Was Melkor/Morgoth or Sauron More Pervasive as an Evil Force in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth?

In J.R.R. Tolkien's expansive universe of Middle-earth, the legendarium presents a complex landscape of evil, with Melkor (later known as Morgoth) and Sauron being the most formidable dark lords. Their roles and the nature of their evil are often analyzed and compared. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why Melkor/Morgoth is considered to be the greater evil in the legendarium.

Origins and Power

Melkor/Morgoth is the original Dark Lord and the most powerful of the Ainur, the primordial beings created by Eru Ilúvatar. His fall into evil represents the root of much of the subsequent darkness in Middle-earth. This makes him the most powerful and influential of the evil forces in Tolkien's universe. In contrast, Sauron was originally a servant of Morgoth and only became a Dark Lord in his own right after Morgoth’s defeat. Therefore, his evil is more a continuation and amplification of Morgoth's influence.

The Greatest Threat and Impact

1. Widespread Malevolence and Destruction: Melkor’s basic nature was to corrupt and pervert creation, a trait that led to widespread devastation in the early ages of Middle-earth. His actions were responsible for much of the suffering and corruption that affected the world. This included the creation of the first Dark Lord's forces and the first dragons and balrogs, which were enemy forces against which the term “Balrog” grew in the vocabulary of the dwellers of Middle-earth. His actions had a profound and lasting impact on the world, shaping its very fabric and setting the stage for the conflicts that would come.

2. Long-lasting and Profound Impact: Morgoth's actions were not transient; his corruption of the Elves and other beings, and his creation of terrible creatures like dragons and balrogs, left a lasting legacy. His influence on subsequent events and characters made him the central antagonist in the First Age. His evil was not just destructive but also perverted, leading to a lasting corruption in the world. In contrast, Sauron, while also evil, had a more focused goal of domination and control rather than the absolute destruction and perversion that Morgoth pursued.

Comparative Analysis: Sauron and the Aftermath of Morgoth

1. Servant of Morgoth: Sauron was initially a servant of Morgoth, and his evil largely stemmed from the influence of the former. After Morgoth's defeat, Sauron emerged as a powerful Dark Lord, known for his vast armies and dark sorcery. His actions, such as the creation of the One Ring, significantly contributed to the Second and Third Ages' conflicts. However, the extent of his evil and the scope of his influence were more limited compared to Morgoth's. Sauron's goals, while destructive, were more focused on domination rather than absolute annihilation.

2. Less Absolute Evil: Sauron's evil, while profound, was more a continuation of Morgoth's influence and goals. His ultimate goal was to dominate and control, rather than to destroy the world as Morgoth did. This difference in intent and scope can be seen in the way they interacted with the free peoples of Middle-earth. Morgoth sought to corrupt and pervert them, while Sauron sought to control and subjugate them.

Conclusion

Melkor/Morgoth is considered worse than Sauron because of his greater power, more extensive evil deeds, and the profound impact he had on the world. Morgoth’s actions and corruption shaped the very fabric of Middle-earth and set the stage for the conflicts that Sauron later perpetuated. This makes him the more pervasive and influential dark lord in the legendarium.

From the original dark lord Melkor/Morgoth to the sinister Sauron, each represents a different facet of evil in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Their legacies continue to influence the narratives and the characters they created, providing a rich backdrop for analysis and discussion.