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{{disambig-more|Balrog|[[Balrog (disambiguation)]]}}{{people infobox
{{disambig-more|Balrog|[[Balrog (disambiguation)]]}}
{{people infobox
| name=Balrogs
| name=Balrogs
| image=[[File:Thomas Rouillard - Valaraukar.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:Thomas Rouillard - Valaraukar.jpg|250px]]
| caption=
| caption="Valaraukar" by [[:Category:Images by Thomas Rouillard|Thomas Rouillard]]
| pronun=
| pronun=
| othernames=
| othernames=''Valaraukar'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=[[Maiar]]
| origin=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| location=Primarily [[Angband]],<br>[[Moria]] ([[Durin's Bane]])
| location=Primarily [[Angband]],<br>[[Moria]] ([[Durin's Bane]])
| affiliation=[[Morgoth]]
| affiliation=[[Morgoth]]
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| members=[[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], [[Durin's Bane]]
| members=[[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], [[Durin's Bane]]
| lifespan=Immortal
| lifespan=Immortal
| distinctions=Man-like, surrounded by shadow and fire, covered in smoke
| distinctions=Man-like, surrounded by shadow and fire, covered in smoke<br />''(cf. [[Balrogs/Wings]])''
| height=Twice the height of a man
| height=Twice the height of a man
| hair=
| hair=
| skin=
| skin=
| clothing=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| weapons=Whips, swords, axes
}}
}}
{{Pronounce|Balrog.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{Quote|... in Utumno he gathered his demons about him, those spirits who first adhered to him in the days of his splendour, and became most like him in his corruption: their hearts were of fire, but they were cloaked in darkness, and terror went before them; they had whips of flame.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor]]"}}
The '''Balrogs''', or '''Balrogath''' ("Balrog-kind") were [[Maiar]] corrupted by [[Morgoth]] during the creation of [[Arda]], who cloaked themselves in shadow and flame and carried whips and swords.   Famed Balrogs include [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], slain by [[Ecthelion]], and [[Durin's Bane]], slain by [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (Gandalf).
The '''Balrogs''', or '''Balrogath''' ("Balrog-kind") were [[Maiar]] corrupted by [[Morgoth]] during the creation of [[Arda]], who cloaked themselves in shadow and flame and carried whips and swords. Famed Balrogs include [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], slain by [[Ecthelion]], and [[Durin's Bane]], slain by [[Gandalf]].


== History ==
== History ==
Balrogs, also called [[Valaraukar]], were a group of [[Maiar]] who were seduced by [[Morgoth]] and corrupted for his service before the coming of the [[Elves]]. They were of close relation to [[Arien]], the Maia who guided the sun. The Balrogs were originally gathered by [[Morgoth]] in his ancient fortress of [[Utumno]] during the [[Years of the Lamps]]. When this fortress was destroyed by the [[Valar]], they fled to the North and hid in the pits of [[Angband]], awaiting their master's return.
Balrogs, also called [[Valaraukar]], were originally [[Ainur]] created by [[Ilúvatar]], probably those who joined [[Melkor]] during his discordance in the [[Music of the Ainur]]. After entering into [[]], they were [[Maiar]], lesser spirits at the service of the [[Valar]].


When [[Morgoth]] and [[Ungoliant]] escaped from [[Valinor]] many years later with the [[Silmarils]], the Balrogs were still awaiting their master in [[Angband]]. Ungoliant threatened [[Morgoth]], demanding the Silmarils for herself, but the Balrogs issued from their hiding-place and rescued their lord.
{{blockquote|...of the Maiar many were drawn to [Melkor's] splendour in the days of his greatness, and remained in that allegiance down into his darkness; and others he corrupted afterwards to his service with lies and treacherous gifts. Dreadful among these spirits were the Valaraukar, the scourges of fire that in Middle-earth were called the Balrogs, demons of terror.|''[[Valaquenta]]'': Of the Enemies}}


The Balrogs were first encountered by the Elves during the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] ("Battle under the Stars") in the First Age. After the victory of the [[Noldor|Noldorin Elves]] over Morgoth's forces, the Elf Lord [[Fëanor]] pressed on towards [[Angband]], but the Balrogs came up against him. He was surrounded and fought long against them before being mortally wounded by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], Lord of the Balrogs (the only Balrog known by name). Though Fëanor's sons fought off the demons of fire, Fëanor died of his wounds soon after.
They took the [[Fana|forms]] of demons with hearts of fire and whips of flame. Melkor gathered them about him after the fall of the [[Two Lamps]] and they dwelt in [[Utumno]].<ref>{{S|3}}</ref> When this fortress was destroyed by the [[Valar]], they fled to the west and hid in the pits of [[Angband]], awaiting their master's return.<ref name=Return>{{S|9}}</ref>


After the last battle of the First Age, some Balrogs escaped the Valar's wrath and hid deep underground, in inaccessible places at the roots of the earth. Only one Balrog appears after the chaining of [[Melkor]]. If Sauron had any in his service during the [[Second Age]] or during the [[War of the Ring]], they were never revealed. In the Third Age the [[Dwarves]] of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] unwittingly released the Balrog, afterwards known as [[Durin's Bane]], while mining for ''[[mithril]]'' and were driven out of Moria by the creature. Appearing in ''The Fellowship of the Ring'', it is the only Balrog described by Tolkien after the [[War of Wrath]] and was the Balrog that Gandalf battled on the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].
When [[Morgoth]] and [[Ungoliant]] escaped from [[Valinor]] many years later with the [[Silmarils]], the Balrogs were still awaiting their master in Angband. After Ungoliant threatened Morgoth, his cry was heard by them. Then the Balrogs issued from their hiding-place and ran to [[Lammoth]] like a tempest of fire. With their whips they destroyed Ungoliant's webs and made her take flight.<ref name=Return>{{S|9}}</ref>


==Other versions of the Legendarium==
The Balrogs were first encountered by the Elves during the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] ("Battle under the Stars") before the [[First Age]] began. After the victory of the [[Noldor|Noldorin Elves]] over Morgoth's forces, the Elf Lord [[Fëanor]] pressed on towards [[Angband]], but the Balrogs came up against him. He was surrounded and fought long against them before being mortally wounded by [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], Lord of the Balrogs (the only Balrog known by name). Though Fëanor's sons fought off the demons of fire, Fëanor died of his wounds soon after.<ref>{{S|13}}</ref>
 
During the [[Wars of Beleriand]], Morgoth only came out of Angband on [[Fall of Fingolfin|one occasion]]. Instead, he sent the Balrogs to fight and lead in battle. Two of them were killed in the [[Fall of Gondolin]]: Gothmog by [[Ecthelion]], and another by [[Glorfindel]].<ref>{{S|Gondolin}}</ref>
 
After the [[War of Wrath]], some Balrogs escaped the destruction of [[Beleriand]] and hid deep underground, in inaccessible places at the roots of the earth. Only one Balrog appears after the defeating of [[Morgoth]]: In the Third Age the [[Dwarves]] of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] unwittingly released the Balrog, afterwards known as [[Durin's Bane]], while mining for ''[[mithril]]'' and were driven out of Moria by the creature.<ref>{{App|Durin}}</ref> Encountered by the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], it was faced by [[Gandalf]].<ref>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>
 
==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Balrog.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Balrog'' is [[Sindarin]] for "Demon of Might", from [[root]] ''[[BAL]]'' ("power") + ''[[raug]]/[[rog]]'' ("demon").<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''rauko'', ''val''</ref><ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, p. 48</ref>
 
The [[Quenya]] form '''''[[Valarauko]]''''' (plural ''Valaraukar'') points to a possible [[Primitive Quendian]] form *''balaraukô''.{{fact}}
 
In the earlier ''[[The Etymologies|Etymologies]]'', the word ''Balrog'' was derived from ''ñgwalaraukô'',<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "[[RUK]]"</ref> but this is inconsistent with Quenya ''Valarauko''.
 
A list of [[Old English]] equivalents of [[Elvish]] words, glosses ''Balrog'' as having the equivalent ''Bealuwearg'' and ''Bealubroga''. As noted by [[Christopher Tolkien]], the Old English word contains the elements ''bealu'' ("evil"; as in ''bale(ful)'') and ''wearg'' ("wolf, outlaw") or ''broga'' ("terror").<ref>{{SM|QA1}}, p. 209</ref>
 
==Other versions of the legendarium==
In one of Tolkien's early Middle-earth writings, ''[[The Lay of the Children of Húrin]]'', "[[Lungorthin]], Lord of Balrogs" is mentioned. It is not, however, certain if it was another name for Gothmog, or if it simply meant "a Balrog lord". According to [[Christopher Tolkien]], the latter is more probable, as the name Gothmog was mentioned in the earliest Middle-earth writings, as well as the final version of Tolkien's mythology.
In one of Tolkien's early Middle-earth writings, ''[[The Lay of the Children of Húrin]]'', "[[Lungorthin]], Lord of Balrogs" is mentioned. It is not, however, certain if it was another name for Gothmog, or if it simply meant "a Balrog lord". According to [[Christopher Tolkien]], the latter is more probable, as the name Gothmog was mentioned in the earliest Middle-earth writings, as well as the final version of Tolkien's mythology.


The Balrogs were originally envisioned as being immense in number:
The Balrogs were originally envisioned as being immense in number:
{{blockquote|The early conception of Balrogs makes them less terrible, and certainly more destructible, than they afterwards became: they existed in 'hundreds' (p. 170), and were slain by [[Tuor]] and the [[Gondolin|Gondothlim]] in large numbers: "thus five fell before Tuor's great axe [[Dramborleg]], three before [[Ecthelion]]'s sword, and two score were slain by the warriors of the king's house.|''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', commentary by Christopher Tolkien on "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]"}}
{{blockquote|The early conception of Balrogs makes them less terrible, and certainly more destructible, than they afterwards became: they existed in 'hundreds' (p. 170), and were slain by [[Tuor]] and the [[Gondothlim]] in large numbers: "thus five fell before Tuor's great axe [[Dramborleg]], three before [[Ecthelion]]'s sword, and two score were slain by the warriors of the king's house.|''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', commentary by Christopher Tolkien on "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]"}}
{{blockquote|There came wolves and serpents and there came Balrogs one thousand, and there came Glomund the Father of Dragons.|''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', ''Quenta Silmarillion'', Chapter 16, §15}}
{{blockquote|There came wolves and serpents and there came Balrogs one thousand, and there came Glomund the Father of Dragons.|''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', ''Quenta Silmarillion'', Chapter 16, §15}}


Line 44: Line 58:


It should, however, be noted that these texts postdate the published ''The Lord of the Rings'', but predate the materials from which the published ''The Silmarillion'' was drawn. The exact number of Balrogs is therefore very uncertain, but Tolkien's note above seems to have been his final word.
It should, however, be noted that these texts postdate the published ''The Lord of the Rings'', but predate the materials from which the published ''The Silmarillion'' was drawn. The exact number of Balrogs is therefore very uncertain, but Tolkien's note above seems to have been his final word.
==Etymology==
Balrog is [[Sindarin]] for "Demon of Might" from ''[[balan|bal-]]'', "power" and ''[[raug]], [[rog]]'', "demon".
The [[Quenya]] form '''''[[Valarauko]]''''' points to a possible [[Primitive Quendian]] form *''balaraukô''.
In the earlier [[The Etymologies|Etymologies]], the word Balrog was derived from ''[[ñgwalaraukô]]'',<ref>{{HM|LR}}, [[The Etymologies]], RUK</ref> but this is inconsistent with Quenya ''Valarauko''.
A list of [[Old English]] equivalents of [[Elvish]] words, glosses ''[[Balrogs|Balrog]]'' as having the equivalent ''Bealuwearg'' and ''Bealubroga''. As noted by [[Christopher Tolkien]], the Old English word contains the elements ''bealu'' ("evil"; as in ''bale(ful)'') and ''wearg'' ("wolf, outlaw") or ''broga'' ("terror").<ref>{{SM|QA1}}, p. 209</ref>


==Portrayal in adaptations==
==Portrayal in adaptations==
Line 59: Line 64:
File:Thaurlach.jpg|<center>The Balrog Thaurlach from ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Thaurlach.jpg|<center>The Balrog Thaurlach from ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
</gallery>
</gallery>
If adaptations were to be counted as canon, the matter of Balrog wings would be decided.
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The Balrog has wings and appears capable of limited flight. The head resembles a lion but the rest of the body was rendered in matte black, a technique commonly used for shadowy surreal effect in rotoscope animation.
:The Balrog has wings and appears capable of limited flight. The head resembles a lion but the rest of the body was rendered in matte black, a technique commonly used for shadowy surreal effect in rotoscope animation.

Revision as of 03:27, 16 January 2021

The name Balrog refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Balrog (disambiguation).
Balrogs
People
Thomas Rouillard - Valaraukar.jpg
"Valaraukar" by Thomas Rouillard
General Information
Other namesValaraukar (Q)
OriginsCreation of the Ainur
LocationsPrimarily Angband,
Moria (Durin's Bane)
AffiliationMorgoth
MembersGothmog, Durin's Bane
Physical Description
LifespanImmortal
DistinctionsMan-like, surrounded by shadow and fire, covered in smoke
(cf. Balrogs/Wings)
Average heightTwice the height of a man
WeaponryWhips, swords, axes
GalleryImages of Balrogs
"... in Utumno he gathered his demons about him, those spirits who first adhered to him in the days of his splendour, and became most like him in his corruption: their hearts were of fire, but they were cloaked in darkness, and terror went before them; they had whips of flame."
The Silmarillion, "Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"

The Balrogs, or Balrogath ("Balrog-kind") were Maiar corrupted by Morgoth during the creation of Arda, who cloaked themselves in shadow and flame and carried whips and swords. Famed Balrogs include Gothmog, slain by Ecthelion, and Durin's Bane, slain by Gandalf.

History

Balrogs, also called Valaraukar, were originally Ainur created by Ilúvatar, probably those who joined Melkor during his discordance in the Music of the Ainur. After entering into , they were Maiar, lesser spirits at the service of the Valar.

...of the Maiar many were drawn to [Melkor's] splendour in the days of his greatness, and remained in that allegiance down into his darkness; and others he corrupted afterwards to his service with lies and treacherous gifts. Dreadful among these spirits were the Valaraukar, the scourges of fire that in Middle-earth were called the Balrogs, demons of terror.
Valaquenta: Of the Enemies

They took the forms of demons with hearts of fire and whips of flame. Melkor gathered them about him after the fall of the Two Lamps and they dwelt in Utumno.[1] When this fortress was destroyed by the Valar, they fled to the west and hid in the pits of Angband, awaiting their master's return.[2]

When Morgoth and Ungoliant escaped from Valinor many years later with the Silmarils, the Balrogs were still awaiting their master in Angband. After Ungoliant threatened Morgoth, his cry was heard by them. Then the Balrogs issued from their hiding-place and ran to Lammoth like a tempest of fire. With their whips they destroyed Ungoliant's webs and made her take flight.[2]

The Balrogs were first encountered by the Elves during the Dagor-nuin-Giliath ("Battle under the Stars") before the First Age began. After the victory of the Noldorin Elves over Morgoth's forces, the Elf Lord Fëanor pressed on towards Angband, but the Balrogs came up against him. He was surrounded and fought long against them before being mortally wounded by Gothmog, Lord of the Balrogs (the only Balrog known by name). Though Fëanor's sons fought off the demons of fire, Fëanor died of his wounds soon after.[3]

During the Wars of Beleriand, Morgoth only came out of Angband on one occasion. Instead, he sent the Balrogs to fight and lead in battle. Two of them were killed in the Fall of Gondolin: Gothmog by Ecthelion, and another by Glorfindel.[4]

After the War of Wrath, some Balrogs escaped the destruction of Beleriand and hid deep underground, in inaccessible places at the roots of the earth. Only one Balrog appears after the defeating of Morgoth: In the Third Age the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm unwittingly released the Balrog, afterwards known as Durin's Bane, while mining for mithril and were driven out of Moria by the creature.[5] Encountered by the Fellowship of the Ring, it was faced by Gandalf.[6]

Etymology

Balrog is Sindarin for "Demon of Might", from root BAL ("power") + raug/rog ("demon").[7][8]

The Quenya form Valarauko (plural Valaraukar) points to a possible Primitive Quendian form *balaraukô.[source?]

In the earlier Etymologies, the word Balrog was derived from ñgwalaraukô,[9] but this is inconsistent with Quenya Valarauko.

A list of Old English equivalents of Elvish words, glosses Balrog as having the equivalent Bealuwearg and Bealubroga. As noted by Christopher Tolkien, the Old English word contains the elements bealu ("evil"; as in bale(ful)) and wearg ("wolf, outlaw") or broga ("terror").[10]

Other versions of the legendarium

In one of Tolkien's early Middle-earth writings, The Lay of the Children of Húrin, "Lungorthin, Lord of Balrogs" is mentioned. It is not, however, certain if it was another name for Gothmog, or if it simply meant "a Balrog lord". According to Christopher Tolkien, the latter is more probable, as the name Gothmog was mentioned in the earliest Middle-earth writings, as well as the final version of Tolkien's mythology.

The Balrogs were originally envisioned as being immense in number:

The early conception of Balrogs makes them less terrible, and certainly more destructible, than they afterwards became: they existed in 'hundreds' (p. 170), and were slain by Tuor and the Gondothlim in large numbers: "thus five fell before Tuor's great axe Dramborleg, three before Ecthelion's sword, and two score were slain by the warriors of the king's house.
The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, commentary by Christopher Tolkien on "The Fall of Gondolin"

There came wolves and serpents and there came Balrogs one thousand, and there came Glomund the Father of Dragons.
The Lost Road and Other Writings, Quenta Silmarillion, Chapter 16, §15

As the legendarium became more formidable and internally consistent, and the Balrogs more terrible, this number was much reduced. In the end Tolkien stated that there were probably "at most" seven Balrogs:

In the margin my father wrote: 'There should not be supposed more than say 3 or at most 7 ever existed.'
Morgoth's Ring, Section 2 (AAm*): note 50

It should, however, be noted that these texts postdate the published The Lord of the Rings, but predate the materials from which the published The Silmarillion was drawn. The exact number of Balrogs is therefore very uncertain, but Tolkien's note above seems to have been his final word.

Portrayal in adaptations

1978: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film):

The Balrog has wings and appears capable of limited flight. The head resembles a lion but the rest of the body was rendered in matte black, a technique commonly used for shadowy surreal effect in rotoscope animation.

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

Durin's Bane has wings. Jackson's Demon of Might was indistinct, a real blend of shadow and fire. Only its horned head, cloven feet, and clawed hands could clearly be seen.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game):

The Balrog has, once again, wings. The fight sequence, in which the player is Gandalf, takes considerably longer: only after a short fight on the bridge does Gandalf let it collapse.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers:

The chase up the Endless Stair and the slime Balrog were omitted due to budget constraints.[source?] However, part of Gandalf's battle with the Balrog is shown at the beginning of the film, and the fight atop Zirak-Zigil is seen in a flashback after Gandalf's return.

2003: Sierra's The War of the Ring:

The Balrog is the most powerful magical power available to Servants of Sauron. They have horns and wings.

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age:

The players assist Gandalf in his fight with the Balrog.

2004: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth:

The Balrog is the most powerful magical power available to both Mordor and Isengard faction. Visual appearance follows the movie version.

2006: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II:

Unlike the original game, The Balrog is not available to Isengard faction, but only to Mordor and the new Goblin factions.

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Durin's Bane can be observed in two "session plays" (player character not present): one depicts the awakening of the Balrog by Dwarves under Durin VI, the other depicts dwarves of Balin's company fleeing from the ancient evil. After Gandalf defeats him, the lifeless body of Durin's Bane can be found on the slopes of Zirakzigil. Despite the players knowing the Balrog dead, another Servant of Sauron tests their will and fears, by portraying an illusion of it. In the illusion, the fight between Gandalf and the Balrog on the Endless Stair is recreated, until it ends the opposite way of the actual event: the Balrog defeats the Wizard, throwing his lifeless body from Zirakzigil. Players have to defeat the Balrog in order to combat the illusion.
The game also features another Balrog: named Thaurlach, he can be found in the Rift of Nûrz Ghâshu, where Angmar meets Misty Mountains. He fled there are the breaking of Thangorodrim, but was followed by an elf-maiden Glathlírel who was determined to end him. The Balrog eluded her for millennia, until she was able to face him in combat and defeat him. Rather than kill the Balrog, the two Blue Wizards decided to imprison him in the Rift, so that he could await his judgment at the end of days. However, by the end of the Third Age his chains were loosening and a band of players was sent to defeat the weakened Balrog - something, that as Gandalf remarked, should have been done ages ago.

2009: The Lord of the Rings: Conquest:

The Balrog is one of the "heroes" available to Servants of Sauron during evil campaign. Appearance reflects the movie version.

2017: Middle-earth: Shadow of War:

The game also features another Balrog: named Tar Goroth, who must be killed to complete a specific side-quest, has wings and is able to leap over large distances without flying.

See also

External links

References

Ainur
Valar Lords Manwë · Ulmo · Aulë · Oromë · Mandos · Irmo · Tulkas · Melkor
Valier Varda · Yavanna · Nienna · Estë · Vairë · Vána · Nessa
Maiar Arien · Blue Wizards · Eönwë · Gandalf · Ilmarë · Melian · Ossë · Radagast · Salmar · Saruman · Tilion · Uinen
Úmaiar Sauron · Balrogs (Gothmog · Durin's Bane) · Boldogs
Concepts and locations Almaren · Aratar (indicated in italics) · Creation of the Ainur · Fana · Máhanaxar · Ainulindalë · Order of Wizards (indicated in bold) · Second Music of the Ainur · Timeless Halls · Valarin · Valinor · Valimar