Morgoth's return and the commencement of the Dagor Dagorath, the Battle of All Battles. In this final conflict, Morgoth will face the Valar and their allies, eventually meeting his downfall at the hands of Túrin Turambar, a man from the House of Hador. Túrin, who ended his own life in the First Age due to Morgoth's curse upon his family, is prophesied in The Book of Lost Tales to be resurrected for the purpose of exacting revenge on Morgoth and avenging the deaths of the Children of Húrin and all fallen Men. It is important to note, however, that this prophecy has not been included in Christopher Tolkien's final edition of The Silmarillion.

Sauron successfully concealed himself in Middle-earth after the Valar insisted he should return to Valinor to face judgment. As they journeyed back over the Great Sea, Sauron reappeared and deceitfully proclaimed himself to be Morgoth's reincarnation, persisting with his master's malevolent quest. In this cunning guise, he trailed behind Morgoth, casting a shadow of his wickedness and descending the path of destruction into oblivion.