Balrog and Sauron

[Finrod Felagund]

I wonder why something of that much power (the Balrog) never hooked up w/ Sauron. You would think that since they were both formerly Maia and had the same former employer, they would have communicated or atleast felt the others presence. Gandalf new it was a Balrog before he saw it.
Dol Guldur was fairly close to Moria. One would think that Sauron would have at least heard about the Balrog and sent some of his minions to investigate. The Balrog would have made the Ringwraiths look like ghosts under bed sheets by comparison.
Thoughts, observations besides because JRR said so

[Maedhros]

Mind you that there is no "concrete" evidence in either side of the question, but here is what I think.
From the Silmarillion
Now Sauron's lust and pride increased, until he knew no bounds, and he determined to make himself master of all things in Middle-earth, and to destroy the Elves, and to compass, if he might, the downfall of Númenor. He brooked no freedom nor any rivalry, and he named himself Lord of the Earth. A mask he still could wear so that if he wished he might deceive the eyes of Men, seeming to them wise and fair. But he ruled rather by force and fear, if they might avail; and those who perceived his shadow spreading over the world called him the Dark Lord and named him the Enemy; and he gathered again under his government all the evil things of the days of Morgoth that remained on earth or beneath it, and the Orcs were at his command and multiplied like flies.
I think that he could use the Balrog as his "subject" or ally but only with the power of the ruling ring.
There is also the possibility that he was not aware of it, and that the Balrog was hidden from him.

[Algamesh]

Maedhros,

Another observation that I would have to agree with. Sauron thrived on ruling those who were weaker than he. A partnership with a Balrog may have presented too much competition.

In my opinion, the Balrog would have been driven by power-lust and envy ... positioning another opportunity for Sauron's demise ... he knew this. He would deal with the Balrog soon enough ...

[Maedhros]

It could be as you say. I guess that it depends on the mind of the Balrog. Could Sauron with the ring defeat him?
I think so.
Would Sauron look foward to that?
I don't think so.
Is Middle-earth controlled by Sauron acceptable by the Balrog?
I think that he could live with that.

[TheRingBearer]

Interesting theory ;)

[Finrod Felagund]

As usual,Maedhros a thoughtful and logical reply that I agree with. I don't believe the Balrog and Sauron were on the same level. Sauron was Morgoth's second and there were lot's of Balrogs (somewhere between thousands and a handful). So, I don't think it would have been a partnership, maybe a wholly owned subsidiary, but Sauron would have been calling the shots and Flameboy would have been his second. The Witchking would have been mighty jealous.

[Pil]

I think that Sauron would have been too threatened by the balrog to have an alliance. And i doubt that the balrog was hidden from sauron....he most probably knew about him and as Algamesh said...he would be dealt with in time. The men and elves were the immediate threat....but the balrog would not be forgotten. :flamer: :nono:

[Lady Melody]

So you guys are suggesting that the Balrog might be of equal in power as Sauron...

Okay, so let's just say that they are, but I believe that Balrog has little concern of taking over Middle-Earth, these Balrog creatures just wanted a nice, dark fiery hole to live in, I suppose, as I don't recall them guarding Barradur or killing innocent inhabitants of the Shire or something. So, my theory is, from what I've read that Balrogs may or might be as powerful as Sauron, but they either ain't that smart for a powerful creature, or is just not bothered enough.

Or maybe they just hated the surface of the Earth...

[Ancalimon]

read this:

http://tolkien.cro.net/balrogs/btaylor.html

[Tar-Ancalimë]

Yes I agree with it.

Balrogs are powerful but still Sauron could control them. It also makes since to me that a Balrog would have no lust for the dominion of ME. They aren't really even that smart, are they?

[Daughter of Finarfin]

I think the balrog just wnated to be a free agent. Not all the powers of good were allied, so why do we assume the powers of evil have to be?

[Tar-Ancalimë]

No in fact we ought to assume they aren't allied. I mean even the ones that are fight all the time!

[Algamesh]

Exactly ... they aren't all allied. In fact, evil revels in chaos & disorganization which is why it fails.