Alternative Fates: If Ungoliant Killed Morgoth and Ate the Silmarils

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion, the fate of the Silmarils hinges on several pivotal moments. One intriguing question is what would happen if Ungoliant, the emissary of darkness, were to kill Morgoth and devour the Silmarils. This hypothetical scenario has far-reaching consequences, reshaping the trajectories of characters and events in both Middle-earth and The Silmarillion.

Ungoliant's Destruction: The End of the Tale?

At a glance, one might argue that the Silmarils would still be lost, as they would have been destroyed by Ungoliant. A more nuanced perspective, however, reveals that this hypothesis would completely alter the narrative trajectory of The Silmarillion. Without the presence of the Silmarils, the crucial story of The Tale of Beren and Luthien would never come to pass. This fundamental change would ripple through all of Tolkien's writings, as the events following the theft of the Silmarils are central to the unfolding of the narrative.

Continuation of Morgoth's Reign?

Alternatively, if Morgoth were willing to surrender the Silmarils and did not fight forcefully to keep them, it can be postulated that Ungoliant might continue their alliance. This seems unlikely given Ungoliant's previously demonstrated single-minded pursuit of darkness and destruction. An alliance between them would lead to even greater chaos, as they would likely collaborate to further despoil the lands and peoples of Middle-earth. Adding another layer of destruction to the storyline, Morgoth and Ungoliant's combined forces would pose an even greater threat to the elves and men of Arda.

Ungoliant's Potential Domination?

In another possible scenario, Ungoliant might consume Morgoth before his Balrogs could intervene. This drastic change would elevate Ungoliant to the position of the new agent of chaos in Middle-earth. However, this drastic transformation does not provide a clear direction for the Valar or the elves to counteract her formidable power. Her irrational actions could result in the total destruction of Middle-earth, further complicating the narrative of The Silmarillion.

Divine Intervention: Eru's Role

A third and potentially more optimistic theory posits divine intervention. Eru, the supreme deity, could intervene directly in the conflict between Ungoliant and Morgoth. In this scenario, the two could engage in a decisive battle, with Eru ultimately either destroying Ungoliant or casting her and Morgoth into the Void. Following this event, the Valar might decide to release Morgoth, failing to recognize the severity of his misdeeds in this altered timeline.

The Aftermath of Silmaril

Even if Morgoth were to give the Silmarils to Ungoliant, it is uncertain where she would flee. Maddened by the Silmarils, she might not attempt to retrieve the remaining ones from Morgoth's possession. Consequently, the Valar might have an opportunity to intercept and neutralize her. However, the outcome of this scenario remains unpredictable. Morgoth could escape with the remaining Silmarils, leaving the fate of the Silmarils uncertain until pursued by the Valar.

Collectively, Ungoliant's potential role in the destruction of the Silmarils reshapes the narrative of The Silmarillion. This hypothesis provides a framework for exploring alternative outcomes, highlighting the interconnectedness of characters and events within Tolkien's expansive universe. Whether through cooperative alliance, unilateral destruction, or divine intervention, the implications of Ungoliant's actions have far-reaching consequences for the fate of the Silmarils and the world of Middle-earth.