Sauron and the Balrog: A Complex Dynamic in Tolkien's Middle-earth

Just who was Sauron afraid of, and did he fear the Balrog? This article explores the relationship between Sauron and the Balrog in J.R.R. Tolkien's expansive Middle-earth. Through an analysis of various canon sources and scholarly interpretations, we will delve into the dynamics of their interactions and the broader context of their roles in the Second and Third Ages.

Understanding Sauron’s Focus and the Balrog

Was Sauron Afraid of the Balrog? Much like his arch-nemesis Morgoth, the Balrog represents a formidable force in Tolkien's world. However, Sauron's primary focus was on his own power and the domination of Middle-earth. Sauron, a former Maiar (angelic being) aligned with Morgoth, sought to amplify his influence and ensure that no other entity could overshadow his ambitions.

While Sauron respected the power of the Balrog, particularly one known as Durin's Bane, he did not consider it a direct threat to his own plans. The Balrog was a remnant of Morgoth's legacy, and Sauron was primarily concerned with the One Ring and the subjugation of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. There is no evidence in the canon to suggest that Sauron ever felt fear towards the Balrog in a personal sense.

The Number and Nature of the Balrogs

Surviving Balrogs in the Third Age: The exact number of surviving Balrogs in the Third Age is unknown. Tolkien mentioned there were around five to six Balrogs in total. The passage is often debated, but for the sake of argument, let's assume there were seven Balrogs. The War of Wrath accounted for a significant number of Balrogs, either killed or fleeing into obscurity. During this war, two notable Balrogs were slain: Gothmog by E?rendil, and another by Glorfindel. Additionally, Durin's Bane, a Balrog associated with the fall of Khazad-d?m, remains the only one documented to continue his existence.

Considering the nature of the Balrogs, they were powerful Maiar spirits who served Morgoth, playing a critical role in his armies. They were the heavyweights of Morgoth's forces, alongside other formidable creatures like Glaurung and Ancalagon. Despite their immense power, the Balrogs, or "Balors" as they were sometimes called, were ultimately under the command of a greater power. Sauron held a position of authority over them, even if it was a fractured one post-Morgoth's defeat.

The Potential for Collaboration

Theoretical Alliance of Sauron and Durin's Bane: Given the complex dynamics in Middle-earth, there is room for speculation about potential alliances. Despite the Balrog's formidable nature, it is unlikely that Sauron would fear it. However, Sauron might have been more than willing to ally with a powerful Balrog like Durin's Bane if he felt it would further his objectives. The Balrog, in turn, might have been content with such an arrangement, eagerly serving a new master after centuries of solitary existence.

For Sauron to secure the services of a Balrog like Durin's Bane, he might have needed to assert his dominance over the Balrog, perhaps by recovering the One Ring or demonstrating a level of power that the Balrog could not hope to match. Sauron was known for his cunning and ability to manipulate others, so it is conceivable that he could have convinced the Balrog to serve him if the ends aligned with its interests.

The Role of Other Characters

Saruman vs. Sauron and the Balrog: To Saruman, it is unclear if he ever feared the Balrog. Saruman, who was a Maiar associated with Sauron, held a different position in the hierarchy. Sauron was his superior, and Saruman worked under his authority. It would have been illogical for Saruman to fear a Balrog, given the latter's allegiance to their common master, Sauron.

However, if Saruman were to switch sides and align with the Free Peoples or even with Durin's Bane, he might have found himself in a precarious position. The relationship between Sauron and Saruman was complex, with Saruman often seen as a mix of devotion and opportunism. As long as Saruman remained a "relatively faithful little toady," Sauron would be unlikely to act harshly against him. Yet, should Saruman threaten Sauron's interests, the outcome would be uncertain.

Conclusion

While Sauron might have had a healthy respect for the Balrog's power, there is no evidence to suggest that he ever felt fear towards it. The Balrog, a potent embodiment of Morgoth's dark legacy, existed outside the immediate scope of Sauron's ambitions. However, the potential for an alliance between these two powerful entities cannot be entirely ruled out, given the complex political landscape of Middle-earth.