Morgoth

Morgoth, originally named Melkor, is a central figure in J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium. He was the most powerful of the Ainur who entered Ea and, through pride and disobedience, became the first Dark Lord by seeking to dominate Arda and overturn Ilúvatar's designs during the Music of the Ainur.

After turning to rebellion, Morgoth established a stronghold at Angband, with Thangorodrim rising above it, and he extended his influence by corrupting or enslaving many beings. He opposed the Valar and the peoples of Middle-earth, shaping and warping creations such as Orcs and Balrogs, and is sometimes associated with the breeding of dragons.

One of Morgoth's defining acts was the theft of the Silmarils from the house of Fëanor. This theft, and the resulting desire of the Noldor to reclaim the jewels, triggered the Wars of Beleriand in the First Age and laid waste to much of the West of Middle-earth. Morgoth also played a major role in destroying the Two Trees of Valinor and in the broader catastrophe that followed.

Morgoth was finally defeated in the War of Wrath, cast into the Outer Darkness (the Void), and stripped of his power to affect the world. His defeat ended his direct influence, though his spirit persisted through his chief servant Sauron, who continued the struggle as the second Dark Lord. Morgoth is called "Morgoth" meaning "Dark Enemy" in Sindarin, and "Melkor" is his original Quenya name; he is also known as Morgoth Bauglir in some traditions.