Exploring the Parallel of Melkor in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Works

Who is the closest thing to Melkor in Tolkien's works? Many readers and scholars have pondered this question, often finding Sauron to be the most powerful antagonist in the The Lord of the Rings. However, when delving deeper into Tolkien’s vast literary universe, it becomes clear that Melkor, the first and mightiest of the Ainur, holds a unique place. Additionally, it is important to note that Melkor himself is a central figure in Tolkien’s mythology, making him the perfect reference point. This article will explore why Melkor himself might be the closest parallel to Melkor in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, drawing from key passages and themes from both The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings.

The Role of Melkor in Tolkien's Legendarium

As the first of the Ainur and thus the first to bring his rebellious nature into action, Melkor, often referred to as Morgoth (the Black Foe), is depicted as a figure of utmost defiance and malice. In the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien explicitly states, "Melkor was the mightiest of the Ainur, and with the most ‘ stalled desires.’ He loves power, and delights in torment and oppression." (Appendix A, Annals of Durin's Folk).In The Silmarillion, Tolkien provides a detailed account of Melkor's actions and motivations. From his initial rebellion against the creator, Eru Ilúvatar, to his relentless pursuit of power and dominion over Arda, Melkor's character is one of unyielding ambition and unrestrained evil. His actions are driven by sheer desire to amass power and control, often at the expense of others, particularly the Valar and the Elves who stand in his way. This makes Melkor the closest parallel to himself in Tolkien's works, given the intimate detail and complexity with which this character is portrayed.

Drawing Comparisons Between Melkor and Sauron

While Sauron is indeed a formidable adversary, especially in The Lord of the Rings, he is often seen as a figure of more subtle and underhanded manipulation. Sauron's power is derived from the One Ring, and his influence is primarily felt through manipulating individuals and creating fear. In contrast, Melkor's power is more unmediated and is often embodied in the physical world itself—through the corrupted land, the dark realm, and the twisted creations such as Balrogs and statements of Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings reflect this sentiment: "Other evils there are that may yet come for Sauron is himself but a servant or emissary." This quote highlights the distinction between Sauron and Melkor, suggesting that Sauron is merely a pawn in a larger game orchestrated by a more powerful entity. In The Silmarillion, the passage where it is stated, "Sauron was Melkor’s leading servant" underscores the direct association between the two, indicating the continuity of power and evil.

Unique Characteristics of Melkor (Morgoth)

One of the key aspects that make Melkor unique and closely parallel to himself is his sheer scale of ambition and his presence throughout Tolkien's legendarium. Melkor's actions span the entirety of Tolkien's works, from the beginning of the creation of Arda to the end of the First Age and beyond. In The Silmarillion, his influence is felt in the destruction of the Two Trees of Valinor, the war of the Valar, and the creation of the evil realm of Angband. His actions are directly responsible for innumerable suffering and the strife that pervades much of Middle-earth’s history.

In contrast, Sauron, while equally evil and powerful, is more of a redefine and evolve through the story, starting as a Maia of Aul?, corrupted by Melkor's influence and later manifesting in the physical world as the Dark Lord of Mordor. His role in the narrative is more specific, directly linked to the One Ring and the struggle against the forces of good. Melkor, on the other hand, is a more omnipresent and dominant force, shaping the very fabric of the world in ways that Sauron cannot.

Understanding the Composition of Evil: Melkor vs. Sauron

Another distinguishing feature is the composition of their respective evils. While both embody the corrupting influence of power, Melkor's evil is more directly linked to the desire for absolute dominion and the sheer act of rebellion against Eru Ilúvatar. His rebellion is primal, a direct challenge to the nature of creation itself. In comparison, Sauron's evil is more insidious, rooted in the worship and manipulation of the Ring, which amplifies his power but also binds him to its will.

In his 1964 lecture titled "The Problem of Evil in Middle-earth," Tolkien states, "The evil action of Sauron involves an instrument, the Ring, which works for him, although he is in a sense imprisoned in the Ring’s own rhythm and order." This highlights how Sauron's power is inextricably linked to external means, as opposed to Melkor's autonomy and inherent malice. Melkor's actions are not bound by such constraints and reflect an unyielding desire for control and destruction, making his presence more invasive and pervasive in Tolkien's world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Sauron and Melkor are both powerful and malevolent forces in Tolkien’s works, the closest parallel to Melkor remains Melkor himself. His inherent malice, direct control over the physical world, and the scale of his actions provide a more direct and unmediated reflection of the character and the essence of evil portrayed by Tolkien. Understanding Melkor's role not only enriches the reading of The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion but also provides insight into the depth and complexity of Tolkien’s creation, offering a masterful exploration of the nature of power and evil in the context of myth and legend.