Morgoth and Sauron: Relationship Beyond Respect

J.R.R. Tolkien's elvish legendarium presents a complex relationship between Morgoth, the Dark Lord, and Sauron, his most prominent servant. While Morgoth did not express respect for Sauron in a traditional sense, he recognized Sauron's power and utility. Sauron was originally a Maia, a powerful spirit, and served Morgoth during the First Age. Morgoth valued Sauron's cunning and abilities, particularly in manipulation and strategy. However, Morgoth's overarching nature was one of domination and disdain for all beings, including his own followers. He saw Sauron as a tool to further his own dark designs rather than as an equal or a respected ally.

Valuing Assets

Morgoth relied heavily on Sauron, making him his lieutenant and second-in-command. It is important to note that this reliance does not equate to respect. It could be a simple valuation of Sauron's abilities as an asset to achieve his ends. Sauron was a powerful Maia, maintaining his appearance and consciousness while serving Morgoth. During the War of the Cholera, where the Balrogs were destroyed, Sauron survived and escaped from trial, remaining in Middle-earth. Tolkien notes that the bonds with his master Morgoth were so strong that Sauron stayed who he was from the First Age, a servant of the First Dark Master, although he was knocked down and chained in the abyss.

Manipulation and Valuation

Morgoth's relationship with Sauron was one of manipulation and valuation. Sauron, being a master manipulator himself, was a valuable asset to Morgoth. Sauron clearly respected his master and did his best to serve Morgoth's goals. However, Sauron's enjoyment of ruling as a tyrant likely prevented him from fully embracing Morgoth's more nihilistic goals. As Tolkien's writings reveal, Melkor (Morgoth) was a skilled seducer, often convincing others that he held them in high regard when he actually viewed them with contempt. Sauron, being a master manipulator, likely engaged in this behavior as well, maintaining a fa?ade of respect while secretly viewing Morgoth with disdain.

Imagining a Unlikely Scenario

Their complex relationship can be further imagined in the context of hypothetical scenarios. For example, in the song 'War of Wrath' from Blind Guardian's Nightfall in Middle Earth album, Morgoth sounds weary while Sauron seems genuinely distressed at the impending doom of his master. This exchange, while not consistent with their later behavior in canon, invites us to contemplate a moment where each quietly acknowledged that the fight was lost. If Morgoth realized that Sauron might be his best bet to carry on a measure of his rebellion in future ages, he was indeed correct. The ultimate result, however, likely disappointed and angered Morgoth.

Conclusion

Morgoth's relationship with Sauron was based on a complex interplay of power dynamics, manipulation, and valuation. While lacking in traditional respect, their relationship allowed Sauron to flourish as a powerful servant and secret manipulator within Morgoth's dark domain. This dynamic reflects Morgoth's tyrannical and possessive nature, ultimately leading to Sauron's eventual ambitions and desire for power independent of Morgoth.