Was the Balrog drawn by the ring?

[Inziladun]

I think the Ring was a likely factor in the Balrog's attack on the Fellowship. It appears that all the evil creatures in Moria were drawn to it; the Watcher went for Frodo, the orc in the Chamber threw his spear at Frodo, etc.

It's also a pet theory of mine that the Balrog may have been the "spirit" of Caradhras, hostile to Elves, Dwarves, and Men. Gimli noted that Caradhras had a bad reputation before Sauron had been heard of in Moria, and that would fit with the idea that the Balrog hid there at the end of the breaking of Angband.

[Zigûr]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

I think the Ring was a likely factor in the Balrog's attack on the Fellowship. It appears that all the evil creatures in Moria were drawn to it; the Watcher went for Frodo, the orc in the Chamber threw his spear at Frodo, etc.

I agree. I think the Ring was a factor. The Balrog seems to have chosen its moments sporadically: after slaying Náin I it doesn't seem to have done much again beyond perhaps lurking near the East-gate as the Battle of Azanulbizar was fought; Dáin perceived it at least, even if he didn't see it. It's a good example of why the Istari were cloaked; evidently the Balrog did not innately perceive Gandalf as a danger or it might have confronted him the first time he entered Moria.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Zigûr

It's a good example of why the Istari were cloaked; evidently the Balrog did not innately perceive Gandalf as a danger or it might have confronted him the first time he entered Moria.

Aragorn said he had been in Moria before as well, yet he had no knowledge of the Balrog.

[FerniesApple]

yes it was probably the Ring, but if you walk past a sleeping tiger its best not to poke it in the nose. I think it was awoken by too much noise. It could have been attracted to a heady cocktail of Ring, Istari, Elf and Isildurs heir. it could 'smell' them,

[Tar-Jêx]

I believe the Balrogs are maia, and therefore would not be influenced by the ring.
Durin's Bane would have most likely been stirred up by the commotion caused by the Fellowship and goblins, and possibly Gandalf's use of magic.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Tar-Jêx

I believe the Balrogs are maia, and therefore would not be influenced by the ring.
Durin's Bane would have most likely been stirred up by the commotion caused by the Fellowship and goblins, and possibly Gandalf's use of magic.

You'd think though that Gandalf had probably used 'magic on his earlier time in Moria, at least with staff-lighting. Yet it seems the Balrog at that time was either afraid, disinterested, or unaware that an intruder was about.

[Tar-Jêx]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

You'd think though that Gandalf had probably used 'magic on his earlier time in Moria, at least with staff-lighting. Yet it seems the Balrog at that time was either afraid, disinterested, or unaware that an intruder was about.

It may be possible that the Balrog was not drawn to the power of the ring as such, but aware of it.

[Zigûr]

Originally Posted by Tar-Jêx

I believe the Balrogs are maia, and therefore would not be influenced by the ring.

But why wouldn't a Maia be influenced by the Ring? Gandalf was a Maia and was tempted by it, and it was made by Sauron, who was a Maia and probably a much more powerful Maia than the Balrog.

The Ring didn't retain any of Sauron's mind or personality, did it? It was just some of his innate power. Was it not more malevolent-by-design and by nature rather than because of its derivation from Sauron? In addition to the Morgoth-element of gold of course. The power of the Ring, despite deriving from Sauron's spirit, seems to be more generic spiritual potency to me. I'm trying to think of an analogy for this but I'm struggling.

[PrinceOfTheHalflings]

Originally Posted by Zigûr

But why wouldn't a Maia be influenced by the Ring? Gandalf was a Maia and was tempted by it, and it was made by Sauron, who was a Maia and probably a much more powerful Maia than the Balrog.

Saruman (also a Maia) was tempted by the Ring too ... and he never even got near it!

So let's dismiss the idea that a Maia wouldn't be influenced/tempted.

[Leaf]

Originally Posted by Tar-Jêx

I believe the Balrogs are maia, and therefore would not be influenced by the ring.
Durin's Bane would have most likely been stirred up by the commotion caused by the Fellowship and goblins, and possibly Gandalf's use of magic.

My problem with this answer is that I find it kind of strange that Balin's Colony could live and labour in Moria for about 5 years without getting attacked by the Balrog. Im pretty sure their digging and mining caused a bigger commotion than anything the fellowship has done. As I said before it is unclear if the Balrog even took part in the final battle against Balin's Colony. Apart from this I find this systematical rating of supernatural beings and powers way too rigid. This ranking simplifies the individual relationships between characters whilst not offering any explanation aside from it's own inherent hierarchy. IIRC the Balrog is never called a "Maia" in the LotR. Neither is Sauron, or Gandalf. One should be able to answer this question with the information given to us within this very novel.