The seven thains of Morgoth - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Yaish · 01-17-2002, 01:44 AM

Just a hint as to the power of a Balrog, and a clue as to the relative number.

In the Sil, concerning the making of the Sun and the Moon it states that the Sun (Aren) will be drawn by Arien, who was "From the beginning a spirit of fire, whom Melkor had not deceived nor drawn into his service". I take that to mean she was of the same type Maiar as the Balrogs. That he mentions she was one that was not deceived or drawn to Melkors service hints that there werent many that were not deceived by Melkor, and since he probably didnt deceive the majority of the Maia, then there cant have been many to begin with.
As to their power, Melkor assaulted Tilion, who drew the moon, but of Arien "Morgoth feared her with a great fear, but dared not come nigh her, having indeed no longer the power; for as he grew in malice, and sent forth from himself the evil that he conceived in lies and creatures of wickedness, his might passed into them and was dispersed"
Sounds like at this point he didnt have the power to assault a Balrog and be sure of winning. Coming from the most powerful of the Valar, even with his diminished power thats quite something. I dont think Tolkien would have intended there to be many creatures with power near that of the Valar.

01-17-2002, 01:44 AM	#1
Yaish Pile O'Bones Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: NC Posts: 20	Just a hint as to the power of a Balrog, and a clue as to the relative number. In the Sil, concerning the making of the Sun and the Moon it states that the Sun (Aren) will be drawn by Arien, who was "From the beginning a spirit of fire, whom Melkor had not deceived nor drawn into his service". I take that to mean she was of the same type Maiar as the Balrogs. That he mentions she was one that was not deceived or drawn to Melkors service hints that there werent many that were not deceived by Melkor, and since he probably didnt deceive the majority of the Maia, then there cant have been many to begin with. As to their power, Melkor assaulted Tilion, who drew the moon, but of Arien "Morgoth feared her with a great fear, but dared not come nigh her, having indeed no longer the power; for as he grew in malice, and sent forth from himself the evil that he conceived in lies and creatures of wickedness, his might passed into them and was dispersed" Sounds like at this point he didnt have the power to assault a Balrog and be sure of winning. Coming from the most powerful of the Valar, even with his diminished power thats quite something. I dont think Tolkien would have intended there to be many creatures with power near that of the Valar.