'Who would win? Balrog vs. Smaug': Lord of the Rings Fans Debunk Which LOTR Villain Stands Above the Rest

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Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor
Jun 12, 2024 1:00 PM EDT

There's no shortage of bad guys in Lord of the Rings. 

Although through the ages, there were several dark lords including Sauron and Morgoth (most notably and most evilly) who had large armies of henchmen, foul creatures, and literal demons at their disposal. For the good guys battling their evil ways, these bitter critters were the scourge of Middle Earth and the bane of every free folk's existence. But which right-hand creature was the figurative top dog?

As Silmarillion readers will attest, there is a ton of lore out there showing the strengths and weaknesses of every creature that graces the lands of Mordor, but somehow, during the Third Age of Men, Sauron's grip over the baddest of bad creatures slipped a bit as darkness fell into hiding–which leads me to the following debate. We know that the dragons were created as the right-hand creatures of Morgoth in the First Age and second to the dragons were the Balrog. But in modern LOTR lore, who would win? 

Smaug the Dragon or the Balrog in the Mines of Moria? Keep scrolling to read the expert (and not so expert) opinions of LOTR lore-masters.

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  • 01
    Who would win?? Question Personally I'm going for the Balrog, even though Smaug is bad ss the Balrog is literally a demon! But I love listening to people's views?
    via geenexotics
  • 02
    Who would win? Balrog VS. Smaug
    via geenexotics
  • 03
    Gralldalf Dragons were described as Morgoths most powerful weapon and final gambit in the War of wrath, even more so than the balrogs. The question is how and if Smaug differs from the old dragons that died back then. Tbh he is probably weaker.
    via Gralldalf
  • 04
    itaa_q Yeah I don't think Smaug is comparable to Glaurung or Ancalagon
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  • 05
    Inevitable-Bit615 I don remember the exact quote but yes, by the time of smaug, dragons were far weaker than in morgoth s war
    via Inevitable-Bit615
  • 06
    Boardgame_Frank In a battle of wits, probably Smaug. In a race, probably Smaug as well. In a hotdog contest... I still go for Smaug. In a battle against a Hobbit, probably the Balrog. Bodybuilder contest; Balrog American Idol: Smaug Fencing tournament: Balrog Football game: Balrog Beauty contest: both first place
    via Boardgame_Frank
  • 07
    Mloach. Which Balrog? Gothmog would have spitroasted Smaug over Mount Doom in few minutes
    via Mloach
  • 08
    loganthegr I mean balrogs were fallen Maia. Sure dragons were badass but that's like a dragon vs a lesser Sauron. I'm betting on balrog. Plus Smaug was said to be a smaller dragon compared to those of old. If it were glarung then balrog is probably stomped.
    via loganthegr
  • 09
    doegred Beleriand We don't even know the exact nature of dragons... Plus it's not like being an Ainu means you automatically win over everyone else. Morgoth feared Ungoliant, Elves slew Balrogs (and died in the process but still)...
    via doegred
  • 10
    loganthegr And a human killed Glarung. Power is all over the place and I don't think Tolkein used his creations like that, but Balrogs were nuts. Tolkein also said there were thousands then redacted that to 9 or 7 or something so no one knows.
    via loganthegr
  • 11
    pigeonbobble Didn't Tolkien make a power level chart or something and a Balrog's was over 9000? I think it's in the Silmarillion. Edit: My mistake, it was a tier list. I remember "Gandalf with preparation time" being S tier.
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  • 12
    rentiertrashpanda. There's definitely a bracket in one of the appendices. The Balrog lost to Glorfindel in one semifinal, in the other Smaug lost to Bill the Pony
    via rentiertrashpanda
  • 13
    Finvy Well their fire damage is going to cancel out so it's down to physical damage. Smaug is heavily armored whereas the Balrog is not.
    via Finvy Well
  • 14
    A well timed hit from the Balrogs sword might do the trick, but Smaug seems much more agile, plus he can fly. Smaug has his teeth, claws, tail swipe. My money is on Smaug.
    via Finvy Well
  • 15
    pivotalsquash. Gandalf went on a trek to find and challenge smaug. When he knew a balrog was nearby he immediately said time to go. Though your point on fire could hold some weight maybe it's just a bad matchup for the balrog.
    via pivotalsquash
  • 16
    TensorForce. Fingolfin In the Silmarillion, Balrogs are mentioned as being Morgoth's highest lieutenants "second only to dragons." Granted, Smaug is a fairly young and small dragon, but I think it could give Durin's Bane a run for his money.
    via TensorForce
  • 17
    Tummerd We dont know how old Smaug is. He could have been one of the 2 survivors after the War of Wrath, born in second or the third. Its simply not stated anywhere
    via Tummerd
  • 18
    gofundyourself007. Most entities which kill a Balrog end up dying in the process, even the greatest warriors, and Maia. So it's kinda lose/lose for Smaug.
    via gofundyourself007
  • 19
    Kytama. Dragons were an entire race of war-beasts created by Morgoth. Balrogs were (a total of 3-7) Maiar corrupted by Morgoth. Balrogs were likely lesser maiar ―so likely not as powerful as Sauron or one of the Istari. But I imagine they were much more of an elite troop on Morgoth's army.
    via Kytama
  • 20
    I imagine any Balrog would win against any dragon (I.E. Durin's bane vs Smaug as pictured/mentioned above). But I bet overall due to sheer number dragons were a more impactful foe on Middle Earth.
    via Kytama
  • 21
    Hovercraft_Worried Smaug had a weakness, which was a hole in his scale, the Balrog fought with Gandalf for a week, Balrog wins
    via Hovercraft_Worried
  • 22
    CatLazy2728 Don't know. But it'd be fun to watch. Gets some pints of ale and lembas bread and load up a bowl of Old Toby
    via CatLazy2728

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