The origin of the Balrog

[Lyn]

I am just beginning to re-explore the origins of Tolkien's characters. Does anyone know what the inspiration was for the Balrog? I have only a passing acquaintance with Norse Mythology, but suspect that may be at least part of the source. Please aim me in the right direction if you have any ideas. Thank you.
Lyn

[Benja]

Maybe the eldjötnar ("fire giants") from Muspelheim in Norse myth? Check them out. They aren't given much consideration in the sagas, all I know about them is that they are led by Surtr and his entrance in Ragnarok puts an end to the world as his flames devour it.

[Gary]

I'm sure there are Tolkien fan/scholars who'll be able to answer in particular on this one, but Wikipedia has a pretty good article on the subject, including the origins that GRRT gave them, the etymology of the word and their appearances in his work:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balrog

[Peter]

Just a bad guy, as evolved anyway.

Can't an author actually invent something?

[Feliks]

Its very rare, as more history passes and civilization ages. Now, if you were a writer in at the start of literature's development (from folklore and mythology) you would have had an easier time of arriving at something 'new'.

Of course, the Platonic theory of creativity says that no mortal is ever the 'first inventor' of anything; but that's a given.