Morgoth

Morgoth, once the Vala Melkor, was the first and most powerful being to turn to evil in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, originally seeking to dominate the creation of the world. His envy of Eru Ilúvatar led him to sow discord in the great song of creation, which he continued by corrupting life into beings like Orcs and eventually becoming the "Black Foe" through his actions against the Elves and the Valar. After centuries of war, Morgoth was ultimately defeated and cast into the outer void, though his evil influence tainted the world and foreshadowed a final battle. Before the creation of Arda (the world), the Ainur, including Melkor, sang a great song in the presence of Eru Ilúvatar, their creator. Melkor desired to create his own independent melodies, introducing discord into the symphony and showing his envy of Eru. He believed he was Eru's equal and sought to prove it. Unable to create his own life, Melkor began to twist and corrupt existing things, a skill that became his primary method of evil. His initial envy evolved into a deep hatred for all life and a lust for absolute dominion. He coveted the light of the Two Trees of Valinor, but their destruction led him to focus on the Silmarils made by Fëanor. After stealing the Silmarils and committing other atrocities, Fëanor gave him the name "Morgoth" meaning "Dark Enemy" or "Black Foe," which stuck. Morgoth established his fortress in the north of Middle-earth, Angband, and his lieutenant Sauron. Out of spite, he captured the first Elves and tortured them, turning them into the first Orcs. The Valar eventually intervened in the First Age, leading to the "War of Wrath" where they defeated Morgoth's forces and cast him into the outer void. Even in his banishment, Morgoth's evil influence continued to spread, corrupting the world and its inhabitants.His story is a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of pride, envy, and the lust for power.