Tolkien’s Reasoning Behind the Weaker Valar vs. Morgoth: An Exploration of Good and Evil

In discussing J.R.R. Tolkien’s creation of The Lord of the Rings and the characters of Valar and Morgoth, we encounter a question that delves into the intricacies of his imaginative world. It is often remarked that this is a 'trick question,' as the direct relationship between the Valar and the events portrayed in The Lord of the Rings is quite limited. However, understanding Tolkien’s reasoning behind making the Valar weaker than Morgoth requires a deeper look into their roles and the Silmarillion.

A Limited Reference in The Lord of the Rings

Upon examining the text of The Lord of the Rings, the word 'Valar' appears only in two instances. In the encounter within Ithilien with Mumakil, one of the soldiers pleads, 'May the Valar turn them aside!' This brief reference is far from providing any substantial context about the nature and power of the Valar. Clearly, the Valar are not extensively elaborated upon in The Lord of the Rings.

Understanding the Valar in The Silmarillion

For a more comprehensive understanding of the Valar, one must turn to The Silmarillion, Tolkien’s less famous but equally rich narrative. The Valar are beings of great power and authority, often referred to as 'Demigods' or 'Spiritual Lords.' Despite their immense capabilities, they are not depicted as omnipotent in the sense that they are not immune to the consequences of their actions.

The Valar are faced with a moral dilemma that weighs heavily on their decisions. Their attempt to subjugate Morgoth, the Dark Lord, led to catastrophic outcomes. This subjugation resulted in profound and irreversible changes to the world, and it led to the deaths of countless beings. The Valar, deeply affected by these consequences, learned an invaluable lesson of caution and humility.

The Consequences of Their Decisions

The Valar, instead of allowing direct conflict that could jeopardize their grand design, chose to adopt a passive stance. Their presence in Middle-earth became less overt, and their actions were heavily self-imposed. They understood that they needed to respect the grand design of Eru Ilúvatar, the Supreme Being, and refrain from engaging in actions that could lead to unintended or catastrophic consequences.

Manw?, the most powerful of the Valar, permitted emissaries to be sent to Middle-earth to offer wisdom and comfort to those who opposed Sauron, but these emissaries were strictly bound to avoid any direct conflict with Sauron. This omnipresent yet non-intrusive approach was a reflection of their careful decision-making, rooted in a fear of overstepping their bounds.

Fear and Wisdom

The Valar’s decision to adopt a passive stance was not out of weakness, but rather a manifestation of wisdom. Their fear, rooted in the understanding of the potential for catastrophic consequences, guided their actions. The Valar became wary of making choices that would lead to unwanted changes in the world, which had already been disastrous in their previous attempts.

Despite their inherent power and potential, the Valar chose to operate within the boundaries of their wisdom and the bidding of Eru Ilúvatar. Their actions, though subtle, were immensely impactful because they respected the delicate balance of the world.

In conclusion, Tolkien’s depiction of the Valar as weaker than Morgoth, despite their divine nature, is a profound commentary on the themes of power, wisdom, and the delicate balance of the universe. The Valar’s caution serves as a cautionary tale on the road to power and the temptations of overreach.