No Man is a Hero to his Valet

… is a phrase that applies universally, even if the man isn’t, strictly speaking, a man, as we see in this quote from My Three Ages Backstairs at the Barad-Dur.

Things was run right when Mr. Morgoth was still here. He knew how to show them elves what was what, not flattering and fawning like this new one does. The dinner guests was gentlefolk like Maia and Balrogs, and it was a pleasure to serve them. We don’t even set out the good mithril for them orcs that come these days. And what sort of hobby is jewelry-making? You don’t suppose he’s…well, I know it’s not my place to say, but that Mr. Sauron’s not a proper Dark Lord, not at all.