The Dark Legacy of Melkor: A Deep Dive into Tolkien's Cosmology
Loosely based on imagined details from J.R.R. Tolkien's works, this article explores the vastness of Tolkien's cosmology and the significant role Melkor played in shaping the universe.
The Multiverse and the Villain: Melkor and the Valar
Although J.R.R. Tolkien's works do not explicitly describe a multiverse, they do present a universe that encompasses Infinite Realities. These are regions or planes of existence, beyond the grasp of the Incarnates, like the Elves and Men.
The Great Dark One and His Influence
Referenced as an ancient and powerful being, Melkor is known to the Valar as the Monster of the North. His influence spread across countless realms, shaping the very fabric of existence. Despite his ultimate failure to dominate the universe, he left a profound and lasting impact, particularly in the regions of the multiverse beyond the Earth.
Regions Beyond Arda: The Multiverse of E?
Tolkien's cosmology, encapsulated in the concept of E?, suggests a universe of unimaginable dimensions where regions and realities extend far beyond the realm of ordinary space and time. The Valar, guardians of creation, existed in realms that were vast beyond the imagination of even the most knowledgeable amongst the Elves and Men.
Varda Elentari and Master of All
Varda Elentari, also known as the Lady of the Stars, held immense power and knowledge, rivaling even Melkor in her time. Despite her lesser power and potential knowledge, she explored and understood all the regions of E? before the creation of Arda, Earth's own reality. Her presence and influence were widespread, and her aid in the early days of Arda's creation was crucial.
The Allness of Creation: Vast Realms and Infinite Realities
The concept of the Allness in Tolkien's works is both vast and mysterious. The regions of E?, though infinite and measureless, provide a backdrop against which the creation of Arda unfolds. In these regions, Melkor's influence was profound, and his desire to dominate continued even after his defeat in the War of Wrath.
The Role of Melkor in Creation
From the beginning, Melkor sought to be the master of all that was done, and his influence extended to countless regions beyond Arda. His actions, though often destructive, also shaped the nature of the subsequent realities. Varda's knowledge and understanding of these regions allowed her to aid in the creation of Arda, but the ultimate impact of Melkor's presence could not be entirely eradicated.
Evil and the Inescapable Taint
Despite the Valar's efforts, many evil things influenced by Melkor's shadow persisted in the vast regions of E?. These realities, beyond the knowledge of the Incarnates, remained a source of headcanons and fan theories. The legacy of Melkor, a powerful and corrupted force, continues to shape the fabric of Tolkien's universe, even in its most distant and hidden corners.
Conclusion
The cosmology of Tolkien's universe is a web of complex and interconnected realities. Melkor's role as the Great Dark One is both a catalyst for creation and a force of destruction. His influence, however, is not just limited to the regions of Arda but extends to the vastness of E?, leaving a lasting and formidable legacy in the tapestry of Tolkien's legendarium.