Morgoth's Return: The Prophecy of Dagor Dagorath and Its Implications

One of the most intriguing aspects of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion and his legendarium is the prophecy of Dagor Dagorath. This prophecy centers around Morgoth, the primordial lord of evil, and his anticipated return to the world of Middle-earth. In this discussion, we explore the possible reasons behind Morgoth's return, the power dynamics at play, and the thematic significance in Tolkien's works.

Morgoth's Power

While Morgoth was defeated and cast into the Void at the end of the First Age, the Dagor Dagorath prophecy suggests that he will regain enough power to escape. This implies that Morgoth retains some essence or influence that allows him to return, rather than being entirely weakened. Analysts and fans often speculate that the power of darkness may naturally ebb and flow within the universe, fueling continuous turmoil and conflict.

The Weakness of the Valar

The Valar, the powerful beings tasked with shaping and protecting Arda, may have grown weaker over time. Their diminished strength could make it easier for Morgoth to escape. The passage of time and the focus of the Valar on the world may lead to a lessening of their vigilance against Morgoth's influence. This suggests a cyclical nature of conflict, where the resurgence of evil is inevitable, regardless of the relative strengths of the forces involved.

The Nature of Evil

Tolkiens works often explore the idea that evil, represented by Morgoth, has a persistent and insidious nature. Even when defeated, evil can find ways to re-emerge, reflecting the ongoing struggle between light and darkness. This theme highlights a central concept in Tolkien's writings: the enduring battle between good and evil and the hope of eventual redemption. The return of Morgoth symbolizes this cycle of conflict and the persistence of darkness.

Theories and Speculations

Since the idea of Dagor Dagorath was abandoned by Tolkien as a prophecy, we have no way of knowing how things will unfold definitively. We can only create theories and more theories based on the existing lore and thematic elements. However, some theories propose that Morgoth can do nothing in the Timeless Void and that his escape is due to outside interference. Alternatively, humans, though weak and temporary, have the potential to be a formidable force when united.

Parallel to Revelation

As a noted Catholic, Tolkien's works draw on his faith, particularly the Bible. The idea of Dagor Dagorath has a striking parallel with the events described in the Book of Revelations. In Revelations, Satan is released from his prison and makes a final attempt to deceive the nations, only to fail and be consumed by fire from Heaven. He is then cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone alongside the Beast and False Prophet. This suggests that Morgoth's return and power are not due to a resurgence of his strength, but rather a strategic unlocking of his imprisoned form.

Given this parallel, it can be argued that Morgoth does not reclaim any of his lost power and does not "break" the Door of Night. Instead, he is allowed to escape, perhaps through outside interference or due to a weakened Valar. His failure is not just predestined by prophecy, but also by his inherent limitations. At full power, he was incapable of overthrowing Creation, and even as a wisp of his former greatness, his influence would be limited. He may still cause fear and terror, but his ultimate fate is sealed, and his return symbolizes the unending struggle between light and darkness.

Tolkiens works are rich with such thematic depth and complexity, inviting readers to interpret and explore the intricate connections between his legendarium and the broader narrative of good and evil.