Morgoth vs Sauron: A Battle of Legendary Powers in Middle-earth

Introduction

When discussing the power and might of characters from the The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, one question often arises: who is more powerful, Morgoth or Sauron? Despite both being spiritual beings of immense power, Morgoth stands far above Sauron in terms of strength and influence. This article delves into the nuanced differences between these two dark powers, providing a comprehensive analysis based on the System of Magic in Middle-earth (SOMME).

Understanding the Power Dynamics

Morgoth and Sauron share the same species as emanations of Ilúvatar's mind, but their power levels are vastly different due to their distinct orders. Morgoth, the formless and unforgiving entity, is depicted as the origin of evil in the world of Arda. Sauron, on the other hand, is a secondary form crafted from Morgoth's essence, making him significantly weaker but still a formidable force.

The System of Magic in Middle-earth (SOMME)

To truly grasp the power dynamics between these two beings, we must explore the SOMME. This framework provides us with a detailed model to understand their abilities, taking into account their respective hit points, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Here, we'll present a battle scenario to illustrate the differences in power.

Fight-Night 303: Melkor vs Mairon

Melkor (Morgoth) stands strong with a physical and spiritual presence:

Level 500 Fea/magic strength/hits: 250 Dexterity: 17 95 hit rate, movement: 59 hexes/round (35mph) Armor: 15 Quickness: 25 Shield: 5 Defense: 35, with Mace Grond

Mairon (Sauron) is described as the "Admirable One" and "The Destroyer of Numenor" with a more subtle and deceptive power:

Level 360 (with the Ring, 240 without) Strength: 100 (with the Ring) Dexterity: 17 95 hit rate, movement: 20 hexes/round (12mph) Armor: 15 Quickness: 20 Arm/gauntlets as shield: 3 Defense: 23, with Mace The Shadow

The Tale of Magic

According to the SOMME, when these two beings engage in a magical duel, their power levels play a crucial role. Let's break down the battle using the SOMME model:

Melkor's Power and Strategies

Melkor, being at Level 500, has a significant advantage in their magical duel:

Defends at 500 Attacks at 250

Mairon, on the other hand, is at Level 360 with the Ring, giving him 240 without it. This allows him to attack with:

180 (without the Ring)

This power division is as follows:

Sauron's actual power: 210lv Sauron's Ring power: 150lv

Magical Dueling Mechanics

During the duel, Melkor casts a domination spell first, which has a power of 250 compared to Mairon's 360:

Combined Fea "at struggle": 610 Melkor's power: 41 Mairon's power: 59

To cast the spell, Melkor needs a roll of 41 or less. If successful, Mairon must roll a 59 or less to resist. Given Melkor's advantage, Mairon would likely fail, allowing Melkor to walk up and strike Mairon with no resistance.

Physical Combat

Physical combat is where the real battle begins. Melkor's Dexterity of 17, after accounting for penalties, results in a hit rate of 14, while Mairon's effective hit rate drops to 26:

Melkor: 66 hits per strike - 15 armor 51 hits per round Mairon: 36 hits per strike - 3 Mairon defense 33 hits per round

At these rates, Melkor would be "dead" in 18 seconds, while Mairon would be "dead" in 4.5 minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both Morgoth and Sauron are immensely powerful entities, Morgoth's overwhelming strength and higher level of power make him the undisputed victor in any confrontation. The SOMME framework, integral to understanding the dynamics between these beings, clearly illustrates the significant advantage Morgoth holds over Sauron, both in terms of magical and physical prowess.