June 3, 2002

Balrogs
Forest Dweller

Hi. Always been fascinated by these “Demons of the Ancient World.” Reading your essays and the essays of others has created even more interest. I have always considered their actions to reflect a high order of intelligence. Defeating Noldorian Kings and Princes is no easy task. Putting Gandalf up against the ropes is not something easily accomplished either. In the demonic hierarchy, my own that is, from highest degree of evil intelligence, it was:

1. Morgoth
2. Sauron
3. Dragons
4. Balrogs
5. Spiders Ungoliant was exceptionally smart.
6. Trolls? I’m not exactly certain.
7. Orcs

I guess I’ve always judged the power/intellect of an evil being by the power and intellect of their victims. Feanor was defeated by Balrogs. Ecthelion was defeated by Balrogs. Fingon was defeated by Balrogs. Glorifindel, defeated by Balrogs. Gandalf the Grey, killed, but not defeated(!) by a Balrog. Actually that conflict was a draw.

The passage that reveals the most about the nature of a Balrog’s intellect is the conflict with Gandalf in Khazad-Dum. What leads me to believe there is a strong intellect inherent to a Balrog is the Spell on the Door. The power trying to open the door was not the spell, but the power of the mind casting the spell. The door shattered under the powers exerted from both minds. Gandalf and the Balrog were equals in terms of power and intellect.

I wish that scene was in the movie.

The best battles are battles of equals. That’s where intellect, not power, becomes the deciding factor. And if the intellects are evenly matched, look out! Gandalf versus the Balrog round two. I cannot wait! I am (SO!) looking forward to the Two Towers, for that conflict alone! Not to mention all of the other conflicts. No wonder Shelob got pushed back to Rotk.

My question is: What would have happened if Gandalf failed, been swept aside and the Balrog got the One Ring?

As terrifiying as the NINE were, the Ring in the hands of a Balrog always horrified me even more. It was just steps away from the ring bearer.

Also: Where the heck did dragons come from? Trolls>Ents. Orcs>Elves. Maiar>Balrogs. Eagles>Dragons? I just don’t know! Was that Morgoth’s one true creation?

This is my first essay. I love your forum, and all the thought provoking essays.

Sincerely,
Forest Dweller