What language do balrogs speak?

Tolkien invented the name “Balrog”, providing an in-universe etymology for it as a word in his invented Sindarin language. He may have gained the idea of a fire demon from his philological study of the Old English word Sigelwara, which he studied in detail in the 1930s.

Can a Balrog talk?

The Balrog never speaks or makes any vocal sound at all.

Do balrogs have intelligence?

Many who have faced Balrogs referred to them as “creatures of fire and shadow” or simply “shadow and flame.” They are humanoid, and very intelligent creatures (being Ainur, they took part in the creation of the world). Balrogs seemed to encapsulate and project power and terror.

Do balrogs fly?

Balrogs can fly, they have non-corporeal shadow wings. This is detailed in the book Morgoth”s Ring.

What language did morgoth speak?

In Tolkien’s notes it is said that Maia spirits could easily absorb languages. When Melkor-Morgoth himself walked in Valinor, it is said that he spoke the High-Elven Quenya with such power and beauty that it amazed the Elves there. Even their loremasters struggled to equal Melkor’s masterful handling of the language.

Where does 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.

Why did the Balrog have wings?

Yes, they have wings. It says so, right there in the text: its wings were spread from wall to wall. However, its wings were apparently formed of shadow, not solid flesh. But the Balrog itself is a creature of shadow; a solid form cloaked in a darkness that follows it and responds to its will.

What does Balrog mean in different languages?

In Sindarin, the word Balrog means “Demon of Might”, from the words bal (“power”) and raug, rog (“demon”). Balrogs are called Valarauko or Valaraukar in Quenya, from the words vala (“power”) and rauco (“demon”).

Where did the Balrogs live in the first place?

Their first dwelling was in Utumno, but after their master’s defeat during the War for Sake of the Elves, the Balrogs and other creatures in Melkor’s service escaped to Angband. Balrogs were present as early as the Years of the Trees when Melkor and Ungoliant went to Valinor and destroyed the Two Trees.

What does Tolkien think a Balrog looks like?

Tolkien does not address this specifically for Balrogs, though in his later conception, as at the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, the Balrog appears “like a great shadow, in the middle of which was a dark form, of man-shape maybe, yet greater”.

What happened to the Balrogs in the pits of Angband?

By then, the Balrogs remained in the pits of Angband. After Morgoth destroyed the Trees with Ungoliant, he came to the ruins of Angband to renew his rule in Middle-earth. A disagreement with Ungoliant led to her attacking him, and Morgoth gave out a great cry that roused the Balrogs from their slumber.