The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power - What Are Balrogs?

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• What Are Balrogs In Rings Of Power?

• Do Balrogs Have Wings?

Throughout Season Two of Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, we witness some of the historical lore of Tolkien’s Middle-earth and, in the finale, we see the legendary creature known as the Balrog. In the dwarves’ plot line of Khazad-dûm, Durin and his father are constantly at odds over the use of a ring of power gifted to them by Annatar (Sauron) and Celebrimbor.

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All of this leads to the climax of the awakening of the Balrog of Khazad-dûm, who King Durin faces as he finally takes off his ring and sacrifices himself to protect the dwarven kingdom. A Balrog was part of the Lord of the Rings movies as well, a foe that is beyond even the elves and Gandalf himself, and you’ll now know why.

What Are Balrogs In Rings Of Power?

Balrogs are ancient beings in Tolkien's universe, originally introduced as some of the most powerful creatures in Middle-earth. They are Maiar, which means they are essentially spirits like Sauron and Gandalf but have fallen into corruption. The istar, or the wizards, are also considered Maia in Tolkien's lore and are the physical embodiment of angelic beings.

During the early days of Arda, the Balrogs were seduced by Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, becoming his loyal servants in his various wars.

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The Balrogs were most active during the First Age, participating in battles alongside Morgoth. The most famous Balrog in the Tolkienverse is the one encountered by Gandalf in The Fellowship of the Ring, known as Durin's Bane.

This Balrog was responsible for driving the Dwarves out of Moria and remained hidden there until the events of The Lord of the Rings. This is also the same Balrog as the one encountered by King Durin in Rings of Power.

This particular Balrog was hinted at in the first season, tied to the Dwarven kingdom of Khazad-dûm, later known as Moria.

Do Balrogs Have Wings?

The question of whether Balrogs have wings is one of the most debated topics among Tolkien fans, specifically on Reddit. The issue arises from the way Tolkien described Balrogs in The Lord of the Rings.

The Balrog made no answer. The fire in it seemed to die, but the darkness grew. It stepped forward slowly onto the bridge, and suddenly it drew itself up to a great height, and its wings were spread from wall to wall; but still Gandalf could be seen, glimmering in the gloom; he seemed small, and altogether alone: grey and bent, like a wizened tree before the onset of a storm.

When Gandalf faces the Balrog in Moria, Tolkien writes that “its wings were spread from wall to wall,” and that it cast a shadow “like two vast wings.” However, he also describes the Balrog's appearance as being shrouded in shadow and flame, leaving it ambiguous whether these wings are literal or metaphorical.

Some interpret Tolkien's description to mean that Balrogs have actual, physical wings. Others argue that the wings are more symbolic, representing an aura of shadow and dread rather than functional, since the Balrog could've just flown out of the pit after falling. Since Tolkien never explicitly clarifies whether Balrogs could fly, this remains an open question in Tolkien lore.

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