If there were only 3 Balrogs then none would be left to be slain in the war of wrath. I do not see how you can assume that reducing the number of Balrogs to 7 was Tolkien's latest notion. For all you know the number 7 could just have been a passing notion to Tolkien. I do not doubt that he was thinking about reducing the number of Balrogs, perhaps drastically, but 7 is too extreme a reduction in my opinion. What it comes down to is neither of us can prove anything one way or the other, your opinion is just as legitamite as mine.
__________________
Yet the lies that Melkor, the mighty and accursed, Morgoth Bauglir, the Power of Terror and of Hate, sowed in the hearts of Elves and Men are a seed that does not die and cannot be destroyed; and ever and anon it sprouts anew, and will bear dark fruit even unto the latest days.
|