Morgoth vs. Thorondor: The Great Antagonist in Comparison

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion, Morgoth and Thorondor hold significant positions within the legendarium. While the text often leaves specific measurements ambiguous, we can draw comparisons between these two formidable beings based on their descriptions and the context provided.

The Mighty Morgoth

Morgoth, once the great Vala Melkor, is portrayed as a powerful and imposing being, the greatest of the Vala and the primary antagonist in the narrative. Although specific measurements of his size are not given, it is often depicted that he is immense and terrifying. Based on several descriptions, we can infer that Morgoth, as a Vala, would likely be larger than Thorondor, given the typical portrayal of the Vala as beings of great magnitude.

Physical Description of Morgoth

Melkor, before his fall, is described as 'first and mightiest of the Valar who was before the world.' After becoming permanently incarnate, he is characterized as a 'gigantic and majestic but terrible King.' His physical manifestation is further emphasized by his presence in his huge fortress of Angband, known as the 'Hells of Iron.' Even if we consider his description as 'gigantic and ogre size,' the implications are still substantial.

The Majestic Thorondor

Thorondor, the King of Eagles, is described as a large and majestic creature. He is noted for his immense wingspan and strength, with a wingspan of 55 meters, allowing him to be approximately 20 meters tall. Given his typical form, he is the mightiest of all the eagles.

Physical Description of Thorondor

Thorondor's immense physical presence is well-documented. Even when he is presented as smaller than Morgoth in a specific instance, his overwhelming power and majesty remain undiminished. The encounter with Morgoth, as depicted, shows that Thorondor, despite his smaller physical form, was still able to scratch Morgoth on the face. This implies a disparity in their power rather than a size-based conflict.

Comparative Analysis

Given the descriptions from The Silmarillion, we can infer several points:

Morgoth's immense and terrifying nature is indicative of his physical might, though specific measurements are elusive. His proportions, described as 'gigantic and ogre size,' suggest a substantial height. Thorondor's wingspan of 55 meters implies he is approximately 20 meters tall, showcasing his immense size and power. Specifically, in the instance where Morgoth fought Fingolfin, his foot could fit through the Elf's neck and torso. This again suggests a smaller physical form relative to his immense power. During the encounter with Thorondor, even if Thorondor was smaller, he managed to scratch Morgoth on the face. This further supports the idea that Morgoth's power far exceeds his physical size.

Some hypotheses exist that Morgoth could have changed his size or his stature could have been limited to a 'veil to his true power.' This might imply that Morgoth was larger in his true form but was constrained in his present incarnation. However, the most plausible interpretation suggests that Morgoth's size, while significant, is inherently tied to his power rather than being the definitive measure of his prowess.

In conclusion, while specific size comparisons are not explicitly stated, the textual evidence and depiction in The Silmarillion suggest that Morgoth and Thorondor are of similar but distinct magnitudes of power. Morgoth's power and form likely reflect a more significant physical presence than Thorondor, but both are awe-inspiring figures within the narrative.