With the Rings of Power concluding, many have begun to ponder the differences between the two most terrifying villains in Tolkein’s lore: Morgoth and Sauron. As the Rings of Power is charting Sauron’s story pre-The Lord of the Rings days, Morgoth’s name turns up a couple of times during the show, compelling the viewers to know, who is the stronger one. Both have similar ambitions so there are three points that will help you determine who would win in a fight.
Valar vs Maia – Who are they?
One must look back at their origins to understand the differences between Morgoth or Sauron. Before Morgoth fell, he was a Valar called Melkor, a creation of Ilúvatar, a supernatural being that created the world and other Valar. Melkor and his friends were known as the Power of Arda who had to control and shape the world.
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Melkor was the first to be created and was naturally the strongest. His idea to rule Arda (the Earth) was very different from Ilúvatar’s, and so, there was a battle between Valar and him. Each Valar has its own unique power. For instance, Manwë controlled winds, while Ulmo commanded the waters. However, Ilúvatar realised his plan and banished him.
One of Morgoth’s powers included his ability to curse those who opposed him, and he could shape-shift to deceive his enemies. Morgoth was also extremely strong and skilled in pyrokinesis. He slowly became so evil that anyone who was around him could be corrupted, which enabled him the power to rule over all of Europe.
Maiar were created by Ilúvatar, too, but they were subordinates of Valar in position, and their prime task was to assist the former. Maiar could have one or more Valar as their ‘boss’, and their capabilities were a reflection of their masters. They share the ability to shape-shift, immortality, or create the world as Valar. However, they are more powerful than elves and dwarves, they can’t compete with Valar as they are their subordinates.
“Among those of his servants that have names the greatest was that spirit whom the Eldar called Sauron, or Gorthaur the Cruel. In his beginning he was of the Maiar of Aulë, and he remained mighty in the lore of that people.” — The Silmarillion
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Before he fell Sauron was called Mairon and he is one the most powerful Maiar. Some other popular Maiar are Gandalf, who was known as Olórin, Saruman, who was once Curumo, and Radagast was once known as Aiwendil.
Who was smarter than you?
Melkor was always willing to fight with other Valar and did great damage for his former partners. He destroyed the Illuin (“Skyblue”) Great Lamps at the northern end Arda. Ormal (“High-gold”) stood in the southern and plunged the world into darkness. The Valar created Valinor to run away from Melkor’s destruction, giving him complete access to rule Middle-earth. He created horrible creatures that destroyed and ate the entire continent.
“And in that very hour Melkor and Ungoliant came hastening over the fields of Valinor, as the shadow of a black cloud upon the wind fleets over the sunlit earth; and they came before the green mound Ezellohar.” — The Silmarillion
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During this time, Sauron was at the fortress of Angband at this time to carry out Morgoth’s plan despite the latter’s capture by other Valar. Morgoth was a cunning man who pleaded innocence for many years while he was held in Valinor. He eventually convinced them. He corrupted many Elfs and started to build an army to carry out his next plan: to turn all the races of Middle-earth in their favor.
Sauron was in tow to his master’s abilities. Through his shape-shifting abilities, he convinced the Elves to forge the rings in the second age. He wanted to conquer the elves, whom he considered his most formidable rivals, with the rings. It’s because of this hatred that he was ready to bind his soul to the One Ring, which was created in Mount Doom to control all of them.
He didn’t know that the One Ring could be used to sense his presence. After learning this, he became furious and waged war on them to seize the Rings of Power. He was unable to get the three great rings and one of them went to the Dwarves. However, Sauron managed to find the remaining 15 rings and gave them to his subordinates. Nine of the rings were given to Men who would become the Ringwraiths. Six went to Dwarflords who became extremely wealthy, but never gave in to his wishes. His plan was unsuccessful, but his One Ring created a lot of chaos.
Morgoth kept their histories intact and was able to spread his terror for centuries, corrupting many more. Some argue that Sauron’s political plan was what made him superior. Morgoth was so involved with his plan that he wanted everything to fall, even the good. But Sauron didn’t want to destroy initially, he wished to rule Middle-earth through manipulation. Despite their ambitions, Morgoth was more successful because of his terror reign and his cunningness. Sauron, however, was restricted to his ambition to be ruler.
Who was the better army?
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Sauron had a great army of orcs, uruk-hai, trolls, and Nazgûl mounted on fellbeasts and many more creatures loyal to him. Morgoth created dragons, intelligent and powerful beasts that were almost invulnerable and very greedy. Smaug, one of the most powerful dragons in The Hobbit, was also seen.
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Morgoth created magical creatures such as Balrogs. They were once Maiar. One of the Balrogs even drove the dwarves away from their home Khazad-dûm. But, the dwarves were either killed or driven from Middle-earth by Sauron, who came to Power in the 3rd age. So, his army technically falls short in front of Morgoth’s.
“Many are the songs that have been sung of the duel of Glorfindel with the Balrog upon a pinnacle of rock in that high place; and both fell to ruin in the abyss.” — The Silmarillion
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While Sauron was feared during The Lord of the Rings, in a boarder picture, his evilness doesn’t come close to Morgoth’s plans and powers. It’s because of Morgoth that Sauron even managed to reach the point he did in the Third Age. So, while he continued his master’s legacy, he still can not hold a candle to Morgoth’s capabilities.
Sauron nor Morgoth are the most powerful in Tolkien’s world
Although Morgoth is the pole’s winner in many ways, he is not the strongest. In Tolkien’s lore, the most powerful being is Eru Ilúvatar, which means “the one, father of all” in Elvish. To reflect Judeo-Christian beliefs, the author intentionally created him. According to Biblical references, Eru is God and Morgoth the Devil.
Fans also believe this. Tom BombadilHe is considered the most powerful being and there are many discussions about his abilities. Although he is able to control the trees in his region and is considered almost immortal, and immune to the One Ring effects, he still ranks second to Morgoth. However, considering Tolkein’s religious beliefs, nobody, Tom Bombadil, Morgoth, nor Sauron, can come anywhere close to Eru Ilúvatar, the equivalent of God in the LOTR universe.
