Morgoth's Armies: A Comprehensive Overview

When Sauron's forces were not enough to overwhelm Gondor and the Free People of Middle-earth, they looked to their Dark Lord, Morgoth, for additional aid. In this article, we will delve into the composition of Morgoth's armies, exploring the various creatures and humans who under his command aimed to destroy the realms of Middle-earth.

The Diverse Composition of Morgoth's Armies

Morgoth's armies were vast and varied, comprising a multitude of species, races, and corrupted beings. Sauron, had he not attacked prematurely, would have faced an even greater threat. In reality, his armies were already formidable but lacked their full potential.

Orcs, Trolls, and Wargs

The majority of Morgoth's ground forces consisted of Orcs, Trolls, and Wargs. These beings were a mix of corrupted races and twisted creatures:

Orcs: Originally bred by Morgoth, Orcs were among the most numerous and versatile of his soldiers. They could be found in various forms, from the skulking Uruk-hai to the larger, more brutish varieties. Trolls: These massive, slow-moving beings were amongst the more formidable foes. They could be found in various stages of corruption, from the simple Stone-trolls to the more advanced Fire-trolls and Ice-trolls. Wargs: Ranging from wolves twisted by dark magic to their gigantic form, Wargs were often seen alongside the Orc armies, providing a terrifying advantage in battle.

Balrogs, Werewolves, and Dragons

While the armies of Middle-earth included corrupted Maiar spirits like Balrogs and Werewolves, their origins were more complex than those of the orcs and wargs:

Balrogs: These were ancient Maiar spirits who had been corrupted by Morgoth. They were powerful beings of flame and shadow, known for their sinister presence and devastating attacks. Werewolves: These were also Maiar spirits and were not originally created by Morgoth. They were twisted versions of the original creatures and were often used as scouts or brutal raiders. Dragons: Perhaps the most fearsome of Morgoth's creations, Dragons were often used as both ground and aerial forces. They played a crucial role in various conflicts, particularly in the War of Wrath.

Rifts in the ranks of Morgoth's army were not uncommon. One of the most notable examples was Chief Ulfang, who betrayed his people and aligned with Morgoth, leading to significant upheaval in the ranks.

Archery and Siege Warfare

While the infantry formations were vast, the armies of Morgoth also utilized specialized units for siege warfare and archery:

Infantry: Apart from the orcs and their kin, Morgoth's armies included evil men and Easterlings, who were often granted power to serve as foot soldiers. Archers: Various units of archers were employed, capable of precise and devastating ranged attacks. Siege Engines: Morgoth's armies also had a variety of siege engines, operated by skilled craftsmen and battle-hardened miners. These machines were used to breach the walls of fortresses and cities, such as the ancient realm of Falas, which was infamous for its formidable defenses.

Beasts and Daemon Servants

In addition to the more traditional forces, Morgoth had a host of terrifying monsters and daemon servants:

Beasts: These were countless in number and varied in form, from giant spiders like Ungoliant to the monstrous Trolls and Wargs. They each played a unique role in the varied campaigns of Middle-earth. Demon Servants: Morgoth's most potent servants were his demons, corrupted Maiar of the same race as himself, who came from other realms and dimensions. Among these were the Balrogs, who were beings of shadow and fire.

Especially during the later stages of the conflicts, Morgoth amassed a formidable winged force of dragons, with Ancalagon being the chief among them. This winged force was the last reserve to be called upon, demonstrating the depth of Morgoth's resources and the lengths to which he would go to win his battles.

Conclusion

In the realm of Middle-earth, the forces of darkness were a complex and multifaceted collection of beings, each with a unique purpose and method of warfare. From the corrupted to the ancient, Morgoth's armies represented the darkest aspects of his malice and power. Through the use of various armies and created beings, Morgoth sought to overwhelm the free peoples of Middle-earth, setting the stage for the epic battles and struggles that would define the history of the region.