The Transformation of Melkor into Morgoth: A Journey Through Pride and Corruption in J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium

J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned author of The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, created a complex universe filled with deep-rooted mythologies and characters. Among the most intriguing of these characters is Melkor, who later came to be known as Morgoth. This transformation, driven by pride and rebellion, marks a significant pivotal point in the narrative of Middle-earth. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this change and how Melkor's journey epitomized the essence of ultimate evil in Tolkien's world.

Pride and Rebellion

Originally, known as melkor, meaning 'He who arises in might,' Melkor was one of the most powerful Ainur, the angelic beings created by the supreme deity Eru Ilúvatar. However, his desire for power and dominance pushed him towards rebellion against Ilúvatar, the creator of all that exists. This desire for control and supremacy ultimately led to his fall from grace.

Corruption of Middle-earth

As Melkor descended into darkness and malice, he began to corrupt the natural order of Middle-earth. His gluttony for chaos and destruction tainted the very essence of the land. He sought to control and corrupt the creations of Eru, particularly the Elves and Men, aiming to assert his dominance over them. This corruption spread fear, chaos, and destruction, opposing the other Valar, the god-like beings who sought to bring peace and order.

Morgoth, the name by which Melkor was known after his fall, literally translates to Mor/thaug, meaning 'Dark Enemy' in the Noldorin language. This name perfectly encapsulates his role in the mythology as a symbol of ultimate evil, embodying the very essence of darkness and chaos.

The Name Morgoth

The transformation from melkor to morgoth was a direct result of his actions and the recognition of his essence by the free people of Middle-earth. The name morgoth was given to him by F?anor, a Noldorin elf, after F?anor learned that Melkor had stolen the Silmarils, the priceless jewels created by F?anor's father Finw?. This act of betrayal and violence led to F?anor's bitter denunciation of Melkor, and the name morgoth became a pejorative epithet, a symbol of absolute evil.

It is important to note that while melkor was his original name, it was largely replaced in common usage by morgoth. Just as "Donald J. Trump" is often referred to as the "Traitorous ex-President" by many, morgoth became the derogatory term for Melkor, reflecting his transformation from a noble being to a dark force of destruction.

Tolkien's Usage of Terms

In his essays and elsewhere, Tolkien himself referred to Melkor as melkor before his fall and as morgoth after he had become evil and engaged in the ultimate act of domination over Middle-earth. This usage mirrors his approach in other works, such as when he uses Smaug to refer to the post-ringed Smeagol, derogating to the name of a character once known for nobility.

Tolkien's meticulous attention to linguistic detail in his works is evident in his treatment of names and epithets. He regularly used different forms and names to reflect a character's transformation or moral standing within the narrative. In the case of Melkor and Morgoth, this transformation is a clear representation of both the fall from grace and the embodiment of evil in the mythology of Middle-earth.

In conclusion, the transformation of Melkor into Morgoth was a complex journey influenced by pride, rebellion, and corruption. Through his actions, Melkor became a symbol of ultimate evil in Tolkien's world, embodying the essence of darkness and chaos. This transformation serves as a profound reminder of the consequences of rebellion against divine will and the nature of evil in the universe created by J.R.R. Tolkien.