Understanding Sauron's Respect for Melkor: A Hierarchy of Powers in The Silmarillion

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion, the relationship between Sauron and Melkor, also known as Morgoth, raises fascinating questions about the nature of power, hierarchy, and loyalty in the spiritual and magical world of Middle-earth. This article explores why Sauron, despite his own power and influence, viewed Melkor as greater than himself. By examining this complex relationship, we can delve into the hierarchy of beings in Tolkien's universe and the reasons behind Sauron's awe for his former master.

The Hierarchy of Spiritual Beings in The Silmarillion

At the pinnacle of the spiritual hierarchy is Eru Ilúvatar, the all-powerful creator and master of all existence. Both Sauron and Melkor belong to a lower level of beings known as the Ainur or aratar. The Ainur are powerful spirits that were created by Eru to harmonize the music that he had first conceived.

The Valar and Maiar: Magnificent Servants of Eru

The Valar are the highest of the Ainur, serving as the ruling spirits of Arda, the physical world created by Eru. Melkor was one of the fourteen most powerful of the Valar, and before his fall, he was even greater than any of his peers. Sauron, on the other hand, was a Maiar, a lesser spirit that served the Valar. While the number of Maiar is not explicitly mentioned in the text, they are described as even more numerous and diverse than the Valar, but still significantly weaker in power. The Maiar are comparable to angels, acting as emissaries and servants of the Valar, albeit with much less power than their masters.

The Fall of Melkor and Sauron's Perspective

Melkor's rebellion against Eru led him to bring darkness and corruption to Arda. Despite his fall from grace, he remained a massive force, sinking his power into the world, which in turn weakened him over time. Even in the Void, his power was still far greater than Sauron's. This fundamental inequality in power is what led Sauron to view Melkor as greater than himself, albeit in awe rather than actual respect for his former master's evil deeds.

Why Sauron Served Melkor

Sauron's loyalty to Melkor was not due to an equality of power, as some might assume, but rather because of a complex interplay of seduction and coercion. To be truly seduced by evil, one must see it as superior or more powerful. Sauron's fall from grace was not a matter of arrogance, but of his belief that Melkor's influences and powers were greater and more potent than his own. This belief was reinforced by the forces of darkness that influenced Sauron, leading him to align himself with Melkor's cause.

Beyond Power: The Moral Hierarchy

While Sauron's power was immense, it was still a fraction of Melkor's, given the nature of their spiritual ranks. However, Sauron's moral hierarchy, particularly his adherence to the divine order of things, played a significant role in his respect for Melkor. Sauron recognized that a Valar was inherently greater than a Maiar, and his servitude to Melkor was a result of this recognition. Tolkien himself, a devout Catholic, often interwove Christian themes into his works, suggesting that even an angelic being like Sauron was still subordinate to a demi-god like Melkor in terms of power and spiritual rank.

Theological and Spiritual Implications

The relationship between Sauron and Melkor raises profound questions about the nature of power, moral corruption, and the limits of creation. Sauron's respect for Melkor, despite his own massive power, is a testament to the idea that power alone does not define one's worth. The spiritual hierarchy in Middle-earth, dictated by the physical and spiritual power of beings, reflects a broader theological order that underpins Tolkien's works.

Conclusion

Understanding Sauron's respect for Melkor in The Silmarillion provides insights into the intricate power dynamics and spiritual hierarchies in Tolkien's universe. While Sauron recognized the inherent superiority of Melkor, the reasons behind this respect are complex and multifaceted. By examining this relationship, we gain a deeper appreciation for the moral and spiritual landscape of Middle-earth and the ways in which power and hierarchy are conceptualized within Tolkien's vast and interconnected world.

Key Points:

Eru Ilúvatar: The supreme creator and master of all existence. Valar: The ruling spirits of Arda, ranked above Maiar. Maiar: Lesser spirits that served the Valar. Sauron's power is merely a fraction of Melkor's due to their different spiritual ranks. Respect and loyalty to Melkor was a result of Sauron's belief in Melkor's greater power and influence.

By exploring these key points, we can better comprehend the complex relationships and spiritual concepts present in J.R.R. Tolkien's expansive universe.