Dragons vs. Balrogs? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Thingol · 03-10-2002, 09:22 AM

Creature: Something created...

The only problem is the Balrogs were not created by Melkor, and in Voronwe's statement he says of Glaurung, he is the most fell of all the creatures of Morgoth. Morgoth did not create the Balrogs; they could be considered creatures of Illuvitar under your interpretation, but not the most fell of Melkor's creatures. Therefore, thanks to your definition, Balrogs can not be classified under creatures. On the other hand Melkor did have a part in breeding the Dragon's, so they could be refered to as his creatures. Legolas' statement, that save Sauron the Balrogs are the greatest of the elf banes is more general, and can include both Balrogs and Dragons. I did check and every one of the few times a Maia (of any Vala) is described, it is always as a servant. Creature might be a more general term, but there is still a distinction, at least in Tolkien's works, between servant and creature. I think Obloquy's comparison of pig vs farmhand applies nicely. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[ March 10, 2002: Message edited by: Thingol ]

03-10-2002, 09:22 AM	#11
Thingol Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 259	Creature: Something created... The only problem is the Balrogs were not created by Melkor, and in Voronwe's statement he says of Glaurung, he is the most fell of all the creatures of Morgoth. Morgoth did not create the Balrogs; they could be considered creatures of Illuvitar under your interpretation, but not the most fell of Melkor's creatures. Therefore, thanks to your definition, Balrogs can not be classified under creatures. On the other hand Melkor did have a part in breeding the Dragon's, so they could be refered to as his creatures. Legolas' statement, that save Sauron the Balrogs are the greatest of the elf banes is more general, and can include both Balrogs and Dragons. I did check and every one of the few times a Maia (of any Vala) is described, it is always as a servant. Creature might be a more general term, but there is still a distinction, at least in Tolkien's works, between servant and creature. I think Obloquy's comparison of pig vs farmhand applies nicely. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [ March 10, 2002: Message edited by: Thingol ] __________________ Yet the lies that Melkor, the mighty and accursed, Morgoth Bauglir, the Power of Terror and of Hate, sowed in the hearts of Elves and Men are a seed that does not die and cannot be destroyed; and ever and anon it sprouts anew, and will bear dark fruit even unto the latest days.