Melkor (person)

Although never explicitly stated in either the Ainulindalë or the Valaquenta, a close reading of the text will disclose that Melkor is, in addition to his many other attributes, Lord of Fire. Herein I provide some circumstantial evidence for my position:

• Melkor first coveted Eä when it was "young and full of flame."

• Melkor searched for and yearned for the Inperishable Flame, but could not find it.

• Melkor corrupted the Valaraukar, those Maiar who were close to him. These spirits of fire were later called balrogs. (Although Sauron is a maia of Aulë, but he is explicitly cited as a special case.)

• Melkor's greatest creation was the fire-drakes

• Melkor hated the Sea above all else; Fire and Water are elemental opposites.

And most importantly,

• Manwë, Aulë, and Ulmo, the three greatest Vala, have the portfolios of Air, Earth, and Water. Fire is left out.

Thus, when referring to Melkor, I append "Lord of Fire" to his list titles. After all,

"Melkor has plans for the universe. And Melkor doesn't like humans..."