The Ring & the Curse

[Kuruharan]

Can we compare the corrupting influence of the Ring & the destructive influence of Morgoth's curse?

I think the difference, such as it is, lies in the different intents behind the evil. The Curse wanted to destroy. The Ring was interested in self-preservation and in returning to its master. It’s awkward to say, but it seems the Ring had something more of a goal it was working toward.

This may, to some extent, reflect the differences between Morgoth and Sauron. Morgoth wanted to reduce everything to a nullity (Curse = Destruction). Sauron wanted to rule everything and be worshiped as the world’s god…i.e. he had a purpose beyond destruction, reflected in the Ring, while it would destroy its bearers was not doing it simply for the sake of destruction…it was trying to do something.

Perhaps when viewed from the different ends that the Curse and the Ring had in mind, maybe this does show different types of evil.