Where in the Silm does it say there were only 7? I thought I read somewhere that Tolkien originally said there were a whole bunch of Balrogs. It was my understanding Tolkien was still contemplating reducing the number of Balrogs and enhancing their power but died before he made any final descissions. I don't remember the Silm actually saying the number of Balrogs, can you provide a page number?
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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.
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