MORGOTH Meaning and
Definition
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Morgoth is a term and a name most commonly referred to in the fictional works of J.R.R. Tolkien. As a noun, Morgoth refers to a dark and malevolent character who, in Tolkien's legendarium, is the supreme embodiment of evil and the main antagonist of The Silmarillion, a collection of myths and stories set in Middle-earth. As a name, Morgoth is associated with Melkor, a Valar (angelic being) who became corrupted by his desire for power and control.
Described as the "Black Foe of the World," Morgoth represents the incarnation of destruction, malevolence, and chaos in Tolkien's mythology. Often referred to as the "Dark Lord," he rebels against the will of the Valar, seeking to dominate and corrupt all of Arda (the world). Morgoth is skilled in manipulation and deception, thriving on the corruption of other beings, including elves, men, and even Maiar (lesser angels). He establishes his stronghold in the region of Middle-earth known as Angband and commands an army of creatures known as Orcs.
Morgoth's actions lead to numerous tragic events and wars, including the catastrophic war known as the War of Wrath, in which he is ultimately defeated and captured by the combined forces of the Valar and the Elves. Although ultimately weakened, Morgoth's influence continues to linger, and his name becomes synonymous with evil throughout the legendarium.
Etymology of MORGOTH
The word "Morgoth" is a fictional term created by J.R.R. Tolkien for his Middle-earth legendarium. It originates from the fictional languages he constructed for his stories, specifically in the Elvish language called Quenya.
In Quenya, Morgoth is composed of two elements: "mor" and "goth". "Mor" means "dark" or "black", while "goth" translates to "enemy" or "dread". So, the name Morgoth can be roughly understood as "Black Enemy" or "Dark Enemy".
Tolkien used this name to refer to the chief antagonist of his legendarium, Melkor. Morgoth was a Valar (a powerful divine being) who rebelled against the will of the gods and became the master of darkness and evil in Middle-earth.
