Melkor's Perspective on Sauron's Ring: A Dialogue of Power and Security

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, the existence of the One Ring was a pivotal moment in the conflict between the Dark Powers of Middle-earth. Melkor, also known as Morgoth, had a significant background of power and influence, contrasting starkly with Sauron's more recent and consolidated force. This paper explores how Melkor might have perceived Sauron's decision to concentrate his power in a single artifact, the One Ring, through a hypothetical dialogue between the two.

Melkor's Critique of Sauron's Gathering of Power

Melkor, a powerful entity known for his vast and varied influence, likely would have expressed his thoughts on Sauron's centralized power through the One Ring in a conversation reflecting on ancient and contemporary strategies of power consolidation.

Melkor:
Sauron by Fedor Dostojevski
Melkor: Not bad. But it is so small.

Sauron: How is that a problem?

Melkor: It can slip off your finger. Get lost somewhere and you'll struggle to find it. Someone else could pick it up. What then?

Sauron: Not a problem. My Nazg?l will find it wherever it is and bring it to me in a flash. Shouldn't take them long. A day... two tops.

Melkor: The same Nazg?l who is afraid of water.

Sauron: Uhm yes... Sure they have their hang-ups, but I assure you they are quite reliable. They are top of the line. Quality breed!

Melkor: I see. What if someone were to say, cut it from your hand during battle?

Sauron: Hahahaha! Cut it from my hand? Who on earth could possibly manage that? You're so paranoid, my lord.

Melkor: Okay... if you say so. But why put all your eggs in one basket?

Sauron: What do you mean?

Melkor: You see, I poured my powers into all of Arda. It's dispersed everywhere.

Sauron: So what?

Melkor: Well, my simple-minded friend, if one of my creations wherein my power is poured gets destroyed, I still stand. A Balrog gets killed… I'm still fine. An orc gets killed… I'm good. A dragon pierced through the heart… I'm relaxing in my fortress, safe and sound, polishing Grond without so much as a scratch on me. On the other hand… Your ring gets destroyed... If someone casts it into the fiery chasm of Mount Doom… then...

Sauron: Will never happen. It is impossible to get to Mount Doom without me noticing. And even if anyone could get there, no one has the will to throw it into the fiery chasm. It is impossible, my lord.

Melkor: Hmm...

Sauron: Yes, I thought of everything, my lord. Come, relax on your throne. Play with your wolves, torture some elves. It will lift your spirits and help take your mind off these gloomy thoughts!

Melkor: I suppose you're right.

Sauron: Of course I am. Now come, come! Have some red wine. I got it especially for you, my lord. T.Y. 1495. Very good year, as I'm sure you recall.

Melkor: Oh, very nice, Sauron.

Sauron: (smiling) I always try to make you feel at ease, my lord.

Analysis and Conclusion

Melkor's critique centers on the inherent vulnerabilities of concentrating power in a single artifact, akin to the gambit of a single-dice bet. Sauron, on the other hand, perceives the One Ring as a tool that can control the abilities of others, seen in his reliance on the Nazg?l, who he believes can overcome any obstacle. However, Melkor's reference to the distribution of power highlights the resilience of power that is dispersed and grounded in varied forms, ranging from Balrogs to orcs to the very land of Middle-earth.

Melkor's dialogue with Sauron, though hypothetical, provides insight into the ancient strategies and philosophies of power that Tolkien's legendarium explores. It raises questions about the sustainability of centralized power versus the adaptability of distributed power, a timeless theme that resonates even in modern governance and cybersecurity discussions.

Keywords: Melkor, Sauron, Ring of Power