Black Foe of the World

In the beginning of the world, Melkor was among the most powerful of the Valar - indeed, probably the most powerful - and his very name Melkor meant 'he who arises in might'. Over the ages he sought to bend the world to his will, creating a great conflict with the other Valar that ultimately saw him imprisoned for three ages in Halls of Mandos. After this time of imprisonment Melkor claimed to have reformed, but after his release he betrayed the Valar and the Elves, breaking into Fëanor's fortress of Formenos, slaying Fëanor's father Finwë and taking the Silmarils from their vault before escaping from Aman into Middle-earth.

When he heard this news, Fëanor was filled with rage, and he cursed Melkor before the Elder King Manwë himself. At that time Fëanor gave Melkor a new name, Morgoth, translated as the 'Black Foe' of the World, and led his people back to Middle-earth in pursuit of his enemy. After that time, the Eldar abandoned the use of the old name Melkor, and the Dark Lord was always known by his cursed name Morgoth the black enemy.