Who Caused the Sundering?
The Sundering, also known as the Great Sundering, was a catastrophic event in the history of Middle-earth that shaped the course of the world. It is believed to have occurred around 10,000 years ago, during the War of the Ancients, when the Well of Eternity was destroyed. But who exactly was responsible for this devastating catastrophe? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Middle-earth and unravel the complex web of events that led to the Sundering.
The Destruction of the Well of Eternity
The Well of Eternity was a powerful and mysterious location in the heart of Middle-earth. It was said to be the source of Elven magic and the focal point of their power. However, the Well was also a source of great danger, and its destruction was a catastrophic event that resonated throughout the world.
Sargeras and the Burning Legions
Sargeras was the dark lord who sought to destroy the Well and conquer Middle-earth. He was the leader of the Burning Legions, a legion of fiery demonic creatures who sought to spread evil throughout the world. Sargeras saw the Well as a threat to his own power and sought to destroy it, ensuring his dominance over Middle-earth.
The Alliance of the Valar and Elves
In response to Sargeras’ threat, the Valar (the angelic beings who shaped the world of Middle-earth) and the Elves formed an alliance to protect the Well. The Elven leader, Malfurion Stormrage, led the charge against the Burning Legions, determined to safeguard the Well and prevent its destruction.
The Confrontation
The confrontation between Sargeras and Malfurion Stormrage was a brutal and ferocious battle. The Burning Legions surged forth, intent on destroying the Well and annihilating the Elves. In the end, it was Malfurion’s cunning and the Valar’s intervention that saved the Well and drove the Burning Legions back. Sargeras was defeated and the Well was saved, but at great cost.
The Sundering
Unfortunately, the destruction of the Well caused an unstable vortex within the turbulent depths of the Well. This energy built up over time and finally exploded, causing the Sundering – a cataclysmic event that shook the very foundations of Middle-earth.
Causes of the Sundering
To understand the Sundering, let’s take a closer look at the events leading up to it:
- Well Destruction: The destruction of the Well was a significant factor in the Sundering. As mentioned earlier, the Well was a focal point of Elven magic and power.
- Energy Build-up: After the destruction of the Well, the energy of the turbulent depths built up and expanded. This energy eventually turned against the world, causing the Sundering.
- Tectonic Plates: The Sundering also caused massive disruptions in the tectonic plates of Middle-earth. This led to the rise of mountains, the creation of new continents, and the destruction of old ones.
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and massive storms ravaged Middle-earth, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
- Impact on the World
The Sundering had a profound impact on Middle-earth, shaping the world as we know it today. The event caused changes in the climate, the rise and fall of civilizations, and the evolution of magic. The Sundering also led to the scattering of the Elves, the humans’ arrival in Middle-earth, and the development of the Free Peoples’ quest for survival.
Who Caused the Sundering? – In Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the Sundering was the direct result of the destruction of the Well of Eternity. Sargeras and his Burning Legions sought to destroy the Well, and Malfurion and the Valar fought against it. Unfortunately, the destruction of the Well resulted in the energy build-up, followed by the Sundering.
The following is a summary of the causes leading to the Sundering:
| Cause |
|---|
| Destruction of the Well |
| Energy Build-up |
| Tectonic Plate Disruptions |
| Natural Disasters |
| Impact on the World |
Sargeras and his Burning Legions sought to destroy the Well and gain control over Middle-earth. Their defeat and the subsequent destruction of the Well ultimately led to the Sundering – an event that reshaped the course of history in Middle-earth.
Recommended Readings
- J.R.R. Tolkien – "The Silmarillion" for an in-depth exploration of the Wars of Beleriand and the Well of Eternity.
- J.R.R. Tolkien – "The Lord of the Rings" for the history of Middle-earth and the impact of the Sundering on the world.
- en.wikipedia.org – "The Sundering of the World" for further reading on the Sundering’s causes and effects.
Final Notes
In conclusion, the Sundering was the culmination of a complex series of events following the destruction of the Well of Eternity. It is a testament to the courage and cunning of Malfurion and the Valar that they protected the Well, but ultimately fell short of preventing the Sundering. The Sundering’s far-reaching consequences continue to shape the world of Middle-earth, making it a fascinating study of ancient history and the power struggles of the Valar and Elves.
In your opinion, what do you think are the most significant factors that contributed to the Sundering? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.