The Lord of the Rings, a literary cornerstone penned by the esteemed author J.R.R. Tolkien, has a little-known and unfinished sequel that sparks intrigue among fans. This sequel, titled The New Shadow, potentially featured a cameo or even a significant role for Morgoth, the original adversary of Middle-earth. First published in three volumes between 1954 and 1955, Tolkien’s epic introduced readers to Sauron, the titular Lord of the Rings and the story’s central villain. It wasn’t until the posthumous release of The Silmarillion in 1977 that readers were afforded deeper insights into the Ainu and the legacy of Morgoth, suggesting the possibility of his return in Tolkien’s unwritten continuation of his saga.
Morgoth, serving as Sauron’s master, is the archetypal villain in the lore of The Lord of the Rings, having seduced Sauron to the dark side at the genesis of Arda. The Ainur, celestial beings created by Middle-earth’s God Eru Ilúvatar, include the majestic Valar and the subordinate Maiar. As a Vala, Morgoth embodies a more significant threat than Sauron, a Maia. This threat enriches the narrative possibilities of a sequel—highlighting Morgoth’s ominous potential return.
Tolkien’s The New Shadow Would Have Explored Men With Dark Beliefs
A Shadowy Cult Within the Sequel’s Context
Even after Morgoth’s defeat during the War of Wrath, the seeds of his influence may have persisted. In his correspondence, Tolkien revealed that The New Shadow would delve into a shadowy aspect of Gondorian society, rife with a “satanic religion.”This theme hints at Morgoth’s possible resurgence, symbolizing the darkness within Men as they confront not only each other but also their moral decay.
| Tolkienian Age | Event Marking The Start | Years | Total Length In Solar Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before time | Indeterminate | Indeterminate | Indeterminate |
| Days before Days | Ainur entered Eä | 1 – 3,500 Valian Years | 33,537 |
| Pre-First Age Years of the Trees (Y.T.) | Yavanna created the Two Trees | Y.T. 1 – 1050 | 10,061 |
| First Age (F.A.) | Elves awoke in Cuiviénen | Y.T. 1050 – Y.T. 1500, F.A. 1 – 590 | 4,902 |
| Second Age (S.A.) | War of Wrath ended | S.A. 1 – 3441 | 3,441 |
| Third Age (T.A.) | Last Alliance defeated Sauron | T.A. 1 – 3021 | 3,021 |
| Fourth Age (Fo.A) | Elven-rings left Middle-earth | Fo.A 1 – unknown | Unknown |
Tolkien’s narrative in The New Shadow transpires during the Age of Men, a time after the War of Wrath that marked the end of significant elven and dwarven influence in Middle-earth. As Men were left to grapple with their own inner demons, they potentially sought solace in a deity akin to Morgoth, further entwining his legacy with their experiences and choices. Morgoth’s position as the embodiment of evil within the lore resonates strongly as Men navigate their darkness.
Tolkien’s Prophecies Allude to Morgoth’s Possible Resurgence
A Destiny Interwoven with Middle-earth’s Fate
While The New Shadow may center on the turbulent dynamics among Men, Tolkien’s narrative backdrop hints at opportunities for Morgoth’s reappearance. The narrative could have potentially steered towards the ultimate showdown of Dagor Dagorath, where he would reemerge for a climactic confrontation with the heroes of Lord of the Rings. Though the War of Wrath saw Morgoth defeated, a prophecy foretold his return, underscoring the persistent struggle between light and dark within Tolkien’s universe.
For an in-depth look at Morgoth and his features, readers can refer to Morgoth’s Ring, published in 1993. This fascinating tome unveils the history of Morgoth and the Ainur, delving deeper into their mythos.
The Feasibility of Morgoth’s Return to Middle-earth
The Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding His Possible Revival
Tolkien portrayed this obscure “satanic religion”as inherently secretive. If indeed Men sought to rekindle Morgoth’s essence for the Dagor Dagorath, such endeavors would necessitate stealth, especially considering Gondor’s allegiance to the Valar and Eru Ilúvatar. This secrecy sets a compelling stage for conflict and plot development within The New Shadow.
While Men likely lacked the means to actualize a resurrection, given their inability to access the Doors of Night—guarded once by Eärendil in his illustrious vessel, Vingilot—their remnants of Elvish technology and magic would be inadequate for such a monumental task.
The New Shadow Would Not Solely Focus on Morgoth
Limited Emphasis on Morgoth in the Sequel
Even if Men were endeavoring to aid Morgoth’s return, it is unlikely that The New Shadow would concentrate on him for long. Tolkien envisaged a narrative encapsulating political turbulence among Men, revealing characters descending into moral despair. With Aragorn’s lineage resembling that of deteriorated figures like Denethor, readers would find themselves engulfed in this societal struggle.
As Tolkien noted, he could have expanded upon the initial 13 pages of The New Shadow into a gripping tale of revolution, juxtaposed with the innocence of youth playing at being Orcs. While an eventual resolution was expected, the protagonists would undoubtedly face their own moral quandaries. Regardless, Morgoth would likely be acknowledged within the fabric of this unfinished sequel to The Lord of the Rings.