The Defeat of Melkor/Morgoth in the War of Wrath

The defeat of Melkor, also known as Morgoth, in the War of Wrath is a pivotal moment in the mythological history of Middle-earth as documented in J.R.R. Tolkien's works. However, the concept of a straightforward 'defeat' in this context is nuanced, as the portrayal of the battle and the antagonist's actions are open to interpretation.

According to The Silmarillion, the Valar, the powerful beings of Eru's creation, led the battle against Melkor, who had previously been imprisoned by Tulkas. The Valar were assisted by the Elves, a relatively smaller force, and various Men and Maiar. Crucially, the Great War of Wrath saw Eonwe, a Maia, playing a significant yet understated role in the final moments of the conflict.

The narrative in The Silmarillion is concise and somewhat enigmatic. It describes the Valar's victory as they broke into the depths of Thangorodrim, where they confronted Melkor. Despite the epic nature of the battle, the text portrays Melkor as not putting up a "valiant" fight. Instead, he was bound, and his Iron Crown transformed into a collar around his neck. Nevertheless, there is no explicit mention of Eonwe's involvement in the actual combat.

Additional context is provided in The Peoples of Middle-earth, a collection of essays by J.R.R. Tolkien. This source suggests that Eonwe was the one who "overthrew" Melkor. However, Christopher Tolkien, the editor, raises doubts about the veracity of this claim. He notes that the term "overthrew" could imply a physical struggle, whereas the revised text in The Silmarillion indicates that Melkor did not resist. Thus, the precise role of Eonwe in the physical defeat of Melkor remains a point of contention.

The Silmarillion also mentions an event where Morgoth's feet were hewn from under him. Some interpreters suggest that this may have meant the literal removal of his feet or legs as he attempted to negotiate for peace and pardon. Others argue that this was a metaphorical action, as Morgoth was likely knocked over and forced to submit rather than trying to negotiate. Tolkien himself is ambiguous on who performed this action, leaving the reader to infer that Eonwe or one of the Host of the Valar may have been responsible.

Regardless of the specifics, Melkor's ultimate fate was sealed. Following the defeat, the Valar, led by Manwei, imprisoned him outside of Time and Space. This action marked the end of the First Age of Middle-earth and the beginning of a new era, where Melkor would remain an eternal prisoner in the Void beyond the Mortal World.

The theme of Melkor's defeat is a recurring motif in Tolkien's works, underscoring the struggle between light and darkness, order and chaos. Understanding the nature of Melkor's defeat and the roles played by various characters sheds light on the deeper themes of Tolkien's mythology.

Additional Resources

For a more in-depth analysis of the War of Wrath and the Mythology of Middle-earth, consider the following resources:

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien The Peoples of Middle-earth by J.R.R. Tolkien The History of Middle-earth by J.R.R. Tolkien (various volumes)

These works offer a rich and detailed exploration of the mythology and history of Middle-earth, providing a broader context for the events that led to the defeat of Melkor.

By delving into these resources, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of Melkor's defeat and its implications for the world of Middle-earth.