Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs | Tolkien Explained
The Life of Gothmog, the Lord of Balrogs
This transcript covers the life of Gothmog, the Lord of Balrogs. It describes his origin as one of the great Ainur created by Eru Iluvatar and how he joined Melkor in his discord within the Music that created the world itself. It also details his role in battles against Morgoth's enemies and how he personally killed two High Kings of the Noldor.
Origin and Service to Morgoth
- Gothmog was originally one of the great Ainur created by Eru Iluvatar.
- He joined Melkor as he sewed his discord within the Music that created the world itself.
- He took on a form of shadow and flame after Melkor destroyed the Two Lamps - the first source of light for the world.
- After Melkor destroys Utumno, Gothmog and other balrogs hide in Angband for nearly 4000 years until Morgoth returns to Middle-earth.
Battles Against Morgoth's Enemies
- When Ungoliant attacks Morgoth, Gothmog and his balrogs come to their master's aid wielding whips of flame.
- The elves knew little about balrogs until they encountered them during Feanor's arrival in Middle-earth via stolen Teleri ships.
- During Feanor's pursuit of surviving orcs toward Angband, Morgoth sends out his balrogs who kill Feanor and depart to Angband.
- In Dagor Bragollach, Morgoth breaks the siege of Angband and unleashes Gothmog and his balrogs alongside multitudes of orcs and a fully-grown Glaurung, first of the dragons.
Conclusion
Gothmog was one of the most powerful balrogs to serve Morgoth. He played a significant role in battles against Morgoth's enemies, including killing two High Kings of the Noldor.
Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs
This section discusses the role of Gothmog in the Wars of Beleriand and his notable battles.
The Nirnaeth Arnoediad Battle
- Gothmog is named the high-captain of Angband, solidifying his position as one of Morgoth’s most important servants.
- Sauron takes on commanding roles that don’t involve direct combat while Gothmog leads armies in war.
- Gothmog kills Fingon, High King of the Noldor, during the battle.
- After killing Fingon, Gothmog captures Hurin alive by order of Morgoth.
Gondolin Battle
- Gothmog leads an army comprised of orcs, balrogs, and dragons to attack Gondolin.
- The gate breaks from the weight of their siege equipment and Turgon dies in this battle.
- Ecthelion fights against Gothmog and they both fall into a deep basin where Ecthelion kills him.
Powers of Balrogs
This section briefly mentions that balrogs have magical powers but does not go into detail about them.
Balrog Magic
- While we don’t see Gothmog wield magic himself, there is no doubt it was within his power.
- "Perhaps I’ll make a future video on the powers of balrogs or maiar in general."
The Balrog Survivors
This section discusses the two known survivors of the balrogs, Durin's Bane and Gothmog.
Durin's Bane
- Only one balrog survived the climactic battle of the First Age.
- This balrog would hide in the depths of the Misty Mountains and come to be known as Durin’s Bane.
Gothmog
- The second in command behind the Witch-king in Return of the King is named Gothmog.
- It is never explicitly stated what kind of being this Gothmog is, but many fans believe him to be an orc or uruk.
- Some theories suggest that he could be a Black Numenorean like the Mouth of Sauron or even a Boldog - which is a fallen maia that takes on the form of an orc.
Thank You and Artwork Acknowledgements
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Acknowledgements
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