Sauron Greater than Morgoth... - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Morthoron · 06-04-2007, 10:50 PM

"Just as Sauron concentrated his power in the One Ring, Morgoth dispersed his power into the very matter of Arda, thus 'the whole of Middle-earth was Morgoth's Ring'" -- JRR Tolkien

In regards to sheer power and ability, I don't believe Sauron even came close to Morgoth. Morgoth actually achieved total victory in Arda -- yes, that's right, he was utterly and unquestionably victorious -- defeating the greatest Elvish armies and the noblest houses of the Edain, not once, but several times. Morgoth crushed them, and only the direct intervention of the Valar (at Earendil's request) saved Middle-earth. The renowned Elvish kingdoms of Beleriand and the greatest heroes of the 1st Age (Feanor, Fingolfin, Fingon, Huor, Hurin, Turin, etc.) were no match against Morgoth's relentless assault.

Sauron's war record was much more spotty. He surrendered to Ar-Pharazon and the Numenoreans without a fight, he was beaten by the armies of the Last Alliance, and ultimately lost the War of the Ring. Gondor and Rohan remained unconquered, and most Hobbits were unaware there was even a war going on.

06-04-2007, 10:50 PM	#16
Morthoron Curmudgeonly Wordwraith Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ensconced in curmudgeonly pursuits Posts: 2,515	"Just as Sauron concentrated his power in the One Ring, Morgoth dispersed his power into the very matter of Arda, thus 'the whole of Middle-earth was Morgoth's Ring'" -- JRR Tolkien In regards to sheer power and ability, I don't believe Sauron even came close to Morgoth. Morgoth actually achieved total victory in Arda -- yes, that's right, he was utterly and unquestionably victorious -- defeating the greatest Elvish armies and the noblest houses of the Edain, not once, but several times. Morgoth crushed them, and only the direct intervention of the Valar (at Earendil's request) saved Middle-earth. The renowned Elvish kingdoms of Beleriand and the greatest heroes of the 1st Age (Feanor, Fingolfin, Fingon, Huor, Hurin, Turin, etc.) were no match against Morgoth's relentless assault. Sauron's war record was much more spotty. He surrendered to Ar-Pharazon and the Numenoreans without a fight, he was beaten by the armies of the Last Alliance, and ultimately lost the War of the Ring. Gondor and Rohan remained unconquered, and most Hobbits were unaware there was even a war going on. __________________ And your little sister's immaculate virginity wings away on the bony shoulders of a young horse named George who stole surreptitiously into her geography revision. Last edited by Morthoron; 06-04-2007 at 10:57 PM.