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Word of the Day

Word of the Day: Melkor

January 6, 2022      1 Comment

Word of the Day
January 6, 2022
Melkor

Word of the Day: Melkor (Morgoth) – means ‘he who arises in might.’ He is the Dark Lord, who is later called Morgoth. Created in the Timeless Halls, he was originally the most powerful, but he rebelled against his creator, Eru Ilúvatar.

Melkor History

There were many instances where he rebelled in order to corrupt Arda – many that lead to his eventual ban especially his theft of the silmarils which eventually changed his name to Morgoth and led to his ban from Arda.

Ainulindalë

When the Ainur sang the music of the Theme of Ilúvatar, he came to do anything that was not what Ilúvatar would want. He did this for power of glory and for himself. When he was with Ilúvatar, he wanted to seek the Imperishable Flame, but couldn’t find it.

He went his own way, when the Ainur continued playing their music – and not in a good way as it was loud, vain and endlessly repeated (The Silmarillion). However, it eventually was woven together as the Music ceased after Ilúvatar arose a third time. Melkor was ashamed and eventually left.

Departure and the Two Great Lamps

After his departure, the Valar decided to quiet the tumults of the world, in order to prepare for the coming of the Elves. They constructed two lamps and set their place of dwelling. Melkor re-entered Arda and delved a mighty fortress. Eventually, he came forward to cast down the lamps, which led to a catastrophe.

Theft of the Silmarils

He went to Formenos in order to fake a friendship with Fëanor to get the Silmarils. By then, Fëanor had already given a testimony against Melkor, so he refused. However, Melkor went to Formenos anyways in order to steal the Silmarils, and killed Finwë, Fëanor’s father.

The Silmarils ended up burning his hand, but he didn’t release them. He fled with Ungoliant to the North, and then to Middle-earth crossing Helcaraxë, and then approaching Angband.

While on the way to Angband, Ungoliant saw through his plan and stopped, demanding that he surrender the treasure of Formenos, which Melkor refused. The Balrogs eventually drove Ungoliant away, hearing the cries of pain and anguish from Melkor.

When Fëanor found out his father was slain, he cursed Melkor and thus, his name was changed to Morgoth, which means ‘Dark Enemy.’ And he was known as such ever since.

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  1. Word of the Day: Valar - An Elf Friend says:
    January 8, 2022 at 5:05 am

    […] Word of the Day: Valar – the Powers of Arda, who dwell in Aman as the shapers and rulers of the world. They were named by the Elves, and there are 14 in total – 7 lords, and 7 queens. They entered after the creation of Arda, in order to give some order to the world and as a response to the evils of Melkor. […]

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