Morgoth Bauglir

The Power of Terror and Hate
Name	Melkor
Nicknames	Morgoth Bauglir He Who Arises in Might Dark Enemy of the World The Dark Lord The Black Foe Master of the Fates of Arda The Elder King The Great Enemy Enemy in the Great Darkness Blackheart
Origin	Tolkien's Legendarium
Characteristics
Sex	Male
Age	Older than the concept of Time
Species	Ainu (Vala)
Affiliations	None
Alignment	Chaotic Evil
Status	Alive (but currently imprisoned)

Background

Morgoth, once named Melkor, is the primary antagonist of The Silmarillion, and the master and predecessor of Sauron, in-turn eponymous primary antagonist of entirety of Tolkien's Legendarium.

Once part of the Valar, Melkor became the first Dark Lord who was named Morgoth Bauglir in Beleriand and Middle-earth. He became greedy and hungry for Light, but seeing it was inaccessible to him, he turned to Dark, coveting it and, by seducing many Ainur and corrupting them to his cause, he filled the Dark with fear for all future life. Melkor marred the Ainulindalë, the Music of the Ainur, with his selfish ambitions and inspired fear and corruption amongst his brothers and sisters. Eventually, the All-Powerful Eru Ilúvatar rebuked Melkor for his pride and reminded him that pride was his weakness. Ashamed, Melkor withdrew, but when Ilúvatar showed the Valar His new creation: Arda, Melkor longed to possess it. He gained a foothold on Arda's newly created surface and fell into a battle with his brethren, which lasted all through the World's early history. Eventually, Melkor claimed Kingship over Arda and declared himself the god of the realm, but it took the combined efforts of Elves, Men, Valar, and all the Free Peoples of the world to defeat him. The Valar captured him and thrust him through the Doors of Night into the Timeless Void, binding him in the great chain, Angainor. However, he was prophesied to return at the End of the World, escaping the Timeless Void and battling with the Valar once more.

Powers and Stats

Tier: At least 2-A, possibly lower | 2-A | 1-A

Key: As Morgoth | As Melkor | Timeless Halls/Ainulindalë

Dimensionality: 3-D | 3-D | Inapplicable

Powers and Abilities:

• Within Eä
• Timeless Halls/Ainulindalë
• Verse-wide Abilities and Resistances

• As Morgoth
• As Melkor

• Ainur Physiology (Initially the Abilities and Resistances of the Aratar from "Within Eä", but eventually becomes the Abilities and Resistances of the Greater Maiar upon diminishing)
• Dark Magic
• Shapeshifting and Size Manipulation (Appeared to the Atani under the form of a humanoid fair teacher, and later appeared as a tall Dark Lord in his fight with Fingolfin)
  • Large Size (At least Type 1, possibly Type 2; Was as massive as a tower in his fight with Fingolfin)
• Social Influencing (Deceived Manwë into thinking he had repented, influenced the Ñoldor by giving them knowledge about the world, sowed lies among the Ñoldor to turn them against the Valar, which succeeded to an extent, and attempted to manipulate Men into following him, which succeeded with some)
• Magma and Elemental Manipulation (Caused violent volcanic eruptions)
• Heat and Ice Manipulation (Created scorching heat and bitter cold as a result of his discord)
• Curse Manipulation (Cursed Húrin's children to doom and despair)
• Fear Manipulation, Soul Manipulation, Power Absorption and Sealing (Morgoth, Sauron, and their Necromancer servants can attack spirits mentally, chase them out with terror, reduce them to impotence, or trap the spirit in the body in a perverted way)
• Possibly Life Manipulation and Creation (Created the Dragons through unknown means)
• Weather Manipulation (Created nigh-impenetrable clouds of smoke)
• Illusion Creation (Should have the powers of his servants, including Sauron, who had the ability to cast illusions, which he used to trick Gorlim with an illusion of his wife Eilinel)
• Possession (It is stated that Sauron could possess the bodies of individuals who let him in and that he taught his servants and followers to do the same. And being Sauron's master, Morgoth should have this ability as well)
• Poison Manipulation (His spear was likely poisonous, as it was able to easily pierce the Two Trees)
• Clairvoyance (Made Húrin watch as tragedy befell his family)
• Should have the powers of all of his Servants, as well as the powers of all the Ainur

All previous abilities greatly enhanced

• Ainur Physiology (Abilities and Resistances of the Aratar from "Within Eä")
• Large Size (Type 3, possibly Type 4; When he first descended upon Arda, Melkor's form was described as "a mountain that wades in the sea and has its head above the clouds")
• Earth Manipulation (Kept the earth unformed for many years by disrupting the works of the Valar through trampling mountains, razing valleys, and spilling oceans. Created Utumno and the Iron Mountains)
• Corruption (Likely Type 2: Made the Orcs by corrupting the first Elves through torture and other vile means. The Balrogs were Maiar corrupted by Melkor during the creation of Arda)

All previous abilities enhanced to an unfathomable degree

• Ainur Physiology (Abilities and Resistances of the Aratar from "Timeless Halls/Ainulindalë")
• Chaos Manipulation (Created the concept of discord during the Music of the Ainur)

Acausality (Type 2 - The Past and Future in the "Music in being", aka the Present, are entirely immutable, and can only be altered by Eru)

Resistance to:

• Mind Manipulation (The Barrier of Unwill within every individual mind prevents mental entry by even the likes of Sauron and Morgoth without consent. Furthermore, this Barrier is an únat, a law placed by Eru that is completely impossible to break)
• Soul Manipulation (Soul with free-will are sustained by Eru Himself, making them indestructible to all but Him)

Attack Potency: At least High Multiverse level, likely lower (Morgoth's power was stated as having drastically decreased overtime, though he was still described as being the mightiest being in Eä before the Two Trees of Valinor were destroyed. Morgoth had become even weaker by the end of the First Age, though was likely still superior to his Servants, such as Sauron and Ancalagon. the latter of which destroyed the mountains of Thangorodrim by falling on them, which also sunk Beleriand in the process, thus meaning it generated this amount of energy). Can ignore conventional durability with Soul Manipulation (The Ainur can emit their influence directly on a soul) | High Multiverse level (Far stronger than his diminished form. Superior to all of the Valar, who are stated as having "a command, great individually, almost complete as a united council, over the physical matter of Eä", which is described as having vast halls, containing regions/worlds beyond the reach of the furthest thought, being measureless and vast beyond the thought of Elves and Men, and also contains "limitless extensions in time and space"). Can ignore conventional durability with Soul Manipulation | Ascendent level+ (The Ainur are stated to be mighty entities by Eru Himself, so much so that they shook the Timeless Halls with their strife during the Ainulindalë. As beings that exist in a realm beyond Eä, the Ainur perceive it in its entirety as an inferior and secondary reality, with them dwelling with Eru in a higher and more primary plane of reality, aka the Timeless Halls. Furthermore, the Ainur are labeled as Sub-creators, which include Tolkien and other Authors. Sub-creators can create any logically possible world they imagine, and have no bounds except for the laws of contradiction. As the strongest of the Ainur, Melkor would be at the apex of this level). Can ignore conventional durability with Soul Manipulation

Speed: At least Massively Hypersonic (Doubtlessly superior to the Balrogs, who traveled from Angband to Lammoth in a relatively short period of time with this speed) with Massively FTL+ combat and reaction speed (Should be superior in speed to Ancalagon the Black, who could keep up with Eärendil piloting Vingilot. Vingilot could fly from Arda to the starless voids, aka deep space, and back all in less than a day with these speeds), Immeasurable when discarding his physical form (However, this ability would become lost to him upon becoming permanently incarnate) | Massively FTL+ combat and reaction speed (Far superior to his diminished self, and superior to the other Valar, including Varda and Nessa), Immeasurable when discarding his physical form (The Ainur can move at whatever speeds they wished, being able to instantly appear anywhere they wanted in Eä as will as being able to explore the past whenever they wanted, and they can even explore the future, albeit to a limited degree) | Immeasurable (Prior to the making of Eä, the Ainur could explore both the past and future with their movements, and were also completely unbound by space-time)

Lifting Strength: At least Class E (Should be far superior to Ossë, who singlehandedly lifted Númenor out of the Sea, which weighed this much), possibly Infinite (Should be comparable to Manwë and Varda prior to his diminishment) | Infinite (Superior to the Valar, who are stated as having command over the physical material of Eä) | Irrelevant

Durability: At least High Multiverse level, likely lower (Despite his weakened state, he endured the burning energy of the Silmarils, which would be this powerful. Got wounded by Fingolfin seven times throughout their 1v1 battle, but kept fighting and eventually triumphed. Received a claw wound to the face from Thorondor after killing Fingolfin, but tanked it without issue) | High Multiverse level (Should be greatly superior to his Diminished-self. Was completely unharmed by the destruction of the Two Lamps, which altered the symmetry and shape of Arda, thus meaning it was likely this powerful. Likely endured attacks from the Valar during the early years of Arda) | Ascendent level+

Stamina: Despite being bound to his physical form, Morgoth was still able to fight Fingolfin with crippling wounds to his body, and continued on even with his limp. Should be superior to Gandalf and Durin's Bane, who both fought each other for two days and two nights without rest or sustenance. | Limitless (The Valar are said to require no sustenance, and the physical forms of the Ainur are described as akin to raiment and clothing, which they can discard at will) | Limitless

Range: Extended melee range normally (Is 30 feet tall), higher with Grond, likely Thousands of Kilometers with his abilities (Should be superior to Sauron) | Extended melee range normally (Should be comparable in size to his previous form), Tens of kilometers in his mountainous form (Described as "a mountain that wades in the sea and has its head above the clouds"), Cosmic with his abilities (Superior to the Valar, including Varda) | Ascendental+

Standard Equipment: Being the Dark Lord, Morgoth is famous for his black armor and weapons. He also possesses an Iron Crown which contains the Silmarils.

Grond: Morgoth possessed a legendary warhammer known as Grond, which, upon each strike brought down lightning bolts and created a crater in the earth. He used this weapon in single combat against Fingolfin, High King of the Ñoldor, who, although passing away, managed to greatly injure the Dark Lord. "Grond" means "Hammer of the Underworld." Given that "Underworld" was another name for Utumno, this was likely forged there, perhaps by one of the Maiar of Aulë under Morgoth's control (Maybe even Sauron, as the latter later carried within his ranks a massive battering ram under the same name, as well as using a mace which resembled his master's weapon).

Black spear: He also wields a massive black spear. This weapon appears to be incredibly sharp, perhaps even poisonous, as it was able to pierce the Two Trees and drain their light.

Black armor: And he wears a massive, indomitable suit of armor. This suit is huge and black, the size of a "tower." It does, however, have its limits, as Fingolfin was able to breach it.

Black shield: Morgoth wields a black, "unblazoned" shield. He used this to bash Fingolfin to the ground three times.

The Silmarils: The Silmarils are the three great gems of Fëanor. They were awe-inspiring in their beauty yet wielding a terrible power. They likely fed Morgoth's power, as they did Carcharoth's, yet because of their hollowed nature, they caused him great pain. They burned his hands and bowed the Iron Crown within which they were held.

• Cosmic power: The Silmarils together held the full power of the Two Trees. The fruit of Laurelin, the golden tree, each held as much power as the Sun, if not more, as the one that made the Sun was from a weakened and dying Laurelin. Teleperion, the silver tree, produced the light needed to make every star in the universe. The power of the Silmarils seemed to feed whoever wielded them, but also cause them great pain if they are wicked.
• Light manipulation, Empathy and Empowerment: The Silmarils also held the light of the Trees, and said light was capable of revealing the good in people and objects, and made those who lived in it feel happy. And since the Silmarils had the same light of the Two Trees, it is likely that those who glimpsed upon the light of the Silmarils would become mythical and blessed. Though this cannot apply to those who are wicked and evil, like Morgoth.
  • Holy aura: The Silmarils were hollowed by Varda and thus possessed a holy power. This power could be used in many ways. For example, it amplified that beauty of Lúthien. Sadly, Beren and Lúthien's bodies were consumed by its power, and they died.
  • Illusion banishment: The energy of the Silmarils can be focused into a blast of power, undoing illusions, such as the Girdle of Melian. This power was so immense that it could break a barrier not even Ungoliant could.
• Protection: The Silmarils are holy objects that protect their wearer from evil. Unfortunately, as Melkor is a creature of darkness, this power only causes him harm.
• Burning and Pain inducement: This is shown quite frequently. When Morgoth first seized the Silmarils, they burned his hands and caused him great pain. Next, when Carcharoth swallowed the Silmaril that Beren stole, it burned his organs and caused him howling pain. Lastly, when both Maglor and Maedhros recovered the other two Silmarils, the latter was pained so much by the burning that he cast himself into a fiery chasm, while the former threw his Silmaril into the sea due to the unbearable pain. However, exceptions had been made to this effect, such as Beren and Eärendil.

Intelligence: The hierarchy of minds describe the Valar as being second only to Eru in being the "greater minds" of the World. Therefore, this would make them, and Morgoth by extension, superior in intellect to "The Wise" like Gandalf and Saruman, who can accurately predict the future with mere analytical deduction. Furthermore, the Valar are stated to possess complete understanding of the Prime Matter (called Erma) and all of its variations. Therefore, they have a complete understanding of all the matter of Eä which extends limitlessly. They can therefore understand an infinite amount of knowledge, with the past and some portions of the future also being theirs to perceive and understand as all Ainur can. Morgoth, despite his cruel demeanor, was very cunning, and is stated as having a share in the knowledge of all the other Ainur. But for all his vast knowledge, Morgoth is quite impatient and unwise, leaving his knowledge regarding certain matters inconsistent as he mistakenly believes he has total understanding of every concept and being in Eä. He also knew very little about the Music, even when compared to other Ainur who partook in it rather than in his Discord | Nigh-Omniscient (In their origin, the Ainur sung all the concepts and elements within Eä during the Anulindalë, thus they would know all about their respective concepts/elements. However, Eru Himself still withheld some knowledge from the Ainur. Melkor also had a share in the knowledge of the other Ainur as previously mentioned)

Weaknesses: When Morgoth spent his power affecting Eä, his strength gradually became more and more diminished. Prone to cowardice, and tends to greatly underestimate his foes. He also became more bound to his Fana by the end of the First Age, to the point that he was no longer able to enter his spirit form | None notable | None notable

Feats:

Overall: Held control over much of Ea on more than one occasion Fought against all the other Valar and had the upper hand multiple times Destroyed the Two Lamps on his own And later destroyed the Trees of Valinor with the help of Ungoliant Heavily responsible for leading Fëanor into the vile deeds he did through cunning and stole the Simarils Never got directly defeated by any of Fëanor’s kin despite the oath they made Won the siege of Dagor Bragollach despite an initial disadvantage Cursed Húrin and his family with misfortune and despair Defeated almost all of the Valar, Ungoliant, and Fingolfin throughout his entire existence Power: Merged his power with all of Arda and Eä, marring them in the process Contributed to the shaping of Eä in its earliest stages, even with his discord As a collective, the Valar are stated to have complete control over all matter in the universe Disrupted the orbits of the Earth or the Sun in primeval times as Melkor Unleashed a cry so powerful that it trembled the earth, rove rocks asunder, and shook entire mountains. This same cry reached all the way to Angband His footsteps alone were like “thunder underground” Repeatedly struck the earth so hard with Grond that it rent massive pits that belched smoke and flame Pierced through the Two Trees of Valinor with his poisonous spear Toppled the Two Lamps on his own Constantly annihilated massive landmasses like mountains or entire seas during the first battle for Arda against the Valar Held his own in physical combat against Tulkas, and even won in one instance Speed: Escaped the Valar shortly after destroying the Two Trees of Valinor, before they had any chance to catch him Could cross much of Eä while working to be stealthy at the same time without issue Could keep up with the Valar and destroy or corrupt all their works, despite being outnumbered Superior to the Balrogs, who traveled from Angband to Lammoth in a short time span Superior to Ancalagon, who could keep up with Eärendil, who could fly from Arda to the starless voids and back in less than a day The Ainur are capable of traveling at whatever speeds they desired, being able to appear anywhere within Eä in an instant, and could even travel to the past and future with their movements. Durability: Got wounded by Fingolfin seven times throughout their 1v1 battle, but kept fighting and eventually triumphed Got stabbed by Fingolfin in the foot at the end of their duel, though was only left with a limp at most Received a claw wound to the face from Thorondor after killing Fingolfin, but endured it without issue Survived against Ungoliant long enough for the Balrogs to arrive, all despite being trapped and without any serious damage Endured the burning energy of the Silmarils, which contained the essence of the Two Trees, which created the Sun, Moon, and all the Stars in the night sky

Notable Attacks/Techniques:

• Greatest of the Ainur: As the first and greatest of the Ainur, Morgoth is far above his brethren. He possesses a share in all their power, thus having all of their powers to either a lesser or greater degree. He is effectively a jack-of-all-trades.
  • Healing (Power of Estë): Estë was the Vala charged with tending to the hurt and weary, and as such it is very likely that her magic is connected to healing and tending. Further supporting this is how she and her servants could preserve a corpse's appearance indefinitely.
  • Telepathy (Power of the Istari): The Istari can keep in telepathic contact with allies, gain information from the minds of others, detect and resist mental compulsion (Such as that used by Sauron, or Saruman's corruption of Théoden), and even dominate the minds of others. They can also intimidate others, causing themselves to appear gigantic and threatening to others.
  • Time manipulation (Power of Vairë): Vairë, residing in the Halls of Mandos, weaves the history of the universe through her tapestries, hinting at her control over time, though the specifics of her power remain unclear.
  • Life creation (Power of Yavanna): Yavanna, embodying life and nature, healed the Earth from Melkor's wounds, created the Two Trees (with Nienna's help), and brought forth a single fruit that became the Sun and a single flower that became the Moon.
  • Dream manipulation (Power of Irmo/Lórien): Irmo, also known as Lórien, is the Vala who governs dreams and visions, guiding and influencing the minds of others through dreams, and providing glimpses of hidden truths and inner desires.
  • Magical forging (Power of Aulë): Aulë, a master craftsman and sub-creator, brought forth new creations like the Two Lamps, and even shaped the Dwarves, though they lacked true souls.
  • Celestial creation (Power of Varda): Varda, the Queen of Stars, raised constellations in the sky to challenge Melkor and light the way for the Elves, with some of her power possibly inherited by her servants like Ilmarë.
  • Air and Lightning manipulation (Power of Manwë): Manwë, ruler of the winds and skies, wielded the power of lightning, using it to shatter Morgoth's temple in Númenor, although Sauron's resistance suggests it was not his full might.
• Corruption: Morgoth can corrupt anything, slowly twisting it into something dark and profane. Certain elements seem harder to drain the power from; water is almost invulnerable to his corruption, whereas gold can be twisted to darkness very easily (Hence the One Ring being made of gold). This grew so severe that it is said all of Arda, if not all of Eä, is Morgoth's ring.
  • Power absorption: Morgoth can "sap" the power out of anything, consuming it and turning it into something dark. He seems to be able to absorb the energy of light, though it causes him great pain (See the Silmarils)
• Creation: Morgoth can create new things within Arda, however, he cannot grant them souls, instead only twisting the creations of others. However, he can create new, soulless things, such as Dragons or dark spirits.
• Dark Lord: Morgoth is a massive and terrifying Dark Lord. As such he has several powers related to darkness and evil. He uses these powers during the War of the Great Jewels to help defeat the Elves and Edain. His mere presence is terrifying and awe inspiring.
  • Volcanoes: Morgoth can force volcanoes to erupt, creating massive waves of lava and fire. He used this power to attain victory in the infamous Dagor Bragollach. In that famous battle he caused Thangorodrim to belch forth fire and smoke, killing many Elves and Edain.
  • Storms: Morgoth can create massive storms of ash and smoke to shroud the presence of his armies and sow confusion among his enemies. His servant, Sauron, later used this ability to hide the Sun and ease the passing of his armies
  • Shadows: Morgoth can create shrouds of darkness, similar to his storms, to hide the presence of his armies and intimidate his enemies. He used this to create a layer of darkness over the home of the Atani (Men) in an effort to convince them to serve him.
  • Terror aura: As Dark Lord, Morgoth is surrounded by an aura of fear and dread. This is unsurprising given his nature as mountainous giant, clad in black armor. He is also surrounded by an aura of unnatural terror, like that of the Balrogs.
  • Godlike strength: Morgoth has incredible strength and endurance, having survived blows from Fingolfin and rent massive pits in the ground. He was so massive that his blood could fill even these pits and was described as smoking.
  • Shield bash: Morgoth can use his shield to bash his opponents to the ground. He used this strategy to attain victory in his fight with Fingolfin, hurling him to the ground three times.
  • Possession: It is said that Sauron could possess bodies upon gaining permission to enter them. He taught others to do so as well. And being Sauron's master, Morgoth should be capable of the same.
• True form: As one of the Ainur, Melkor possesses a vastly more powerful true form. In this true form he possesses far stronger abilities, transcending linear time and having the power to warp concepts and physical laws.
  • Ainulindalë: To unleash his conceptual power, Melkor must take part in the Ainulindalë, the song that brought the world into being. Here his voice allows him to change the rules of reality, creating and destroying physical laws and entire concepts.
  • Beyond-Dimensional Existence: The Ainur exist in a higher and more primary reality compared to Eä, viewing the universe and space-time of Eä as a secondary and small reality which Eru holds as mere thought, with the difference being emphasized as akin to that between myth and reality. They thus predate and exceed the boundaries of space and time to the extent that it is but fiction to them, with the Ainur preceding the existence of both.
  • Void manipulation: The Music of the Ainur is capable of affecting the Timeless Void, turning it from "Void" to "not void".
• Powers of the Ainur: As the strongest Vala, Melkor has access to a wide variety of potent and devastating supernatural abilities, for the Ainur (The Valar specifically) were created as elemental spirits, and each have divine authority and absolute control over a certain aspect of nature. Each and every one of the Ainur is also able to manipulate magical energies and reality to serve their needs, and take any form they wish, even intangible and non-corporeal spiritual forms. Given he is a Vala (and the strongest of them no less), above any of the Maiar, there is no doubt he can use all of the basic Ainu powers.
  • Shapeshifting: Morgoth can change his form to appear both pleasing and terrifying. During his fight with Fingolfin, he appeared as a terrible Dark Lord, while he appeared pleasing when he met with the first Men.
  • Elemental manipulation: As one of the Ainur, beings who are foremost elemental spirits, Morgoth has great control over said elements. Each of the Maiar have varying control over a sub-element, whereas the Valar have full control over a true element. Melkor, however, has a share in the power of all Valar.
    • Life and Death manipulation: It seems that Morgoth has great control over life and death; far greater than all other Valar. Examples of this can be seen when he cursed Húrin to never die, and twisted the Elves to give life to the Orcs. This may be connected to his nature as the first and greatest of the Ainur (See above). The other Valar are also capable of granting corporeal life to beings, although they are not capable of making life that possesses free-will without the assistance of Eru.
  • Foresight/Hindsight: As one of the Ainur, Morgoth can see the past and future. Given his nature as leader of the dark powers and his part in the War of the Great Jewels, this ability should be very useful for him.
  • Spirit form: As one of the Valar, it was highly likely that Melkor had the typical Ainu ability to cast off his physical form like a snake shedding its skin, and take on an intangible and non-corporeal spiritual form. In this spiritual state, the Ainur can travel forward and backward in time (Though they are unable to affect the future or the past, only see it, due to the Acausal nature of the Legendarium). Though, it is possible that Melkor lost this ability after becoming Morgoth. Of the Ainur's spirit forms and precognitive powers this was said: "They could move backward or forward in thought, and return again so swiftly that to those who were in their presence they did not appear to have moved." - Morgoth's Ring: Book V. Text XI
  • Durability-negating Soul manipulation: The Ainur "could 'emit' their influence" upon things external to themselves, whether it be for offense or simple interaction, with the primary function of doing so being to "emit" their influence upon other spirits or the souls of "incarnate" individuals.
  • Abstract existence: The Valar, which would include Morgoth, are stated to be akin to the soul of Eä, encompassing a similar position to what the soul/fëar/fëa of the body/hröa of what the Children does.
  • Fate manipulation: The Ainulindalë is defined as Fate to all things within Eä, with it being stated to have real power over all things in the World, with only those outside of it remaining unbound. While it is unlikely that even the Valar could recreate the Music whilst within the confines of Eä, Ainur with powerful wills, such as Morgoth, were capable of bending fate to their will by "designing" the future for their enemies.
  • Songs of Power and Words of Command: The Ainur, via the use of "Songs of Power", are capable of inducing various effects as per the user's will and words, as seen in the duel between Sauron and Finrod, wherein an exchange of words was used to create the effects that were used in the struggle between the two. The known effects caused by the songs of power range from the growth of life by Yavanna in the early days of Arda, the creation of "clear visions" of events by Finrod, and weather manipulation by Lúthien. "Words of Command" also seemingly have similar capabilities, with uttered words having an effect on reality unless resisted by protections.

• Spellcraft: Spellcraft is not an official term, yet rather the best term to capture the art of creating spells via potions and metals. Examples of spellcraft include the Palantíri, magical stones crafted in Valinor; Durin's door, an ithildin door crafted by Celebrimbor; the Rings of Power, magic rings that grant invisibility to those who use them, which were crafted by the Elves of Eregion and the Silmarils, magic jewels crafted by Feanor. Spellcraft can be used to manipulate objects and give them special properties, making them far more potent in combat. Most Elven swords appear to have magical qualities. Spellcraft usually revolves around using and/or creating magical substances runes and other, more obscure forms of magic. Being one of the Ainur, and a sorcerer himself, this should not be beyond the reach of Morgoth's magic.
  • Catoptromancy: Catoptromancy, or mirror magic, is the practice of enchanting an object so that it can be used to give the user clairvoyance or precognition. This was used by Galadriel to enchant her mirror to allow her to see the past, present and future, presumably via spellcraft. Being a skilled sorcerer Morgoth should be more than capable using this power.
• Dark Magic: Morgoth is a sorcerer and practitioner of dark magic, likely having invented it along with Sauron. He almost certainly possesses the powers of Sauron, and is confirmed to wield magic such as the creation and control of dark spirits (See below).
  • Necromancy: Necromancy in Lord of the Rings is very vaguely defined. All that is known of it is that it is practiced by Sauron (Hence his title the Necromancer) and likely by Morgoth. However, given the existence of undead in LOTR, necromancy probably still has the classic definition of resurrecting the dead and using death-related magic.
    • Dark spirits: Morgoth possesses the power to create dark spirits, such as the ones he summoned against Tilion. There have also been cases of sorcerers like Morgoth creating and/or controlling barrow wights; terrifying spirits that haunt the barrow downs. In all likelihood this is an application of necromancy.
  • Control over the Unseen World: The Unseen World, also known as the wraith-world, is a parallel universe in which wraiths and spirits reside. To enter the wraith-world requires one to bring apportion of their essence into it, such as via the use of Rings of Power. Those who enter the wraith-world become invisible, and it is possible that if they brought the entirety of their essence into it, they would become completely intangible. Morgoth almost certainly has great control over it, perhaps even creating it.
• Cursing: Morgoth can curse his enemies to doom and despair, such as when he cursed the house of Húrin to despair and darkness. However, eventually, this backfired on him, leading to his death by the hands of Húrin's son, Túrin. Though, whether this was an act of revenge or a direct result of the curse is unknown.

Gallery

Melkor, by Anna Kulisz

Melkor during the Beginning of Arda, by Stefan Meisl

Morgoth donning the Silmarils on his iron crown, by Frédéric Bennett

Morgoth and the Balrogs face Ungoliant, by Sheppi-ArtHouse

Morgoth battles Fingolfin in 1-on-1 combat, by John Howe

Morgoth curses Húrin, by Ted Nasmith

Others

Notable Victories:

Notable Losses:

Inconclusive Matches: