Valar’s Eternal Opposition: Did Aule Ever Consider Joining Morgoth and Sauron?

In the vast and intricate universe of The Lord of the Rings, created by J.R.R. Tolkien, the Valar and Morgoth (later known as Sauron) stand as the two primary forces that shape the narrative. However, a fundamental question arises: did Aule, one of the Valar, ever consider aligning with Morgoth or Sauron, the malevolent beings whose evil deeds often led to the darkest moments in Middle-earth?

No and the Reasons Behind It

The Valar, being angelic beings, maintained a clear line against Morgoth and Sauron, staking their pure spirits and essential essences in opposition to their evil counterparts. This opposition is not just a matter of personal preference but deeply rooted in the Valar's moral compass, which is guided by their role as guardian spirits of Arda (the lands of Middle-earth).

While the short answer is no, it is essential to delve into the why and the what-ifs. Aule, the Vala responsible for the creation of the Dwarves and master of smiths and metals, has often been scrutinized for possessing a form of ambition or inclination towards darkness. Aule's close relation to Sauron and other dark followers, such as Saruman and Feanor, hints at underlying similarities with Morgorth’s insatiable desire for power and creation.

The Potential for Aule to Join the Dark Side

Aule's ambition in creating sentient life is deeply rooted in his nature, which, if misused, could lead to paths echoing those of Melkor (Morgoth). Aule shares common ground with Melkor, particularly in their pursuit of control over life and willpower. The question arises: could Aule have come close to joining the alliance with Melkor and Sauron? Here, we will explore a thought experiment where Aule aligns with Melkor, and examine the potential outcomes.

Potential Scenario: Aule Joins Morgorth During or Before the War of the Powers

Imagine a scenario where Aule decided to ally himself with Melkor during or before the pivotal War of the Powers. This hypothetical alliance could have transformative impacts on the balance of power in Middle-earth.

Strategic Advantages: With Aule joining Melkor, the duo would share the burden of willing their dark empire. This partnership would likely result in an even more potent dark force, combining the craftsmanship of Aule with the raw strength and will of Melkor. The military machine, fortified by the skilled hands of Aule and championed by the relentless spirit of Melkor, could effectively counter the Valar with greater effectiveness.

The machinery of war would be driven by Aule's essence, while Melkor's innate essence would remain, allowing their combined strength to overshadow the efforts of the Valar. The defenses of Utumno would become nearly impenetrable, and the creatures created by Melkor and Sauron, such as orcs, dragons, and wargs, would be further enhanced. The Dwarves, though mindless, could still serve as additional troops, though their lack of sentient intelligence would limit their effectiveness.

Theoretical Consequences of a Dark Alliance

With Aule and Melkor united under a shared purpose, their dark powers would amplify, potentially leading to the miserable extinction of the Elves. The Silmarillion, the ancient history of Middle-earth, would never unfold in the original script. The balance of power would shift drastically, and the Valar would face unprecedented challenges to maintain order.

A Covert Plan to Prevent the Alliances

The Valar, recognizing their own weaknesses, devised a covert plan to prevent the potential alliance between Aule and Melkor. Using their cunning, they decided to embed their Maia (souls of angelic beings) within Melkor and Aule, to sow discord and ensure that their destructive tendencies would be brought to an end.

Norse Wizard Mairon: Gandalf, one of the Ainur (angelic beings) in this world, proposed a double-agent plan. Mairon, initially perceiving his mission as a simple assignment to observe Melkor and Aule, began to sow seeds of discord. Mairon's dual approach convinced Melkor that Aule was a more subservient partner, while hinting to Aule that Melkor was in a dominant position.

This strategic manipulation led to resentment and envy between Aule and Melkor, ultimately resulting in a civil strife. Aule, driven by his ambitions and envy, clashed with Melkor, leading to a weakened Aule and an opportunity for the Valar to intervene. With the combined efforts of the Valar, led by their high Maia, such as Orome, Tulkas, and Eonwe, Melkor was defeated, and Mairon was hailed as the champion of the Valar.

The story of Middle-earth thus takes a dramatic turn, emphasizing the importance of unity and cunning in the face of overwhelming evil. The Valar, who might seem powerless against the might of Morgoth and Aule, found a way to leverage their knowledge and wit to preserve order and peace in the lands of Middle-earth.

Conclusion

While the Valar and Morgoth/Sauron represent opposing forces in the story of Middle-earth, the potential for Aule to side with the dark side remains a fascinating hypothesis. The intrinsic nature of Morgoth and the complex dynamics between Aule and his Maia, such as Mairon, show a delicate balance of power that can shift with the tide of both ambition and cunning. In the end, the story of Middle-earth teaches us the importance of morality, unity, and the strategic use of intelligence to counter even the most powerful adversaries.