Would Melkor Have Eventually Attacked the First Elves in Cuiviénen to Create the Breed of Orcs if None of Them Had Journeyed into the Darkness of Middle Earth?

In J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, particularly as outlined in The Silmarillion, it is clear that Melkor's malevolent influence was a significant factor in the early history of the First Elves. His character was defined by malice and manipulation, and he sought to sow discord and corruption among the Children of Ilúvatar. Many scholars and readers of Tolkien's works have pondered whether Melkor would have eventually attacked the First Elves in Cuiviénen if they had not ventured into the darkness of Middle Earth. This article delves into the complexities of Melkor's motivations and the extent of his influence.

The Nature of Melkor's Influence

According to The Silmarillion, Melkor was always watchful from the beginning of the awakening of the Quendi (Elves). He sent shadows and evil spirits to spy upon and waylay the Elves, and it was not uncommon for those who strayed from the safety of Cuiviénen to vanish without a trace. The most ancient songs and stories of the Elves reflect this fear, describing shadow-shapes that roamed the hills above Cuiviénen and a dark rider who pursued those who wandered to take and devour them.

Even if the Elves had remained in Cuiviénen, it is highly probable that Melkor would still have sought to corrupt them. Tolkien's writings suggest that Melkor's malevolence was an intrinsic part of his character, and he would have pursued opportunities to corrupt the Elves regardless of their location. His actions were not driven by a need to follow the path of least resistance but by a desire for domination and control.

Direct vs. Indirect Influence

While the journey of the Elves into the dark lands did facilitate Melkor's influence and the eventual creation of the Orcs, it is plausible that he would have found other means to reach them. Tolkien's works indicate that Melkor employed various methods to achieve his goals, including deceit and direct attacks. For example, he sent dark servants as riders to spread fear and mistrust among the Elves, and he also spread lies and whispered doubts that made the Elves wary of Orom, the Vala who was eventually a savior and protector.

Ensnarement by Melkor

The Silmarillion notes that all those who came into the hands of Melkor before Utumno was broken were put in prison and corrupted through slow and cruel arts. Those who were ensnared by Melkor are the ancestors of the Orcs, who were bred in envy and mockery of the Elves. It is estimated that encounters with Morgoth or his servants could have led to the creation of the Orcs as animate constructs or darkened Maiar. The passage also states that deep in their dark hearts, the Orcs loathed Melkor, their maker and the source of their misery.

The Twofold Nature of the Orcs

Recent analysis suggests that the Orcs can be divided into two distinct categories. The vast majority of them, especially during the War of Wrath, were animate constructs of earth or similar given "life" or a semblance thereof by Morgoth. This would explain the seemingly endless hordes of Orcs appearing from nowhere to ruin the Noldorin hosts. These were essentially "automata robots" created by Morgoth's will.

However, there were also select portions of Orcs that were actually Maiar who served as chieftains and captains. Even Morgoth, with his vast power, would need lieutenants to give directions to his "droid army." Finally, there were human beings twisted and perverted by Morgoth, forming their own cultures and polities, but dominated by evil. Examples include the Easterlings, Wainriders, and Haradrim of later ages.

A notable example is the Gundabad Armour, which is a representation of the advanced weaponry and armor used by the Orcs, showcasing their advanced military capabilities and the dark motives behind their creation.

The legacy of Melkor and the creation of the Orcs serves as a dark reminder of the dangerous consequences of malevolent intentions. It is a testament to the enduring power of evil in the legendarium of Tolkien, even in the absence of direct intervention.