The Valar and Sauron: An Analysis of Intervention in Middle Earth

.Middle Earth has long been the subject of countless stories, novels, and films. At the heart of many of these tales lies the conflict between Sauron, the dark lord, and the various races and entities that stand against him. But when did the Valar, the powerful deities of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, intervene in Middle Earth's conflicts?

The Role of the Valar in Middle Earth

Initially, the Valar did involve themselves in the conflicts of Middle Earth, particularly in the Elves' war against Melkor, also known as Morgoth.

The Conflict with Melkor

Melkor, the most powerful of the Valar, became a malevolent force, rebelling against his father Eru and spreading corruption. He eventually set up a stronghold in Middle Earth, seeking to dominate and destroy the land.

Melkor released a dark and powerful entity called Ungoliant, an evil spider who fed on light. Ungoliant consumed the light of the Two Trees of Valinor, which the Elves had been living in before the creation of the Sun and Moon. Melkor then stole the Silmarils, the three greatest gems created by Feanor, an elven king and master craftsman.

The Elves' War Against Melkor

In response to Melkor's theft of the Silmarils, the Elves, led by Feanor, declared war. Melkor fled to his stronghold of Utumno in the north of Middle Earth, vowing to recover the Silmarils. In his quest, Melkor fought and killed the Elvish tribes that had made boats, earning the wrath of the Valar, who placed a ban on any Elves who joined him, forbidding them from ever returning to Valinor.

Insurgent Efforts and the Plea for Help

The Elves were faced with overwhelming odds. Melkor unleashed his most powerful subordinates, the Balrogs and Dragons, which nearly destroyed the Elves and eradicated the hidden Elven capital city of Gondolin. To break this bushel, Earendil, a great Elvish mariner, pleaded with the Valar to intervene, leading to a confrontation that seemed to tip in favor of Melkor.

The Intervention of the Valar

It was only when Tulkas, the Vala of War, entered the fray that the tide of battle turned. Melkor, too powerful to defeat alone, was finally overthrown and banished to the Void. However, the actions of the Valar had a lasting impact on Middle Earth: one-third of Beleriand, the western area of Middle Earth, sank into the ocean, and Valinor was removed to a separate plane of existence where it could no longer interfere directly in the events of Middle Earth.

Concerns of Further Destruction

It is not entirely clear whether Eru, the supreme being, explicitly forbade the Valar from intervening or if they chose to refrain from further action to prevent causing more destruction. The result was that the Valar could no longer directly influence the events of Middle Earth, a decision that had far-reaching consequences for the fate of the region.

Understanding the role of the Valar in these conflicts is crucial for appreciating the complexity of the world that Tolkien created. Their interventions, though sometimes necessary, often brought about unforeseen and often tragic consequences. This ongoing struggle between the forces of good and evil, with the Valar acting as arbiters, is at the heart of many of the stories set in Middle Earth.