The Origins and Disappearances of the Rings of Power: Understanding Morgoth and Sauron’s Legacy

Sauron and Morgoth’s Legacy:

In the vast and intricate world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, the story of the Rings of Power is as complex and layered as the history itself. Specifically, the question of How did Sauron get Morgoth's ring? is a central theme in understanding the power dynamics between these two dark forces. However, it’s important to clarify that Sauron did not obtain a ring from Morgoth. Instead, he sought to emulate the power and dominion of his predecessor by creating the One Ring.

Morgoth’s Influence:

Morgoth, the original Dark Lord, possessed immense power and was one of the Ainur. However, he never created a ring in the manner that Sauron did to gain dominion over Middle-earth. Morgoth was cast into the Void after the War of Wrath, and his influence persisted through his lieutenant, Sauron. Sauron sought to dominate the world, and this led him to create the One Ring.

The Creation of the Rings of Power:

After Morgoth was defeated at the end of the First Age, the world moved into the Second Age, where Sauron emerged as the primary force of darkness. The 16 Rings of Power were forged by Sauron with help from the Noldor Elf smiths, who used information provided by Sauron in his guise as Annatar. However, Sauron's ultimate goal was to control the other Rings of Power and the beings who possessed them.

Sauron’s Betrayal and the One Ring:

Once the Rings of Power were created, Sauron betrayed the elves and created the One Ring to dominate the other nine rings, which were given to humans, elves, and dwarves. His plan was to control these beings and monitor their actions. However, the elves were able to detect Sauron's deceit and took off their rings, hiding them. This betrayal led to a bloody war, and Sauron ultimately killed elves to take their rings and attempted to control the dwarves and humans who had received the other rings.

The Legacy of Melkor/Morgoth:

It’s crucial to understand that Melkor/Morgoth had no part in the creation of the Rings of Power. He was cast out of the universe at the end of the First Age and had no choice but to be dragged away by the great power of Tulkas. However, his legacy continued through Sauron, who sought to emulate the power and dominion of his former master.

A Comparison Between Sauron and Morgoth:

While both were dark and powerful figures, Sauron and Morgoth were vastly different in their philosophies and methods. Morgoth was driven by greed and malice, whereas Sauron's power was fueled by a desire for control and domination. Morgoth would never have left any weapon behind, having no choice but to be banished from the universe. Sauron, on the other hand, was a Maia who sought to increase his power by creating the One Ring.

The Impact of the Rings on Middle-earth:

The creation and usage of the Rings of Power had a profound impact on Middle-earth. The nine Nazg?l, given the power of the other rings, became a formidable and deadly force, while the dwarves, although extremely hardy, resisted Sauron's control. The story of the Rings of Power is a testament to the power of greed and the corruption it brings, a narrative that continues to resonate in modern times.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Morgoth did not create the rings and was long gone by the time the Second Age began. Sauron, driven by a desire to dominate and control, created the One Ring to achieve his goals. Understanding this complex history and the legacy of Morgoth and Sauron helps us appreciate the intricate world of Middle-earth and the power dynamics at play.