Morgoth, the original Dark Lord of Middle-earth, was not killed but was ultimately bound and cast out of the world. His final destruction is, however, prophesied to occur in a future cataclysmic event.
The Defeat and Banishment of Morgoth
After countless ages of conflict and the immense suffering he inflicted upon the world, Morgoth was finally defeated by the combined might of the Valar and the Host of the West during the War of Wrath.
- Binding by the Valar: Following his defeat, Morgoth was eventually bound in chains (specifically Angainor, forged by Aulë) by the powerful Valar, the divine beings who shaped and govern the world.
- Expulsion into the Void: Instead of being slain, he was thrown into the Void, the timeless, spaceless realm outside the confines of the world. This banishment was a desperate measure to remove his corrupting influence from Arda permanently.
While this act removed him from the immediate concerns of the world, it did not undo the extensive damage caused by his evils, nor did it prevent his former lieutenant, Sauron, from continuing to trouble the world.
The Prophecy of Dagor Dagorath
Though currently imprisoned in the Void, Morgoth's story is not entirely concluded. According to a significant prophecy in Tolkien's lore:
- Future Return: One day, in a future age, Morgoth is foretold to rise again from the Void. This return will be marked by great wrath and a renewed assault on the world.
- Ultimate Destruction: It is in this final, cataclysmic conflict, known as the Dagor Dagorath (the Battle of Battles), that Morgoth will ultimately be destroyed for good. This event is envisioned as the final confrontation that will cleanse Arda of all evil and lead to its recreation.
The table below summarizes the key stages of Morgoth's fate:
| Event | Description | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Defeat | Overthrown by the Valar and the Host of the West in the War of Wrath. | Accomplished |
| Banishment | Bound in chains by the Valar and cast into the timeless Void, outside the world. | Current state of imprisonment; removed from Arda |
| Prophecy | Foretold to return in great wrath for a final confrontation, the Dagor Dagorath, where he will be utterly destroyed. | Future, prophesied ultimate destruction |
In essence, Morgoth was not "killed" in the traditional sense when he was defeated; rather, he was imprisoned and banished. His complete and final destruction is reserved for a future, apocalyptic battle.
