The History of Sauron [COMPILATION] | Tolkien Explained

Nerd of the Rings・2 minutes read

Sauron's rise to power, manipulation of the Rings of Power, and eventual defeat in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, leading to his permanent demise in the destruction of the One Ring and his banishment into the Timeless Void.

Insights

  • Sauron's relentless pursuit of power and control drives him to manipulate, betray, and corrupt those around him, ultimately leading to his downfall and permanent defeat.
  • The intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and battles across Middle-earth highlights the complex and interconnected nature of the conflicts that shape the course of history, demonstrating how individual actions can have far-reaching consequences for entire civilizations.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Sauron's most trusted servant?

    Gorthaur

  • What did Sauron create from Morgoth's wolves?

    Werewolves

  • Who ultimately defeated Sauron at Tol-in-Gaurhoth?

    Luthien

  • What did Sauron create in Mordor inscribed with a powerful phrase?

    The One Ring

  • How was Sauron permanently defeated?

    Blown away by a powerful wind

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Summary

00:00

Sauron's Rise to Dark Lord

  • Sauron, originally known as Mairon, served under Aule before joining Melkor due to his love for order and disdain for chaos.
  • Sauron becomes Melkor's most trusted servant, known as Gorthaur and later Sauron, commanding Angband while Morgoth rules Utumno.
  • After the Valar's victory in the Battle of the Powers, Sauron evades capture and waits for Morgoth's return for around 2,850 years.
  • Sauron's control of Tol Sirion opens the passage to the East of Beleriand for Morgoth's forces, renaming it Tol-in-Gaurhoth.
  • Sauron creates werewolves from Morgoth's wolves, imprisoning evil spirits within them, and also transforms into a wolf, serpent, and vampire.
  • Sauron orders the capture of outlaws in Dorthonion, leading to Gorlim's tragic betrayal and death at Sauron's hands.
  • Sauron commands a force to eliminate outlaws at Tarn Aeluin, with only Beren surviving and continuing to resist Morgoth's forces.
  • Sauron's encounter with Finrod and Beren at Tol-in-Gaurhoth results in a battle where Finrod sacrifices himself to save Beren.
  • Luthien's intervention at Tol-in-Gaurhoth leads to a fierce battle between Sauron and Huan, with Sauron ultimately yielding to Luthien.
  • After Morgoth's defeat in the War of Wrath, Sauron repents to Eonwe but refuses to return to Valinor, choosing to hide in Middle-earth and prepare to become the new Dark Lord.

14:30

The Rise and Fall of Sauron's Power

  • Celebrimbor is swayed by Annatar, leading the Gwaith-i-Mirdain to become skilled jewel-smiths and magic users.
  • After nearly 300 years of studying under Annatar, the Gwaith-i-Mirdain begin forging the Rings of Power.
  • Annatar creates The One Ring in Mordor, inscribed with a powerful phrase.
  • Celebrimbor realizes he has been betrayed by Sauron and hides the Rings of Power.
  • Sauron demands the Rings of Power from the elves, leading to the War of the Elves and Sauron.
  • Sauron builds the Black Gate of Mordor and amasses an army of Orcs, Trolls, and Men.
  • Sauron's conquest of Eriador is met with resistance from the Numenoreans, leading to his defeat.
  • Sauron manipulates Ar-Pharazon, leading to the downfall of Numenor and his return to Middle-earth.
  • Sauron distributes the Rings of Power, corrupting men and dwarves into becoming his servants.
  • The Last Alliance of Elves and Men defeats Sauron in the Battle of Dagorlad, leading to his temporary defeat.

29:17

Rise and Fall of Middle-earth Realms

  • A plague, likely caused by Sauron, devastates Rhovanion, Gondor, Rhun, and southern Eriador.
  • Gondor retreats, leaving Mordor fortresses unguarded, allowing the Nazgul to return.
  • Gondor and Arnor unite to face coordinated enemies, but Arnor falls to the Witch-King.
  • Arnor is destroyed, while Angmar is defeated by elves and Gondorians in 1975.
  • A balrog awakens in Moria, leading to the death of king Durin VI and dwarves' exile.
  • The Lord of the Nazgul causes the disappearance of the Last King of Gondor in 2050.
  • Sauron's power grows, leading to Gandalf's investigation in Dol Guldur in 2063.
  • Sauron corrupts Easterlings, building alliances for an eventual war during the watchful peace.
  • Sauron's forces spread throughout Middle-earth, attacking Gondor, Ithilien, and the Misty Mountains.
  • Sauron's plans are thwarted by the White Council, leading to his defeat in Dol Guldur and the Battle of the Five Armies.

42:49

Sauron defeated by Gollum's fiery demise.

  • Gollum accidentally falls into the fires while celebrating taking the ring from Frodo, leading to Sauron's physical form being destroyed, his spirit rising but then blown away by a powerful wind. Sauron is permanently defeated, forced to follow his master into the Timeless Void, never to return.
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