The Influence of the One Ring on the Balrog in Moria

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the mysterious and malevolent presence known as the One Ring, created by the rivalrous Sauron, plays a significant role in guiding the actions of dark entities throughout Middle-earth. When the Fellowship of the Ring ventured into the ancient and perilous city of Moria, they encountered the Balrog, a powerful and terrifying creature of shadow and darkness. This article explores the intriguing theory that the Ring's presence might have influenced the Balrog's actions, as well as the various explanations and pros and cons of this theory.

Introduction to the Balrog and the One Ring

The Balrog, a creature of the ancient age born from the fires of Dawar, is a being of immense power and malevolence. It was awakened in Moria by the dwarves' mining activities, which inadvertently disturbed its slumber. The Ring, a source of immense power and corruption, though not directly summoned the Balrog, may have played a significant role in drawing it to the Fellowship.

The Corrupting Influence of the Ring

The Ring has an inherent corrupting influence over beings of darkness, and its corruptive power is such that even those not directly summoned by Sauron may become drawn to its dark forces. The Balrog, being a powerful and ancient being, would naturally feel the Ring's presence and the heightened darkness around it.

Sauron, the creator of the Ring, had a strong influence over dark creatures, and the proximity of the Ring likely heightened the Balrog's awareness and aggression. The Ring's corruptive nature and the Balrog's own malevolent essence meant that the two forces were naturally inclined to be in proximity.

Chasing the Fellowship or Sensing Gandalf?

The main question is why the Balrog, or more specifically, Durin's Bane, chased the Fellowship. The Balrog, known as Durin's Bane, targeted the Fellowship, who were just nine individuals in a vast underground city, seemingly for reasons beyond the scope of ordinary orcish behavior.

One theory suggests that the Balrog sensed the Ring's presence. Durin's Bane, being a creature of darkness and a target of the corruptive power of the Ring, likely would have been drawn to the Ring's influence. However, there is no direct evidence that the Balrog targeted Frodo, as the Ring would need to be in close and willing proximity for such interaction to occur. Additionally, the Ring might not have willingly gone to the Balrog due to its potential to overthrow Sauron.

Alternative Explanation: Sensing Gandalf

Another plausible explanation is that Durin's Bane sensed Gandalf. Gandalf, a powerful maia (angelic being), entered Moria on more than one occasion. In The Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf makes his way to Moria after lighting a fire atop Mount Caradhras to alert the Fellowship to its location. This action would have made Gandalf's presence obvious to the Balrog, leading it to become alert and potentially aggressive.

While Gandalf had attempted to enter Moria earlier, there is no concrete evidence that the Balrog was aware of his first visit in T.A. 1980. However, Gandalf's second visit to Moria, which directly exposed his presence, likely alerted the Balrog. In this scenario, the Balrog was not after the Fellowship but after Gandalf, which is why it did not focus on anyone else.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the One Ring did not directly summon the Balrog, its corruptive influence and the proximity of its dark power may have contributed to the Balrog's aggressive presence and its pursuit of the Fellowship. The Balrog's awareness and actions were likely influenced by the Ring's presence and the heightened darkness that it created.