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 Balrogs

What Were the Balrogs Renowned For?


From: Erik Tracy

The Balrog's were responsible for killing several of the high kings of the Elves, much to their sorrow. Their death tally includes Fëanor (the most famous and powerful of the Noldor), Fingon (the most noble of the Noldor), Ecthelion (Protector of Gondolin), and Glorfindel (Elf-Lord of Gondolin; the First Age Incarnation).

Once awakened, the Balrog of Moria killed Durin VI in Khazad-dûm in the year 1980 and Nain I in the year 1981 Second Age. This same Balrog gave battle to Gandalf on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. It could be said that this Balrog effectively killed Gandalf, while he himself was slain by Gandalf:
    "I through down my enemy, and he fell from the high place and broke the mountain-side where he smote it in his ruin. Then darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time, and I wandered far on roads that I will not tell..."
    (The Two Towers)
We also have one of Tolkien's letters:
    "Thus Gandalf faced and suffered death; and came back or was sent back, as he says, with enhanced power."
    (Letter #181)
Clearly, the Balrogs were the bane of many important and powerful individuals.
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Fear of the Middle-earth, deamons of fire, servants of Melkor... Find out all about Balrogs on this page.
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