Morgoths

Morgoths, in the context of J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendarium, refers primarily to Morgoth Bauglir, the singular Dark Lord who dominates the early history of Middle-earth. He is the most powerful of the Valar, originally named Melkor, and is considered the chief antagonist of the First Age.

Origins and rise to power

Melkor was one of the Valar chosen by Eru Ilúatar to shape and govern Arda. From the beginning he sought to reorder creation to his own design, introducing discord into the Music of the Ainur. His rebellion drove him from the harmony of the Valar, and he later destroyed the Two Lamps of Valinor, driving the exiled powers toward Middle-earth. He established strongholds at Utumno and later Angband, and he corrupted many beings, giving rise to the orcs, trolls, dragons, and the Balrogs. He also stole the Silmarils, treasures created by the Noldor, and opposed the Elves and their allies in the wars of Beleriand.

First Age and downfall

During the First Age, Morgoth opposed the Elves of Beleriand and their mortal allies. His fortresses, notably Angband beneath Thangorodrim, served as the center of his power as he unleashed vast armies and endured long campaigns against the Free Peoples. The War of Wrath, waged by the Valar and their allies, ended his direct rule over Middle-earth; he was defeated and cast into the Outer Void, ending his physical presence in the world.

Legacy

Although Morgoth was cast out, his malice persisted as the ultimate source of evil in Middle-earth. His influence continued through his lieutenant Sauron, who became the principal antagonist in the Second and Third Ages. In Tolkien’s writings, Morgoth is often referred to by epithet such as the Dark Lord or the Foe, emphasizing his enduring role as the root of much of Middle-earth’s tragedy. Some modern discussions use the plural Morgoths to refer to his various dark agents, though this is not part of the canonical terminology.