Middle-earth’s antagonists range from powerful servants of Sauron to characters whose selfishness harms the people around them. Their threats take different forms: some rely on strength and violence, while others use deception or pursue their own interests at others’ expense.
The Master of Lake-town is a minor antagonist whose greed leaves the people he rules to suffer while he builds his wealth. He dies when Smaug’s corpse falls on him as he tries to flee by boat with his gold. His henchman Alfrid Lickspittle is similarly self-serving, willing to put other citizens in danger to advance himself. In the extended edition of The Battle of the Five Armies, Alfrid is accidentally catapulted into a troll’s mouth.
Other foes pose a more direct physical danger. A cave troll nearly overwhelms the Fellowship in the Mines of Moria, while Gothmog leads Orcs against Minas Tirith and fights for Sauron’s cause. The creature Shelob is not part of Sauron’s forces, but attacks anyone who enters her lair. She stings Frodo and traps him in her web before Sam intervenes.
Some of the most dangerous characters rely on corruption and manipulation. Gollum, once the Stoor Sméagol, becomes consumed by the Ring and repeatedly puts Frodo and Sam at risk as he tries to reclaim it. Grima Wormtongue, meanwhile, weakens King Théoden through persistent whispers, keeping the king from helping his people and making him suspicious of those trying to support him.
The Nazgûl were once kings of Men, but the Nine Rings given to them by Sauron transformed them into his servants. They hunt for the One Ring during the War of the Ring, destroying anyone who stands in their way. The Balrog known as Durin’s Bane presents another formidable obstacle in Moria, where it confronts Gandalf and plunges with him into an abyss.
Azog the Defiler is an Orc commander driven by destruction and revenge, particularly against Thorin Oakenshield. Azog kills Thorin’s grandfather, King Thror, before Thorin cuts off one of his arms. Their conflict continues until Thorin kills Azog before the War of the Ring. Together, these antagonists show how Middle-earth’s dangers extend beyond Sauron’s armies, encompassing creatures, corrupted servants and self-interested rulers alike.
Sources: Comic Book Resources.