Balrogs and Elvish Spirits

[Eönwë]

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

Or else he/she/it chose to keep out of Sauron's way. It may not have wanted to be used and exploited by him like so many other beings and creatures were used by both Morgoth and Sauron.

But hadn't they (the Balrogs) willingly joined Morgoth? Would they have had the strength of will to turn away from Morgoth?

Originally Posted by Rumil

I've wondered if the Balrog had gone into some sort of hibernation in the long years between the end of the First Age and the dwarves' delving.

Hibernation sounds like a good idea. This has also brought a more rudimentary question to my mind: Do Balrogs have wings... er.... I mean...Do Balrogs need to eat? Or for that matter, can they eat? Do they even have mouths?

[Bêthberry]

Wouldn't any fiery creature want to stay deep below the water table? After all, there were floodwaters by the Gate of Moria wherein dwelt the Watcher in the Water.