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Despite his imprisonment, Morgoth's malignant essence did not vanish completely. His influence persisted through the actions of his former servant, Sauron, who, during the Second Age, enacted Morgoth's will in various insidious ways. It was even suggested that Morgoth might maintain an indirect influence from the Void, possibly through nightmares and visions sent to his remaining followers. This lingering darkness explains the persistence of evil in Middle-earth long after Morgoth's defeat.