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The History of Morgoth [COMPILATION] | Tolkien Explained

Nerd of the Rings・39 minutes read

Melkor wreaks havoc in Middle Earth, seeking the Flame Imperishable, but ultimately rebelling against Eru's theme. The Valar battle Melkor, leading to his defeat and imprisonment, while Morgoth continues his reign of terror, ultimately being defeated by Eärendil wearing the Silmaril.

Insights

  • Melkor, initially the mightiest Valar, rebels against Eru Iluvatar's creation, causing discord and destruction that leads to his eventual defeat and imprisonment by the Valar in the Halls of Mandos.
  • Morgoth, formerly Melkor, wages war against the Elves for centuries, culminating in a fierce battle where Eärendil, bearing the Silmaril, defeats him with the help of Thorondor and the Eagles, leading to Morgoth's capture and the devastation of Valinor, setting the stage for a new era and the eventual prophecy of Dagor Dagorath.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Melkor in Middle Earth?

    Melkor is the original Dark Lord who sows discord.

  • What is the significance of the Silmarils?

    The Silmarils are precious gems coveted by Melkor.

  • How does Morgoth's reign end?

    Morgoth's reign ends with Eärendil's arrival and defeat.

  • Who leads the forces against Morgoth in the Union of Mythros?

    Fingon, Maithros, and Hurin lead the forces.

  • What prophecies hint at the future of Middle Earth?

    Prophecies suggest a final battle and a new era.

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Summary

00:00

Melkor: The Original Dark Lord of Middle Earth

  • Melkor, the original Dark Lord of Middle Earth, sows discord in the creation of the world and wreaks havoc on its inhabitants.
  • Eru Iluvatar creates the Ainur, including the Valar and the Maiar, with Melkor being the mightiest Valar.
  • Melkor searches for the Flame Imperishable, a power of Eru, to create life but fails to find it.
  • Melkor rebels against Eru's theme, causing discord among the Ainur during the creation of the universe.
  • Eru stops the music, rebuking Melkor for his actions and showing that no theme can be played without its source in him.
  • Melkor enters Arda, pretending to guide it for Eru's glory but secretly desiring to dominate it.
  • Melkor disrupts the Valar's work in Arda, destroying and tainting their creations.
  • The Valar, led by Tulkas, battle Melkor in the Valiant year 1499, forcing him to flee.
  • Melkor returns to Arda, creating the Fortress of Utumno and causing chaos and destruction.
  • The Valar defeat Melkor, bind him, and imprison him in the Halls of Mandos for three ages.

15:38

"Melkor's Rise to Power and Defeat"

  • Angoliant drinks the wells of Varda, causing the world to plunge into darkness.
  • Melchor kills Fenway, steals the Silmarils, and other gems, and flees with Ungoliant to Middle Earth.
  • Ungoliant demands the Silmarils from Melkor, who refuses, leading to a confrontation.
  • Melkor summons Balrogs to drive Ungoliant away and returns to his fortress with the Silmarils.
  • Feyenoord finds his father slain, the Silmaril gone, and curses Melkor, naming him Morgoth.
  • Morgoth declares himself king and wages war against the Elves for 600 years.
  • Morgoth moves against various Elven groups, leading to battles and sieges.
  • Feyenoord rebels against the Valar, leading the Noldor to Middle Earth.
  • Morgoth creates dragons to combat the Elves, leading to battles and devastation.
  • Fingolfin challenges Morgoth to single combat, inflicting wounds but ultimately falling in battle.

29:48

"The Battle of Mythros: Devastating Loss"

  • The Union of Mythros comprises two armies, one in the west and one in the east.
  • Fingon leads the Noldor of Hitlam in the west, while Hurin and Huor lead the Edain of Dorloman.
  • Haldir, a man of the Third Age, leads the Edain of Brethil, and Guindor leads the Elves of Nargathrond.
  • Maithros commands his Elven host in the east, joined by Azagal and the Dwarves of Belagost.
  • The plan involves the Eastern forces marching to Unfaglith, while the Western host waits hidden for a signal.
  • Unexpectedly, a host of ten thousand Elves led by Turgon joins the Western host, boosting their chances.
  • Morgoth responds by sending out a great host from Angband to meet Maithros, while a smaller host provokes the Western Army.
  • Fingon's troops hold until the Orcs attack, leading to a fierce battle where Gelmir is brutally killed.
  • Despite initial success, Morgoth's secret weapon, Uldor, turns against Maithros, leading to chaos in the battle.
  • The battle ends in a devastating loss for the Elves, Men, and Dwarves, with Morgoth gaining control over the northern lands of Beleriand.

45:03

Eärendil's Silmaril leads to Morgoth's defeat

  • Eärendil, wearing the Silmaril, arrives in a blessed ship with Thorondor and Eagles, battling dragons for a day, ultimately killing Ancalagon and breaking the towers of Thangorodrim, leading to Morgoth's defeat and capture.
  • Following the battle, Valinor is devastated, with lands sinking into the sea, prompting many elves to return to Aman while others, like Galadriel and Elrond, travel east to face Sauron, the new Dark Lord, as prophecies hint at a final battle, Dagor Dagorath, where Morgoth will return, Turin might deal the final blow, and the world will be rebuilt with the Dwarves aiding Aule, leading to a new era with the Second Song of the Ainur.
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