Gothmog?

[Legolas]

I'm starting to think that way myself, what with all the talk that has been made of the reincarnation of Glorfindel. Durin the Deathless also returns among his kin, and so is it inconceivable that a Balrog could do the same?

Yes. A Balrog is of a different fundamental origin - as shown by Gandalf's death, when an Ainu dies (especially one so bound to his/her hroa), the fea leaves Arda. Elves are entirely different - the fea is locked in the world until its end, so they could be freely reincarnated. Durin was the same way, supposedly (given that we know very little of dwarven culture).

Gandalf was only reincarnated at Eru's command. I can't see any justification for presuming that Eru would've done the same with Gothmog. If I was an orc (or any other evil character trying to make a name for myself), Gothmog would seem like a likely candidate for a name. If Gothmog could 'sneak' back through into the Doors of Night (which he assuredly could not), so too could Morgoth, surely. This is obviously not the case.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:25 AM December 23, 2003: Message edited by: Legolas ]