Morgoth: The Origins of Melkor | Tolkien Explained

[@NerdoftheRings]

Be sure to hit subscribe (and the bell) to be alerted when Part 2 drops next week! Also, don't forget to check out my 24-hour charity livestream/world record attempt next Saturday: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn_XfXWMa7WBbK8

[@ericlk47]

Hey thanks for another great video I'd like to ask you to do one about balrogs I think it's strange how they are portrayed as a) being beast like and b) being all the same shape. This makes literally zero sense to me and there seems to be nothing in the legendarium supporting this. These are powerful intelligent beings that should be all diverse in shape and mind. Nowhere is it stated that they have fangs, horns or tails. One of them is described as having something like wings and materializing weapons. People now think balrogs are some species of devil's like a dnd monster manual devil. Please help end this nonsense

[@cherub3624]

Thank you, dude. I've got a loooong ass drive ahead of me and listening to these will help pass the time.

[@LightRider1975]

I want more. Give me more damit! :)

[@LokiTokiMan]

wooo never thought it was that deep

[@Mounthuapleb5890]

Can you please try not to sound british when you read out of the silmarillion? Its just not you, and i feel ashamed on your behalf. Thanks.

[@theWitch-KingofAngmar]

Yeah, my lord Sauron used to talk about him all the time

[@morgothbauglir7136]

Heeeey, you pretender. I’m the only true Master of evil.

[@Wysewolf]

This thread is the best....or the worst. In either case, the three of you have made my day. Lol

[@di3486]

And held Rock concerts shouting “gronddd, groooond”🤘🤘

[@jimmyscott9375]

Gay

[@yoremothra9838]

@Lord Sauron He most likely meant, "happy and carefree".

[@DarthJarJar501]

It does not matter how goth you are, because Melkor is Morgoth!

[@vaiyt]

Boo

[@stephenbarringer235]

Groan! I salute you, sir!

[@perfectlypurepinkpompompan3467]

VASTLY underrated comment!! I bow to your greatness.

[@aledg25]

Not bad kid

[@shawnthompson2303]

Its so bad its good lol

[@LAZERAK47V2]

Basically, Illuvatar said to Melkor: "Everything you want, everything you dream, everything you fashion will exist because I permit it. And so you will go every waking moment, knowing that without me, you would be nothing, and that everything you do will serve my purpose." Not gonna lie, that's pretty hardcore. You can't shut someone down any harder than that.

[@jacobwiren8142]

I think Illuvatar's words were a warning to Melkor. Like, "Don't hurt yourself, I already planned for you to do that..." Melkor was the strongest on purpose. The ability to unmake the works of others meant that the Valar were not allowed to be lazy. He was always an important part of the world, but he couldn't accept that...

[@LAZERAK47V2]

@@jacobwiren8142 This sounds like sympathy for the devil. If Melkor was created to be evil, then Illuvatar is the true evil, since Melkor's creation was for his own pride. Illuvatar is all-powerful. He does not need to validate, or to prove himself. He did not create Melkor to be evil, he *allowed* him to be evil.

[@jacobwiren8142]

@@LAZERAK47V2 Ok... I'll have to check my copy of the SIlmarillion again but I'm pretty sure Illuvatar is not all-powerful. Omnipotence, by definition, means that you can do impossible things, such as lifting a rock that you are also incapable of lifting, or committing evil while also not being evil. Omnipotence literally invalidates all logic and reason. You can't use that as an argument...

[@christopherbravo1813]

@@jacobwiren8142 Illuvatar is, theoretically, capable of evil acts. however, by his very nature, Illuvatar only does good. that is how God works.

[@christopherbravo1813]

@@LAZERAK47V2 pretty sure God said those same words to Satan at some point.

[@ArrghhMatey]

It's so easy to get lost in the world of Tolkien. Truly the most incredible fantasy work of all time.

[@sirajmah9487]

That could be debateable don’t get me wrong I like JRR as much as the next nerd but there are some amazing fantasy books in the world that aren’t written by JRR.

[@PeriodDrama]

@@sirajmah9487 like?

[@madcyborg1822]

@@albertocarrilho5839 don't be so rude bro...

[@d.f.219]

isnt it?

[@Canadianvoice]

@@PeriodDrama I like how this guys says something stupid like this but then doesnt give any examples... such a dumbass LOTR is GOAT

[@nbisgo]

In the beginning was Illuvatar and his melody then Melkor asked, “do you guys like metal?”

[@phillewis2630]

Melkor: *plays Paint it Black*

[@MietoK]

And little bit of Master of Puppets

[@2ndShiftSupremeOverlord546]

the guy is like "no! this is the hardest metal!" and then he offeres me a blueberry stout beer with a finnish backstory that sucks.

[@mrmaxmondays]

Then when he gets outta jail again he plays AC/DC “Back in Black”

[@ajrollo1437]

BLACK METAL IST KREIG.

[@tsb3208]

Sauron poured his power and essence into the one ring of power, became linked to it and ultimately they because part of each other. Sauron impossible to destroy without destroying the ring, but would be instantly destroyed if the ring ever was destroyed. Melkor did the same thing. Except that his ring was middle-earth.

[@namewastaken2496]

Yeah, it never can be removed until the world is remade by Eru.

[@finnforce101]

that's why, after Arda destroy.. so does Melkor/Morgoth

[@hypermaeonyx4969]

which is exactly why remnants of Melkor's forces still linger such as Sauron, Balrogs, and a couple dragons

[@Fan_Made_Videos]

@@hypermaeonyx4969 and Men

[@elrond7887]

He also poured his malice and cruelty into said ring

[@lordheklsmosh9490]

Morgoth the dark lord the most evil being to ever exist, but there is another more evil then morgoth himself, and his name is the guy who auctioned off bilbos posessions

[@tazmanceltic]

HHahahahaha

[@rastiga9196]

Damn Sackinsvil Bagginses

[@lordheklsmosh9490]

@@rastiga9196 her to, but still the auction man

[@scoped3602]

bro so true

[@rlenn6512]

Idk... What about the all powerful being that could stop him whenever he wants to, but chooses not to?

[@Qaiser7845]

I am a professor of literature and teache fantasy at my college. Your channel is a gift for all lovers of Tolkien's world. Thanks for the uploads.

[@yasinkazmi8403]

Aw sir g sahe way

[@batboylives]

Love this channel, I never read any of the books. I had a friend who did, he passed away in 2020. He told us a lot of backstory stuff when we first watched Lord of the Rings. Listening to this channel reminds me of him. RIP Glen.

[@tomwestling1133]

damn❤

[@SimonLab]

Most people don't understand the amount of work and studying that goes into making a video. Direction, editing, vfx, voice overs. You do an amazing job, thank you for your top quality videos. And the rest of you guys, like and comment to make this video more suggesting to others and to help this channel grow more. Waiting for your next video

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

[@lordheklsmosh9490]

@@NerdoftheRings you do a amazing job especially when you are using the map of arda to show where each character is.

[@dwalker420]

💯💯💯

[@ichweissnichtgenau92]

Now imgine also, the studying and work that goes into writing such a great story:D

[@panchemist]

Indeed, it is a remarkable recap. Pardon my alliteration. A good and informative one.

[@daviddoingstuff4725]

Morgoth: "I fear no man, elf, or dwarf. But that thing..." *points at the gargantuan cosmic spider* "...it scares me."

[@LazyAstrid]

I meaaan ... who would blame him? :D

[@louisvuitton56]

Gets beat by a hobbit!

[@inuudle]

@@louisvuitton56 That was just one of her offspring Sam killed

[@jackhemsworth7515]

@Waltsalemastick Correct. she retreated to heal herself. After the downfall of Sauron i think something happened with her and Mordor, but i'm not sure

[@Gnarly1212]

"Kill it with fire!" *summons balrogs*

[@garybrown2039]

It's honestly amazing how Tolkein was not only inspired by the fall of the angels as depicted in Catholicism, but how he weaved those stories of creation into his own work.

[@HowlinWilf13]

I dare say his friendship with CS Lewis had a profound effect on his writings.

[@superfudge73]

That and Greek and Norse mythology

[@Grumbledookvid]

Christianity you mean

[@latonyasaffor152]

Words cannot describe this astonishing work. Creativity is such a gift.

[@mistybrass3719]

Catholicism?

[@Amesang]

SAURON: _Literally the lesser of two evils._

[@Amesang]

As I recall, Sauron wanted to be worshiped as a "God-King," and was content with leaving the peoples of Middle-Earth be so long as they acquiesced. Morgoth wanted to be _God,_ and sought to unmake all of reality and then remake it in his image - which, ultimately, meant he would have turned against his own allies and servants after destroying his enemies because they were not wholly of his making, but corruptions of others.

[@baneblackguard584]

@@Amesang it was never possible for Morgoth to do that. He was told so. Regardless what he did, it would always be the will of Illuvatar, for nothing he COULD do was otherwise. His role was to change the parts of the song the others had done. He is incapable of doing anything else.

[@alekz112]

​@@baneblackguard584 Sooo, all the evil in the world was Illuvatar's doing too. Makes sense, since Jehovah has similar misdeeds, and is the inspiration for Eru. Edit: Just going to assert that Eru has the moral high ground over Jehovah. The latter regularly slaughtered humans for slights to his divine ego, I don't think Eru has ever done anything that horrible.

[@briangarrow448]

Or is he the evil of two lessers?

[@loganw1232]

@@alekz112 Eru allows evil to happen because of the free will of his creations, but never wills evil. However, Eru/God knows how to make Good out of evil actions of his creations.

[@modelcitizenvlad]

I'm not sure how Melkor didn't at any point understand that fighting the all powerful god of creation would always be a net loss

[@no_nameyouknow]

So the way it seems to me is that Illuvatar created Melkor and gave him this thirst for power to basically create drama. A world of peace and tranquility is ultimately boring, through strife and suffering comes triumph and victory, without bad there can be no good. Without dark, there can be no light. He called it. There is nothing you can do that isn't ultimately a part of my plan.

[@noahzaeshorts1402]

@A ziri lol imagine, Melkor is just like "nah I'm good" three pages into the Silmarillion

[@redjirachi1]

@@no_nameyouknow Chakravartin from Asura's Wrath used justification like that and he was the God of his setting. Guess what happened to him

[@mosquitobight]

Without Melkor, Arda would have remained very symmetrical, pain-free, predictable, and dull.

[@jmitterii2]

Melkor's ego got the better of him. Primarily, I think, Eru is hoping Melkor and others who do bad will learn and to eventually do otherwise. At the same time, the various irritations and even some of the evil makes things more wonderful than even the better behaved Valar had in mind and therefore created. And when any of his creations go too far against his plan Eru intervenes directly to stop them from completely marring everything. I think Eru hopes eventually Melkor will understand the errors of his ways and Melkor may change. "'And thou, Melkor, wilt discover all the secret thoughts of thy mind, and wilt perceive that they are but a part of the whole and tributary to its glory.’" Silmarillion first Chapter AINULINDALË Music of the Ainur: Eru Ilúvatar speaks to Ulmo while showing and inhabiting the vision of the world. Eru explains sure Melkor is a pain in the ass, but some of Melkor's mischief yields some cool stuff that complements even Ulmo's own works. Ulmo seems to understand enough not to despair from Melkor's annoying deeds. And has trust in Eru's plan, allying himself with Manwe. "And Ilúvatar spoke to Ulmo, and said: ‘Seest thou not how here in this little realm in the Deeps of Time Melkor hath made war upon thy province? He hath bethought him of bitter cold immoderate, and yet hath not destroyed the beauty of thy fountains, nor of thy clear pools. Behold the snow, and the cunning work of frost! Melkor hath devised heats and fire without restraint, and hath not dried up thy desire nor utterly quelled the music of the sea. Behold rather the height and glory of the clouds, and the everchanging mists; and listen to the fall of rain upon the Earth! And in these clouds thou art drawn nearer to Manwë, thy friend, whom thou lovest.’ Then Ulmo answered: ‘Truly, Water is become now fairer than my heart imagined, neither had my secret thought conceived the snowflake, nor in all my music was contained the falling of the rain. I will seek Manwë, that he and I may make melodies for ever to thy delight!’ And Manwë and Ulmo have from the beginning been allied, and in all things have served most faithfully the purpose of Ilúvatar."

[@adarshkamoda9183]

Morgoth is literally the incarnation of "This is why we can't have nice things".

[@Charmedsas1]

Lmao😂😂

[@skyfalldeadpool1633]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@luceatlux7087]

seems like a true metaphor or allegorical representation of certain real world emotional archetypes/modalities. i often wonder who the initial villians are in rl (given a theoretical balanced social beginning)... are they the ones who judge quickly and condemn; the accusers? are they the greedy; the ones who despise the natural order of things and want more than their share? maybe it's the warlike, self centered (or non--service-oriented) minds. they live in emotional and logical cages of their own making. If they only capitulated to 'God' and grew, as the universe dictated they should, they would grow also in wisdom. But they entrap themselves in this, sort of, perpetual immature rage... it seems like they are the ones who see a potentially ruined road ahead that would benefit them, relatively. they look at the current order and despise it. so they seek to turn it upside down. it may not create any goodness for them, per se. but it would lower, ruin, and corrupt so much that it would reroll the dice. those that go grow backwards and look inward. maybe that's why the Christian Bible equates evil most with pride... one who seeks not to bend, service, and understand others, but one who seeks to bend the external to the stagnated internal will and has the hubris to never properly investigate the wisdom of that prerogative. so that's why Eru basically says, "Fine Melkor, you'll see that no matter what, you can't escape this universe that is INEVITABLY always going to be part of me. Essentially, no matter what you do, you can't escape the nature of life." just musing :)

[@ferem55]

Nah.

[@hanzzimmer1132]

He just wanted to be a Metal head

[@happy_camper]

No matter how much time I dedicate to reading Tolkien's work, I am always learning new things. It's mind blowing to think that one person invented such a deep mythology... A living, breathing world, so full of culture and history.

[@Mr.CliffysWorld]

Ever read Robert Jordan's the wheel of time series ? It's like that also . A lot going on , stories within stories .

[@indyrock8148]

I think it's actually based in factual mythology

[@indyrock8148]

Building his strength and breeding monsters. Cat lady be damned

[@terrapinflyer273]

Yes! It is truly astonishing how much came from JRR Tolkien's mind alone. How neatly woven all his characters' travels were. Along w a map of his imagined universe. I was just sitting here thinking how one might be capable of such a remarkable feat. And to add on to such a thing, providing additional lore (Christopher Tolkien) and retelling (Peter Jackson) without tarnishing existing work is an artform itself.

[@terrapinflyer273]

@@Mr.CliffysWorld Omg! I saw a few of those books at Goodwill last year, but didn't pick them up for whatever reason. Thanks for reminding me!! :)

[@wythore]

I'm 100% certain J RR and Christopher Tolkien would be proud to watch this channel. Your videos get better and better. Can't wait for part 2

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thank is an incredible compliment! Thank you! 😊

[@musicman717]

‘Tis true.. although JRR would use a much slower pace, but hey! He was born in 1892..

[@nockhelms7365]

Couldn't agree more!

[@alancroke2543]

I doubt it. Very much.

[@DrLoverLover]

Yes but C would demand a procentage

[@kiball09]

First time getting into Tolkien lore. Definitely has the feeling of a mix of Norse mythology and judeo-Christian religions. Also a sick music battle in the start of the time.

[@aesir1ases64]

Tolkien was chatolic and a big fan of norse mythology who teached old english in oxford, so those are not surprisingly his biggest ingluences. Though there is a bit of greek myths influence as well.

[@paladinheadquarters7776]

@@aesir1ases64 Catholic*

[@magicman3163]

Judeo-Christian is an oxymoron

[@thespartanslayer1]

I feel like Greek as well I kinda see the Greek pantheon mixed In here but for sure you are right

[@raideurng2508]

Melkor's story is basically the same as Lucifer.

[@MatthewCaunsfield]

I've never seen a depiction of the pre-lamp world before. Their toppling was quite the cataclysm!

[@nathanielbanks3562]

The Ainur: creating a harmonious melody of primordial creation. Melkor: starts aggressively playing avant-garde Jazz

[@wesleythomas7125]

"FFS, we talked about this, quit it with that shit, dude." "No >:("

[@shevankaseneviratne1724]

WE MUST RECLAIM THE HOLY LAND!!!

[@superfudge73]

the Ainur: Singing mellow hippie music. Melkor: Black Sabbath has entered the chat

[@planes3333]

I always picture trance and drum and bass with the arundale

[@blueshit199]

Morgoth would've been even worse of a villain if he actually started playing jazz tbh

[@ragalyiakos]

Sauron: I'm the most evil guy in this realm. Morgoth: Yeah, cute, you're nothing but my servant! Lobelia Sackville-Baggins: *Amateurs. Both of you.*

[@benderthepirate]

Which one is she?

[@gabyzamfir39]

@@benderthepirate the one that stole forks from Bilbo

[@thebaron2277]

@@gabyzamfir39 she stole spoons

[@gabyzamfir39]

@@thebaron2277 she stole anything that was of most important value

[@buklau837]

Bruz the chopper:

[@kaank5921]

The true Dark Lord, the Black Foe of the World, Lord of Angband. Even the Second Dark Lord served and feared him, he was but a shadow of his master even when he was the strongest. Sauron may be great in his own different way, but Morgoth was always the more powerful one in pure strength.

[@mudgie0205]

@Morgoth Bauglir yep then destroyed at Dagor Dagorath

[@kaank5921]

@Morgoth Bauglir Oh the mighty Dark Lord, your coming would be icing on the cake for the continuing plague of 2020-2021!

[@baneblackguard584]

Sauron was a lesser spirit in service to Aule. He was corrupted by Morgoth. Morgoth is the greatest of the Valar, there simply is no comparison between Morgoth and Sauron power-wise. Sauron was more akin to Gandalf.

[@_semih_]

@@kaank5921 Sauron was smarter than Morgoth. Morgoth was so childish

[@hasnainkhan7338]

Sauron is like Hitler or Napoleon while Morgoth is more akin to Lucifer or Satan (The fallen angel).

[@LoreandOrder1]

“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.” J.R.R Tolkien

[@RA10H56]

The lore is so rich and deep. I've been reading Tolkien since I was a child and I learn new things every time I listen to your channel. I really appreciate the effort you put in, combing through his letters, analyzing the books. I imagine you doing all this by candle light with a pipe!!! Most of all, doing the leg work for those of us who have very busy and distracted minds!

[@josuesolisgamboa3376]

Ilúvatar's roast of Melkor is actually underrated

[@Ravenesque]

This is what I always felt about LOTR - Sauron is nothing but a shadow of a shadow of his former master. The entire story of LOTr takes up about a page right in the back of the Silmarillion. If the Silmarillion was written like Lord of the Rings was, imagine how long and complex it would be, yet how rich and enchanting. Tolkien is SO good.

[@ramondejesus65]

That was the plan ☹️ but The Silmarillion is still epic....

[@danielhaase6738]

Sad that he is long gone, it would be great if tolkin would still be alive and would expanse the silmarillion, would give the Elves more of a personality, like the short Story of beren and specially turin turambar he Was my favorite in the book, i would love if turgon or fingolfin had a more detailed life Story but when they die you dont feel anything. Love the book but i would love if it goes more into details

[@blacktenshu]

I disagree. Remember Sauron cunningly corrupted the Numenoreans which causing Illuvitar to sink the land and reshape the earth. Maybe in terms of raw power Melkor is stronger but Sauron is not a joke.

[@_semih_]

Sauron was smarter and more intelligent than Melkor! Melkor was so childish

[@Arcessitor]

@@ramondejesus65 That was never the plan. He created the Silmarillion as a backstory of the universe he created, he never meant for it to be more than its mythology. In fact, Lord of the Rings itself wasn't planned, but after it was finished, Tolkien himself did not want to continue the story because it would lessen the story he'd created.

[@donk100100]

I subscribed to your channel precisely because of this video. Main reason: you described events in Tolkien lore in plain, clear, and concise language and didn't flourish it with drabble words. I understood it clearly. I'm a Tolkien reader who first enjoyed reading these books, not to geek out but purely for entertainment and an escape to far away lands in a fictional place. I may finally purchase and read the Histories of Middle Earth.

[@tomaskorganoff2779]

In order to not fuck things up with their second age series, Amazon should hire you.

[@mikemurdoch9653]

When does that come out?

[@adityabhalekar3506]

@@mikemurdoch9653 this year

[@mikemurdoch9653]

@@adityabhalekar3506 thanks alot

[@adityabhalekar3506]

@@mikemurdoch9653 not sure if this is genuine or sarcastic. Happy to help anyways

[@mikemurdoch9653]

@@adityabhalekar3506 lmao, no it was genuine can't blame you it is youtube

[@TetsuShima]

Morgoth: "You will go to to the West and conquer every town you come across. Don't display any mercy" Sauron: "As you wish, my Lord" Morgoth: "Oh, and bring me a couple of coffees in your way back" Sauron: *Sighs* "Yes, my Lord"

[@di3486]

Hahaha

[@davidlundquist1979]

"Julio does make it just the way I like it!"

[@Pulang_Diwa]

Melkor turns to his Balrogs: "Coffees back on the menu boys!"

[@thedarklordofmordor549]

You underestimate the power of Me and My Lord, The Greatest.You will suffer!

[@unrequited8200]

Melkor: "I am the mightiest of all the Valar" Tulkas: "My hands are rated E for everyone"

[@nikersramnikers7081]

The thing that everyone misses is that Melkor became way weaker when he started corrupting creatures and building an army cause he wasted a lot of his power to bend them to his will and to make the world more evil general. When he first came to Arda he was basically MVP and could do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted and to whomever he wanted and the Valar couldn't do a damn thing about it. Then he started doing his spreading evil thing and that's when Valar saw the opportunity and started killing his servants, weakening him, to the point where he was no longer the strongest Valar and could be beaten by the guys like Tulkas. I was a little bit disappointed that the Nerd didn't mention this important fact in this video

[@claudius_drusus_]

@@nikersramnikers7081 yeah, plus, melkor was outnumbered

[@jacobwiren8142]

@@nikersramnikers7081 to be fair, Tulkas is a bottomless well of masculinity. No one can hurt him...

[@Phoenix-King-ozai]

Tulkas alone didn’t do anything He just broke the equilibrium Melkor was wrestling with the other Valar and many maiar Tulkas just shifted the balance to the Valar side Tulkas is like the local wrestling champion When the president comes to watch, he may spar and beat the president Next day, the president can nuke the entire city Tulkas is stronger, Morgoth is much more powerful

[@cadulino83]

@@Phoenix-King-ozai Tulkas: hahahahahha, come get some...

[@annaqura3360]

Interesting about Melkor is, that although every other Valar just got single ideas from Eru, while he got all of them and in his search for more he is the Valar that resembles the humans most.

[@edweefication]

I guess it's just like any AI: the more perfect you made it, the more sentient it would be. And ofc the higher chance it gonna have a different mindset and free will.

[@Omnilatent]

I think it's implied humans are the way they are cause of Morgoth - for better and for worse

[@RedFloyd469]

I think that IF Melkor were to represent a single aspect of Eru, it would be that of power/control. That Melkor rebels against Eru and seems to be a master of many things, while also not being able to create life, seems to indicate he is everything that a creator NEEDS in order to achieve anything at all: ambition and a desire for domination. After all, in order to create something, you need to have command of the resources at your disposal. It's only natural that the aspect of control is embodied in a creature that is constantly scheming, constantly warring, constantly attempting to dominate everything else, while never being quite capable of creating TRUE life. He is only ever able to corrupt and destroy that which others have built. That Eru puts Melkor in his place by stating everything he is, comes form him (Eru) simply means that the forces of creation, life, art, beauty, love, nature, etc... aren't contradictory to the nature of Melkor, but merely aspects of the same creative divine force. That Eru does not seem to intervene (all that much) on middle earth, seems to be because war and death are the logical outcome of the creation process. These forces aren't contradictory, but they ARE conflicting. Neccesarily, Tolkien's catholic beliefs likely saw both good and bad in humanity, and with the elves being closer to the Valar than humankind, it's clear that he used Melkor as a type of Lucifer, a deceiver of men who taints their hearts. I think it's obvious that Melkor's ambition is a reflection of mankind's.

[@3rdEyeWide]

Well that would play into the lucifer/satan symbology. Lucifer's great sin aspiring to the level of God through knowledge/power (seeking the "imperishable flame") and Lucifer playing on this trait/desire inherent in humankind by tempting Adam/Eve with the fruit of knowledge (Lucifer:"shouldn't you know what God knows?"). Hubris (believing yourself to be equal to or better than God/Gods) was one of the greatest sins in the ancient world and it's probably the one most personified by Melkor.

[@michaelbart2389]

look at it this way. the angels were told to prostrate before man. lucifer refused and was punished.

[@mattjohnson9776]

"Melkor Tortured the elves"= made them work & put meat on the menu.

[@noellabella2]

Yessss 😭

[@josephayers7395]

@@noellabella2 *MEATS BACK ON THE MENU BOYS*

[@josephayers7395]

*WEVE HAD NOTHING BUT MAGGOTY BREAD FOR 3 STINKIN DAYS*

[@Pulang_Diwa]

Maybe their torture was eating at a restaurant that serves nothing but maggoty bread. That's why they know about menus. 🤣

[@wesleythomas7125]

"Nuu, I want veggies." "Eat yer goddamn dino-nuggies."

[@aguywholikesstuff6602]

Morgoth is a literal textbook-example of "If I can't have it, no one can!"

[@Yabuturtle]

I am convinced that Tolkien never came up with the stories himself. He actually time traveled to the past and just recorded his journeys there. That is how real his world feels.

[@fgio119gio7]

He literally just copied the bible.

[@scottdodge6979]

He drew heavily from the bible and indo european/celtic myths. Its essentially his telling of a mythical pre history Europe. He also was heavily inspired by Wagners The ring although he sort of tried to distance himself from the comparison as I think both pieces of media released somewhat close to each other. I could be wrong about that last bit, I am not a classical music expert.

[@Woadie757]

@@fgio119gio7 The beginning of his lore was basically Genesis through Exodus, yes, but there is soooo much more to his universe than just “copying the Bible”. Quite a dumb way to put it when he created his own world (With the helpful idea for an inception from the Bible, and the laws of morality), so deep that every -ography you can think of was nearly flawless. Down to the names of the capitals, roads, bloodlines, all of it was made up. Yet, your response is ridiculous.

[@Northman87]

He drew from Enoch and Gap Theory

[@kithranen1542]

I think in one of his letters Tolkien said that he felt more like he was recording information that already existed rather than creating everything himself.

[@thesandmancurtballirg4371]

Thanks for clarifying the Valinor-Earth timeline ratio. So important in making sense of the total timeline of Ea and the Children of Eru.

[@toerti9589]

Makes you wonder what Melkor and Ungolianth were talking about when they crossed the helcaraxe. "Hey Melkorman can't you walk faster?" - "I told you my name is Melkor, and btw i only have two legs." Would be a great movie.

[@blingsing5383]

So all of suffering in creation was the result of Melkor grabbing the aux and killing the mood

[@adaman.shr.3538]

Well that seems legit

[@IIxLordOfDarknessxII]

He got bad vibes bro

[@lessssssgooooo]

Should have played freestyle by Lil baby

[@aliebrubaker7473]

Exactly. All suffering in Ea is caused by Melkor dropping the bass.

[@georgecarpenter5902]

But he made the beauty of it more apparent and that is what illuvatar told him, that he may try to distort his music but all comes from him and that he won't even know that he will be instead making it more and more pure. So winning against evil reinforces the belief even more.

[@TheJLAMAR23]

I’d love to see a movie series all about Melkor. Such an interesting time and a completely different power.

[@Mr.CliffysWorld]

Be hard to make a movie about entities living in a void creating a universe with song .

[@Dante-vf4sd]

@@Mr.CliffysWorld Why?

[@calebiaye6188]

I would definitely enjoy seeing it in the future

[@AMcGrath82]

I don't know that human minds could really comprehend what the shaping looked like to the immortal Valar. No visual representation would do it justice.

[@jazuqua]

A show chronicling the Silmarillion would be cool. But adapting it would require very specific direction, cause if the pacing and retelling of events aren't done correctly you'd get a terrible show.

[@Andrebonifacio]

Thank you for this. You summarize 100 pages of a very hard book in a few minutes very well. It's very easy to understand with all the images and maps. Thanks for helping me appreciate this book even more.

[@ilikesdonut]

This channel and its content is definitely a creation of Illuvatar.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thank you so much!

[@LabGoats]

Music to my ears😉

[@snezanamanojlovic8741]

True but considering all of the facts we all are

[@matthewterry9413]

💯

[@Yorkcraft-ep7fv]

Agreed the whole Tolkien channel community are the Valar that guide us

[@Reporter-h2r]

Sauron-"I serve No one" Melkor-"Call an Ambulance,But not for me."

[@samrobinson8987]

U win

[@barombolobombolo1501]

:|

[@Sassenhaim]

That's said after melkor died 🤣 Indeed if sauron should have said that 🤣he would need an ambulance. 😂😂

[@MyPrideFlag]

you rarely call an ambulance for yourself lol

[@namewastaken2496]

Lol that's so cool. Well after the First Age he forsook his allegiance to Melkor tho.

[@tomperry5947]

The intricacies of the high fantasy of the simarilion are just phenomenal. Feel like elden ring takes a lot of inspiration from this too. The ongoliant v balrog and Morgoth art work was incredibly badass too

[@justinchalifoux4424]

My god this is literal the LOTR bible study group

[@StarTexaspets]

Bless the almighty melkor I mean what 😳 🙏 😅

[@jacobwiren8142]

Except it's not boring...

[@Woadie757]

@@jacobwiren8142 I hate that I have to agree with this

[@basedkaiser5352]

@@jacobwiren8142 Tolkien would have slapped you and scolded you in Latin.

[@basedkaiser5352]

@@jacobwiren8142 [Unironic] if you think the Bible is boring then you have not read it. Tolkien took inspiration from it (yes, he also took inspirations from pagan mythologies but the inspiration he took from the Bible was more significant).

[@grejsancoprative]

Melkor: the OG rebell who wanted to play the electric guitar instead of going to church every sunday.

[@Sizdothyx]

That's pretty much his bio, tbh

[@deletedaccount1990]

To my opinion, Melkor's story was so much more enthralling and captivating than any other Dark Lord in all of literature's history. Tolkien was unsurpassed in mastery of literature.

[@dmitriyk.4991]

Ever heard of the story about Lucifer? He’s literally based off him

[@7yep4336dfgvvh]

​@@dmitriyk.4991yes, but melkor is much more interesting. Lucifer is undeveloped. The bible is big but not particularly well written sadly

[@The_Bashar]

Everytime I hear of Feanor, am astonished at his power and might. He saw through the fair semblance of Melkor (the greatest of the Ainur) and perceived his heart and mind. 🤯

[@The_Bashar]

@@MrRenanHappy 🤣🤣🤣 *I CAN'T* 🤣🤣🤣

[@Deckeon74]

@@MrRenanHappy GET THEE GONE FROM MY GATE THOU JAIL-CROW OF MANDOS!

[@aesir1ases64]

@@MrRenanHappy It takes one powerful being to know another

[@severalcakes3267]

@@Deckeon74 And the book makes it clear that Fëanor slammed his door in the face of the most powerful being in the world.

[@Locahaskatexu]

@@MrRenanHappy I think this is precisely the reason why Fëanor recognised Melkor's purpose and desire for the Silmarils. I think it's principally because in his heart Fëanor was touched by the same evil that Melkor embodied, so it's probably quite literally something along the lines of the phrase "It takes one to know one" There's very good reason why Galadhriel didn't trust Fëanor.

[@MrHunterWiseman]

Melkor being released from prison is like releasing a serial offender. Of course he was gonna keep doing evils.

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

"You know what? Let's just send him back to Eru." And so was the first death penalty implemented.

[@vksasdgaming9472]

He was released because that was his allotted punishment and it was over. Good really do not comprehend how evil thinks. Tulkas was suspicious, but held his wrath because Melkor had done nothing wrong yet. And Valar did learn of their mistakes and threw him out of this world after War of Wrath.

[@celebrim1]

If good didn't at least attempt to practice mercy, could it be said to be good? The thing about Melkor twice receiving mercy and kindness at that point, is that he can no longer legitimately claim to be mistreated and misunderstood. He's clearly made his own bed at that point. He can't blame it on daddy, and he can't blame it on his siblings. They've shown him if anything excessive kindness, and he keeps acting like a jerk.

[@redjirachi1]

Melkor is the problem of evil showing itself

[@scottdodge6979]

Its a common theme in religions.

[@ZiggyMandarr]

Your editing is always top notch. I loved the maps, especially the one showing Arda Unmarred and transitioned to the more "modern" map following the Spring of Arda. I always had trouble picturing it and most quickly searchable maps don't do it justice. Same for the map as the Awakening of the Elves. I could never picture where it was located.

[@patrikduller8449]

This is of course nothing new to me as a huge Tolkien-Nerd, but I've hardly ever seen it so well composed and summarised in such a fitting atmosphere. It is simply joy to watch. Thanks from Germany. Professor Tolkien surely has a smile on his face now, eying you from afar in the undying lands being finally reunited with his son. :)

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thank you so much! That is high praise indeed! Glad you are enjoying the channel! 😊

[@JetBeray]

@@NerdoftheRings from what book of Tokien is this?

[@ozzywormin]

@@JetBeray the silmarillion

[@JJsiN84]

I love the subtle details of the circles outlining the characters changing from "white" good, to "red and black" evil. Even Melkor's outline was white until he officially went to evil side. Awesome stuff.

[@severalcakes3267]

“And it seemed at last that there were two musics progressing at one time before the seat of Ilúvatar… one was deep and wide and beautiful, but slow and blended with an immeasurable sorrow… The other had now achieved a unity of its own; but it was loud and vain, and endlessly repeated; and it had little harmony, but rather a clamarous unison as of many trumpets braying upon a few notes.” - “Ainulindalë,” _The Silmarillion,_ p. 5

[@SpaceMonkeyBoi]

Sauron: "I have a powerful ring and an evil tower" Melkor: "cute"

[@_semih_]

Silly meme. Sauron never saw himself as 'evil'. He was the hero in his own story. It's all about the perspective

[@MrAwrsomeness]

@@_semih_ well clearly he did because it's said he repented after the fall of morgoth but fell back into evil due to fear of punishment and shame in valinor.

[@_semih_]

@@MrAwrsomeness Have you read History of M.E books or watch a Lore video about it? If you do you'd know about Sauron's own philosophy. He did everything for a greater good in his mind

[@MrAwrsomeness]

@@_semih_ Most of the lore videos are historical fiction promoting their own theories

[@Arcessitor]

@@MrAwrsomeness Except that one is rooted in lore. Let me explain something this simple for you, because apparently it's so simple that it went over your galaxy-IQ brain: The reason he repented is because others thought his actions were evil. That has nothing to do with what he thinks is evil. Hence he went on to do the thing he repented for. I know, crazy how something can be so obvious yet so easy to miss.

[@generoberts9151]

So I had a discussion with some dude about the Balrogs. He claimed they were Maiar and I was like “ no they were before the Maiar were sent to earth (less Sauron) because that would include the wizards. I always thought they were created/summoned by Melkor. Seems like he was correct. As it turns out they would be on the same level as Gandalf. Adds perspective to the story.

[@concept5631]

Pretty sure Balrogs are just corrupted Maiar

[@hypermaeonyx4969]

@@concept5631 correct.

[@laisensei6984]

Jeez, I really wish to see a movie/tv series adaptation of the Silmarillion, especially stories of the first age. I wonder if such thing will ever be possible in our life time. Hopefully if it ever happens, the production team will have the same amount of dedication Peter Jackson and his team gave to LoTR trilogy if not more.

[@Yuckpulver]

Imagine the cosmic-sized Popcorn bag which Eru consumes while watching the tragedies of Arda.

[@jmitterii2]

Yeah, I never understood that part to be "good". Toys. And watching your toys murder and cause misery to one another; that's suppose to be something to look up to?

[@norwegianboyee]

@@jmitterii2 I always think of how fucked up the god mythologies of the world are. It basically means that we probably are insignificant little cogs in a huge game of entertainment for some super-beings that just observe everything for fun. And maybe there were multiple "worlds" before this. All with their own histories, terror and grief. All for another book collectable in some "god's" library. And then when it all ends, they'll just do it over again with maybe some changes.

[@nhatnamtrinh5017]

I imagine there's a dashboard with a lot of knobs to control the parameters of the game. Eru comes up with a set of parameters, sits back and enjoys how the game plays out. He sometimes says things like "Dang! That's a good one!" or "Should've given Melkor a little more power".

[@roberdelss]

It is a trial, nothing more. Will you stand in the light, or fall into shadow?

[@unculturedswine1961]

I feel like after this video, there are so many more subjects you need to brooch. Such as the differences between the Ainur, the Walls of Night, the original world. Favorite video yet!

[@noname-JS]

This is literally everything (backstory) one needs to know to better understand Rings of Power. So many references made to this past which the viewers don't understand at all.

[@Ravenesque]

Melkor may have been the most pwerful of the Valar, yet all the Valar combined proved themselves yet mightier than he. Manwe and Ulmo created the rain by accident, for neither of them had separately thought of it. Team work, yo.

[@celebrim1]

And according to Illuvatar, neither of them would have thought to create rain or snow, had not Melkor introduced the idea of intemperate hate and bitter cold. According to Illuvatar, Melkor was trying to ruin and overthrow the world, but all in the end he would accomplish would be to make it heart achingly beautiful beyond his own imagining.

[@Number_99]

I thought I heard Tulkas was stronger than Melkor, even humiliated him like a big brother would do.

[@celebrim1]

@@Number_99 In physical prowess, Tulkas had no equal. In authority (magic) or wisdom... well, let's just say that Tulkas was considered a good friend but wasn't considered a good counselor.

[@nikersramnikers7081]

@@Number_99 i've already wrote it under many videos on this topic: why is no one mentioning that Melkor was weakened by spreading his power over his servants and Arda? He basically did the same thing Sauron did when creating the Ring, only instead of the ring it was Arda and Morgoth's servants. It weakened him greatly, but allowed him to control his subjects and basically granted immortality, for he couldn't die unless Arda itself is destroyed. Before this, even all the Valar combined couldn't beat him

[@ulmo5193]

@@nikersramnikers7081 Even though i don't understand that why melkor fleed when tulkas come to arda, he was so powerful back then and can possibly beat tulkas. Is there any reason for that or plot reasons?

[@Darkbloom006]

I wish you'd cover the act of Morgoth's corruption and manipulation of Sauron. As all Sauron wanted was complete balance. As was his role.

[@LagunaShirogane]

I have now watched your 3 part Morgoth story, NotR, some 3 or 4 times now. Melkor is such an interesting character and villian. He has to be my favorite in all of Tolkien's World. If only the Tolkien family would allow the 1st Age to be made into a TV show. Id love to see Glaurung or Ancalagon the Black in the show or even see Sauron. I can only imagine what fans would feel when they see Sauron appear for the first time since Peter Jackson's LotR trilogy. Sauron gives off that same villainous vibes that Darth Vader gives off. That sense of dread and terror.

[@BlackTar2]

Just don’t give it to a company like Amazon who are more worried about ruining it with nonsense virtue filled garbage then making something accurate.

[@accesspanels]

It’s also speculated that Gandalf’s comment that he is a “wielder of the flame of Anor” might refer to his possession of the Elven Ring of Fire, Narya. Anor means Sun in the mythology.

[@celebrim1]

Yeah, the Gandalf's speech to the Balrog is filled with all sorts of references to the deep magic of the world that only he and the Balrog would get. "He's like, "Beware cousin." I know who you are, and though I may look like a weak old man, I'm really nothing of the sort." It sounds cool and mythic, because it is cool and mythic.

[@Top10soon]

@@celebrim1 yup gandalf is an angel (:

[@mechadoggy]

Yeah, I think “servant of the Secret Fire” and “wielder of the flame of Anor” are two separate things.

[@mixmashandtinker3266]

@@mechadoggy They are the same in a sense. “The secret” is fact he keeps the ring hidden. And in it self it IS the flame if Anor.

[@mechadoggy]

@@mixmashandtinker3266 Actually, the “Secret Fire” is supposed to refer to Eru Iluvatar’s power of being able to truly create life (instead of merely corrupting life) and free will. Therefore, Gandalf saying that he is a servant of the “Secret Fire” is akin to saying that Eru Iluvatar is his master, kinda like when an angel presented himself before Joshua as a general in God’s army near the end of Joshua chapter 5. The whole “wielder of the flame of Anor” can refer to him wielding Narya, the ring of fire.

[@pfk2005]

This channel is a f’ing gem. I started The Hobbit because I know the movies didn’t do it justice.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thank you! Glad you dove into the Hobbit! It’s such a great book!

[@MrPixelspin]

I went to the theatre to see the first Hobbit movie. Have not watched is since and have not seen any of the other 2. They are a joke.

[@gryphon8023]

Yeah they took a book added a bunch of garbage and somehow turned it into three movies none of which actually followed the book besides bilbo finds the ring and the dwarves retake erebor

[@growingupruff]

Try to listen to the audio book by bluefax. Then google "archives lotr phil dragash" and listen to lotr. The hobbit was the first book I ever read in 7th grade .I read well but these audio books are better than the movies or even reading the books and I didn't think it was possible. Be sure they are the theatrical version. Enjoy. ( May find the hobbit bluefax version in soundcloud)

[@ErickMartinez-uh9wi]

My favorite character in the Silmalirion... This 3 videos of Melkor are super complete, thanks Nerd of the Rings!

[@rogeransaloni2035]

"From splendour he fell through arrogance to contempt for all things save himself, a spirit wasteful and pitiless. Understanding he turned to subtlety in perverting to his own will all that he would use, until he became a liar without shame. He began with the desire of Light, but when he could not possess it for himself alone, he descended through fire and wrath into a great burning, down into Darkness. And darkness he used most in his evil works upon Arda, and filled it with fear for all living things." These lines are one of my favorites from The Silmarillion: " he descended through fire and wrath into a great burning, down into Darkness". Simply love it.

[@Zelein]

"The valar decrees that Melkor should stay in Aman, where they could keep watch on him." *Years later* "Realizing Melkor was pulling the strings, Tulkas goes to imprison him, but finds him gone" Sounds like someone forgot to their job lol. Nice video as usual

[@valentinomiller6251]

That's because Manwe had no concept of what evil was. Manwe was wholly free of the knowledge of it.

[@Jianju69]

Gods are typically a quite distracted lot, what with taking the form of animals and seducing mortal women...

[@Arcessitor]

@@Jianju69 The Ainur aren't gods. They are closer to angels.

[@MAegcuru]

@@valentinomiller6251 And you could only imagine the grief and frustration that Ulmo, Varda and Tulkas were having since those three objected to Melkor being released.

[@valentinomiller6251]

@@Arcessitor additionally these are not Greek or Roman

[@handydan6273]

I was just driving to work and was at the light and found one of your videos. Now it's my go-to audio when driving. Keep them up bud

[@kennethmorgan1254]

Really enjoyed the descriptive backstory. I often struggled with the many names, places, timelines and factions of Tolkien’s world. Along with the maps and icons, this brought a lot of clarity to the overarching story for me. Nicely done. Thank you!

[@MADFISHINREELS]

I had no idea this Lord of the Rings storyline went so deep!! WOW!

[@deitpep6629]

yep, when those of us who were Tolkien fans enough to have read lotr and the silmarillion before the movies came out, we were like wow, Jackson and the art production did so much faithful homework. so many references like the books to events or locations from the first, second , or early third age of middle-earth. ex. the ruins of the last battle scene near the waterfall in Fellowship used was an outpost town from the earlier eras of gondor. And with this video now you know who made those seer "crystal" balls/palantiri ,and he was the uncle of Galadriel. the white tree was an offshoot from another offshoot from one of the trees poisoned by the spider spirit mentioned in this video. just few examples of so many more. So we knew the rest of the audience were seeing only the surface of the reference details in the movies, but of course enjoying the greatness of them all the same.

[@coffeemanic6566]

It has always been deep, I reckon so ♥️

[@3rdandzen97]

The art pieces in your videos are always amazing, truly fantastic, and such a great accompaniment to the story and character narratives. But in this video… my goodness, off the charts! Thank you!

[@erwinesto3408]

You'll never see a video like this for Rowling's books, only Master Tolkien works inspires such beauty.

[@YersiniaPestisNPO]

I mean both Authors have created beautiful worlds. Tolkien's is just way deeper and thorough

[@zach6395]

They both are fantastic, apples and oranges honestly. I'd say HP is probably the greatest coming of age series in a fantastic world along with a great hero's journey. LotR is something else all together something meant to be more grand.

[@punished_gooner]

not even comparable. one is legendary on a biblical scale, one is grade school reading

[@celebrim1]

I don't think it is fair to compare anyone's work to The Good Professor's work - I mean who has written a prayer like the prayer of Aulë? When I realized that in the voice of Aulë, Tolkien was giving his own prayer over his own handiwork, I wept with joy. But, I also don't think you do Rawlings justice. The scope and scale of her vision while different from The Good Professor's is also amazing. She tells a deep seven story saga where each of the seven books has a self-contained story that is in of itself a worthy novel, and yet she constantly builds to grander uber-ending. The tale of the boy who lived and comes to die resonates with the same sort of mythic power that resonates in the works of Tolkien - and they have I think the same muse. There so many things that are great about her epic, like the fact that in the first book Harry is 11 and the writing and story is pitch perfect to an 11 year old boy, and then with each book the writing gets to be just a little bit more mature as Harry matures so that when Harry becomes an adult, the story is now fully adult literature with adult themes and problems. There is no need to put down another when praising Tolkien. Each deserves their honor. Each I hope hears, "Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into your reward."

[@zach6395]

@@YersiniaPestisNPO If Rowling took the time to do a Silmarilian type deal too, I bet it would be just as well received and celebrated.

[@alexziolkowski6858]

It’s amazing to see how the friendship between Tolkien & C.S. Lewis impacted their respective bodies of work.

[@Phoenix-King-ozai]

I love the fact that Morgoth has a Crown of Iron Not Gold, not Mithril....good old Iron He who controlled Iron, controlled the world

[@concept5631]

Stone, Copper, Bronze, Iron. Thus is the way of things.

[@ypsawbones3646]

For iron cold iron is master of men all

[@roberdelss]

​@@ypsawbones3646Something the Devil would say.

[@ypsawbones3646]

@@roberdelss Ironically the poem I took it from is very Cristian

[@roberdelss]

@@ypsawbones3646 So? The Devil will pretend be your friend. You think you're better than anyone else? That's how evil thinks.

[@samuelpalomera9390]

this is so good, i was already looking for the second part. Took a while to notice it was published today

[@tylerboyce8236]

Amazing video series on Morgoth. I love the imagery, music and the maps that you use to explain everything. Gives a great visualization to the story. I've been sharing these videos with friends because they are great!

[@NerdoftheRings]

So glad you are enjoying them! Thanks for watching/subscribing!

[@dwf-dopey9053]

Not gonna lie. I watch this every night night. All three parts of this before I got to sleep. The story telling on this is very soothing for myself. I appreciate you and keep doing what you do

[@sdaniel9129]

Very impressing how Tolkien thought this all out! Thank you for sharing... Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@deathisfinetoo5272]

Melkor, the original griefer of minecraft worlds.

[@sanantonio210x]

Thank you so much for doing this. I get SO LOST in the world of Tolkien. Cliff notes are super helpful.

[@Ratgraz]

Only recently started reading The Silmarillion, up to when Melkor and Ungoliant destroy the trees of Valinor. As fantasy is my favourite genre I used to get annoyed when people said every fantasy was a LoTR rip off. They aren't, though saying most don't take inspiration is dumb, but learning more, yeah, the legendarium is the king. Tolkien's grasp of mythology, language and culture exceeds everyone else. No real comment on this video, just saw it and felt the need to proselytize.

[@ramondejesus65]

A lot of fantasy is, specially in video games, where "Tolkien style" elves are used a lot, the tall, beautiful fair elves. Also, he invented the word "orc" which is crazy. Tolkien took fantasy to another level...

[@Ratgraz]

@@ramondejesus65 Exactly, I think that's why my my favourite fantasy race are the Skaven from Warhammer, they're just the most unique. The fact an entire genre owes pretty much everything to him is testament to Tolkien's genius.

[@ramondejesus65]

@B. Brown biblical lore is a rip off of Summerian lore what's your point? Every creative person in history has always been inspired by something else, would love to read your rip off if you have one

[@Ratgraz]

Everything is a ripoff of something, all that matters is how good it s.

[@mikemckenzie1397]

This is the easiest subscribe I've ever done, such detail on all your videos, I'm finally understanding why lord of the rings is so beloved :)

[@MarEXksz]

This is probably the 4th time I've listened to this series. I love Melkor and hope to God they make a trilogy with him as the biggest bady, making Sauron look like a puppy. Just Melkor is freaking sick!!

[@Ravenesque]

Dude, I have to say this, your vids are Quality. I'm a recent subscriber and extremely knowledgable about the works of Tolkien, and your vide-style is one of the most accessible I've ever seen. I really enjoyed watching the little circles going around the map, and its so helpful to have the legendarium visualised like that. Absolutely stellar work, and very well done. I look foward to future content :) Hannon le, mellon-am-min!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thank you so much! It is always great to hear from people who enjoy it - be it newbies or the enthusiasts as yourself! Looking forward to many more vids on the way! Thanks, mellon!

[@secendus]

Your videos are so streamlined and interesting, instead of spending hours explaining to my fiancé these things you make these videos in a way she’s able to absorb. Thank you!!

[@PhoenixPhire22]

So glad for channels like this. I read The Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion in high school. I loved parts of the Silmarillion, but 80% I just couldn’t process. There weee too many names for everything I was just lost lol. I do remember Melkor and Ungoliant destroying the trees and some other tales but it’s so helpful to have the dates and where everyone was going on the maps and stuff. Great channel!

[@Chelooby]

The quote of Eru talking to melkor and the other Ainur sure reminds me a lot of Gandalf’s quote about “forces in the world besides the will of evil” Thank you for another great vid, excellent stuff to watch on the weekends

[@MrFarnanonical]

I'd like to mention something because this wasn't something that I found very clear at first, and it's something that everyone seems to skim over, it's the difference between the Maia and the Vala. I assumed for a long time that the Vala and the Maia are different species. It's not clear to a lot of people at first that a Valar isn't a different race or something than a Maiar. They're both Ainu. The Vala are the leaders and the Maia are the servants. Maybe a better way to think of it is that the Vala are the teachers and the Maia are their students/assistants. A Maiar that's associated with a particular Valar typically has similar traits that they've learned from them. This was important for me to rationalize why Sauron, a mere Maia could be such a threat.

[@Dante-vf4sd]

Sauron was only a threat because the Valar decided not to wipe him out themselves, he was only a threat to those weaker than himself.

[@jestajared]

@@Dante-vf4sd Do you know why the Valar never intervened against Sauron? If he wasn't as powerful as Morgoth, I feel like it would makes sense for them to step in and end his Evil. The valar twice defeated Morgoth so I just don't get it

[@Dante-vf4sd]

@@jestajared The will of Eru and evidently they didn't want the power used again which destroyed much of the world in the war against Morgoth.

[@Dante-vf4sd]

@@jestajared They wanted the lower beings to defeat him and learn things from it, I think this is part of the grand design from Eru, a greater end through experience of and overcome evil.

[@marcushendriksen8415]

Maiar/Valar and Maia/Vala are the plural and singular forms btw

[@seenochasm7101]

Incredible level of production and beauty in story telling. So wonderful. I'm so grateful and interested in the original texts now.

[@primate90]

I am serious this video is great. It is well crafted and you have a perfect voice for story telling mate.

[@spirosalygizakis3686]

I would hire you to read me stories before sleep🤣🤣. I could listen you for hours! great work!

[@NerdoftheRings]

haha! Well, at least I have hours worth of videos here on YT - that's kinda like me reading to you! :)

[@lordheklsmosh9490]

@@NerdoftheRings no spiros is talking about a six 6 distance reading

[@crowlsyong]

I like when you read stuff from the book and you really get into it. 14:00 Honestly man with the subtle background music and great overall monologue, I'm sold. love it.

[@chipiturk90strend]

I'm just reading the Silmarillion and I'm like 'yes to that' 'i know right' and 'ohhh got it' I'm a huge fan of Tolkien. His middle earth is superior to any other story!!!

[@Wysewolf]

Melkor: Noone can stop me. I am the Lord of Arda. Tulkas: Hold my beard.

[@_semih_]

Tulkas would shit his pants if he ever met Melkor with full power lol

[@Wysewolf]

@@_semih_ I doubt anything would strike fear into Tulkas win or lose and despite the odds. It is kind of the point of him as a charachter ya know? However, no doubt Prime-Melkor would win in the end despite Tulkas' bravery. But victory wouldn't be easy, and it wouldn't come without a cost. Lol

[@_semih_]

@@Wysewolf You know, Melkor with full power was stronger than the 13 Valar. Before Tulkas, Melkor was about to defeat Valar lol So Melkor is stronger than Even the combined Manwe+Ulmo+Aule +10 other Vala/Valier. Do you think Tulkas can beat the 13 other Vala sigle handedly? Tulkas was literally nothing compare to Melkor but Melkor was too much weakened and tired when Tulkas arrived as a fresh force. He would beat Tulkas' ass easily

[@applekingen3581]

@@_semih_ same thing when Morgoth fought Ungoliant and almost got devoured, if he was at his prime she would have lost.

[@gospodineverest5778]

@@_semih_ the valar have no full power they are already in full potential

[@maestroaxeman]

It's really intense that when the Maiar were composing their song (with Illuvitar basically being the conductor & Melkor trying to compose alterations) we see/hear the "songs of creation", as it were. In ALL of Tolkien's works, two mysterious beings appear in the 1st & 3rd ages (Ungoliant of the 1st Age & Tom Bombadil in the 3rd Age) & are quite possibly the embodiment of opposing good & evil essence that spring forth from the creation songs...but one must look at the vast scope of Tolkien's timeline between the 3 Ages in a timeless manner. Illuvitar DID in FACT cast down Melkor's attempts with a curse when the songs of creation ceased & the beginning work was done (as mentioned in The Silmarillion & through the KZbinr's narrative). Ungoliant & Tom Bombadil may BE that physical embodiment within Illuvitar's declaration to Melkor.🤔 THAT...& Hobbits, ofcourse😉❤

[@svagglaorde4387]

The creators who made Blood of Zeus and the Castlevania series can definitely make an animated show about Melkor.

[@LandStrider23]

One can dream

[@DraculaCronqvist]

Let's hope not, or he'll do the same to the Legendarium what he did to Castlevania. Every character will swear constantly, be raunchy and have no morality. The characters would not be themselves.

[@throbbingfellow1136]

@@DraculaCronqvist True, I can’t imagine a worse fit for Tolkein’s mythology than those guys.

[@DraculaCronqvist]

@@throbbingfellow1136 Believe it or not, I actually could: Disney.

[@Zickoly]

Should probably be a different writer, but i agree that a series animated in that style would make for a pretty good adaption of the silmarilion.

[@sjage6461]

Fëanor and Tulkas disliked this.

[@tonydarre9954]

Aule would have too, but he doesn't use computers

[@-umph]

One thing that isn't highlighted is melkors motives. He always wanted to make life, but he can't, and when he tries he is mocked. So he hates not being allowed to create anything, so much that he basically throws a tantrum to destroy everything. If he won, he would just keep destroying the world until it was just dust in space, and even then he would still be miserable. It's kind of cruel honestly, all he ever wanted was a chance to be creative.

[@-umph]

He does make dragons and orcs but he's just 'painting' with illuvatars paint. He didn't make the matter, or the original life that he twists into new creatures. Melkor wanted to be the paint, even if only a small part (during the song he was just trying to add to it, not to destroy it, he's not destructive at first), but he's only ever allowed to be a brush.

[@-umph]

Anyway, the point is, once you understand his motives, Melkor makes a lot more sense. He's not just a mindless insane monster, illuvatar shouldn't have punked him like that- just for trying to add something original to a song.

[@marduk1734]

Every family has a black sheep. Morgoth: who you callin sheep?! Khorne: what is family?

[@MCPrimetime]

Some say, Morgoth's scream can still be heard today.

[@thomashaeyen6942]

well, that's exactly what happened with ungoliant.

[@DashsChannel]

When I first read the Silmarillion I thought of the gag in that one South Park episode with Cartman screaming and it being heard through the entire universe. Which needless to say made things unfittingly hilarious.

[@blacktigerpaw1]

I think it's rather poignant that Ungoliant, an Eldritch Abomination, creeped out Melkor and had abilities others couldn't suppress. Always a bigger fish.

[@evannibbe9375]

Ungoliant I guess is an artifact of Melkor’s song seeking life from the void.