Gothmog?

[doug*platypus]

*bump*

I myself might now be inclined to think of "Gothmog" as an orc with the spirit of the original incarnated in him.

I'm starting to think that way myself, what with all the talk that has been made of the reincarnation of Glorfindel. Durin the Deathless also returns among his kin, and so is it inconceivable that a Balrog could do the same?

Obloquy suggested that Balrogs eventually became incarnate due to indulging in the pleasures of the flesh. They would then, apparently be bound to a hroa, and almost completely diminished in power once slain. Presumably this would put them in much the same position as an elf or a dwarf that had been killed (Glorfindel or Durin), unless like Saruman or Sauron they were banished to the Outer Void upon death.

But would it be possible for the fëa of Gothmog to sneak back in through the Door of Night and to take shape again, perhaps as one of the powerful Maiarin Orc captains rumoured to exist? How were Glorfindel and Durin 'allowed' to return? By the decree of Ilúvatar, or through the strength of their own spirits? Could the return of Gothmog be condoned by Ilúvatar, or was he simply unwilling to prevent it?

It seems possible but unlikely to me that the name of Gothmog could be borne by any other than himself. That would be like a Steward of Gondor calling his son Fëanor, Elendil or Fingolfin, surely?