How are Gandalf and the Balrog related?

When Gandalf confronted Moria’s Balrog, the two opponents couldn’t been less alike in physical terms. In truth, however, the Balrog and Gandalf were once both of the same ilk. Like Gandalf, the Balrogs began as primordial spirits known as Maia, who had existed since before time began and took no physical form.

What does the Balrog symbolize?

In Tolkien’s Elvish language Sindarin, Balrog means “demon of might”. After Sauron, Balrogs were the most powerful and most terrifying of his servants. They are fire spirits, but also shrouded in darkness. It was the Balrog that Gandalf had fought and eventually defeated after ten days of fighting.

Why does Gandalf fight the Balrog?

The Balrog in moria was hiding deep underground after Morgoth was defeated. The dwarves woke it up as a result of their search for mithril and were driven out. As to why Gandalf fought it, it is because being a maiar himself, he was the only one capable of fighting it.

What happened with Gandalf and the Balrog?

After their fight at the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, Gandalf and the Balrog both fell into the deep chasm. Gandalf was burned by the Balrog’s fire on the way down, then almost froze in the water at the bottom. There they fought until at last Gandalf threw down his enemy, and the Balrog broke the mountain-side as it fell.

Do Balrogs serve Sauron?

The Balrogs were originally the servants of Morgoth in the First Age, of whom, Sauron was also his servant. The Balrogs and Sauron were all Maiar and somewhat coeval; it is debatable whether a Balrog would recognize Sauron as successor and serve him willingly. The Balrog was awakened by the Dwarves in the year 1980.

Why does Gandalf go from GREY to white?

Gandalf was carried to Caras Galadhon in Lothlórien, where he was healed, given a new staff, and clothed in white, and thus became Gandalf the White.

Can the Balrog fly?

Yes, they can fly. There was that one scene in that The Silmarillion book where Mel whined that Ungoliant was trying to steal his stuff, and a bunch of balrogs swooshed directly over.

Where did the Balrog come from?

Balrogs, also called Valaraukar, were originally Ainur created by Ilúvatar, probably those who joined Melkor during his discordance in the Music of the Ainur. After entering into Eä, they were Maiar, lesser spirits at the service of the Valar.

How is Gandalf different from the Balrog of Morgoth?

While Balrog and Gandalf are both Maiar, they are different ones: Gandalf is in a mortal form, very deliberately stripped of most of his power, as his role was not to fight Sauron but to advise Men and Elves on the fight. Gandalf < Olorin – independently of how Olorin the Maia compares to Balrog the Maia.

Why was Gandalf in mortal form in The Lord of the Rings?

Gandalf is in a mortal form, very deliberately stripped of most of his power, as his role was not to fight Sauron but to advise Men and Elves on the fight. Gandalf < Olorin – independently of how Olorin the Maia compares to Balrog the Maia.

What does Gandalf mean by the Secret Fire?

Gandalf is making three very specific references as both warning and challenge to the Balrog. By identifying himself as a servant of the secret fire (or Flame imperishable), Gandalf is identifying himself as a Maia, an embodied angelic servant of the Valar protecting the light of Creation that Eru Iluvatar (or God)…

What does Gandalf mean by ” flame of Anor “?

In Moria, when Gandalf confronts the Balrog on the bridge of Khazad-dûm, Gandalf says the following: I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass! The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn.