The Role of the Noldor in Preventing Morgoth's Conquest of Valinor

The Noldor's return to Middle-earth immensely impacted the power dynamics between Morgoth and the Valar. But what if the Noldor had never returned? How might Morgoth's conquests have altered the fate of Valinor and the ongoing conflict?

Morgoth's Ambitions

Morgoth, the most powerful of the Valar, was inherently ambitious and driven by a desire for dominion. Even without the return of the Noldor, it is highly likely that he would have sought to regain power in Middle-earth, potentially leading to conflict with the Valar. His desire for dominance over all of Arda was insatiable, and he would not have willingly given up control over part of his realm.

Valar's Awareness and Actions

The Valar were well aware of Morgoth's malice and the significant threat he posed to Arda. Their actions, such as the imprisonment of Morgoth and the establishment of the Siege of Angband, indicate their vigilance. If the Noldor had not returned, the Valar might have taken more proactive measures to contain Morgoth, possibly launching a preemptive strike to prevent his resurgence. Their divine powers and resources would ensure that Morgoth could not remain in full strength indefinitely in Middle-earth.

Morgoth's Strength and Expansion

Without the Noldor's rebellion and subsequent actions, Morgoth would have had a more stable and substantial realm from which to operate. His armies would have expanded, securing his territory in Beleriand. However, the Valar possessed considerable power and resources. They could have acted decisively to prevent Morgoth's full strength from being achieved, ensuring that he would not threaten Valinor directly.

The Cycle of Conflict and Consequences

Throughout the history of Arda, a cycle of conflict often ensues due to the juxtaposition of good and evil. Even without the Noldor, Morgoth's desire for power and the Valar's duty to protect the world would likely have led to some form of confrontation. If Morgoth had remained in power long enough, he would have eventually posed a significant threat to Valinor. However, the Valar's measures could have prevented this from happening.

One scenario is that Morgoth would have eventually conquered Middle-earth. This process would have taken considerable time, but Morgoth's dominance in the region would have been inevitable. He would have consolidated his power and forced all non-Valinoreans to worship him as a god. Eventually, he would have grown bored and sent armies to Valinor, reminding the Valar of his authority while also killing Elves.

If the Valar had remained inactive and Morgoth had not been contained, significant changes would have occurred. Morgoth would have expanded his rule, and the Valar would have felt compelled to intervene. After a significant portion of Middle-earth was under Morgoth's control, the Valar would likely launch a major conflict similar to the War of Wrath. This would result in greater collateral damage and larger destruction across Middle-earth.

Conclusion and Impact

In summary, the Noldor's return to Middle-earth played a crucial role in preventing Morgoth's full conquest of Valinor. By keeping Morgoth confined in Beleriand and delaying the inevitable War of Wrath, they reduced the extent of destruction. Had the Noldor not returned, the Valar might have acted sooner and more decisively, possibly averting the full-scale conflict. The absence of the Noldor could have led to different strategies and outcomes in their ongoing struggle against Morgoth.