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{{Infobox Person Servants of Evil
{{race
 
|image= [[File:Poster_3.jpg|325px]]
+
| image = Poster_3.jpg
  +
| caption =
|name= Balrog
 
  +
| name = Balrogs
|dominions= [[Angband]], [[North|Northern Lands]], [[Iron Mountains]], [[Moria]], [[Mordor]]
 
  +
| othernames = Demons of the Ancient World
|languages= [[Valarin]], [[Black Speech]], [[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]], possibly [[Westron]]
 
  +
| title = Servants of [[Morgoth]]
|height= About 14'
 
  +
| birth = Before the Creation of [[Arda]]
|length=
 
  +
| rule =
|skincolor= Dark with flames
 
  +
| death = Most perished in the [[First Age]], some possibly still in existence
|haircolor= Mane of flames
 
 
| realms = [[Misty Mountains]], [[Moria]], [[Angband]], [[Utumno]], [[North|Northern Lands]], [[Iron Mountains]], [[Mordor]]
|feathers=
 
  +
| spouse =
|distinctions= Tall, evil, demonic, powerful, merciless, cruel, corrupt
 
  +
| weapon = Fiery weapons ([[Sword]]s, [[whip]]s, [[axe]]s, etc.)
|lifespan= [[Immortal]]
 
  +
| race = [[Maiar]]
|members= [[Durin's Bane]], [[Gothmog]], [[Lungorthin]]
 
  +
| culture = Maiar of Evil (Servants of Morgoth), [[Valaraukar]]
}}
 
  +
| gender =
  +
| height = 14' - 18' or larger
 
| hair = Mane of flames
  +
| eyes = Reddish-white
  +
| actor =
  +
| voice =
  +
| character =}}
   
 
{{Quote|Then something came into the chamber - I felt it through the door, and the orcs themselves were afraid and fell silent. It laid hold of the iron ring, and then it perceived me and my spell.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]],'' "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm"}}
 
{{Quote|Then something came into the chamber - I felt it through the door, and the orcs themselves were afraid and fell silent. It laid hold of the iron ring, and then it perceived me and my spell.|''[[The Lord of the Rings]],'' "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm"}}
   
'''Balrogs''' were the '''Valaraukar''' ([[Quenya]]; ''vala'' "power" + ''rauko'' "monster"), spirits of the [[Maiar]] that were seduced and corrupted by [[Melkor]] to his service.<ref name="ValaMaiar">''[[The Silmarillion]], [[Valaquenta]]:'' "Of the Maiar"</ref> There were never more than seven, according to [[Christopher Tolkien|Tolkien's son]], but in earlier versions of Tolkien's writings there are references to entire armies of Balrogs. [[Gothmog]] was their captain during the [[First Age]].
+
'''Balrogs''' were the '''Valaraukar''' ([[Quenya]]; ''vala'' "power" + ''rauko'' "monster"), spirits of the [[Maiar]] that were seduced and corrupted by [[Melkor]] to his service.<ref name="ValaMaiar">''[[The Silmarillion]], [[Valaquenta]]:'' "Of the Maiar"</ref> There were never more than seven, according to [[Christopher Tolkien|Tolkien's son]], but in earlier versions of Tolkien's writings there are references to entire armies of Balrogs, at least before the destruction of [[Utumno]]. [[Gothmog]] was their captain during the [[First Age]].
 
:('''Note:''' Many pictures on this page are of [[Durin's Bane]], the Balrog of [[Moria]], the best-known example of a Balrog.)
 
:('''Note:''' Many pictures on this page are of [[Durin's Bane]], the Balrog of [[Moria]], the best-known example of a Balrog.)
   
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==Origins==
 
==Origins==
   
Balrogs were "scourges of fire, ... demons of terror."<ref name="ValaMaiar" /> They were [[Maiar]], originally of the same order as [[Sauron]] and [[Gandalf]], but they were seduced by [[Melkor]], who corrupted them to his service in the days of his splendour before the creation of [[Arda]]. During the [[Music of the Ainur]], the [[Ainulindalë]], Melkor (Morgoth) began introducing themes of his own design into the Theme of Ilúvatar, causing great discord in the music. Balrogs were among those spirits near Melkor who attuned their own music to Melkor's theme rather than [[Ilúvatar]]'s. Therefore, they not only existed before the creation of the world, they had a part in its creation.
+
Balrogs were "scourges of fire, ... demons of terror."<ref name="ValaMaiar" /> They were [[Maiar]], originally of the same order as [[Saruman]] and [[Gandalf]], but they were seduced by [[Melkor]], who corrupted them to his service in the days of his splendour before the creation of [[Arda]]. During the [[Music of the Ainur]], the [[Ainulindalë]], Melkor (Morgoth) began introducing themes of his own design into the Theme of Ilúvatar, causing great discord in the music. Balrogs were among those spirits near Melkor who attuned their own music to Melkor's theme rather than [[Ilúvatar]]'s. Therefore, they not only existed before the creation of the world, they had a part in  
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
  +
[[File:Balrog 5.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Fallen flame of Udûn]]
  +
[[File:Tumblr m8nwu2EeHB1rt4vgvo1 1280.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Balrogs and a [[Fire-drake of Gondolin|fire worm]] before to attack the city of Gondolin by [[John Howe]]<ref>http://alan-and-john.tumblr.com/page/21</ref>]]
   
During the [[First Age]], Balrogs were among the most feared of Morgoth's forces. When his [[fortress|Fortress]] of [[Utumno]] was destroyed by the [[Valar]], they fled and lurked in the pits of [[Angband]]. The Balrogs were first encountered by the [[Elves]] during the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] (Battle-under-Stars) in the First Age. After the great victory of the [[Ñoldor]] over Morgoth's [[orc]]s, [[Fëanor]] pressed on towards [[Angband]], but the Balrogs came against him. He was mortally wounded by Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs. Though his sons fought off the demons with an army of elves at their side, Fëanor died of his wounds soon after, and his spirit departed for the [[Halls of Mandos]]. Another major encounter was in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears(Nirnaeth Arnoediad). Gothmog, High Captain of Angband, led the invasion. He threw aside Hurin and Turgon, turned upon Fingon and killed him with the help of another Balrog, winning the battle for Morgoth's forces. During the Fall of Gondolin, Ecthelion managed to kill Gothmog at the cost of his own life. Another Balrog is confronted when he attacks Tuor and those attempting to escape the siege. Glorfindel fought the Balrog to give his friends a chance to escape. The battle ended with Glorfindel casting down the Balrog from the mountain but being pulled down along with the demon. The last Balrogs fought in the [[War of Wrath]] but were either slain or forced to retreat.
+
During the [[First Age]], Balrogs were among the most feared of Morgoth's forces. When his [[fortress|Fortress]] of [[Utumno]] was destroyed by the [[Valar]], seven fled and lurked in the pits of [[Angband]]. If more existed before this time, they were slain by the Valar in Utumno. The Balrogs were first encountered by the [[Elves]] during the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] (Battle-under-Stars) in the First Age. After the great victory of the [[Ñoldor]] over Morgoth's [[orc]]s, [[Fëanor]] pressed on towards [[Angband]], but the Balrogs came against him. He was mortally wounded by Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs. Though his sons fought off the demons with an army of elves at their side, [[Fëanor]] died of his wounds soon after, and his spirit departed for the [[Halls of Mandos]]. Another major encounter was in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears (Nirnaeth Arnoediad). Gothmog, High Captain of Angband, led the invasion. He threw aside [[Hurin]] and [[Turgon]], turned upon [[Fingon]] and killed him with the help of another Balrog, winning the battle for Morgoth's forces. During the [[Fall of Gondolin]], [[Ecthelion]] managed to kill Gothmog at the cost of his own life. Another Balrog is confronted when he attacks Tuor and those attempting to escape the siege. [[Glorfindel of Gondolin|Glorfindel]] fought the Balrog to give his friends a chance to escape. The battle ended with Glorfindel casting down the Balrog from the mountain but being pulled down along with the demon. The last Balrogs fought in the [[War of Wrath]] but were either slain or forced to retreat.
   
 
[[File:Xtra09.jpg|thumb|left|240px|The portrait in [[Saruman]]'s book at [[Orthanc]] of Durin's Bane.]]
 
[[File:Xtra09.jpg|thumb|left|240px|The portrait in [[Saruman]]'s book at [[Orthanc]] of Durin's Bane.]]
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[[File:Balrog_vs_Gandalf.jpeg|thumb|180px|The Balrog's Whip.]]
 
[[File:Balrog_vs_Gandalf.jpeg|thumb|180px|The Balrog's Whip.]]
[[File:By G17RDY Creations and Hecubus114.jpg|thumb|180px|The sword of hell by G17RDY Creations and Hecubus114.]]
+
[[File:Balrog.jpg|thumb|180px|Utilizing Udun's flame in shape of a fiery sword.]]
  +
[[File:By G17RDY Creations and Hecubus114.jpg|thumb|180px|The sword of hell in detail by [http://www.therpf.com/f9/lotr-sword-balrog-new-project-complete-69004/ G17RDY Creations and Hecubus114]]]
 
A Balrog generally took the form of a tall, menacing being roughly in the shape of a [[Man]], having control of both fire and shadow and wielding a fiery [[whip]] with several thongs (Gothmog, the Lord of Balrogs in the First Age, used an [[axe]] as well). They induced great terror in friends and foes alike. Many who faced Balrogs referred to them as "creatures of fire and shadow" or simply "shadow and flame."
 
A Balrog generally took the form of a tall, menacing being roughly in the shape of a [[Man]], having control of both fire and shadow and wielding a fiery [[whip]] with several thongs (Gothmog, the Lord of Balrogs in the First Age, used an [[axe]] as well). They induced great terror in friends and foes alike. Many who faced Balrogs referred to them as "creatures of fire and shadow" or simply "shadow and flame."
   
 
In his published works, [[Tolkien]] depicts the Balrog as being barely a shape wreathed in shadow and flame - possibly man-shape, yet greater. Balrogs seemed to encapsulate and project power and terror.
 
In his published works, [[Tolkien]] depicts the Balrog as being barely a shape wreathed in shadow and flame - possibly man-shape, yet greater. Balrogs seemed to encapsulate and project power and terror.
   
Additionally, they were probably able to alter their body structures on occasions as being seen in the battle between Durin's Bane and [[Gandalf]], when the Balrog fell into a water he could shift himself into somewhat gelatinous.
+
Additionally, they were probably able to alter their body structures on occasions as being seen in the battle between Durin's Bane and [[Gandalf]], when the Balrog fell into a water he could shift himself into something gelatinous.
  +
  +
In the film adaptations, the head somewhat resembles a skull with ram's horns, while being itself wrapped in its flames.
  +
  +
==Capabilities==
  +
  +
Balrogs were indeed very fearsome and powerful creatures. Once being unleashed on battlefields, these Maiar of hell-fires would have displayed such destructive powers to annihilate unlucky foes. They had been some of the most trusted and the oldest servants of Morgoth, and were one of the two strongest of the Dark Lord's forces along with [[dragons]]. These two were left to be commanders at wars, and would cooperate in needs. Balrogs were occasionally seen riding on dragons.
  +
 
Balrogs' most renowned and feared behaviors were to create or summon efreetic weapons made of hell flames. Not only with their whips and swords of Udun, the fallen spirits could ignite and engulf themselves in flames. Their entire being were associated with flames as their simple breaths were extremely hot fire.
  +
[[File:Haste of the Balrogs by Viking-Heart.png|thumb|left|180px|Haste of the Balrogs by [http://viking-heart.deviantart.com/art/Haste-of-the-Balrogs-372230812 Viking-Heart]]]
 
For what extent Balrogs' capabilities in terms of special abilities and magic could reach is basically unknown. For example, [[Istari]] at least could cause changes in the weathers at will, thus Balrogs could or could not do the same art. Furthermore, as when Morgoth was attacked by the [[Ungoliant]], Balrogs could reach to rescue their master quite immediately. This was possibly due to their using of magic or supernatural power of Maiar in case if they cannot fly extremely fast.
  +
 
It seems likely that they cannot be hurt with normal weapons as Gandalf said. Gandalf could fight against the demon because Gandalf himself is a Maia as well and the blade used by him was the [[Glamdring]], a sword of [[Gondolin]].
  +
[[File:Gothmog the balrog's king.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Gothmog, the original Lord of Balrogs]]
   
 
==Miscellaneous==
 
==Miscellaneous==
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"''There came [[wolves]] and serpents and there came Balrogs one thousand, and there came Glomund the Father of Dragons.''" ''The Lost Road,'' Chapter 16. (Glomund's name became ''[[Glaurung]]'' when Tolkien wrote the Silmarillion.
 
"''There came [[wolves]] and serpents and there came Balrogs one thousand, and there came Glomund the Father of Dragons.''" ''The Lost Road,'' Chapter 16. (Glomund's name became ''[[Glaurung]]'' when Tolkien wrote the Silmarillion.
  +
[[File:Balrog - FOT.png|thumb|left|200px|Durin's Bane, the Balrog of Moria, one of the last of its kind]]
 
 
When Tolkien developed Middle-earth as the backdrop for ''The Lord of the Rings'', Balrogs became more formidable and terrible, and their number was much reduced. In the end Christopher Tolkien stated that there were "at most" seven Balrogs:
 
When Tolkien developed Middle-earth as the backdrop for ''The Lord of the Rings'', Balrogs became more formidable and terrible, and their number was much reduced. In the end Christopher Tolkien stated that there were "at most" seven Balrogs:
 
{{Quote|In the margin my father wrote: 'There should not be supposed more than say 3 or at most 7 ever existed.'|''[[Morgoth's Ring]],'' Section 2 (AAm*): Note 50}}
 
{{Quote|In the margin my father wrote: 'There should not be supposed more than say 3 or at most 7 ever existed.'|''[[Morgoth's Ring]],'' Section 2 (AAm*): Note 50}}
   
And yet, in ''[[The Silmarillion]],'' which is considered [[canon]], Tolkien wrote that during the [[War of Wrath]], "The Balrogs were destroyed, save some few that fled and hid themselves."<ref name="SimWar" /> This seems inconsistent with Tolkien's margin note (above), unless Tolkien meant that those "few that fled and hid themselves" numbered only three or at most seven.
+
And yet, in ''[[The Silmarillion]],'' which is considered [[canon]], Tolkien wrote that during meant that those "few that fled and hid themselves" numbered only three or at most seven.
  +
  +
==Known Individuals==
  +
All the known Balrogs were seemingly males. It is even unknown there were even genders among them.
  +
  +
* [[Gothmog]] - the first Balrog to wield the title of the '''[[Lord of Balrogs]]''' (presumably the title was indeed created for him)
  +
  +
* [[Lungothrin]] - also claiming the title of the Lord of Balrogs and was the vital chief for guards of Angband with his piety to the Dark Lord rivaling that of Gothmog
  +
  +
* [[Durin's Bane]] - the only known individual survived after the War of Wrath, and also being the only Balrog not to being tied-up affirmatively with dark forces of his time.
   
 
==Portrayal in adaptations==
 
==Portrayal in adaptations==
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==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
{{Gallery|width=120|height=160|captionalign=center|position=center
 
{{Gallery|width=120|height=160|captionalign=center|position=center
  +
|Gandalf confronts balrog.jpg|Crush between Maiar of flames (Udûn vs Anor)
 
|Gothmog the Balrog.jpg|[[Gothmog]], the king of Balrogs
 
|Gothmog the Balrog.jpg|[[Gothmog]], the king of Balrogs
  +
|GlorfindelandBalrog.jpg|[[Glorfindel]]'s last battle (ending in a double suicide with the fallen demon)
 
|GandalfVSBalrog.jpg|[[Durin's Bane]] fighting [[Gandalf|Gandalf, the Grey]]
 
|GandalfVSBalrog.jpg|[[Durin's Bane]] fighting [[Gandalf|Gandalf, the Grey]]
 
|Ted_Nasmith_-_The_Dwarves_Delve_Too_Deep.jpg|The awakening of [[Durin's Bane]]
 
|Ted_Nasmith_-_The_Dwarves_Delve_Too_Deep.jpg|The awakening of [[Durin's Bane]]
|the_balrogs_of_morgoth_by_thylacinee-d5pl60x.png|All seven Balrogs before the throne of Morgoth. [[Gothmog]] is in the center, and [[Durin's Bane]] is just to the left.
+
|the_balrogs_of_morgoth_by_thylacinee-d5pl60x.png|All seven Balrogs before the throne of Morgoth. [[Gothmog]] is in the center, and [[Durin's Bane]] is just to the left by [http://www.deviantart.com/art/The-Balrogs-of-Morgoth-345308865 Thylacinee].
  +
|Glorfindel Balrog by Moumou38.jpg|Glorfindel and his enermy by [http://www.deviantart.com/art/Glorfindel-and-Balrog-186682036 Moumou38]
|LEGO Balrog.jpg|LEGO Balrog
 
  +
|Glorfindel and the Balrog.jpg|
  +
|How-to-draw-balrog,-lord-of-the-rings,-balrog-tutorial-drawing.jpg|
 
|Fire Balrog.png|
  +
|Durin's Bane.jpg|Demon of the deep
  +
|Summon Balrog.jpg|Summon of Balrog in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]
  +
|LEGO Balrog.jpg|LEGO Balrog from [[LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]
 
|Dragon, balrog2.JPG|A Balrog from The Battle for Middle-earth attacks
 
|Dragon, balrog2.JPG|A Balrog from The Battle for Middle-earth attacks
 
|Screen_Shot_2012-06-19_at_4.50.44_PM.png|Three demons of Melkor in BFME2
 
|Screen_Shot_2012-06-19_at_4.50.44_PM.png|Three demons of Melkor in BFME2
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==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
*At over 20 feet high, the Balrog is one of the largest characters in the Lord of the Rings franchise. Along with Gandalf, Saruman, Sauron, Radagast, Treebeard and possibly Tom Bombadil, he may very well be the oldest.
 
   
  +
*Almost all the known individuals were vanquished in terms of double suicides or falling together. All the Balrogs within their final battles end in ''falling''. Gothmog sunk deep in the fountain, Glorfindel's Balrog fell over a cliff, and Durin's Bane actually fell twice (Fell with Gandalf from the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]] and thrown down from the top of Zirakzigil by the final blow of the wizard)
*Balrogs were indeed very fearsome and powerful creatures. Not only with their whips and swords of hell, their entire being were associated with flames as their simple breaths were extremely hot fire.
 
   
 
*At over 20 feet high, the Balrog is one of the largest characters in the Lord of the Rings franchise. Along with Gandalf, Saruman, Sauron, Radagast, Treebeard and possibly Tom Bombadil, he may very well be the oldest.
*For what extent Balrogs' capabilities in terms of special abilities and magic could reach is basically unknown. For example, [[Istari]] at least could cause changes in the weathers at will, thus Balrogs could or could not do the same art. Furthermore, as when Morgoth was attacked by the Ungoliant, Balrogs could reach to rescue their master quite immediately. This was possibly due to their using of magic or supernatural power of Maiar in case if they cannot fly extremely fast.
 
   
  +
*Seemingly, there had not been dangerous conflicts between Balrogs and Dragons. It is unclear this was achieved because these fiery demons and monsters were indeed compatible and were sensible, or there were none community of interests, and both of them were unconcerned about each other. Or such situations might have been restricted and controlled by orders of their master to evade damaging by most mighty members to his own forces.
*It seems likely that they cannot hurt with normal weapons as Gandalf said. Gandalf could fight against the demon because Gandalf himself is a Maia as well and the blade used by him was the [[Glamdring]], a sword of [[Gondolin]].
 
   
 
*Some fans of the Doom series claim that the Balrog of the movies looks similar to a cross between a D3 Cyberdemon and a D3 Maledict (Cyberdemon with Maledict Wings).
 
*Some fans of the Doom series claim that the Balrog of the movies looks similar to a cross between a D3 Cyberdemon and a D3 Maledict (Cyberdemon with Maledict Wings).
Line 120: Line 159:
 
*In the manga and anime series Saint Seiya, ''Balrog Rune'' (or ''Balron Lune'') is a servant of Hades clad in armor modeled after Tolkien's monster.
 
*In the manga and anime series Saint Seiya, ''Balrog Rune'' (or ''Balron Lune'') is a servant of Hades clad in armor modeled after Tolkien's monster.
   
*The ''Juggernaut'' and its upgrade the ''Ravager'' in Heroes VI, also resembles the Balrog's looks. Especially the head region. Whether this is on purpose or just a coincidence is not known.
+
*The ''Juggernaut'' and its upgrade the ''Ravager'' in Heroes VI, also resembles the Balrog's looks, especially the head region. Whether this is on purpose or just a coincidence is not known.
  +
* The boss Fyrus from Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, bears a slight resemblance to Balrog, in it's height and black fiery form.
   
*{{enWP|Balrog}}
+
{{enWP|Balrog}}
 
{{ainur}}
 
{{ainur}}
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
<references/>
+
<references />
   
 
==External links==
 
==External links==

Revision as of 09:20, 18 September 2014


"Then something came into the chamber - I felt it through the door, and the orcs themselves were afraid and fell silent. It laid hold of the iron ring, and then it perceived me and my spell."
The Lord of the Rings, "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm"

Balrogs were the Valaraukar (Quenya; vala "power" + rauko "monster"), spirits of the Maiar that were seduced and corrupted by Melkor to his service.[1] There were never more than seven, according to Tolkien's son, but in earlier versions of Tolkien's writings there are references to entire armies of Balrogs, at least before the destruction of Utumno. Gothmog was their captain during the First Age.

(Note: Many pictures on this page are of Durin's Bane, the Balrog of Moria, the best-known example of a Balrog.)
Note: For theories about whether Balrogs had actual wings, go to the Did Balrogs have wings? page.

Origins

Balrogs were "scourges of fire, ... demons of terror."[1] They were Maiar, originally of the same order as Saruman and Gandalf, but they were seduced by Melkor, who corrupted them to his service in the days of his splendour before the creation of Arda. During the Music of the Ainur, the Ainulindalë, Melkor (Morgoth) began introducing themes of his own design into the Theme of Ilúvatar, causing great discord in the music. Balrogs were among those spirits near Melkor who attuned their own music to Melkor's theme rather than Ilúvatar's. Therefore, they not only existed before the creation of the world, they had a part in  

History

Balrog 5

Fallen flame of Udûn

File:Tumblr m8nwu2EeHB1rt4vgvo1 1280.jpg

Balrogs and a fire worm before to attack the city of Gondolin by John Howe[2]

During the First Age, Balrogs were among the most feared of Morgoth's forces. When his Fortress of Utumno was destroyed by the Valar, seven fled and lurked in the pits of Angband. If more existed before this time, they were slain by the Valar in Utumno. The Balrogs were first encountered by the Elves during the Dagor-nuin-Giliath (Battle-under-Stars) in the First Age. After the great victory of the Ñoldor over Morgoth's orcs, Fëanor pressed on towards Angband, but the Balrogs came against him. He was mortally wounded by Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs. Though his sons fought off the demons with an army of elves at their side, Fëanor died of his wounds soon after, and his spirit departed for the Halls of Mandos. Another major encounter was in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears (Nirnaeth Arnoediad). Gothmog, High Captain of Angband, led the invasion. He threw aside Hurin and Turgon, turned upon Fingon and killed him with the help of another Balrog, winning the battle for Morgoth's forces. During the Fall of Gondolin, Ecthelion managed to kill Gothmog at the cost of his own life. Another Balrog is confronted when he attacks Tuor and those attempting to escape the siege. Glorfindel fought the Balrog to give his friends a chance to escape. The battle ended with Glorfindel casting down the Balrog from the mountain but being pulled down along with the demon. The last Balrogs fought in the War of Wrath but were either slain or forced to retreat.

File:Xtra09.jpg

The portrait in Saruman's book at Orthanc of Durin's Bane.

Most of the Balrogs of Morgoth were destroyed during the War of Wrath at the end of the First Age, but some few "fled and hid themselves in caverns inaccessible at the roots of the earth."[3] During the Third Age, it was discovered that one of these had hidden deep beneath the Misty Mountains, near Moria. That was Durin's Bane, the best-documented of the Balrogs. The Dwarves of Khazad-dûm had accidentally awakened it while greedily mining too deep for Mithril. It was Durin's Bane that drove the dwarves from their homeland in Moria. Later, in his confrontation with the wizard Gandalf and the the Fellowship of the Ring, he pursued them to the bridge of Khazad-dûm. Gandalf fought the Balrog allowing the Fellowship to escape Moria.[4] Both were slain, but Gandalf was "sent back" by the Valar (or possibly by Iluvatar).[5]

Appearance

Balrog vs Gandalf

The Balrog's Whip.

Balrog

Utilizing Udun's flame in shape of a fiery sword.

By G17RDY Creations and Hecubus114

The sword of hell in detail by G17RDY Creations and Hecubus114

A Balrog generally took the form of a tall, menacing being roughly in the shape of a Man, having control of both fire and shadow and wielding a fiery whip with several thongs (Gothmog, the Lord of Balrogs in the First Age, used an axe as well). They induced great terror in friends and foes alike. Many who faced Balrogs referred to them as "creatures of fire and shadow" or simply "shadow and flame."

In his published works, Tolkien depicts the Balrog as being barely a shape wreathed in shadow and flame - possibly man-shape, yet greater. Balrogs seemed to encapsulate and project power and terror.

Additionally, they were probably able to alter their body structures on occasions as being seen in the battle between Durin's Bane and Gandalf, when the Balrog fell into a water he could shift himself into something gelatinous.

In the film adaptations, the head somewhat resembles a skull with ram's horns, while being itself wrapped in its flames.

Capabilities

Balrogs were indeed very fearsome and powerful creatures. Once being unleashed on battlefields, these Maiar of hell-fires would have displayed such destructive powers to annihilate unlucky foes. They had been some of the most trusted and the oldest servants of Morgoth, and were one of the two strongest of the Dark Lord's forces along with dragons. These two were left to be commanders at wars, and would cooperate in needs. Balrogs were occasionally seen riding on dragons.

Balrogs' most renowned and feared behaviors were to create or summon efreetic weapons made of hell flames. Not only with their whips and swords of Udun, the fallen spirits could ignite and engulf themselves in flames. Their entire being were associated with flames as their simple breaths were extremely hot fire.

Haste of the Balrogs by Viking-Heart

Haste of the Balrogs by Viking-Heart

For what extent Balrogs' capabilities in terms of special abilities and magic could reach is basically unknown. For example, Istari at least could cause changes in the weathers at will, thus Balrogs could or could not do the same art. Furthermore, as when Morgoth was attacked by the Ungoliant, Balrogs could reach to rescue their master quite immediately. This was possibly due to their using of magic or supernatural power of Maiar in case if they cannot fly extremely fast.

It seems likely that they cannot be hurt with normal weapons as Gandalf said. Gandalf could fight against the demon because Gandalf himself is a Maia as well and the blade used by him was the Glamdring, a sword of Gondolin.

Gothmog the balrog's king

Gothmog, the original Lord of Balrogs

Miscellaneous

In one of Tolkien's pre-Middle-earth stories, Lay of the Children of Húrin, "Lungothrin, Lord of Balrogs," is mentioned. It is not certain whether this was another name for Gothmog, or whether it simply meant "a Balrog lord." According to Christopher Tolkien, the latter is more probable, as the name Gothmog was mentioned in the earliest Middle-earth writings, as well as in the final versions of Tolkien's mythology.

The early conception of Balrogs makes them less terrible, and certainly more destructible, than they afterwards became: they existed in 'hundreds' (p. 170), and were slain by Tuor and the Gondothlim in large numbers: "thus five fell before Tuor's great axe Dramborleg, three before Ecthelion's sword, and two score were slain by the warriors of the king's house." —The Book of Lost Tales 2, commentary by Christopher Tolkien on The Fall of Gondolin.

"There came wolves and serpents and there came Balrogs one thousand, and there came Glomund the Father of Dragons." The Lost Road, Chapter 16. (Glomund's name became Glaurung when Tolkien wrote the Silmarillion.

File:Balrog - FOT.png

Durin's Bane, the Balrog of Moria, one of the last of its kind

When Tolkien developed Middle-earth as the backdrop for The Lord of the Rings, Balrogs became more formidable and terrible, and their number was much reduced. In the end Christopher Tolkien stated that there were "at most" seven Balrogs:

"In the margin my father wrote: 'There should not be supposed more than say 3 or at most 7 ever existed.'"
Morgoth's Ring, Section 2 (AAm*): Note 50

And yet, in The Silmarillion, which is considered canon, Tolkien wrote that during meant that those "few that fled and hid themselves" numbered only three or at most seven.

Known Individuals

All the known Balrogs were seemingly males. It is even unknown there were even genders among them.

  • Gothmog - the first Balrog to wield the title of the Lord of Balrogs (presumably the title was indeed created for him)
  • Lungothrin - also claiming the title of the Lord of Balrogs and was the vital chief for guards of Angband with his piety to the Dark Lord rivaling that of Gothmog
  • Durin's Bane - the only known individual survived after the War of Wrath, and also being the only Balrog not to being tied-up affirmatively with dark forces of his time.

Portrayal in adaptations

Video games

  • It is also a Boss character in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Video Game, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on Game Boy Advance and The Lord of the Rings: The Third AgeIn the latter, the Balrog is fought by Gandalf on the Player's side and becomes a usable hero for the duration of the battle. Though it is referenced in the video games based on the Films.
  • Two Balrogs also appear in The Lord of the Rings Online: Thaurlach, located deep within the Rift of Nurz Ghashu in Angmar, and Durin's Bane, encountered several times during introductive "quests" to Moria. An illusion of Durin's Bane is encountered in the Ost Dunhoth Instance Raid.

Card games

  • Balrog (named Firelord Balrog) appears in the game The Legend of the Cryptids as a playable card.

Etymology

The Quenya form is Valarauko or Valarauco (IPA: [valaˈraʊko]), and the plural is Valaraukar or Valaraucar ([valaˈraʊkar]). The Sindarin form was "Demon of Might"; IPA: [ˈbalroɡ]; Sindarin plural Belryg; [ˈbelryɡ] or later [ˈbelriɡ])

Gallery

Gandalf confronts balrog
Crush between Maiar of flames (Udûn vs Anor)
Gothmog the Balrog
Gothmog, the king of Balrogs
GlorfindelandBalrog
Glorfindel's last battle (ending in a double suicide with the fallen demon)
GandalfVSBalrog
Ted Nasmith - The Dwarves Delve Too Deep
The awakening of Durin's Bane
The balrogs of morgoth by thylacinee-d5pl60x
All seven Balrogs before the throne of Morgoth. Gothmog is in the center, and Durin's Bane is just to the left by Thylacinee.
Glorfindel Balrog by Moumou38
Glorfindel and his enermy by Moumou38
Glorfindel and the Balrog
How-to-draw-balrog,-lord-of-the-rings,-balrog-tutorial-drawing
Fire Balrog
Durin's Bane
Demon of the deep
Summon Balrog
LEGO Balrog
Dragon, balrog2
A Balrog from The Battle for Middle-earth attacks
Screen Shot 2012-06-19 at 4.50.44 PM
Three demons of Melkor in BFME2

Trivia

  • Almost all the known individuals were vanquished in terms of double suicides or falling together. All the Balrogs within their final battles end in falling. Gothmog sunk deep in the fountain, Glorfindel's Balrog fell over a cliff, and Durin's Bane actually fell twice (Fell with Gandalf from the Bridge of Khazad-dûm and thrown down from the top of Zirakzigil by the final blow of the wizard)
  • At over 20 feet high, the Balrog is one of the largest characters in the Lord of the Rings franchise. Along with Gandalf, Saruman, Sauron, Radagast, Treebeard and possibly Tom Bombadil, he may very well be the oldest.
  • Seemingly, there had not been dangerous conflicts between Balrogs and Dragons. It is unclear this was achieved because these fiery demons and monsters were indeed compatible and were sensible, or there were none community of interests, and both of them were unconcerned about each other. Or such situations might have been restricted and controlled by orders of their master to evade damaging by most mighty members to his own forces.
  • Some fans of the Doom series claim that the Balrog of the movies looks similar to a cross between a D3 Cyberdemon and a D3 Maledict (Cyberdemon with Maledict Wings).
  • A demonic monster in the popular 2D side-scrolling game Maplestory, bears many similar qualities and characteristics, and thus many believe the monster was represented on behalf of the fictitious one depicted in the Tolkien series.
  • A certain red-skinned antagonist in the MMO-RPG Wartune is identical exactly to a Balrog but for his 4 black horns.
  • A demon in Dungeon Hunter: Alliance called the "Cremator "has the same head and fiery presence as a Balrog, without wings.
  • A demonic monster in another popular 3D game is called "Mabinogi."
  • Many fans claim that the Balrog inspired Games Workshop's Bloodthirster in Warhammer, which is known as the Greater Daemon of Khorne (the Chaos God of Blood, Battle, War and Rage.)
  • The main antagonist of Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, the Dahaka, strongly resembles the Balrog, but has one horn bent downward, and it does NOT have wings.
  • The Balor from Dungeons and Dragons is clearly based on the Balrog.
    • In early editions of the game, it was actually referred to as the Balrog. The name was changed due to copyright claims made by Tolkien Estate.
  • The hero named Hellbringer from Heroes of Newerth (A game that is based on a popular Warcraft III mod known as Defense of the Ancients.) can summon Malphas which is clearly based on the Balrogs.
  • War, the first horseman and main playable character from the game Darksiders has a chaos form that looks very similar to Durin's Bane.
  • Balrog was the name of a boxer from USA who made his debut as the second boss in Street Fighter II. Although he cannot kick, he made up for it with pummeling punches. This name was originally part of a triangle of replacement; the original Japanese game credited him as M. Bison (after boxer Mike Tyson), leaving the character Vega named Balrog.
  • In the manga and anime series Saint Seiya, Balrog Rune (or Balron Lune) is a servant of Hades clad in armor modeled after Tolkien's monster.
  • The Juggernaut and its upgrade the Ravager in Heroes VI, also resembles the Balrog's looks, especially the head region. Whether this is on purpose or just a coincidence is not known.
  • The boss Fyrus from Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, bears a slight resemblance to Balrog, in it's height and black fiery form.
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References

External links