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User talk:SaurontheDeciever

2025-08-07T15:50:18Z

SaurontheDeciever:

== Welcome! ==

'''{{PAGENAME}}, welcome!'''

Hello and [[Tolkien Gateway:Welcome|welcome]] to '''[[Tolkien Gateway]]'''. I hope you like the place and choose to join our work. Here are a few good links for newcomers:
*Internal pages:
**[[Tolkien Gateway:To-do|To-do list]]
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**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:How to edit a page|How to edit a page]]
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**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:How to write a great article|How to write a great article]]

I hope you enjoy editing here and we look forward to your future edits. If you have any questions, see the [[Help:Contents|help pages]], add a question to the [[Forums:Council|Council forums]] or ask me on [[User talk:Hyarion|my talk page]]. Keep up the great work! —  [[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]] ([[User talk:Hyarion|talk]]) 00:29, 4 August 2025 (UTC)

== Recent image uploads ==
Hello SaurontheDeciever, welcome to Tolkien Gateway and thank you for taking the time to help us improve the wiki.

I noticed earlier today that you have been uploading various images from Rings of Power and whilst there is mothing wrong with that there are some issues with how you are doing it. Please read the [[Tolkien Gateway:Image policy]], which outlines what you need to know.

The primary concerns are that you are not naming them correctly, as they are from an adaptation their titles should be '''"The Rings of Power (TV Series) - CharacterNameHere"'''.
You also need to include at least one category for each image uploaded, at a minimum [[:Category:Images from The Rings of Power (TV series) - Season 1|Category:Images from The Rings of Power (TV series) - Season 1]] (or Season 2) and [[:Category:Images of CharacterNameHere|Category:Images of CharacterNameHere]].

See the [[Tolkien Gateway:Manual of Style#Categories|Manual of Style]] for specific guidelines around categories.

Finally all images need some form of licencing, and in the instances of RoP screengrabs you can use <nowiki>{{Fairuse-Amazon}}</nowiki>.

If you have any questions please ask here or join our [[Tolkien Gateway:Chat|Discord Server]]. If you continue to upload and edit regardless of policy guidelines we will end up undoing your good work by reverting or deleting your changes. [[User:JR Snow|JR Snow]] ([[User talk:JR Snow|talk]]) 18:05, 5 August 2025 (UTC)

== Response to JR Snow ==
Thanks, JR Snow will do it in the future! My apologies.[[User:SaurontheDeciever|SaurontheDeciever]] ([[User talk:SaurontheDeciever|talk]]) 11:17, 7 August 2025 (UTC)

User talk:SaurontheDeciever

2025-08-07T15:50:00Z

SaurontheDeciever:

== Welcome! ==

'''{{PAGENAME}}, welcome!'''

Hello and [[Tolkien Gateway:Welcome|welcome]] to '''[[Tolkien Gateway]]'''. I hope you like the place and choose to join our work. Here are a few good links for newcomers:
*Internal pages:
**[[Tolkien Gateway:To-do|To-do list]]
**[[Tolkien Gateway:Manual of Style|Standards]]
**[[Tolkien Gateway:Chat|Discord Chat]]
**[[Special:Recentchanges|Recent changes]]
*External Wikipedia pages:
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:How to edit a page|How to edit a page]]
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Tutorial|Editing, policy, conduct, and structure tutorial]]
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Picture tutorial|Picture tutorial]]
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:How to write a great article|How to write a great article]]

I hope you enjoy editing here and we look forward to your future edits. If you have any questions, see the [[Help:Contents|help pages]], add a question to the [[Forums:Council|Council forums]] or ask me on [[User talk:Hyarion|my talk page]]. Keep up the great work! —  [[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]] ([[User talk:Hyarion|talk]]) 00:29, 4 August 2025 (UTC)

== Recent image uploads ==
Hello SaurontheDeciever, welcome to Tolkien Gateway and thank you for taking the time to help us improve the wiki.

I noticed earlier today that you have been uploading various images from Rings of Power and whilst there is mothing wrong with that there are some issues with how you are doing it. Please read the [[Tolkien Gateway:Image policy]], which outlines what you need to know.

The primary concerns are that you are not naming them correctly, as they are from an adaptation their titles should be '''"The Rings of Power (TV Series) - CharacterNameHere"'''.
You also need to include at least one category for each image uploaded, at a minimum [[:Category:Images from The Rings of Power (TV series) - Season 1|Category:Images from The Rings of Power (TV series) - Season 1]] (or Season 2) and [[:Category:Images of CharacterNameHere|Category:Images of CharacterNameHere]].

See the [[Tolkien Gateway:Manual of Style#Categories|Manual of Style]] for specific guidelines around categories.

Finally all images need some form of licencing, and in the instances of RoP screengrabs you can use <nowiki>{{Fairuse-Amazon}}</nowiki>.

If you have any questions please ask here or join our [[Tolkien Gateway:Chat|Discord Server]]. If you continue to upload and edit regardless of policy guidelines we will end up undoing your good work by reverting or deleting your changes. [[User:JR Snow|JR Snow]] ([[User talk:JR Snow|talk]]) 18:05, 5 August 2025 (UTC)

== Response to SaurontheDeciever ==
Thanks, JR Snow will do it in the future! My apologies.[[User:SaurontheDeciever|SaurontheDeciever]] ([[User talk:SaurontheDeciever|talk]]) 11:17, 7 August 2025 (UTC)

User:SaurontheDeciever

2025-08-07T15:48:56Z

SaurontheDeciever:

{{user infobox
| image =The Rings of Power (TV series) - Annatar.jpg
| name = Sauron the Deciever
| othernames =
| position = Gatekeeper
| location = Greenwich, CT
| language = English
| userboxes = {{user mordor}} 
{{user wizards}} 
{{user lore-2}} 
{{user tomtom}} 
{{user en-N}} 
{{user under3m}} 
{{User USA}}
{{user userboxes}}
| userboxheight = 150px
|email=abjanssen2023@gmail.com}}SaurontheDeceiver is a passionate and rapidly growing fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's world. Though new to Middle-earth, he’s already plunged headfirst into the deep end—obsessively reading, researching, and engaging with the legendarium as if he’s been wandering its paths for years. If there’s a category for fans who treat Tolkien’s works like sacred texts and lore as living history, that’s where he proudly belongs. Austin isn’t yet a lore master, but what he lacks in years, he makes up for in intensity, curiosity, and heart. He’s committed to contributing meaningfully to the Tolkien community by learning, sharing, and celebrating the richness of the Professor’s creation in every way he can.

===Contact Information===
Email: abjanssen2023@gmail.com

===What does he do here?===
Makes sure everything is modern, makes sure all the Rings of Power Adaptations are up to date among other things.

User:SaurontheDeciever

2025-08-07T15:47:05Z

SaurontheDeciever: Created my talk page

{{user infobox
| image =The Rings of Power (TV series) - Annatar.jpg
| name = Sauron the Deciever
| othernames =
| position = Gatekeeper
| location = Greenwich, CT
| language = English
| userboxes = {{user mordor}} 
{{user wizards}} 
{{user lore-2}} 
{{user tomtom}} 
{{user en-N}} 
{{user under3m}} 
{{User USA}} 
{{user userboxes}}
| userboxheight = 150px
|email=abjanssen2023@gmail.com}}SaurontheDeceiver is a passionate and rapidly growing fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's world. Though new to Middle-earth, he’s already plunged headfirst into the deep end—obsessively reading, researching, and engaging with the legendarium as if he’s been wandering its paths for years. If there’s a category for fans who treat Tolkien’s works like sacred texts and lore as living history, that’s where he proudly belongs. Austin isn’t yet a lore master, but what he lacks in years, he makes up for in intensity, curiosity, and heart. He’s committed to contributing meaningfully to the Tolkien community by learning, sharing, and celebrating the richness of the Professor’s creation in every way he can.

=== Contact Information ===
Email: abjanssen2023@gmail.com

=== What does he do here? ===
Makes sure everything is modern, makes sure all the Rings of Power Adaptations are up to date among other things.

User talk:SaurontheDeciever

2025-08-07T15:17:42Z

SaurontheDeciever: /* Recent image uploads */

== Welcome! ==

'''{{PAGENAME}}, welcome!'''

Hello and [[Tolkien Gateway:Welcome|welcome]] to '''[[Tolkien Gateway]]'''. I hope you like the place and choose to join our work. Here are a few good links for newcomers:
*Internal pages:
**[[Tolkien Gateway:To-do|To-do list]]
**[[Tolkien Gateway:Manual of Style|Standards]]
**[[Tolkien Gateway:Chat|Discord Chat]]
**[[Special:Recentchanges|Recent changes]]
*External Wikipedia pages:
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:How to edit a page|How to edit a page]]
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Tutorial|Editing, policy, conduct, and structure tutorial]]
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Picture tutorial|Picture tutorial]]
**[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:How to write a great article|How to write a great article]]

I hope you enjoy editing here and we look forward to your future edits. If you have any questions, see the [[Help:Contents|help pages]], add a question to the [[Forums:Council|Council forums]] or ask me on [[User talk:Hyarion|my talk page]]. Keep up the great work! —  [[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]] ([[User talk:Hyarion|talk]]) 00:29, 4 August 2025 (UTC)

== Recent image uploads ==
Hello SaurontheDeciever, welcome to Tolkien Gateway and thank you for taking the time to help us improve the wiki.

I noticed earlier today that you have been uploading various images from Rings of Power and whilst there is mothing wrong with that there are some issues with how you are doing it. Please read the [[Tolkien Gateway:Image policy]], which outlines what you need to know.

The primary concerns are that you are not naming them correctly, as they are from an adaptation their titles should be '''"The Rings of Power (TV Series) - CharacterNameHere"'''.
You also need to include at least one category for each image uploaded, at a minimum [[:Category:Images from The Rings of Power (TV series) - Season 1|Category:Images from The Rings of Power (TV series) - Season 1]] (or Season 2) and [[:Category:Images of CharacterNameHere|Category:Images of CharacterNameHere]].

See the [[Tolkien Gateway:Manual of Style#Categories|Manual of Style]] for specific guidelines around categories.

Finally all images need some form of licencing, and in the instances of RoP screengrabs you can use <nowiki>{{Fairuse-Amazon}}</nowiki>.

If you have any questions please ask here or join our [[Tolkien Gateway:Chat|Discord Server]]. If you continue to upload and edit regardless of policy guidelines we will end up undoing your good work by reverting or deleting your changes. [[User:JR Snow|JR Snow]] ([[User talk:JR Snow|talk]]) 18:05, 5 August 2025 (UTC)

Thanks, JR Snow will do it in the future! My apologies.[[User:SaurontheDeciever|SaurontheDeciever]] ([[User talk:SaurontheDeciever|talk]]) 11:17, 7 August 2025 (UTC)

Barrow-wights

2025-08-05T17:03:02Z

SaurontheDeciever: Barrowwights in rings of power

{{race infobox
| name=Barrow-wights
| image = John Howe - Barrow-Wights.jpg
| caption="Barrow-Wights" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| origin=
| location=The [[Barrow-downs]]
| affiliation=[[Sauron]] [[Witch-king]]
| rivalry=
| language=[[Westron]]
| people=
| members=
| lifespan=
| distinctions=Shadowy figures with a pale, icy light gleaming from their eyes; icy touch; deep, hollow and cold voice
| height=
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=Magic
}}
The '''Barrow-wights''' were a kind of [[undead]]-like creatures, dead bones animated by [[evil spirits]].<ref name="LotR">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''passim''</ref>

==History and Characteristics==
[[File:Richard Svensson - The Adventures of Tom Bombadil part 4.jpg|thumb|''The Adventures of Tom Bombadil part 4'' by Richard Svensson]]
The Barrow-wights were evil spirits, although their true nature is unknown; it is not known if they were perverted [[Maiar]] ([[Úmaiar]]) or [[Fëa and hröa|spirits]] of [[Orcs]], fallen [[Avari]], or evil Men.

The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] sent them to the [[Barrow-downs]], in order to prevent a resurrection of the destroyed [[Dúnedain]] kingdom of [[Cardolan]]. Some of them occupied the cairn of the [[last prince of Cardolan]].<ref name="Eriador" /><ref>{{HM|RC}}, "Fog on the Barrow-downs", pp. 144-5; Index, 'Cardolan, [[Last prince of Cardolan|last prince of]]'</ref> The spirits stirred the dead bones in the mounds and haunted them.<ref name="Eriador">{{App|Eriador}}</ref><ref name="Elendil">{{PM|Elendil}}, p. 194</ref><ref name="I7">{{FR|I7}}</ref>

The Barrow-wights appeared as shadowy figures with a pale, icy light gleaming from what would be their eyes. They could speak, with deep, hollow and cold voices, and likewise their touch was icy.<ref name="Barrow" /><ref name="AB1" /> They were furthermore infamous for carrying rattling gold rings on their bony fingers.<ref name="I7" /><ref name="AB2">{{AB|2}}</ref>

According to [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] verse, [[Tom Bombadil]] escaped a Barrow-wight on some occasion, using his enchanting incantations.<ref name="AB1" /> Perhaps his authority was sourced by the inherent power he had on this region of the world, not the spirits themselves.

During the [[War of the Ring]] ([[September]] {{TA|3018|n}}) the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] entered Cardolan around September 24. Their chief, the [[Witch-king]], moved to [[Andrath]] and visited the Barrow-downs, where he stayed for three days in order to rouse the Barrow-wights. According to the rare manuscript ''[[The Hunt for the Ring|The Hunt for the Ring: Time Scheme - Black Riders]]'', the [[Witch King]] empowered the Barrow-wights and slew the [[Ranger]]s in order to trap the [[Ring]]-bearer - a strategy that would almost work; he left on September 27.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "Fog on the Barrow-downs", p. 145-6</ref><ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, "Flight to the Ford", p. 180</ref><ref>{{UT|Other}}</ref>

[[Frodo Baggins]] and company were trapped in the [[Barrow-downs]] by the [[magic|spells]] of the Barrow-wights, and were nearly slain by the creatures.<ref name="Barrow">{{FR|I8}}</ref> They were saved in the last minute by Tom, who seemed to have had complete authority over them.

==Other names==

According to [[Elrond]], the [[Elves]] knew the Barrow-wights by many names.<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref> While these names are not recorded (except for the general denomination "evil spirits"), the creatures were also called "'''Barrow-dwellers'''" in Hobbit lore.<ref name="AB1">{{AB|1}}</ref> Often, they were also referred to by the shortened form "'''Wights'''".<ref name="LotR" /><ref>The use of a capital "W" for the short form was noted by {{webcite|author=Jerome Colburn|articleurl=https://tolkienlistsearch.herokuapp.com/message/5e9c35dd6beb162366dc0f94|articlename=Re: tolkienian english (197.11)|dated=2002-11-24|website=[[Elfling]]|accessed=2022-09-23}}; compare "''They are Elvish wights''", in {{RK|Company}}</ref>

*Etymology: ''[[Barrows|barrow]]'' + ''[[wights|wight]]''

==Other versions of the legendarium==
Due to his inspiration from ''Hrómundar saga Gripssonar'', during the writing of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]'') Tolkien at first foresaw a link between the wights and the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraith]]s, initially describing the Black Riders as horsed Wights, but the suggestion that they were the same kind of creatures was dropped in the published work. In the final work there remained a link between them: the wights were now spirits sent by the Witch-king.

==Other writings==
The character Tídwald, appearing in [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s poem "[[The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth|The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son]]", accuses Torhthelm of fancying "''barrow-wights and bogeys''".<ref>{{HB|II}}</ref>

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
===Barrow-wights in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250" heights="150">
File:The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game - Barrow-wight Stalker.jpg|"Barrow-wight Stalker" in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]''
File:Mark Evans - Barrow-wight.jpg|''Barrow-wight'' in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game]]''
File:Barrow Wights in Rings of Power.png|Barrow Wights in [[Barrow-downs]] within [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]
</gallery>
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:Remnants haunting their own tombs, the Barrow Wights are a type of greater Undead Beings. They draw energy from living beings, sacrificing their victims.<ref>{{ICE|2012}}, p. 124</ref>

'''2001-2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]'':'''
:Although the Barrow-wights did not appear in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' films]], [[Decipher]] did produce a card depicting a Barrow-wight.

'''2001: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of the barrow-wight that temporarily imprisons Frodo and his three companions is provided by Vladimír Jedľovský.

'''2002-5: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game]]'':'''
:Barrow-wights (not to be confused with the [[ghosts|ghost]]-type ''wights'' appearing in the same game) are corpses of Men animated by evil spirits.<ref>{{D|Fell}}, pp. 14-15</ref>

'''2007-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:[[Sambrog]] is a Wight-lord of the Barrow-downs. Barrow Wights are not just confined to the Barrow Downs, but have risen in many parts of Middle-earth mainly around the decaying ruins of Arnor. Wights can be found haunting the darkest corners of Mirkwood to even the Elven ruins which dot Ered Luin. A clan of warriors in Dunland has even gone as far as trying to raise their own undead army.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:[[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]], [[Andriel]], and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] encounter Barrow-wights during their trek through the Barrow-downs. The boss battle of the level is the Barrow-wight Lord.

'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:It has been confirmed that Barrow-wights will appear in the series' second season.<ref>{{webcite|author=The Lord of the Rings on Prime|articleurl=https://x.com/TheRingsofPower/status/1811777561300537633|articlename=The Barrow-Wights await your visit.|dated=12 July 2024|website=[https://twitter.com Twitter]|accessed=12 July 2024}}</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[de:Grabunholde]]
[[fi:Haudanhaamut]]

File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Barrow Wights.png

2025-08-05T17:00:34Z

SaurontheDeciever:

Tar-Palantir

2025-08-05T16:56:07Z

SaurontheDeciever: /* Tar-Palantir in adaptations */

{{disambig-more|Palantir|[[Palantir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Númenóreans|Númenórean]]
| name=Tar-Palantir
| image=Juliana Pinho - Faithful Family - Inziladun and Tar-Miriel.png
| caption="Faithful Family - Inziladun and Tar-Miriel" by [[:Category:Images by Juliana Pinho|Juliana Pinho]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Inziladûn'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]) ''Númellótë'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) "the Farsighted"
| titles=[[King of Númenor]]
| position=
| location=[[Númenor]]
| affiliation=The [[Faithful]]<ref name=Tar-Palantir/>
| language=[[Adûnaic]], [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth={{SA|3035}}<ref name=Tar-Palantir/>
| birthlocation=
| rule={{SA|3177}} - {{SA|3255}} (78 years)<ref name=Tar-Palantir/>
| death={{SA|3255}}<ref name=Tar-Palantir/>
| deathlocation=
| age=220
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Elros]]
| parentage=[[Ar-Gimilzôr]] and [[Inzilbêth]]<ref name=Ar-Gimilzor>{{UT|Kings}}, entry XXIII ''Ar-Gimilzôr (Tar-Telemnar)''</ref>
| siblings=[[Gimilkhâd]]<ref name=Ar-Gimilzor/>
| spouse=
| children=[[Tar-Míriel|Míriel]]<ref name=Tar-Palantir/>
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Tar-Palantir''' was the twenty-fourth [[King of Númenor]],<ref name="Tar-Palantir" /> who tried to restore the [[Númenor|Númenórean]] traditions during the last dark years of the realm.

==History==
Tar-Palantir received the [[Adûnaic]] name ''Inziladûn'' from his father after his birth.<ref name="Tar-Palantir">{{UT|Kings}}, entry XXIV ''Tar-Palantir (Ar-Inziladûn)''</ref> His father [[Ar-Gimilzôr]] was a bitter opponent of the [[Valar]] and the [[Elves]], and had banished the speaking of the [[Elvish|Elven tongues]] in his realm. However, Inziladûn's mother, [[Inzilbêth]], was secretly a member of the [[Faithful]] and taught her son to be an [[Elf-friend]].<ref name="Ar-Gimilzor" />

When Inziladûn took the [[Sceptre of Númenor]] it was a time of great darkness in [[Númenor]]. Ever since the time of [[Tar-Atanamir]], every King had spoken against the Valar and questioned the [[Ban of the Valar|Ban]] they had put upon the [[Númenóreans]] against sailing into the [[Aman|West]]. By this time, the Númenóreans's riches and power grew, but also did their fear for Death, and their joy and years lessened.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>

Inziladûn sought to repent of these actions of his predecessors and took a royal name in the Elvish tongue [[Quenya]] in the tradition of his ancestors: Tar-Palantir. As a consequence, he let the Faithful live in peace. Once again the [[Nimloth of Númenor|White Tree]] was properly tended, for Tar-Palantir's gift of foresight allowed him to ascertain that if the White Tree perished, then the line of Kings would also come to an end. The King also faithfully observed the ancient [[Three Prayers|religious ceremonies]] of the Númenóreans at due times.<ref name="Akallabeth" />

The Valar did not respond to Tar-Palantir's repentance because of the insolence of the Kings before him, and because the greater part of the Númenóreans were still hostile to the [[Valar|Lords of the West]]. Nor did Elven ships ever come from [[Tol Eressëa]] to Númenor again. Tar-Palantir became filled with sorrow over the continuing rebellion of his people, and began to spend more of his time at the tower of [[Tar-Minastir]] in the west of the isle, looking to the West with nostalgia, maybe hoping to see a ship from there. But even the sight of it was withheld from him. His brother Gimilkhâd followed the policies of his father Ar-Gimilzôr and became the leader of the party that had been called the [[King's Men]] and opposed the will of Tar-Palantir both openly and in secret. After the death of Gimilkhâd, his son [[Ar-Pharazôn|Pharazôn]] probably became the leader of the King's Men, because he was even more restless and eager for power and wealth than his father and used his renown as a captain both by land and sea and his great wealth to turn the hearts of the people to him.<ref name="Akallabeth" /> As a consequence, there was strife and rebellion in Númenor during the reign of Tar-Palantir.<ref name="Rebellion">{{App|Numenor}}</ref>

Tar-Palantir married late and had only one child, a daughter named [[Tar-Míriel|Míriel]]. According to the [[Law of Succession in Númenor|law of succession]], Míriel would have succeeded her father as [[Queen of Númenor]] with the royal name Tar-Míriel. However, when Tar-Palantir died, Pharazôn, the leader of the rebellion,<ref name="Rebellion" /> married Míriel against her will and against the laws of Númenor, because she was his first cousin, usurped the sceptre and took the title Ar-Pharazôn (Tar-Calion). His wife Míriel was named Ar-Zimraphel.<ref name="Tar-Palantir" />

==Etymology==
''Palantir'' is a [[Quenya]] name. It means "Farsighted"<ref>{{App|Numenor}}, paragraph after ''These are the names of the Kings and Queens of Númenor:''</ref> or "He who looks afar".<ref>{{UT|Index}}, entry ''Tar-Palantir''</ref> It is a compound of ''palan'' ("far") and a form of ''tir-'' ("to watch").<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://www.eldamo.org/content/words/word-925210673.html|articlename=Q. ''Palantir'' m.|website=[http://eldamo.org/index.html Eldamo - An Elvish Lexicon]|accessed=13 January 2022}}</ref> Like for all the rulers of Númenor whose name was inscribed in the Scroll of Kings, the prefix ''tar-'' ("high") was added to his name.<ref>{{UT|Kings}}, first paragraph and entry I to XXV</ref>

==Other names==
Inziladûn is the name given to Tar-Palantir at birth by his father. It is [[Adûnaic]] for "Flower of the West".<ref name="Flower">{{UT|Index}}, entry ''*Númellótë''</ref><ref>{{UT|5a}}, note 13</ref> It is a compound of ''inzil'' ("flower") and ''adûn'' ("west").<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://www.eldamo.org/content/words/word-4129002177.html|articlename=Ad. ''Inziladûn'' m.|website=[http://eldamo.org/index.html Eldamo - An Elvish Lexicon]|accessed=13 January 2022}}</ref> The meaning of the Adûnaic prefix ''Ar-'' is not glossed, but Paul Strack suggests it means "king" and is a prefixal form of ''ârû'' ("king") or derived from the same root.<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://www.eldamo.org/content/words/word-3166554081.html|articlename=Ad. ''Ar-'' pref.|website=Eldamo|accessed=12 January 2022}}</ref>

The secret [[Quenya]] version of ''Inziladûn'' was '''''Númellótë'''''.<ref name="Flower" />

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | ZIM | | | | AND | | |ZIM=[[Ar-Zimrathôn]] ''{{SA|2798|n}} - {{SA|3033|n}}''|AND=[[Lords of Andúnië|''14th Lord of Andúnië'']]}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | SAK | | LIN | | EAR |SAK=[[Ar-Sakalthôr]] ''{{SA|2876|n}} - {{SA|3102|n}}''|LIN=[[Lindórië]] ''unknown''|EAR=[[Eärendur (Lord of Andúnië)|Eärendur]] ''unknown''}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| |}}
{{familytree | GIM |y| INZ | | AND |GIM=[[Ar-Gimilzôr]] ''{{SA|2960|n}} - {{SA|3177|n}}''|INZ=[[Inzilbêth]] ''unknown''|AND=[[Lords of Andúnië|''16th Lord of Andúnië'']]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| |}}
{{familytree | PAL | | GIM | | NUM |PAL='''TAR-PALANTIR''' ''{{SA|3035|n}} - {{SA|3255|n}}''|GIM=[[Gimilkhâd]] ''{{SA|3044|n}} - {{SA|3243|n}}''|NUM=[[Númendil]] ''unknown''}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| |}}
{{familytree | MIR |~| PHA | | AMA |MIR=[[Tar-Míriel]] ''{{SA|3117|n}} - {{SA|3319|n}}''†|PHA=[[Ar-Pharazôn]] ''{{SA|3118|n}} - {{SA|3319|n}}''†|AMA=[[Amandil]] ''Sailed west {{SA|3316|n}}''†}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELE |ELE=[[Elendil]] ''{{SA|3119|n}} - {{SA|3441|n}}''†}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season 1:'''
:'''Episode 3: ''[[Adar (episode)|Adar]]'':'''
::Tar-Palantir appears off-camera at the end of the final scene, when his daughter ascends the [[King's Tower]] to inform him that his warning of the appearance of [[Galadriel]] was accurate.
:'''Episode 4: ''[[The Great Wave]]'':'''
::When Galadriel breaks into the King's Tower, it is revealed by Míriel that he is ill and not fully aware of himself or his surroundings.
:'''Episode 5: ''[[Partings]]'':'''
::When Míriel informs him of her plan to aid the [[Mordor|Southlands]] in [[Middle-earth]], he warns her not to go as all that awaits her there is darkness, foreshadowing Míriel's blindness later on.
:'''Episode 8: ''[[Alloyed]]'':'''
::Upon his deathbed, he speaks with [[Eärien]], mistaking her for Míriel. He instructs her to look into the ''[[Palantíri|palantír]]'', but warns her not to look for too long as he did - now he cannot tell the difference between what is and what was and what will be. Tar-Palantir dies shortly afterwards.

===Tar-Palantir in adaptations===
<gallery class="center" mode="nolines" widths="225" heights="150">
File:Tar-Palantir in Rings of Power (1).png|Tar-Palantir in [[Númenor]] within [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]
</gallery>{{References}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=numenorean
| house=[[House of Elros]]
| born={{SA|3035}}
| died={{SA|3255}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Ar-Gimilzôr]]
| list=24th [[King of Númenor]]
| dates={{SA|3177}} - {{SA|3255|n}}
| next=[[Ar-Pharazôn]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{numenorkings}}
{{numenor}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:TarPalantir}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Faithful of Númenor]]
[[Category:House of Elros]]
[[Category:Rulers of Númenor]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Númenóreans]]
[[de:Tar-Palantir]]
[[fi:Tar-Palantir]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/2a/numenoreens/tar-palantir]]

Tar-Palantir

2025-08-05T16:46:05Z

SaurontheDeciever: Added his Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power portrayel

{{disambig-more|Palantir|[[Palantir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Númenóreans|Númenórean]]
| name=Tar-Palantir
| image=Juliana Pinho - Faithful Family - Inziladun and Tar-Miriel.png
| caption="Faithful Family - Inziladun and Tar-Miriel" by [[:Category:Images by Juliana Pinho|Juliana Pinho]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Inziladûn'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]) ''Númellótë'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) "the Farsighted"
| titles=[[King of Númenor]]
| position=
| location=[[Númenor]]
| affiliation=The [[Faithful]]<ref name=Tar-Palantir/>
| language=[[Adûnaic]], [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth={{SA|3035}}<ref name=Tar-Palantir/>
| birthlocation=
| rule={{SA|3177}} - {{SA|3255}} (78 years)<ref name=Tar-Palantir/>
| death={{SA|3255}}<ref name=Tar-Palantir/>
| deathlocation=
| age=220
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Elros]]
| parentage=[[Ar-Gimilzôr]] and [[Inzilbêth]]<ref name=Ar-Gimilzor>{{UT|Kings}}, entry XXIII ''Ar-Gimilzôr (Tar-Telemnar)''</ref>
| siblings=[[Gimilkhâd]]<ref name=Ar-Gimilzor/>
| spouse=
| children=[[Tar-Míriel|Míriel]]<ref name=Tar-Palantir/>
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Tar-Palantir''' was the twenty-fourth [[King of Númenor]],<ref name="Tar-Palantir" /> who tried to restore the [[Númenor|Númenórean]] traditions during the last dark years of the realm.

==History==
Tar-Palantir received the [[Adûnaic]] name ''Inziladûn'' from his father after his birth.<ref name="Tar-Palantir">{{UT|Kings}}, entry XXIV ''Tar-Palantir (Ar-Inziladûn)''</ref> His father [[Ar-Gimilzôr]] was a bitter opponent of the [[Valar]] and the [[Elves]], and had banished the speaking of the [[Elvish|Elven tongues]] in his realm. However, Inziladûn's mother, [[Inzilbêth]], was secretly a member of the [[Faithful]] and taught her son to be an [[Elf-friend]].<ref name="Ar-Gimilzor" />

When Inziladûn took the [[Sceptre of Númenor]] it was a time of great darkness in [[Númenor]]. Ever since the time of [[Tar-Atanamir]], every King had spoken against the Valar and questioned the [[Ban of the Valar|Ban]] they had put upon the [[Númenóreans]] against sailing into the [[Aman|West]]. By this time, the Númenóreans's riches and power grew, but also did their fear for Death, and their joy and years lessened.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>

Inziladûn sought to repent of these actions of his predecessors and took a royal name in the Elvish tongue [[Quenya]] in the tradition of his ancestors: Tar-Palantir. As a consequence, he let the Faithful live in peace. Once again the [[Nimloth of Númenor|White Tree]] was properly tended, for Tar-Palantir's gift of foresight allowed him to ascertain that if the White Tree perished, then the line of Kings would also come to an end. The King also faithfully observed the ancient [[Three Prayers|religious ceremonies]] of the Númenóreans at due times.<ref name="Akallabeth" />

The Valar did not respond to Tar-Palantir's repentance because of the insolence of the Kings before him, and because the greater part of the Númenóreans were still hostile to the [[Valar|Lords of the West]]. Nor did Elven ships ever come from [[Tol Eressëa]] to Númenor again. Tar-Palantir became filled with sorrow over the continuing rebellion of his people, and began to spend more of his time at the tower of [[Tar-Minastir]] in the west of the isle, looking to the West with nostalgia, maybe hoping to see a ship from there. But even the sight of it was withheld from him. His brother Gimilkhâd followed the policies of his father Ar-Gimilzôr and became the leader of the party that had been called the [[King's Men]] and opposed the will of Tar-Palantir both openly and in secret. After the death of Gimilkhâd, his son [[Ar-Pharazôn|Pharazôn]] probably became the leader of the King's Men, because he was even more restless and eager for power and wealth than his father and used his renown as a captain both by land and sea and his great wealth to turn the hearts of the people to him.<ref name="Akallabeth" /> As a consequence, there was strife and rebellion in Númenor during the reign of Tar-Palantir.<ref name="Rebellion">{{App|Numenor}}</ref>

Tar-Palantir married late and had only one child, a daughter named [[Tar-Míriel|Míriel]]. According to the [[Law of Succession in Númenor|law of succession]], Míriel would have succeeded her father as [[Queen of Númenor]] with the royal name Tar-Míriel. However, when Tar-Palantir died, Pharazôn, the leader of the rebellion,<ref name="Rebellion" /> married Míriel against her will and against the laws of Númenor, because she was his first cousin, usurped the sceptre and took the title Ar-Pharazôn (Tar-Calion). His wife Míriel was named Ar-Zimraphel.<ref name="Tar-Palantir" />

==Etymology==
''Palantir'' is a [[Quenya]] name. It means "Farsighted"<ref>{{App|Numenor}}, paragraph after ''These are the names of the Kings and Queens of Númenor:''</ref> or "He who looks afar".<ref>{{UT|Index}}, entry ''Tar-Palantir''</ref> It is a compound of ''palan'' ("far") and a form of ''tir-'' ("to watch").<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://www.eldamo.org/content/words/word-925210673.html|articlename=Q. ''Palantir'' m.|website=[http://eldamo.org/index.html Eldamo - An Elvish Lexicon]|accessed=13 January 2022}}</ref> Like for all the rulers of Númenor whose name was inscribed in the Scroll of Kings, the prefix ''tar-'' ("high") was added to his name.<ref>{{UT|Kings}}, first paragraph and entry I to XXV</ref>

==Other names==
Inziladûn is the name given to Tar-Palantir at birth by his father. It is [[Adûnaic]] for "Flower of the West".<ref name="Flower">{{UT|Index}}, entry ''*Númellótë''</ref><ref>{{UT|5a}}, note 13</ref> It is a compound of ''inzil'' ("flower") and ''adûn'' ("west").<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://www.eldamo.org/content/words/word-4129002177.html|articlename=Ad. ''Inziladûn'' m.|website=[http://eldamo.org/index.html Eldamo - An Elvish Lexicon]|accessed=13 January 2022}}</ref> The meaning of the Adûnaic prefix ''Ar-'' is not glossed, but Paul Strack suggests it means "king" and is a prefixal form of ''ârû'' ("king") or derived from the same root.<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://www.eldamo.org/content/words/word-3166554081.html|articlename=Ad. ''Ar-'' pref.|website=Eldamo|accessed=12 January 2022}}</ref>

The secret [[Quenya]] version of ''Inziladûn'' was '''''Númellótë'''''.<ref name="Flower" />

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | ZIM | | | | AND | | |ZIM=[[Ar-Zimrathôn]] ''{{SA|2798|n}} - {{SA|3033|n}}''|AND=[[Lords of Andúnië|''14th Lord of Andúnië'']]}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | SAK | | LIN | | EAR |SAK=[[Ar-Sakalthôr]] ''{{SA|2876|n}} - {{SA|3102|n}}''|LIN=[[Lindórië]] ''unknown''|EAR=[[Eärendur (Lord of Andúnië)|Eärendur]] ''unknown''}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| |}}
{{familytree | GIM |y| INZ | | AND |GIM=[[Ar-Gimilzôr]] ''{{SA|2960|n}} - {{SA|3177|n}}''|INZ=[[Inzilbêth]] ''unknown''|AND=[[Lords of Andúnië|''16th Lord of Andúnië'']]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| |}}
{{familytree | PAL | | GIM | | NUM |PAL='''TAR-PALANTIR''' ''{{SA|3035|n}} - {{SA|3255|n}}''|GIM=[[Gimilkhâd]] ''{{SA|3044|n}} - {{SA|3243|n}}''|NUM=[[Númendil]] ''unknown''}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |!| | | |!| |}}
{{familytree | MIR |~| PHA | | AMA |MIR=[[Tar-Míriel]] ''{{SA|3117|n}} - {{SA|3319|n}}''†|PHA=[[Ar-Pharazôn]] ''{{SA|3118|n}} - {{SA|3319|n}}''†|AMA=[[Amandil]] ''Sailed west {{SA|3316|n}}''†}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELE |ELE=[[Elendil]] ''{{SA|3119|n}} - {{SA|3441|n}}''†}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'', Season 1:'''
:'''Episode 3: ''[[Adar (episode)|Adar]]'':'''
::Tar-Palantir appears off-camera at the end of the final scene, when his daughter ascends the [[King's Tower]] to inform him that his warning of the appearance of [[Galadriel]] was accurate.
:'''Episode 4: ''[[The Great Wave]]'':'''
::When Galadriel breaks into the King's Tower, it is revealed by Míriel that he is ill and not fully aware of himself or his surroundings.
:'''Episode 5: ''[[Partings]]'':'''
::When Míriel informs him of her plan to aid the [[Mordor|Southlands]] in [[Middle-earth]], he warns her not to go as all that awaits her there is darkness, foreshadowing Míriel's blindness later on.
:'''Episode 8: ''[[Alloyed]]'':'''
::Upon his deathbed, he speaks with [[Eärien]], mistaking her for Míriel. He instructs her to look into the ''[[Palantíri|palantír]]'', but warns her not to look for too long as he did - now he cannot tell the difference between what is and what was and what will be. Tar-Palantir dies shortly afterwards.

=== Tar-Palantir in adaptations ===
<gallery>
File:Tar-Palantir in Rings of Power (1).png|Tar-Palantir in [[Númenor]] within [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]
</gallery>{{References}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=numenorean
| house=[[House of Elros]]
| born={{SA|3035}}
| died={{SA|3255}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Ar-Gimilzôr]]
| list=24th [[King of Númenor]]
| dates={{SA|3177}} - {{SA|3255|n}}
| next=[[Ar-Pharazôn]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{numenorkings}}
{{numenor}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:TarPalantir}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Faithful of Númenor]]
[[Category:House of Elros]]
[[Category:Rulers of Númenor]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Númenóreans]]
[[de:Tar-Palantir]]
[[fi:Tar-Palantir]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/2a/numenoreens/tar-palantir]]

File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Tar-Palantir.png

2025-08-05T16:42:56Z

SaurontheDeciever:

Narvi

2025-08-03T19:21:35Z

SaurontheDeciever: Added his Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power portrayel

{{infobox character
| people=[[Dwarves|Dwarf]]
| name=Narvi
| image=Alan Lee - Narvi.jpg
| caption="Narvi" by [[Alan Lee]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=Craftsman
| location=[[Khazad-dûm]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Khuzdul]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth=Mid [[Second Age]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=crafting the [[Doors of Durin]]
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Narvi''' was a great [[Dwarves|Dwarven]] craftsman.<ref name="UT">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Irsanna - Narvi and Celebrimbor.jpg|thumb|190px|left|''Narvi and Celebrimbor'' by [[:Category:Images by Irsanna|Irsanna]]]]
Narvi lived in [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] during the height of its glory. He formed a friendship with the [[Noldor|Elf]]-lord [[Celebrimbor]], the master artificer of neighboring [[Eregion]]. Together they made the mighty [[Doors of Durin]] that guarded the West-gate of the Dwarven city.<ref name="UT" /><ref>{{FR|II4}}</ref>

He was a very famous Dwarven craftsman.<ref>{{VT|47a}}</ref>

==Etymology==
In drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] used the spelling ''Narf[i]''.<ref>{{TI|IX}}, p. 188</ref> ''[[Wikipedia:Narfi|Narfi]]'' (also spelled ''Narvi''), is an [[Old Norse]] name and character appearing in the ''Prose Edda'' and the meaning of the name is unknown.<ref>{{HM|IE}}, "Giving of Names", p. 223</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==

===Narvi in Adaptations===
<gallery>
File:Narvi in Rings of Power.jpeg|[[Kevin Eldon]] as Narvi in [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] within [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]
</gallery>

===Television===
'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:Narvi is introduced to the Amazon series in the [[Where the Stars are Strange|second episode]] of the second season. He is portrayed by [[Kevin Eldon]].<ref>{{webcite|author=Christian Holub|articleurl=https://ew.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-rings-of-power-season-2-preview-narvi-exclusive-8676832|articlename=The Rings of Power stars tease new character, dwarf drama in season 2|dated=23 July 2024|website=[https://ew.com Entertainment Weekly]|accessed=29 March 2025}}</ref> Narvi is depicted as an influencial Dwarf of Khazad-dûm who contributes to their developing alliance with the Elves, culminating with the reveal of the Doors of Durin.

{{references}}
[[Category:Dwarves]]
[[Category:Longbeards]]
[[Category:Norse names]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[de:Narvi]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/nains/2a/narvi]]
[[fi:Narvi]]

Narvi

2025-08-03T19:19:57Z

SaurontheDeciever: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

{{infobox character
| people=[[Dwarves|Dwarf]]
| name=Narvi
| image=Alan Lee - Narvi.jpg
| caption="Narvi" by [[Alan Lee]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=Craftsman
| location=[[Khazad-dûm]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Khuzdul]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth=Mid [[Second Age]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=crafting the [[Doors of Durin]]
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Narvi''' was a great [[Dwarves|Dwarven]] craftsman.<ref name="UT">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Irsanna - Narvi and Celebrimbor.jpg|thumb|190px|left|''Narvi and Celebrimbor'' by [[:Category:Images by Irsanna|Irsanna]]]]
Narvi lived in [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] during the height of its glory. He formed a friendship with the [[Noldor|Elf]]-lord [[Celebrimbor]], the master artificer of neighboring [[Eregion]]. Together they made the mighty [[Doors of Durin]] that guarded the West-gate of the Dwarven city.<ref name="UT" /><ref>{{FR|II4}}</ref>

He was a very famous Dwarven craftsman.<ref>{{VT|47a}}</ref>

==Etymology==
In drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] used the spelling ''Narf[i]''.<ref>{{TI|IX}}, p. 188</ref> ''[[Wikipedia:Narfi|Narfi]]'' (also spelled ''Narvi''), is an [[Old Norse]] name and character appearing in the ''Prose Edda'' and the meaning of the name is unknown.<ref>{{HM|IE}}, "Giving of Names", p. 223</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==

=== Narvi in Adaptations ===

===Television===
'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:Narvi is introduced to the Amazon series in the [[Where the Stars are Strange|second episode]] of the second season. He is portrayed by [[Kevin Eldon]].<ref>{{webcite|author=Christian Holub|articleurl=https://ew.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-rings-of-power-season-2-preview-narvi-exclusive-8676832|articlename=The Rings of Power stars tease new character, dwarf drama in season 2|dated=23 July 2024|website=[https://ew.com Entertainment Weekly]|accessed=29 March 2025}}</ref> Narvi is depicted as an influencial Dwarf of Khazad-dûm who contributes to their developing alliance with the Elves, culminating with the reveal of the Doors of Durin.

{{references}}
[[Category:Dwarves]]
[[Category:Longbeards]]
[[Category:Norse names]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[de:Narvi]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/nains/2a/narvi]]
[[fi:Narvi]]

File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Narvi.jpeg

2025-08-03T19:19:31Z

SaurontheDeciever: Narvi in Rings of Power

== Summary ==
Narvi in Rings of Power

Círdan

2025-08-03T19:12:55Z

SaurontheDeciever: added ben daniels as cirdan actor

{{infobox character
| people=[[Sindar|Sinda]]
| name=Círdan
| image=Jef Murray - Cirdan.jpg
| caption="Cirdan" by [[Jef Murray]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈkiːrdan]}}
| othernames=''Nōwē'' ([[Primitive Elvish|PE]]) ''Ciryatan'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Cirdan of Lune''<ref name=Lune>{{PM|Elendil}}, ''The Northern Line of Arnor: the Isildurioni'', entry '''entry 25: Arvedui''', p. 195</ref><ref name=Moon>{{PM|Third}}, entry '''1975''', p. 232</ref> ''Cirdan the Shipwright''<ref name=Aman/>
| titles=
| position=Lord of the [[Falas]] Master of the [[Grey Havens]]
| location=[[Cuiviénen]] [[Sea of Rhûn]] [[Falas]] [[Isle of Balar]] [[Grey Havens]] [[Aman]] (after the departure of the [[Last Ship]])
| affiliation=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] [[White Council]] [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]]
| language=[[Common Eldarin]] [[Sindarin]] [[Quenya]] [[Westron]]
| birth=Between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1105|n}}<ref name="LastWritingsN">{{PM|Last}}, note 29</ref>
| birthlocation=[[Cuiviénen]]<ref name="LastWritingsN"/>
| rule={{YT|1149}} - {{FA|473}} ([[Falas]]) {{FA|473}} - {{FA|587}} ([[Isle of Balar]]) {{SA|1}} - after {{FoA|171}}<ref name=prologue/> ([[Grey Havens]])
| sailedwest=After {{FoA|171}}, on the [[Last Ship]]<ref name=prologue>{{FR|Prologue}}</ref><ref name=eriador/>
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=at least 11,008 years<ref group=note>This figure is arrived at by taking the latest possible year of birth of Círdan ({{YT|1105}} - the year in which the [[Great Journey]] of the [[Eldar]] from [[Cuiviénen]] began), adding the 395 [[Valian years]] (where one Valian year = 9.582 solar years) + 590 solar years of the late [[First Age]] + 3,441 solar years of the [[Second Age]] + 3,021 solar years of the [[Third Age]] + 171 solar years of the beginning of the [[Fourth Age]] (since {{FoA|171}} is the earliest date in which the [[Last Ship]] bearing Círdan to [[Aman]] sailed away). Therefore, all these years combined give the approximate value of 11,008 years. However, readers should keep in mind that the above figure is the most conservative estimate, and that Círdan's actual age at the time of his departure from [[Middle-earth]] in the early Fourth Age is almost certainly greater than the one given above.</ref>
| notablefor=''[[#Significance|See below]]''
| house=
| parentage=Unknown (Círdan was a kinsman of [[Thingol]] and [[Olwë]];<ref name=Cirdan>{{PM|Last}}, "Círdan"</ref> he was also related to the mother of [[Voronwë]]<ref>{{UT|Tuor}}, p. 45</ref>)
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Very tall<ref name="Havens"/>
| hair=Silver; with a long beard (in his old age)<ref name="Havens"/>
| eyes="Keen as stars"<ref name="Havens"/>
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{quote|As they came to the gates Círdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and he was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said 'All is now ready.'|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Grey Havens]]"}}

'''Círdan''' was one of the highest and most noble of the [[Sindar]],<ref name="Cirdan" /> lord of the [[Falas]] during the [[First Age]], and Master of the [[Grey Havens]] through the [[Second Age|Second]], [[Third Age|Third]], and [[Fourth Age]].

He was one of the wisest and most foresighted of the [[Elves]], and by the [[Second Age]], one of the oldest named [[Elves]] in [[Middle-earth]] to remain so throughout that age and into the [[Fourth Age]] as well.

He was also gifted [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]], by [[Celebrimbor]] until he surrendered it to [[Gandalf]]. As the Lord of the Havens, he oversaw the departure of the Elves of Middle-earth to the West and eventually sought the [[Last Ship]] with his kinsman [[Celeborn]].{{fact}}

==History==
===First Age===
====Early life====
Círdan, born '''Nōwē''',<ref name="Cirdan" /> was kin of both [[Elwë]] and [[Olwë]], the kings of the [[Teleri]].<ref name="Cirdan" /> Of shipbuilding, whether by their first homes at [[Cuiviénen]] or when the [[Teleri]] dwelt by the [[Sea of Rhûn]], Nōwē was always the foremost and most skilled in the craft.<ref name="LastWritingsN" /> During the push westward, seeking to go to [[Valinor]], Nōwē and his followers kept going where most of his kin fell away throughout the journey.{{fact}}

Despite Nōwē's great eagerness to see the [[light of Valinor]] (his "greatest desire"),<ref name="Cirdan" /> he loyally searched for [[Elwë]] upon his disappearance. Because of this, the [[Teleri]] missed the first trip on [[Tol Eressëa]] to [[Valinor]], on which went their kin, the [[Noldor]] and the [[Vanyar]]. They took for their king [[Olwë]], and while waiting for [[Ulmo]] to return for them, Nōwē headed the art of making and sailing ships, growing impatient. From this profession he took the name "'''Círdan'''" which means "shipwright" in [[Sindarin]]. The [[Teleri]] also developed a great friendship with [[Ossë]]. At the same time, although most of the Teleri had given up, Círdan sought [[Elwë]] longer and harder than most of his kin, partly because of his love for him and his allegiance.<ref name="Cirdan" />

Because of this, Círdan came to the shores too late during the second embarking of Eressëa.<ref name="Cirdan" /> He came to the sands to find them departed, and as he stood forlorn he saw far-off a glimmer of light upon Eressëa as it vanished into the West over [[Belegaer]]. But into his heart came a message from the [[Valar]] which warned him that his ship could not endure the voyage, nor would any ship for many years, until the time when his work would be of utmost worth, remembered in song. Círdan answered in obeyance, and saw a vision of [[Vingilot|a ship]].<ref name="Cirdan" />

====Lord of the Falas====
=====Foundation=====
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Cirdan, Lord of the Falathrim.jpg|225px|thumb|left|''Cirdan, Lord of the Falathrim'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
Círdan therefore remained with those Teleri who had chosen to stay east of the Sea for love of Ossë, and became their lord. The folk became known as the [[Falathrim]], "''people of the foaming shore''", and dwelt in the [[Falas]] by the sea. There they built many ships, and the mighty [[Havens of the Falas]], and found pearls which they sent to their king, [[Thingol]] of [[Doriath]], who was known as Elwë.<ref name="Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref>

When [[Morgoth]] broke forth in the [[First Battle]] in {{YT|1497}}, Círdan was cut off and unable to come to Thingol's aid. Further, although Thingol prevailed with the help of the [[Laiquendi]], the Green-elves of [[Ossiriand]], the Falathrim were driven to the very edge of the sea, where they were besieged for some months, until the [[Return of the Noldor]] from Aman, when [[Fëanor]] struck at [[Morgoth]] from the north. The siege of the Falas was abandoned as the [[Orcs]] were ordered northward to help their master, where they were all destroyed by [[Celegorm]] and his forces, and the Falas was saved.<ref name="Sindar" /><ref name="return">{{S|Return}}</ref>

=====Wars of the Noldor=====
Círdan attended the [[Mereth Aderthad]] with many of his people, where he swore oaths of friendship with the Noldor.<ref name="return" /> Between Círdan and [[Finrod Felagund]], [[King of Nargothrond]], there was friendship and alliance, and with the aid of the [[Noldor]] the havens of [[Brithombar]] and [[Eglarest]] were built anew.<ref name="Belerian">{{S|Beleriand}}</ref>

When the tales began spreading (sown by [[Morgoth]]) of the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]], Círdan, being very wise even at that time, was greatly troubled, feeling that these rumors sprouted from great malice. Knowing the jealousy and dissention among the Noldor, he guessed that the malice was that of the kinslayers. Therefore he dutifully sent messages to his overlord Thingol, telling him all that he had heard. This resulted in Thingol banning the speaking of [[Quenya]] and greater strife between the Sindar and the Noldor.<ref>{{S|Noldor}}</ref>

Círdan made up for his lack of participation in the [[Wars of Beleriand|wars of the Noldor]] with his role in the [[Second Assault on Hithlum]], coming to the timely aid of [[Fingon]] when he was most needed. The ships of Círdan sailed up the [[Firth of Drengist]] in great stength and then struck the unsuspecting [[Orcs]] from the west, giving victory to the Elves.<ref name="Fingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

Many years later, in {{FA|472}}, after the disastrous [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], many fugitives came for shelter in Círdan's havens. The Falathrim mariners harassed the orcs in guerilla attacks from the sea. But it was only a matter of time before [[Morgoth]] attacked. Then came the disastrous [[Fall of the Falas]]. Though both [[Brithombar]] and [[Eglarest]] were strong, with mighty walls, both fell one at a time due to the impressive array of siege-masters Morgoth had in his train. Although Círdan's people fought valiantly, the walls were broken and most of the Falathrim killed or enslaved. [[Barad Nimras]] was cast down, and the Falas laid to waste. But Círdan and some of his followers escaped by sea, and he took with him the young [[Gil-galad]], one of the last of the princes of the Noldor. They came to the [[Isle of Balar]] and founded a new refuge, but kept a foothold at the [[Mouths of Sirion]], keeping ships hidden in the reeds there.<ref name="Fifth">{{S|Fifth}}</ref>

====Refuge in Balar====
[[Turgon]], the King of [[Gondolin]], receiving the dreadful news, requested that Círdan send mariners to seek [[Valinor]] and the aid of the [[Valar]]. Círdan built seven swift ships, and sent them westward. None returned, save for only [[Voronwë|one mariner]] of the [[Gondolindrim]] who was also his kinsman.<ref name="Tuor">{{UT|1}}</ref> The way to the West was closed.<ref name="Fifth" />

Eventually Círdan served as messenger, when [[Ulmo]] delivered him a message for [[Orodreth]], the King of [[Nargothrond]], warning of the doom of Nargothrond, and ordering him to shut his gates and cast down the bridge. The warning went unheeded, resulting in the [[Fall of Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495}}.{{fact}}

After news came to Balar of the [[Fall of Gondolin]], [[Gil-galad]] was proclaimed [[High King of the Noldor]]. Círdan soon after became a fast friend of the young half-elf [[Eärendil]] son of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], who had grown up essentially under his shadow, and was apprenticed to him. Círdan aided Eärendil in building the ship [[Vingilot]], giving him advice and help. Círdan doubtless remembered his vision, and this ship was indeed a fulfillment of it.<ref name="Cirdan" />

Círdan and Gil-galad came with their ships from Balar too late to prevent the disastrous [[Third Kinslaying]], when the [[Mouths of Sirion|Havens of Sirion]] were ambushed and many fell. But Eärendil was not there, rather on a voyage, and the [[Silmaril]] of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] had been spirited away by [[Elwing]] his wife. Thus, wielding the Silmaril, Eärendil came to [[Valinor]] and found the forgiveness of the [[Valar]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|Earendil}}</ref> From that time on, Círdan was given foresight surpassing that of any of the Elves,<ref name="Cirdan" /> perhaps some special grace of the Valar for his deeds in this world-changing episode (like the return of [[Glorfindel]], who also contributed significantly).{{fact}}

After the [[War of Wrath]], Círdan, heeding the bidding of the Valar long ago, once more obediently abstained from finding his heart's desire and going West, but with a small following remained in [[Middle-earth]].

===Second Age===
The continents were shifted, but Círdan still took up his abode by the sea, at the [[Grey Havens]], which the Elves built in the newly-formed [[Gulf of Lune]] whence the [[Eldar]] could sail the [[Straight Road]], but most of them were unwilling at first to forsake the lands they fought in and preferred to linger there.<ref name="rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

At the very beginning of the [[Second Age]], Círdan was instrumental in devising and overseeing the construction of the boats that were used to transport the remnants of the [[Edain]] to their new land, which would later become the realm of [[Númenor]].<ref name="Edain">{{NM|P3xiii}}, p. 339</ref>

Círdan personally elected the Elven captains and helmsmen who were in charge of transporting the Edain to Númenor, and since those boats were small, it took a great number of such boats to transfer all of the Edain and their possessions - a process that took at least 50 years, and which only ended when the Valar instructed Círdan to cease any future migration of Men to the island.<ref name="Edain" />

Many centuries later, in {{SA|600}}, Círdan welcomed the friendly and then-unfallen [[Númenóreans]], making friends with [[Vëantur]], chief of the mariners of [[Tar-Elendil]], and later teaching [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]] his grandson of ships (both management and construction) and seaside architecture,<ref name="Wife">{{UT|Wife}}</ref> doubtless being the foremost authority on both.{{fact}}

Círdan advised against the creation of the [[Rings of Power]] when [[Sauron|Annatar]] came, but, like Galadriel, his counsel went unheeded in the midst of the ambition of the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]]. Nevertheless, when the [[Three Rings]] were hidden, Celebrimbor had appointed him to inherit one of them and so, Círdan received [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire.<ref name="rings" /> [[Sauron]], having revealed himself in the [[Sack of Eregion|destruction of Eregion]] and empowered by [[the One Ring]] he had forged, [[sack of Eregion|invaded]] [[Eriador]] in the same blow; however, he dared not attempt to take Círdan's [[Mithlond]] or [[Lindon]], fearing they were too strong because they had the help of the [[Númenóreans]].<ref name="rings" />

Círdan joined the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], and fought alongside [[Gil-galad]]. Many fell there, including [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]]. After the battle, with Elrond, he urged [[Isildur]], Elendil's heir, to throw the captured One Ring into [[Orodruin]], where it would be unmade, but Isildur refused.<ref name="rings" /><ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===Third Age===
{{blockquote|Take this ring, Master… for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself. For this is the Ring of Fire, and with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill. But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the [[Last Ship|last ship]] sails. I will await you.| Círdan to Gandalf, ''[[Appendix B]]''}}

[[File:Alystraea - Cirdan.jpg|250px|thumb|right|''Cirdan'' by [[:Category:Images by Alystraea|Alystraea]]]]
After the [[War of the Last Alliance]] and the death of Gil-galad, Círdan remained the Lord of the Havens.<ref name="rings" /> For more than a thousand years they went undisturbed,<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> but at around {{TA|1050}}, a shadow began to lengthen. It was at this time the [[Istari]], sent by the [[Valar]], came. Círdan was the most foresighted of all Elves in Middle-earth, and he alone knew the true purpose of the Istari.<ref name="AppB2" /> He also saw deep into the future of Gandalf, and gave him [[Narya]], his greatest possession and one of the most secret and sought-after treasures in the world.<ref name="rings" />

Throughout the [[Angmar War]], the Elves of Lindon under Círdan supported [[Arnor]]. They assisted King [[Arveleg I|Arveleg]] and the men of [[Cardolan]] drive off the [[Hill-men]] from the [[Weather Hills]]. Later, with Círdan’s help, Arveleg's young son, [[Araphor]], drove [[Angmar]]'s armies from [[Fornost]] and the [[North Downs]]. Combining forces with [[Rivendell]], and the [[Galadhrim]] who joined them from beyond the [[Misty Mountains]], they subdued Angmar for some time.<ref name="eriador">{{App|Eriador}}</ref>

In {{TA|1975}}, Círdan sent Elven sailors from Lindon on a ship to [[Forochel]] to rescue the lost king [[Arvedui]]. The crew endured a perilous journey, but Arvedui rashly attempted to return that winter, and all aboard perished. The next year, Círdan and the Elves of Lindon [[Host of the West (Arnor)|joined]] with the remnants of [[Arnor]] in the victorious [[Battle of Fornost]].<ref name="eriador" /><ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> Later, Círdan took control of the abandoned [[palantíri|Elendil Stone]] on [[Emyn Beraid]], which could gaze into the [[Tol Eressëa|lost west]] and was without link to the other ''[[palantíri]]''.<ref name="Palantiri">{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

Nothing more is mentioned of his actions until the [[War of the Ring]] in {{TA|3018}} and later in {{TA|3021|n}}. [[Galdor of the Havens|Galdor]] was his messenger to [[Rivendell]] and attended the [[Council of Elrond]], speaking with authority on his lord's behalf.<ref name="Council" />

The last mention of Círdan came with the end of the Third Age. When the Ringbearers came to Mithlond, Círdan greeted them before the gates. Although [[Gandalf]], [[Galadriel]], and [[Elrond]] passed west on the [[White Ship|ship]] he had built for them, Círdan seems to have remained for a time.{{fact}}

===Later history===
{{main|Last Ship}}
Círdan maintained the haven at least into the early [[Fourth Age]], but it was recognized that eventually, its purpose would reach an end when no more Eldar wished to cross the [[Sea]]. At that time, Círdan would abandon the Grey Havens and finally travel the [[Straight Road]] himself.<ref name="eriador" /> On some unknown date, he sailed west aboard the [[Last Ship]] with his kinsman [[Celeborn]], but when he did so, he took with him the last living memory of the [[Elder Days]] in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="prologue" />

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Cirdan.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Círdan'' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "Shipbuilder"<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 27</ref><ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries '''KIR-''' and '''TAN-'''</ref> or "Shipwright".<ref>{{PM|Last}}, "Círdan", p. 385</ref>

The [[Quenya]] cognate was '''''Ciryatan''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈkirʲatan]}}).<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry "kir-''<nowiki/>''</ref>

==Other names==
Círdan's original name was '''''Nōwē'''''. According to [[Paul Strack]], it was a [[Primitive Elvish]] name, but its meaning is unclear.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Paul Strack]]|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-2331717483.html|articlename=✶ ''Nōwē'' pn.|website=Eldamo|accessed=10 October 2023}}</ref>

He was also called '''''Cirdan the Shipwright''''',<ref name="Aman">{{AA|70}}, p. 85</ref> as well as '''''Cirdan of Lune'''''<ref name="Lune" /><ref name="Moon" /> (in both instances, without accent over the letter ''i'', though).

==Appearance==
In the last years of the Third Age, Círdan appeared old save for his eyes which "''were keen as stars''"; he also had a long beard.<ref name="Havens">{{RK|Havens}}, p. 1030</ref> Likely, he had grown a beard since having reached his [[Elven life cycle#"Cycles of life" and aging|third cycle of life]].<ref>{{VT|41b}}, p. 9</ref>

==Significance==
[[File:David Greset - Cirdan the Carpenter.jpg|130px|thumb|left|''Cirdan the Carpenter'' by [[:Category:Images by David Greset|David Greset]]]]
Círdan had a profound effect upon the course of Middle-earth history. He was a loyal servant and friend of [[Elwë]], sacrificing his heart's desire in search of him.<ref name="Cirdan" />

This loyalty and sense of duty shows up numerous times over the course of history, including his second sacrifice in his submission to the [[Valar]],<ref name="Cirdan" /> and his sending of troubling and potentially destructive rumors to his overlord Thingol.

He was also the most foresighted of the Elves, a consequence of the gift from the Valar.<ref name="Cirdan" /><ref name="AppB2" /> He conceivably saved Elven civilization with the founding of the havens at the [[Mouths of Sirion]],<ref name="Fifth" /> and with the fostering of both [[Gil-galad]] and [[Eärendil]].<ref name="Earendil" /> His precious gift of [[Narya]] to [[Gandalf]] was also timely and valuable.<ref name="AppB2" /> He was clearly favored by [[Ulmo]], seen by the number of messages passed through him.

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | |F|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|7| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | |:| | | | | | | | |D|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|7| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | |:| | | | | | | |:| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | THI | | OLW | | ELM | | | CÍR | | | | | | UNK |y| ARA |THI=[[Thingol]] ''d. {{FA|503}}''|OLW=[[Olwë]] ''b. {{YT}}''|ELM=[[Elmo]] ''b. {{YT}}''|CÍR='''CÍRDAN''' ''b. {{YT}}''|UNK=''unknown mother''|ARA=[[Aranwë]] ''b. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |}}

{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | VOR | | |VOR=[[Voronwë]] ''b. {{FA}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===''The Lord of the Rings'' drafts===
The character of Círdan is a fairly late addition to [[Tolkien]]'s [[legendarium]], with his first appearance in the drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (dating to the early [[1940]]s) being in an outline of what would become the eleventh chapter, ''[[The Palantír]]'', of the first book in ''[[The Two Towers]]''.<ref name="Wright">{{WR|1|VI}}, pp. 76-7</ref>

The name ''Círdan'' in this outline was spelled as ''Cirdan'', and in one other instance as ''Kirdan''.<ref name="Wright" />

Nonetheless, in a draft for the chapter ''[[Many Partings]]'', the term ''Círdan'' is used.<ref>{{SD|Partings}}, p. 67</ref>

===''The Etymologies''===
However, Círdan's first appearance in the legendarium as a whole seems to be in ''[[The Etymologies]]'' (dating from the late [[1930]]s), where his name was instead given as ''C(e)irdan'' ("shipbuilder" in [[Noldorin]]), with the ''(e)'' probably indicating a development from the Noldorin word ''[[ceir]]'' ("ship"). The name ''Ceirdan'' was itself changed from an earlier form ''Certhan''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry '''TAN-''', p. 390</ref>

===Later legendarium===
In a late text called ''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'' (c. [[1969]]), there appears a passage in which Tolkien briefly considered Círdan as being one of the Noldor,<ref name="Weird">{{NM|P3xxii}}, pp. 387-8</ref> in a text explaining the origin of the name ''[[Belfalas]]'':

{{blockquote|There appears, however, in the beginning of the Second Age, to have been a group of Sindar who went south. They were a remnant, it seems, of the people of Doriath, who harboured still their grudge against the Noldor and left the Grey Havens because these and all the ships there were commanded by '''Círdan (a Noldo)'''.|''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'', ''"Belfalas"'' <ref name=Weird/>}}

However, [[Carl Hostetter]] later comments, quoting [[Christopher Tolkien]]'s own commentary on the text:

{{blockquote|The manuscript page ends mid-sentence, and without reaching an explanation of the element ''Bel-''. Christopher Tolkien writes: "It was perhaps a purely experimental extension of the history, at once abandoned; but the assertion that Círdan was a Noldo is very strange. This runs clean counter to the entire tradition concerning him — yet it is essential to the idea sketched in this passage. Possibly it was his realization of this that led my father to abandon it in mid-sentence."|''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'', "Commentary on the text ''Belfalas''" <ref name=Weird/>}}

At no other point in the legendarium was Círdan ever considered a Noldo.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Círdan in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250" heights="150">
File:Decipher - Círdan.jpg|Círdan in [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]
File:SBG - Cirdan.jpeg|Círdan in [[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Círdan.jpg|Círdan in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Círdan-In-Rings-Of-Power.jpg|[[Ben Daniels]] as Círdan in the [[Grey Havens]] within [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]
</gallery>

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:His role as lieutenant of Gil-galad is given to [[Elrond]] instead (Elrond was Gil-galad's herald in the books). He does, however, appear very briefly in Galadriel's Monologue at the start of the movie, in the very brief shot of the three elven ringbearers.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Círdan briefly appears as Frodo and Bilbo make their trip to the lands of the West.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Círdan appears in several flashbacks depicting the [[War of the Last Alliance]].

'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:It has been confirmed that Círdan will appear in the series' second season.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://time.com/6205027/cirdan-the-rings-of-power-season-2/|articlename=Exclusive: This Fan-Favorite Character Is Joining the Second Season of The Rings of Power|dated=15 August 2022|website=Time.com|accessed=4 January 2023}}</ref> He will be played by Ben Daniels.<ref>https://nerdist.com/article/ben-daniels-playing-cirdan-the-shipwright-in-the-rings-of-power/</ref>

{{references|notes}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cirdan}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=sindar
| house=
| born=Between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1105|n}}
| died=Sailed west after {{FoA|171}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=New position
| list=Lord of the [[Falas]]
| dates={{YT|1149}} – {{FA|473}}
| nvac=None
| next=[[Falas]] overrun by [[Morgoth]]'s forces
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=New position
| list=Lord of the [[Grey Havens]]
| dates={{SA|1}} – after {{FoA|171}}
| nvac=None
| next=Sailed west on the [[Last Ship]]
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=''[[Celebrimbor]], as its creator''
| list=[[Three Keepers|Keeper]] of [[Narya]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} - c. {{TA|1000}}
| next=[[Gandalf]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Mariners]]
[[Category:Moriquendi]]
[[Category:Nelyar]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Círdan]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:teleri:sindar:cirdan]]
[[fi:Círdan]]

Tom Bombadil

2025-08-03T19:10:30Z

SaurontheDeciever: Added the Rings of Power portrayel

{{disambig-more|Tom|[[Tom (disambiguation)]]}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Tom Bombadil/Nature|Unknown]]
| image=John Howe - Tom Bombadil.jpg
| caption="Tom Bombadil" by [[John Howe]]
| name=Tom Bombadil
| pronun=
| othernames=''Iarwain Ben-adar'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Orald'' ([[Rohan language|R]]) ''Forn'' ([[Khuzdul|K]])
| titles=The [[Eldest]], [[Master]]
| position=
| location=[[Underhill (house)|Underhill]], [[Old Forest]]
| affiliation=[[Forest-folk]]<ref>{{AB|2}}</ref>
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| notablefor=saving [[Frodo]], [[Sam]], [[Merry]] and [[Pippin]] from [[Old Man Willow]] and the [[Barrow-wights]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Goldberry]]
| children=
| race=[[Tom Bombadil/Nature|Unknown]]
| gender=Male
| height=Short
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=Blue jacket and hat, boots
| weapons=Song
| steed=[[Fatty Lumpkin]]
}}
{{quote|Eldest, that's what I am... Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn... he knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless – before the Dark Lord came from Outside.|Tom Bombadil in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[In the House of Tom Bombadil]]"}}

'''Tom Bombadil''' was an enigmatic figure who lived throughout the history of [[Arda]]. Living a short distance east of the [[Old Forest]], he seemed to possess unequaled power in the land around his dwelling. Although seemingly benevolent, he took no stance against the [[Dark Lord]]s.

==Appearance and traits==
{{quote|Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow; Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow.|Tom Bombadil}}

Tom looked like an old man who was taller and heavier than a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]], but not quite tall enough for a [[Men|man]].<ref name="OldF" />

His face was creased and red as a ripe apple with blue and bright eyes.<ref name="OldF" /> His hands were brown-skinned.<ref name="house" /> He had thick brown hair<ref name="house" /> and a long brown beard.<ref name="OldF" />

Tom wore a blue coat and an old tall hat with a long blue feather and yellow boots.<ref name="OldF" /> Earlier he wore a [[swans|swan]] feather, which he later replaced with a blue one from a [[kingfisher]].<ref>{{AB|2}}</ref>

He lived in a [[Underhill (house)|house]] just outside the eastern edge of the [[Old Forest]] by the river [[Withywindle]],<ref name="OldF" /> together with his lovely wife [[Goldberry]].<ref name="house" /> According to him<ref name="FR|Barrow">{{FR|Barrow}}</ref> and to [[Gandalf]] as well,<ref name="CoE" /> he would not leave his country. The only known location on the border of his country is where he makes that statement, on the south side of the [[East Road]], north of the [[Barrow-downs]] and about four miles northwest of [[Bree]]. His country must have included the Barrow-downs and the [[Old Forest]], and according to the poem "[[Bombadil Goes Boating]]," he visited villages in [[Buckland]] and [[Farmer Maggot]]'s farm in the [[Marish]], which would mean that his country included them as well.

The [[Bucklanders]] had little understanding of his powers and nature. They saw him as mysterious and unpredictable, but benevolent and comic, more or less as the [[Shire-folk]] thought of [[Gandalf]].<ref name="Adv" />

==History==
===Origins===
[[Image:Olanda Fong-Surdenas - Tom Bombadil.jpg|thumb|left|''Tom Bombadil'' by [[Olanda Fong-Surdenas]]]]
{{quote|He is a strange creature.|[[Elrond]], ''[[The Council of Elrond]]''}}
The origins and [[Tom Bombadil/Nature|nature of Tom Bombadil]] are unknown. He claims to have existed when the [[Morgoth|Dark Lord]] came "from the Outside",<ref name="house">{{FR|Bombadil}}</ref>{{rp|131}} perhaps meaning he was alive at least as far back as the [[Spring of Arda]].<ref>{{RS|Tom}}, p. 122</ref> Bombadil calls himself the "Eldest", [[Glorfindel]] calls him the "First", and his Sindarin name ''Iarwain Ben-adar'' means "Oldest and fatherless."

His role and nature in the [[Elder Days]] and later is unknown. He was in Arda "before the river and the trees" and before the first rain. He "made paths" before the [[Great March]] of the [[Eldar]], and saw the [[Middle Men]] and their [[Barrow Downs|tombs]]. He witnessed the [[Changing of the World]], the reducing of the great forests that covered all [[Middle-earth]], the arrival of the [[Exiles of Númenor]] and of the [[Barrow-wights]].<ref name="house" /><ref name="CoE" />

The nature of his interactions with the outside world is unclear. He had contact with the [[Bucklanders]] throughout the [[Third Age]].<ref name="Adv" /> He was familiar with Frodo, his companions and their families when they visit him. He attributed most of this knowledge to [[Farmer Maggot]].<ref name="house" /> He had names among the Elves, Dwarves and Northern Men. [[Elrond]] knew of him when he ventured in his lands. However, most of the [[Council of Elrond]] were unfamiliar with him, and Elrond admitted to having forgotten about him from long ago.<ref name="CoE" /><ref name="Adv">{{AB|Preface}}</ref>

===War of the Ring===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Willow Man is Tamed.jpg|thumb|''The Willow Man is Tamed'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
On [[26 September]], {{TA|3018}}, he encountered [[travellers|four hobbits]] while he was searching for water-lilies for his wife. Two of those Hobbits, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], had been captured by [[Old Man Willow]]. Tom, who was the master of the Old Forest, rescued them, and took all four of them to his house.<ref name="OldF">{{FR|Forest}}</ref>

The four hobbits stayed two nights, and he told them many tales and songs. With cunning questions, he made [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] tell him of the [[The One Ring|Ring]]. When Tom tried it on, nothing happened, but he then took it off and flipped it in the air and made the ring itself disappear, showing that indeed within his realm Tom was master. However, when Frodo put the ring on, Tom could still see him. He bade the Hobbit to come back and sit down; his hand was fairer without the ring.

Before his guests went to sleep, Tom warned them of the [[Barrow-downs]], and advised them to pass any barrow on the western side. He also taught them a song, should they come to peril.<ref name="house" />{{rp|134}}

And they did come to peril. Tom chased off a [[Barrow-wights|wight]] with song, and broke the spells on the barrow in which the four hobbits were captured. While he sent the Hobbits to calm down, he went for provisions. He also brought the ponies that had belonged to Merry. After that, he broke the spells of the barrow. From the barrow's mighty hoard, he took a blue-jewelled brooch for Goldberry (probably belonging to the spouse of the [[last prince of Cardolan]] he seemingly met long ago),<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "Fog on the Barrow-downs", pp. 146-7</ref><ref>{{RS|Wight}}, p. 127-8</ref> and gave a [[Daggers of Westernesse|dagger]] to each of the hobbits. He then advised them to make for ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' in [[Bree]].<ref name="FR|Barrow" />

The peril of the hobbits was not over; an attack on their lives was carried out, and their ponies were set loose. The ponies apparently remembered the care they were given in the house of Tom Bombadil, and returned to stay beside Tom's own pony, [[Fatty Lumpkin]]. He returned them to [[Barliman Butterbur]], the proprietor of ''The Prancing Pony''. Since he had paid eighteen pence as compensation for the loss, he was now the owner of five fine ponies.<ref>{{FR|Knife}}</ref>

As he was merry and benevolent, some of the [[Free Peoples]] considered him a potential ally against [[Sauron]] during the [[War of the Ring]]. [[Elrond]] and [[Erestor]] considered that he should be present at the [[Council of Elrond]]. However, according to [[Gandalf]], Tom Bombadil was perhaps not fully aware of the struggle of Light and Darkness and could not prove useful to their causes.<ref name="CoE" />

After the [[fall of Sauron]] at the end of the War, the [[Travelers]] returned to the Shire, but Gandalf left them and went to talk to Tom.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>{{rp|996}}

Eventually the defeat of Sauron the victory of the [[West]] allowed Tom to continue and "survive" in the [[later Ages]].<ref>{{L|144}}</ref>

===Legacy===
Tom Bombadil’s existence passed into Hobbit lore and was referenced in poems such as ''[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]'' and ''[[Bombadil Goes Boating]]''. The Hobbit, [[Samwise Gamgee]], based and modeled his protagonist in ''[[The Stone Troll]]'', [[Tom (The Stone Troll)|Tom]], after Bombadil, considering that Sam composed the poem soon after their meeting.<ref name="RF">{{HM|Guide}}, p. 385</ref> In the poem, Tom encounters an old [[Stone-trolls|troll]], gnawing for years on the shinbone of Tim, his [[Unusual words|nuncle]], and Tom demands for the troll to let it down.<ref>{{FR|I12}}</ref><ref>{{AB|7}}</ref> It is likely that Tim was only an invention by Sam rather than actually being Tom Bombadil's nuncle.<ref name="RF" />

==Other names==
He also went by other names:
*To the [[Elves]] and [[Dúnedain]], he was known with the [[Sindarin]] name '''''[[iaur|Iar]][[gwain|wain]] [[penadar|Ben-adar]]''''', which translates to "Oldest and Fatherless".<ref name="CoE">{{FR|Council}}</ref> ''Iarwain'' literally means "Old-young"<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'' p. 128; quoting an unpublished letter by Tolkien</ref>
*To the [[Northmen]]<ref name="CoE" /> (perhaps specifically the [[Rohirrim]]) he was known with the [[Rohanese]] name '''''Orald'''''.<ref name="CoE" /> This is an [[Old English]] word meaning "very ancient.<ref name="nomen">{{HM|N}}, p. 761</ref>
*The Dwarves knew him as '''''Forn'''''. This too is a reference to his age: it is [[North Germanic languages|Old Norse]] for "(belonging to) ancient (days)".<ref name="nomen" /><ref group="note">In some imprints of ''[[The History of Middle-earth Index]]'', this name was accidentally spelled with a "P" as the first letter: {{HM|IX}}, "Tom Bombadil (VII)", p. 435</ref>

==Etymology==
''Bombadil'' is said to be a [[Bucklandish]] name, added by Hobbit chroniclers to his many older ones. It is, like many names of the [[Bucklanders]], untranslatable.<ref name="Adv" />

[[Paula Marmor]] notes that ''bobadil'' is an archaic word meaning "braggart", as seen in the character "Captain Bobadill" in the English play ''[[Wikipedia:Every Man in His Humour|Every Man in His Humour]]''. Because of its Bucklandish form, ''[[An Introduction to Elvish]]'' lists the name ''Bombadil'' under the "[[Celtic]]-sounding names". However, it is said that the word derives from '''[[Wikipedia:Boabdil|Boabdil]]''', the Spaniard name of [[Wikipedia:Muhammad XII of Granada|'''Abu Abdillah''' Muhammad XII]], the last Moorish ruler of Granada.<ref>{{HM|IE}}, Giving of Names</ref>

==Inspiration==
Tom Bombadil was inspired primarily from a [[Wikipedia:Peg wooden doll|dutch doll]] Tolkien's child(ren) toyed with.<ref name="intro" /> The doll had a feathered hat. One time they found it in the lavatory, being stuffed there by little [[John Tolkien]], who perhaps didn't like it much.<ref>{{HM|Bio}}, p. 165</ref>

Tolkien began (probably in the 1920s) writing a story entitled ''Tom Bombadil'' set during the reign of "King Bonhedig" in the British prehistory, far before any recorded events or invasions. The protagonist Tombombadil is mentioned as one of the oldest inhabitants of Bonhedig's kingdom, which spanned many miles on either side of the Thames. Only the 3 opening paragraphs survive of the shortly-abandoned, story, and the fragment ends at the description of Tombombadil who "wore a tall hat with a blue feather; his jacket was blue, and his boots were yellow".<ref>{{AB|Prose}}</ref>

Around the 1930s or earlier Tolkien wrote a poem about some Tom Bombadil rowing down a River, a poem which Tolkien later identified as his "germ of Tom Bombadil".<ref>{{RS|1VT}}</ref> Later in [[1934]] he put him into [[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil (poem)|a poem]], again described according to the appearance of the aforementioned doll (something that he did with other toys of his children, like [[Rover]]).<ref name="intro">{{AB|Intro}}</ref> At one time he described him as a "spirit of the (vanishing) [[Oxford]] and Berkshire countryside"<ref name="L19">{{L|19}}</ref>

When asked to make a sequel for ''[[The Hobbit]]'', Tolkien briefly considered making that figure of his poem the central character.<ref name="L19" /> Although it didn't happen, he eventually [[The Old Forest|appeared]] in the narrative as a supporting character. Tolkien wrote Bombadil as a direct contrast to the artistry and (sub)creative force of the [[Elves]]; whereas they seek to create, devise, alter and control, Bombadil only observes and contemplates the world outside him and takes joy in it. He is the fearless theoretical study of the world, and history.<ref name="coghill">[[Letter to Nevill Coghill]] (Excerpt reproduced [http://wayneandchristina.wordpress.com/2014/12/30/tom-bombadil-addenda-corrigenda/ here])</ref>

Justin Noetzel in his paper "Beorn and Tom Bombadil: Mythology, Narrative, and The Most (Non) Essential Characters in Middle-earth", suggests an association of Tom Bombadil with the [[Wikipedia:Celtic Otherworld|Celtic Otherworld]] and tales of the [[Wikipedia:Tuatha Dé Danann|Tuatha Dé Danann]].<ref>{{webcite|author=[[John D. Rateliff]]|articleurl=http://sacnoths.blogspot.se/2013/03/valparaiso-day-three.html|articlename=Valparaiso, Day Three|dated=12 March 2013|website=Sac|accessed=14 March 2013}}</ref>

David Elton Gay compares Tom to the demigod [[Wikipedia:Väinämöinen|Väinämöinen]] from the ''[[Kalevala]]'': both are extremely old and powerful immortal figures who express their power in rhymes, and both have control over their small forested country.<ref>Gay, David Elton (2004). Chance, Jane (ed.). ''J.R.R. Tolkien and the Kalevala. Tolkien and the invention of myth : a reader''. University Press of Kentucky. pp. 295–304.</ref>

==Outside the legendarium==
In addition to the aforementioned earlier works written independently to the [[Legendarium]], a figure that hints at Bombadil appears in the much later poem ''[[Once upon a Time]]''. Tolkien wrote it around [[1964]] and reused the names of "Tom" and "Goldberry" (although the epithet "Bombadil" is not mentioned, the association can be made as he appears with Goldberry). Hammond & Scull note that in this poem Tom appears less omnipotent; while he is known to talk to all creatures, who always obey him, the mysterious ''[[lintips]]'' are the only ones who refuse to talk to him and hide away.<ref>{{AB|Once}}, p. 283</ref> No specific events are mentioned that can connect it to Tom Bombadil or the legendarium of Arda.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
Because he is left out of the three major adaptations ([[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|Ralph Bakshi]], [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC's 1981 series]] and [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Peter Jackson's]]), Tom Bombadil's main role (providing the [[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blades]]) is omitted. He does have several appearances in other adaptations, though.

===Tom Bombadil in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200" heights="150">
File:War in Middle Earth - Tom Bombadil.png|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
File:Hobitit - Tom Bombadillo.png|Esko Hukkanen in ''[[Hobitit]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game - Tom Bombadil, The Master.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Tom Bombadil.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:BFME2 - Tom Bombadil 03.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Tom Bombadil.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Tom Bombadil in Rings of Power.jpeg|[[Rory Michael Kinnear]] as Tom Bombadil in [[Rhûn]] within [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]
</gallery>
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1956 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Norman Shelley]] voiced Bombadil, and Tolkien thought his portrayal "dreadful". [[Goldberry]] was portrayed as his daughter, rather than his wife.<ref>{{L|175}}</ref>

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:In this series, Tom was voiced by [[Bernard Mayes]]. Like Norman Shelley before him, he also voiced [[Gandalf]].

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Tom Bombadil can be found outside his house in the Old Forest.

'''1990: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I]]'':'''
:Tom Bombadil rescues the party from the Willow Man, and provides information, supplies, shelter, and side-quests for the party. He later rescues the party from the Barrow Wights, and very briefly joins as a temporary playable character while inside the barrow. His role runs almost directly parallel to the original, with some related passages of ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' quoted directly. However, [[Goldberry]]'s role is significantly changed to provide a quest for the party.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Tom Bombadil is played by Peter Ehrlich.

'''1992: [[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|''Tales from the Perilous Realm'' (1992 radio series)]]:'''
:When he adapted the 1981 [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|radio series]], [[Brian Sibley]] deeply regretted cutting Bombadil from the radio series.<ref>[[Brian Sibley]], ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On]''</ref> When he made ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'' into a radio series, he decided to change the section "[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]". Rather than several (unadaptable) Hobbitish poems, Sibley adapted the chapters from ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. Bombadil is voiced by [[Ian Hogg]].

'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:Tom Bombadil is portrayed by Esko Hukkanen. It is the only screen adaptation that featured him before 2024.

'''2001-2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]'':'''
:Although Tom Bombadil does not appear in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' film series]], Decipher produced a card for the character. He was portrayed by Harry Weller-Chew.

'''2001–present: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]'':'''
:Despite not appearing in the films the game is based on, Tom Bombadil and Goldberry were given several models by [[Games Workshop]], which has held rights for tabletop games since 1980.

'''2001: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Tom Bombadil is provided by Milan Lasica. He appears in the final third of the first episode, helping the four hobbits with Old Man Willow, guiding them to his house and taking them in as his guests for the night, along with his wife Goldberry. After they depart and get lost on the Barrow Downs, he once again aids in their rescue, and provides them with barrow-blades from the barrow of the defeated barrow-wight.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Daran Norris]] portrayed Bombadil with a Scottish accent. His role is much like that in the book, and as one of the few characters in this video game, he keeps most of his songs.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (extended edition)|extended edition]], some of Bombadil's poems are transferred to [[Treebeard]], and so is his encounter with [[Old Man Willow]].

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Bombadil is a summonable power. Once summoned, he can plow through enemy lines. His most powerful weapon is a "Sonic Song". As soon as [[Electronic Arts|EA]] secured the rights to the books, it was decided that Tom Bombadil should be in it; his appearance is kept close to his description in the book.<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/battleformiddleearth2/news.html?sid=6139678 The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II Q&A - Enter Tom Bombadil], [http://www.gamespot.com/ GameSpot.com]</ref>

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Tom can be found either inside or outside his house in the Old Forest. He helps the player track down crebain scouts possessing important information, and later arrives to rescue the player from the Barrow-Downs when (s)he gets himself in more than (s)he is prepared for, much like the Hobbits in the Book. He later aids the player against agents of the Barrow-downs when the latter attempts to corrupt Old Man Willow with a [[Morgul-blade]].

'''2012: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Bombadil is a playable character. He uses a trowel as a weapon and for digging in certain spots. Tom can be found in his house on the road to the north of [[Bucklebury Ferry]] in the forested area between [[Bree]] and the Shire. It is unclear if this forest is meant to be the Old Forest or not; it is in the right location, but the game never specifically names it and its physical appearance does not fit the book's description.

'''2014: ''[[Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Bombadil also appears as a playable character, and again wields a trowel. This time, Tom is found in a forest southwest of Bree, near a house atop a hill (likely his house in the Old Forest).

'''2024: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:Tom Bombadil will be portrayed by [[Rory Michael Kinnear]], whose headwear and outfit was made by costume designer Luca Mosca to look similar to J.R.R. Tolkien's description of Tom Bombadil. The production designer of the show, [[Kristian Milstead]], incorporated a star map on the ceiling of Tom's cottage to imply that Bombadil "has been watching the constellations for signs—and for the Stranger’s arrival", thereby connecting Tom to the larger story. The showrunners mention that they have given him a second home besides [[Underhill (house)|Underhill]] which he uses as a "summer cottage" on the outskirts of the once "green and beautiful" [[Rhûn]] "which...now is...a dead wasteland". At the time of the show, Bombadil "has gone out to...Rhûn...to see what's happened" to the region in order to prevent the desolation from spreading westwards.<ref>{{webcite|author=Anthony Breznican|articleurl=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/tom-bombadil-the-rings-of-power-first-look|articlename=Tom Bombadil Finally Steps Forth in ''The Rings of Power'' - An Exclusive First Look|dated=29 May 2024|website=[https://www.vanityfair.com Vanity Fair]|accessed=29 May 2024}}</ref>

===Collectibles===
In [[April]] [[2008]], [[Gentle Giant]] released the Tom Bombadil Mini Bust.

==See also==
*'''[[Tom Bombadil/Nature|The Nature of Tom Bombadil]]'''

==External links==
*[http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/t/tombombadil.html Entry in the Encyclopedia of Arda] (a concise overview of the discussion)
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/08/27/count-count-weigh-divide/ Count, Count, Weigh, Divide] by [[Michael Martinez]] (discusses Tom Bombadil's moral aspects at length)
*[http://www.whoistombombadil.blogspot.com/2013/01/tom-bombadil-as-music-of-ainur_9.html Tom as the Music of the Ainur] discusses the major theories of Tom's origins and proposes a new theory.
*[http://www.cas.unt.edu/~hargrove/tombomb.html Who Is Tom Bombadil?] (an essay by Gene Hargrove)

{{references|notes}}
{{ringbearers}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Enigmas]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Forest-folk]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Tom Bombadil]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/tom bombadil]]
[[fi:Tom Bombadil]]

File:Tom Bombadil in Rings of Power.jpeg

2025-08-03T19:07:45Z

SaurontheDeciever: Tom Bombadil The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

== Summary ==
Tom Bombadil The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Círdan

2025-08-03T19:06:06Z

SaurontheDeciever: /* Círdan in adaptations */

{{infobox character
| people=[[Sindar|Sinda]]
| name=Círdan
| image=Jef Murray - Cirdan.jpg
| caption="Cirdan" by [[Jef Murray]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈkiːrdan]}}
| othernames=''Nōwē'' ([[Primitive Elvish|PE]]) ''Ciryatan'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Cirdan of Lune''<ref name=Lune>{{PM|Elendil}}, ''The Northern Line of Arnor: the Isildurioni'', entry '''entry 25: Arvedui''', p. 195</ref><ref name=Moon>{{PM|Third}}, entry '''1975''', p. 232</ref> ''Cirdan the Shipwright''<ref name=Aman/>
| titles=
| position=Lord of the [[Falas]] Master of the [[Grey Havens]]
| location=[[Cuiviénen]] [[Sea of Rhûn]] [[Falas]] [[Isle of Balar]] [[Grey Havens]] [[Aman]] (after the departure of the [[Last Ship]])
| affiliation=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] [[White Council]] [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]]
| language=[[Common Eldarin]] [[Sindarin]] [[Quenya]] [[Westron]]
| birth=Between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1105|n}}<ref name="LastWritingsN">{{PM|Last}}, note 29</ref>
| birthlocation=[[Cuiviénen]]<ref name="LastWritingsN"/>
| rule={{YT|1149}} - {{FA|473}} ([[Falas]]) {{FA|473}} - {{FA|587}} ([[Isle of Balar]]) {{SA|1}} - after {{FoA|171}}<ref name=prologue/> ([[Grey Havens]])
| sailedwest=After {{FoA|171}}, on the [[Last Ship]]<ref name=prologue>{{FR|Prologue}}</ref><ref name=eriador/>
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=at least 11,008 years<ref group=note>This figure is arrived at by taking the latest possible year of birth of Círdan ({{YT|1105}} - the year in which the [[Great Journey]] of the [[Eldar]] from [[Cuiviénen]] began), adding the 395 [[Valian years]] (where one Valian year = 9.582 solar years) + 590 solar years of the late [[First Age]] + 3,441 solar years of the [[Second Age]] + 3,021 solar years of the [[Third Age]] + 171 solar years of the beginning of the [[Fourth Age]] (since {{FoA|171}} is the earliest date in which the [[Last Ship]] bearing Círdan to [[Aman]] sailed away). Therefore, all these years combined give the approximate value of 11,008 years. However, readers should keep in mind that the above figure is the most conservative estimate, and that Círdan's actual age at the time of his departure from [[Middle-earth]] in the early Fourth Age is almost certainly greater than the one given above.</ref>
| notablefor=''[[#Significance|See below]]''
| house=
| parentage=Unknown (Círdan was a kinsman of [[Thingol]] and [[Olwë]];<ref name=Cirdan>{{PM|Last}}, "Círdan"</ref> he was also related to the mother of [[Voronwë]]<ref>{{UT|Tuor}}, p. 45</ref>)
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Very tall<ref name="Havens"/>
| hair=Silver; with a long beard (in his old age)<ref name="Havens"/>
| eyes="Keen as stars"<ref name="Havens"/>
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{quote|As they came to the gates Círdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and he was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said 'All is now ready.'|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Grey Havens]]"}}

'''Círdan''' was one of the highest and most noble of the [[Sindar]],<ref name="Cirdan" /> lord of the [[Falas]] during the [[First Age]], and Master of the [[Grey Havens]] through the [[Second Age|Second]], [[Third Age|Third]], and [[Fourth Age]].

He was one of the wisest and most foresighted of the [[Elves]], and by the [[Second Age]], one of the oldest named [[Elves]] in [[Middle-earth]] to remain so throughout that age and into the [[Fourth Age]] as well.

He was also gifted [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]], by [[Celebrimbor]] until he surrendered it to [[Gandalf]]. As the Lord of the Havens, he oversaw the departure of the Elves of Middle-earth to the West and eventually sought the [[Last Ship]] with his kinsman [[Celeborn]].{{fact}}

==History==
===First Age===
====Early life====
Círdan, born '''Nōwē''',<ref name="Cirdan" /> was kin of both [[Elwë]] and [[Olwë]], the kings of the [[Teleri]].<ref name="Cirdan" /> Of shipbuilding, whether by their first homes at [[Cuiviénen]] or when the [[Teleri]] dwelt by the [[Sea of Rhûn]], Nōwē was always the foremost and most skilled in the craft.<ref name="LastWritingsN" /> During the push westward, seeking to go to [[Valinor]], Nōwē and his followers kept going where most of his kin fell away throughout the journey.{{fact}}

Despite Nōwē's great eagerness to see the [[light of Valinor]] (his "greatest desire"),<ref name="Cirdan" /> he loyally searched for [[Elwë]] upon his disappearance. Because of this, the [[Teleri]] missed the first trip on [[Tol Eressëa]] to [[Valinor]], on which went their kin, the [[Noldor]] and the [[Vanyar]]. They took for their king [[Olwë]], and while waiting for [[Ulmo]] to return for them, Nōwē headed the art of making and sailing ships, growing impatient. From this profession he took the name "'''Círdan'''" which means "shipwright" in [[Sindarin]]. The [[Teleri]] also developed a great friendship with [[Ossë]]. At the same time, although most of the Teleri had given up, Círdan sought [[Elwë]] longer and harder than most of his kin, partly because of his love for him and his allegiance.<ref name="Cirdan" />

Because of this, Círdan came to the shores too late during the second embarking of Eressëa.<ref name="Cirdan" /> He came to the sands to find them departed, and as he stood forlorn he saw far-off a glimmer of light upon Eressëa as it vanished into the West over [[Belegaer]]. But into his heart came a message from the [[Valar]] which warned him that his ship could not endure the voyage, nor would any ship for many years, until the time when his work would be of utmost worth, remembered in song. Círdan answered in obeyance, and saw a vision of [[Vingilot|a ship]].<ref name="Cirdan" />

====Lord of the Falas====
=====Foundation=====
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Cirdan, Lord of the Falathrim.jpg|225px|thumb|left|''Cirdan, Lord of the Falathrim'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
Círdan therefore remained with those Teleri who had chosen to stay east of the Sea for love of Ossë, and became their lord. The folk became known as the [[Falathrim]], "''people of the foaming shore''", and dwelt in the [[Falas]] by the sea. There they built many ships, and the mighty [[Havens of the Falas]], and found pearls which they sent to their king, [[Thingol]] of [[Doriath]], who was known as Elwë.<ref name="Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref>

When [[Morgoth]] broke forth in the [[First Battle]] in {{YT|1497}}, Círdan was cut off and unable to come to Thingol's aid. Further, although Thingol prevailed with the help of the [[Laiquendi]], the Green-elves of [[Ossiriand]], the Falathrim were driven to the very edge of the sea, where they were besieged for some months, until the [[Return of the Noldor]] from Aman, when [[Fëanor]] struck at [[Morgoth]] from the north. The siege of the Falas was abandoned as the [[Orcs]] were ordered northward to help their master, where they were all destroyed by [[Celegorm]] and his forces, and the Falas was saved.<ref name="Sindar" /><ref name="return">{{S|Return}}</ref>

=====Wars of the Noldor=====
Círdan attended the [[Mereth Aderthad]] with many of his people, where he swore oaths of friendship with the Noldor.<ref name="return" /> Between Círdan and [[Finrod Felagund]], [[King of Nargothrond]], there was friendship and alliance, and with the aid of the [[Noldor]] the havens of [[Brithombar]] and [[Eglarest]] were built anew.<ref name="Belerian">{{S|Beleriand}}</ref>

When the tales began spreading (sown by [[Morgoth]]) of the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]], Círdan, being very wise even at that time, was greatly troubled, feeling that these rumors sprouted from great malice. Knowing the jealousy and dissention among the Noldor, he guessed that the malice was that of the kinslayers. Therefore he dutifully sent messages to his overlord Thingol, telling him all that he had heard. This resulted in Thingol banning the speaking of [[Quenya]] and greater strife between the Sindar and the Noldor.<ref>{{S|Noldor}}</ref>

Círdan made up for his lack of participation in the [[Wars of Beleriand|wars of the Noldor]] with his role in the [[Second Assault on Hithlum]], coming to the timely aid of [[Fingon]] when he was most needed. The ships of Círdan sailed up the [[Firth of Drengist]] in great stength and then struck the unsuspecting [[Orcs]] from the west, giving victory to the Elves.<ref name="Fingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

Many years later, in {{FA|472}}, after the disastrous [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], many fugitives came for shelter in Círdan's havens. The Falathrim mariners harassed the orcs in guerilla attacks from the sea. But it was only a matter of time before [[Morgoth]] attacked. Then came the disastrous [[Fall of the Falas]]. Though both [[Brithombar]] and [[Eglarest]] were strong, with mighty walls, both fell one at a time due to the impressive array of siege-masters Morgoth had in his train. Although Círdan's people fought valiantly, the walls were broken and most of the Falathrim killed or enslaved. [[Barad Nimras]] was cast down, and the Falas laid to waste. But Círdan and some of his followers escaped by sea, and he took with him the young [[Gil-galad]], one of the last of the princes of the Noldor. They came to the [[Isle of Balar]] and founded a new refuge, but kept a foothold at the [[Mouths of Sirion]], keeping ships hidden in the reeds there.<ref name="Fifth">{{S|Fifth}}</ref>

====Refuge in Balar====
[[Turgon]], the King of [[Gondolin]], receiving the dreadful news, requested that Círdan send mariners to seek [[Valinor]] and the aid of the [[Valar]]. Círdan built seven swift ships, and sent them westward. None returned, save for only [[Voronwë|one mariner]] of the [[Gondolindrim]] who was also his kinsman.<ref name="Tuor">{{UT|1}}</ref> The way to the West was closed.<ref name="Fifth" />

Eventually Círdan served as messenger, when [[Ulmo]] delivered him a message for [[Orodreth]], the King of [[Nargothrond]], warning of the doom of Nargothrond, and ordering him to shut his gates and cast down the bridge. The warning went unheeded, resulting in the [[Fall of Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495}}.{{fact}}

After news came to Balar of the [[Fall of Gondolin]], [[Gil-galad]] was proclaimed [[High King of the Noldor]]. Círdan soon after became a fast friend of the young half-elf [[Eärendil]] son of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], who had grown up essentially under his shadow, and was apprenticed to him. Círdan aided Eärendil in building the ship [[Vingilot]], giving him advice and help. Círdan doubtless remembered his vision, and this ship was indeed a fulfillment of it.<ref name="Cirdan" />

Círdan and Gil-galad came with their ships from Balar too late to prevent the disastrous [[Third Kinslaying]], when the [[Mouths of Sirion|Havens of Sirion]] were ambushed and many fell. But Eärendil was not there, rather on a voyage, and the [[Silmaril]] of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] had been spirited away by [[Elwing]] his wife. Thus, wielding the Silmaril, Eärendil came to [[Valinor]] and found the forgiveness of the [[Valar]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|Earendil}}</ref> From that time on, Círdan was given foresight surpassing that of any of the Elves,<ref name="Cirdan" /> perhaps some special grace of the Valar for his deeds in this world-changing episode (like the return of [[Glorfindel]], who also contributed significantly).{{fact}}

After the [[War of Wrath]], Círdan, heeding the bidding of the Valar long ago, once more obediently abstained from finding his heart's desire and going West, but with a small following remained in [[Middle-earth]].

===Second Age===
The continents were shifted, but Círdan still took up his abode by the sea, at the [[Grey Havens]], which the Elves built in the newly-formed [[Gulf of Lune]] whence the [[Eldar]] could sail the [[Straight Road]], but most of them were unwilling at first to forsake the lands they fought in and preferred to linger there.<ref name="rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

At the very beginning of the [[Second Age]], Círdan was instrumental in devising and overseeing the construction of the boats that were used to transport the remnants of the [[Edain]] to their new land, which would later become the realm of [[Númenor]].<ref name="Edain">{{NM|P3xiii}}, p. 339</ref>

Círdan personally elected the Elven captains and helmsmen who were in charge of transporting the Edain to Númenor, and since those boats were small, it took a great number of such boats to transfer all of the Edain and their possessions - a process that took at least 50 years, and which only ended when the Valar instructed Círdan to cease any future migration of Men to the island.<ref name="Edain" />

Many centuries later, in {{SA|600}}, Círdan welcomed the friendly and then-unfallen [[Númenóreans]], making friends with [[Vëantur]], chief of the mariners of [[Tar-Elendil]], and later teaching [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]] his grandson of ships (both management and construction) and seaside architecture,<ref name="Wife">{{UT|Wife}}</ref> doubtless being the foremost authority on both.{{fact}}

Círdan advised against the creation of the [[Rings of Power]] when [[Sauron|Annatar]] came, but, like Galadriel, his counsel went unheeded in the midst of the ambition of the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]]. Nevertheless, when the [[Three Rings]] were hidden, Celebrimbor had appointed him to inherit one of them and so, Círdan received [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire.<ref name="rings" /> [[Sauron]], having revealed himself in the [[Sack of Eregion|destruction of Eregion]] and empowered by [[the One Ring]] he had forged, [[sack of Eregion|invaded]] [[Eriador]] in the same blow; however, he dared not attempt to take Círdan's [[Mithlond]] or [[Lindon]], fearing they were too strong because they had the help of the [[Númenóreans]].<ref name="rings" />

Círdan joined the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], and fought alongside [[Gil-galad]]. Many fell there, including [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]]. After the battle, with Elrond, he urged [[Isildur]], Elendil's heir, to throw the captured One Ring into [[Orodruin]], where it would be unmade, but Isildur refused.<ref name="rings" /><ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===Third Age===
{{blockquote|Take this ring, Master… for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself. For this is the Ring of Fire, and with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill. But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the [[Last Ship|last ship]] sails. I will await you.| Círdan to Gandalf, ''[[Appendix B]]''}}

[[File:Alystraea - Cirdan.jpg|250px|thumb|right|''Cirdan'' by [[:Category:Images by Alystraea|Alystraea]]]]
After the [[War of the Last Alliance]] and the death of Gil-galad, Círdan remained the Lord of the Havens.<ref name="rings" /> For more than a thousand years they went undisturbed,<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> but at around {{TA|1050}}, a shadow began to lengthen. It was at this time the [[Istari]], sent by the [[Valar]], came. Círdan was the most foresighted of all Elves in Middle-earth, and he alone knew the true purpose of the Istari.<ref name="AppB2" /> He also saw deep into the future of Gandalf, and gave him [[Narya]], his greatest possession and one of the most secret and sought-after treasures in the world.<ref name="rings" />

Throughout the [[Angmar War]], the Elves of Lindon under Círdan supported [[Arnor]]. They assisted King [[Arveleg I|Arveleg]] and the men of [[Cardolan]] drive off the [[Hill-men]] from the [[Weather Hills]]. Later, with Círdan’s help, Arveleg's young son, [[Araphor]], drove [[Angmar]]'s armies from [[Fornost]] and the [[North Downs]]. Combining forces with [[Rivendell]], and the [[Galadhrim]] who joined them from beyond the [[Misty Mountains]], they subdued Angmar for some time.<ref name="eriador">{{App|Eriador}}</ref>

In {{TA|1975}}, Círdan sent Elven sailors from Lindon on a ship to [[Forochel]] to rescue the lost king [[Arvedui]]. The crew endured a perilous journey, but Arvedui rashly attempted to return that winter, and all aboard perished. The next year, Círdan and the Elves of Lindon [[Host of the West (Arnor)|joined]] with the remnants of [[Arnor]] in the victorious [[Battle of Fornost]].<ref name="eriador" /><ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> Later, Círdan took control of the abandoned [[palantíri|Elendil Stone]] on [[Emyn Beraid]], which could gaze into the [[Tol Eressëa|lost west]] and was without link to the other ''[[palantíri]]''.<ref name="Palantiri">{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

Nothing more is mentioned of his actions until the [[War of the Ring]] in {{TA|3018}} and later in {{TA|3021|n}}. [[Galdor of the Havens|Galdor]] was his messenger to [[Rivendell]] and attended the [[Council of Elrond]], speaking with authority on his lord's behalf.<ref name="Council" />

The last mention of Círdan came with the end of the Third Age. When the Ringbearers came to Mithlond, Círdan greeted them before the gates. Although [[Gandalf]], [[Galadriel]], and [[Elrond]] passed west on the [[White Ship|ship]] he had built for them, Círdan seems to have remained for a time.{{fact}}

===Later history===
{{main|Last Ship}}
Círdan maintained the haven at least into the early [[Fourth Age]], but it was recognized that eventually, its purpose would reach an end when no more Eldar wished to cross the [[Sea]]. At that time, Círdan would abandon the Grey Havens and finally travel the [[Straight Road]] himself.<ref name="eriador" /> On some unknown date, he sailed west aboard the [[Last Ship]] with his kinsman [[Celeborn]], but when he did so, he took with him the last living memory of the [[Elder Days]] in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="prologue" />

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Cirdan.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Círdan'' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "Shipbuilder"<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 27</ref><ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries '''KIR-''' and '''TAN-'''</ref> or "Shipwright".<ref>{{PM|Last}}, "Círdan", p. 385</ref>

The [[Quenya]] cognate was '''''Ciryatan''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈkirʲatan]}}).<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry "kir-''<nowiki/>''</ref>

==Other names==
Círdan's original name was '''''Nōwē'''''. According to [[Paul Strack]], it was a [[Primitive Elvish]] name, but its meaning is unclear.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Paul Strack]]|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-2331717483.html|articlename=✶ ''Nōwē'' pn.|website=Eldamo|accessed=10 October 2023}}</ref>

He was also called '''''Cirdan the Shipwright''''',<ref name="Aman">{{AA|70}}, p. 85</ref> as well as '''''Cirdan of Lune'''''<ref name="Lune" /><ref name="Moon" /> (in both instances, without accent over the letter ''i'', though).

==Appearance==
In the last years of the Third Age, Círdan appeared old save for his eyes which "''were keen as stars''"; he also had a long beard.<ref name="Havens">{{RK|Havens}}, p. 1030</ref> Likely, he had grown a beard since having reached his [[Elven life cycle#"Cycles of life" and aging|third cycle of life]].<ref>{{VT|41b}}, p. 9</ref>

==Significance==
[[File:David Greset - Cirdan the Carpenter.jpg|130px|thumb|left|''Cirdan the Carpenter'' by [[:Category:Images by David Greset|David Greset]]]]
Círdan had a profound effect upon the course of Middle-earth history. He was a loyal servant and friend of [[Elwë]], sacrificing his heart's desire in search of him.<ref name="Cirdan" />

This loyalty and sense of duty shows up numerous times over the course of history, including his second sacrifice in his submission to the [[Valar]],<ref name="Cirdan" /> and his sending of troubling and potentially destructive rumors to his overlord Thingol.

He was also the most foresighted of the Elves, a consequence of the gift from the Valar.<ref name="Cirdan" /><ref name="AppB2" /> He conceivably saved Elven civilization with the founding of the havens at the [[Mouths of Sirion]],<ref name="Fifth" /> and with the fostering of both [[Gil-galad]] and [[Eärendil]].<ref name="Earendil" /> His precious gift of [[Narya]] to [[Gandalf]] was also timely and valuable.<ref name="AppB2" /> He was clearly favored by [[Ulmo]], seen by the number of messages passed through him.

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | |F|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|7| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | |:| | | | | | | | |D|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|7| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | |:| | | | | | | |:| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | THI | | OLW | | ELM | | | CÍR | | | | | | UNK |y| ARA |THI=[[Thingol]] ''d. {{FA|503}}''|OLW=[[Olwë]] ''b. {{YT}}''|ELM=[[Elmo]] ''b. {{YT}}''|CÍR='''CÍRDAN''' ''b. {{YT}}''|UNK=''unknown mother''|ARA=[[Aranwë]] ''b. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |}}

{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | VOR | | |VOR=[[Voronwë]] ''b. {{FA}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===''The Lord of the Rings'' drafts===
The character of Círdan is a fairly late addition to [[Tolkien]]'s [[legendarium]], with his first appearance in the drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (dating to the early [[1940]]s) being in an outline of what would become the eleventh chapter, ''[[The Palantír]]'', of the first book in ''[[The Two Towers]]''.<ref name="Wright">{{WR|1|VI}}, pp. 76-7</ref>

The name ''Círdan'' in this outline was spelled as ''Cirdan'', and in one other instance as ''Kirdan''.<ref name="Wright" />

Nonetheless, in a draft for the chapter ''[[Many Partings]]'', the term ''Círdan'' is used.<ref>{{SD|Partings}}, p. 67</ref>

===''The Etymologies''===
However, Círdan's first appearance in the legendarium as a whole seems to be in ''[[The Etymologies]]'' (dating from the late [[1930]]s), where his name was instead given as ''C(e)irdan'' ("shipbuilder" in [[Noldorin]]), with the ''(e)'' probably indicating a development from the Noldorin word ''[[ceir]]'' ("ship"). The name ''Ceirdan'' was itself changed from an earlier form ''Certhan''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry '''TAN-''', p. 390</ref>

===Later legendarium===
In a late text called ''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'' (c. [[1969]]), there appears a passage in which Tolkien briefly considered Círdan as being one of the Noldor,<ref name="Weird">{{NM|P3xxii}}, pp. 387-8</ref> in a text explaining the origin of the name ''[[Belfalas]]'':

{{blockquote|There appears, however, in the beginning of the Second Age, to have been a group of Sindar who went south. They were a remnant, it seems, of the people of Doriath, who harboured still their grudge against the Noldor and left the Grey Havens because these and all the ships there were commanded by '''Círdan (a Noldo)'''.|''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'', ''"Belfalas"'' <ref name=Weird/>}}

However, [[Carl Hostetter]] later comments, quoting [[Christopher Tolkien]]'s own commentary on the text:

{{blockquote|The manuscript page ends mid-sentence, and without reaching an explanation of the element ''Bel-''. Christopher Tolkien writes: "It was perhaps a purely experimental extension of the history, at once abandoned; but the assertion that Círdan was a Noldo is very strange. This runs clean counter to the entire tradition concerning him — yet it is essential to the idea sketched in this passage. Possibly it was his realization of this that led my father to abandon it in mid-sentence."|''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'', "Commentary on the text ''Belfalas''" <ref name=Weird/>}}

At no other point in the legendarium was Círdan ever considered a Noldo.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Círdan in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250" heights="150">
File:Decipher - Círdan.jpg|Círdan in [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]
File:SBG - Cirdan.jpeg|Círdan in [[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Círdan.jpg|Círdan in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Círdan-In-Rings-Of-Power.jpg|Círdan in the [[Grey Havens]] within [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]
</gallery>

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:His role as lieutenant of Gil-galad is given to [[Elrond]] instead (Elrond was Gil-galad's herald in the books). He does, however, appear very briefly in Galadriel's Monologue at the start of the movie, in the very brief shot of the three elven ringbearers.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Círdan briefly appears as Frodo and Bilbo make their trip to the lands of the West.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Círdan appears in several flashbacks depicting the [[War of the Last Alliance]].

'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:It has been confirmed that Círdan will appear in the series' second season.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://time.com/6205027/cirdan-the-rings-of-power-season-2/|articlename=Exclusive: This Fan-Favorite Character Is Joining the Second Season of The Rings of Power|dated=15 August 2022|website=Time.com|accessed=4 January 2023}}</ref> He will be played by Ben Daniels.<ref>https://nerdist.com/article/ben-daniels-playing-cirdan-the-shipwright-in-the-rings-of-power/</ref>

{{references|notes}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cirdan}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=sindar
| house=
| born=Between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1105|n}}
| died=Sailed west after {{FoA|171}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=New position
| list=Lord of the [[Falas]]
| dates={{YT|1149}} – {{FA|473}}
| nvac=None
| next=[[Falas]] overrun by [[Morgoth]]'s forces
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=New position
| list=Lord of the [[Grey Havens]]
| dates={{SA|1}} – after {{FoA|171}}
| nvac=None
| next=Sailed west on the [[Last Ship]]
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=''[[Celebrimbor]], as its creator''
| list=[[Three Keepers|Keeper]] of [[Narya]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} - c. {{TA|1000}}
| next=[[Gandalf]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Mariners]]
[[Category:Moriquendi]]
[[Category:Nelyar]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Círdan]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:teleri:sindar:cirdan]]
[[fi:Círdan]]

Círdan

2025-08-03T19:03:21Z

SaurontheDeciever: His Rings of power adaptation

{{infobox character
| people=[[Sindar|Sinda]]
| name=Círdan
| image=Jef Murray - Cirdan.jpg
| caption="Cirdan" by [[Jef Murray]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈkiːrdan]}}
| othernames=''Nōwē'' ([[Primitive Elvish|PE]]) ''Ciryatan'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Cirdan of Lune''<ref name=Lune>{{PM|Elendil}}, ''The Northern Line of Arnor: the Isildurioni'', entry '''entry 25: Arvedui''', p. 195</ref><ref name=Moon>{{PM|Third}}, entry '''1975''', p. 232</ref> ''Cirdan the Shipwright''<ref name=Aman/>
| titles=
| position=Lord of the [[Falas]] Master of the [[Grey Havens]]
| location=[[Cuiviénen]] [[Sea of Rhûn]] [[Falas]] [[Isle of Balar]] [[Grey Havens]] [[Aman]] (after the departure of the [[Last Ship]])
| affiliation=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] [[White Council]] [[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]]
| language=[[Common Eldarin]] [[Sindarin]] [[Quenya]] [[Westron]]
| birth=Between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1105|n}}<ref name="LastWritingsN">{{PM|Last}}, note 29</ref>
| birthlocation=[[Cuiviénen]]<ref name="LastWritingsN"/>
| rule={{YT|1149}} - {{FA|473}} ([[Falas]]) {{FA|473}} - {{FA|587}} ([[Isle of Balar]]) {{SA|1}} - after {{FoA|171}}<ref name=prologue/> ([[Grey Havens]])
| sailedwest=After {{FoA|171}}, on the [[Last Ship]]<ref name=prologue>{{FR|Prologue}}</ref><ref name=eriador/>
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=at least 11,008 years<ref group=note>This figure is arrived at by taking the latest possible year of birth of Círdan ({{YT|1105}} - the year in which the [[Great Journey]] of the [[Eldar]] from [[Cuiviénen]] began), adding the 395 [[Valian years]] (where one Valian year = 9.582 solar years) + 590 solar years of the late [[First Age]] + 3,441 solar years of the [[Second Age]] + 3,021 solar years of the [[Third Age]] + 171 solar years of the beginning of the [[Fourth Age]] (since {{FoA|171}} is the earliest date in which the [[Last Ship]] bearing Círdan to [[Aman]] sailed away). Therefore, all these years combined give the approximate value of 11,008 years. However, readers should keep in mind that the above figure is the most conservative estimate, and that Círdan's actual age at the time of his departure from [[Middle-earth]] in the early Fourth Age is almost certainly greater than the one given above.</ref>
| notablefor=''[[#Significance|See below]]''
| house=
| parentage=Unknown (Círdan was a kinsman of [[Thingol]] and [[Olwë]];<ref name=Cirdan>{{PM|Last}}, "Círdan"</ref> he was also related to the mother of [[Voronwë]]<ref>{{UT|Tuor}}, p. 45</ref>)
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Very tall<ref name="Havens"/>
| hair=Silver; with a long beard (in his old age)<ref name="Havens"/>
| eyes="Keen as stars"<ref name="Havens"/>
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{quote|As they came to the gates Círdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and he was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said 'All is now ready.'|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Grey Havens]]"}}

'''Círdan''' was one of the highest and most noble of the [[Sindar]],<ref name="Cirdan" /> lord of the [[Falas]] during the [[First Age]], and Master of the [[Grey Havens]] through the [[Second Age|Second]], [[Third Age|Third]], and [[Fourth Age]].

He was one of the wisest and most foresighted of the [[Elves]], and by the [[Second Age]], one of the oldest named [[Elves]] in [[Middle-earth]] to remain so throughout that age and into the [[Fourth Age]] as well.

He was also gifted [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]], by [[Celebrimbor]] until he surrendered it to [[Gandalf]]. As the Lord of the Havens, he oversaw the departure of the Elves of Middle-earth to the West and eventually sought the [[Last Ship]] with his kinsman [[Celeborn]].{{fact}}

==History==
===First Age===
====Early life====
Círdan, born '''Nōwē''',<ref name="Cirdan" /> was kin of both [[Elwë]] and [[Olwë]], the kings of the [[Teleri]].<ref name="Cirdan" /> Of shipbuilding, whether by their first homes at [[Cuiviénen]] or when the [[Teleri]] dwelt by the [[Sea of Rhûn]], Nōwē was always the foremost and most skilled in the craft.<ref name="LastWritingsN" /> During the push westward, seeking to go to [[Valinor]], Nōwē and his followers kept going where most of his kin fell away throughout the journey.{{fact}}

Despite Nōwē's great eagerness to see the [[light of Valinor]] (his "greatest desire"),<ref name="Cirdan" /> he loyally searched for [[Elwë]] upon his disappearance. Because of this, the [[Teleri]] missed the first trip on [[Tol Eressëa]] to [[Valinor]], on which went their kin, the [[Noldor]] and the [[Vanyar]]. They took for their king [[Olwë]], and while waiting for [[Ulmo]] to return for them, Nōwē headed the art of making and sailing ships, growing impatient. From this profession he took the name "'''Círdan'''" which means "shipwright" in [[Sindarin]]. The [[Teleri]] also developed a great friendship with [[Ossë]]. At the same time, although most of the Teleri had given up, Círdan sought [[Elwë]] longer and harder than most of his kin, partly because of his love for him and his allegiance.<ref name="Cirdan" />

Because of this, Círdan came to the shores too late during the second embarking of Eressëa.<ref name="Cirdan" /> He came to the sands to find them departed, and as he stood forlorn he saw far-off a glimmer of light upon Eressëa as it vanished into the West over [[Belegaer]]. But into his heart came a message from the [[Valar]] which warned him that his ship could not endure the voyage, nor would any ship for many years, until the time when his work would be of utmost worth, remembered in song. Círdan answered in obeyance, and saw a vision of [[Vingilot|a ship]].<ref name="Cirdan" />

====Lord of the Falas====
=====Foundation=====
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Cirdan, Lord of the Falathrim.jpg|225px|thumb|left|''Cirdan, Lord of the Falathrim'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
Círdan therefore remained with those Teleri who had chosen to stay east of the Sea for love of Ossë, and became their lord. The folk became known as the [[Falathrim]], "''people of the foaming shore''", and dwelt in the [[Falas]] by the sea. There they built many ships, and the mighty [[Havens of the Falas]], and found pearls which they sent to their king, [[Thingol]] of [[Doriath]], who was known as Elwë.<ref name="Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref>

When [[Morgoth]] broke forth in the [[First Battle]] in {{YT|1497}}, Círdan was cut off and unable to come to Thingol's aid. Further, although Thingol prevailed with the help of the [[Laiquendi]], the Green-elves of [[Ossiriand]], the Falathrim were driven to the very edge of the sea, where they were besieged for some months, until the [[Return of the Noldor]] from Aman, when [[Fëanor]] struck at [[Morgoth]] from the north. The siege of the Falas was abandoned as the [[Orcs]] were ordered northward to help their master, where they were all destroyed by [[Celegorm]] and his forces, and the Falas was saved.<ref name="Sindar" /><ref name="return">{{S|Return}}</ref>

=====Wars of the Noldor=====
Círdan attended the [[Mereth Aderthad]] with many of his people, where he swore oaths of friendship with the Noldor.<ref name="return" /> Between Círdan and [[Finrod Felagund]], [[King of Nargothrond]], there was friendship and alliance, and with the aid of the [[Noldor]] the havens of [[Brithombar]] and [[Eglarest]] were built anew.<ref name="Belerian">{{S|Beleriand}}</ref>

When the tales began spreading (sown by [[Morgoth]]) of the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]], Círdan, being very wise even at that time, was greatly troubled, feeling that these rumors sprouted from great malice. Knowing the jealousy and dissention among the Noldor, he guessed that the malice was that of the kinslayers. Therefore he dutifully sent messages to his overlord Thingol, telling him all that he had heard. This resulted in Thingol banning the speaking of [[Quenya]] and greater strife between the Sindar and the Noldor.<ref>{{S|Noldor}}</ref>

Círdan made up for his lack of participation in the [[Wars of Beleriand|wars of the Noldor]] with his role in the [[Second Assault on Hithlum]], coming to the timely aid of [[Fingon]] when he was most needed. The ships of Círdan sailed up the [[Firth of Drengist]] in great stength and then struck the unsuspecting [[Orcs]] from the west, giving victory to the Elves.<ref name="Fingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

Many years later, in {{FA|472}}, after the disastrous [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], many fugitives came for shelter in Círdan's havens. The Falathrim mariners harassed the orcs in guerilla attacks from the sea. But it was only a matter of time before [[Morgoth]] attacked. Then came the disastrous [[Fall of the Falas]]. Though both [[Brithombar]] and [[Eglarest]] were strong, with mighty walls, both fell one at a time due to the impressive array of siege-masters Morgoth had in his train. Although Círdan's people fought valiantly, the walls were broken and most of the Falathrim killed or enslaved. [[Barad Nimras]] was cast down, and the Falas laid to waste. But Círdan and some of his followers escaped by sea, and he took with him the young [[Gil-galad]], one of the last of the princes of the Noldor. They came to the [[Isle of Balar]] and founded a new refuge, but kept a foothold at the [[Mouths of Sirion]], keeping ships hidden in the reeds there.<ref name="Fifth">{{S|Fifth}}</ref>

====Refuge in Balar====
[[Turgon]], the King of [[Gondolin]], receiving the dreadful news, requested that Círdan send mariners to seek [[Valinor]] and the aid of the [[Valar]]. Círdan built seven swift ships, and sent them westward. None returned, save for only [[Voronwë|one mariner]] of the [[Gondolindrim]] who was also his kinsman.<ref name="Tuor">{{UT|1}}</ref> The way to the West was closed.<ref name="Fifth" />

Eventually Círdan served as messenger, when [[Ulmo]] delivered him a message for [[Orodreth]], the King of [[Nargothrond]], warning of the doom of Nargothrond, and ordering him to shut his gates and cast down the bridge. The warning went unheeded, resulting in the [[Fall of Nargothrond]] in {{FA|495}}.{{fact}}

After news came to Balar of the [[Fall of Gondolin]], [[Gil-galad]] was proclaimed [[High King of the Noldor]]. Círdan soon after became a fast friend of the young half-elf [[Eärendil]] son of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], who had grown up essentially under his shadow, and was apprenticed to him. Círdan aided Eärendil in building the ship [[Vingilot]], giving him advice and help. Círdan doubtless remembered his vision, and this ship was indeed a fulfillment of it.<ref name="Cirdan" />

Círdan and Gil-galad came with their ships from Balar too late to prevent the disastrous [[Third Kinslaying]], when the [[Mouths of Sirion|Havens of Sirion]] were ambushed and many fell. But Eärendil was not there, rather on a voyage, and the [[Silmaril]] of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] had been spirited away by [[Elwing]] his wife. Thus, wielding the Silmaril, Eärendil came to [[Valinor]] and found the forgiveness of the [[Valar]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|Earendil}}</ref> From that time on, Círdan was given foresight surpassing that of any of the Elves,<ref name="Cirdan" /> perhaps some special grace of the Valar for his deeds in this world-changing episode (like the return of [[Glorfindel]], who also contributed significantly).{{fact}}

After the [[War of Wrath]], Círdan, heeding the bidding of the Valar long ago, once more obediently abstained from finding his heart's desire and going West, but with a small following remained in [[Middle-earth]].

===Second Age===
The continents were shifted, but Círdan still took up his abode by the sea, at the [[Grey Havens]], which the Elves built in the newly-formed [[Gulf of Lune]] whence the [[Eldar]] could sail the [[Straight Road]], but most of them were unwilling at first to forsake the lands they fought in and preferred to linger there.<ref name="rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

At the very beginning of the [[Second Age]], Círdan was instrumental in devising and overseeing the construction of the boats that were used to transport the remnants of the [[Edain]] to their new land, which would later become the realm of [[Númenor]].<ref name="Edain">{{NM|P3xiii}}, p. 339</ref>

Círdan personally elected the Elven captains and helmsmen who were in charge of transporting the Edain to Númenor, and since those boats were small, it took a great number of such boats to transfer all of the Edain and their possessions - a process that took at least 50 years, and which only ended when the Valar instructed Círdan to cease any future migration of Men to the island.<ref name="Edain" />

Many centuries later, in {{SA|600}}, Círdan welcomed the friendly and then-unfallen [[Númenóreans]], making friends with [[Vëantur]], chief of the mariners of [[Tar-Elendil]], and later teaching [[Tar-Aldarion|Aldarion]] his grandson of ships (both management and construction) and seaside architecture,<ref name="Wife">{{UT|Wife}}</ref> doubtless being the foremost authority on both.{{fact}}

Círdan advised against the creation of the [[Rings of Power]] when [[Sauron|Annatar]] came, but, like Galadriel, his counsel went unheeded in the midst of the ambition of the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]]. Nevertheless, when the [[Three Rings]] were hidden, Celebrimbor had appointed him to inherit one of them and so, Círdan received [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire.<ref name="rings" /> [[Sauron]], having revealed himself in the [[Sack of Eregion|destruction of Eregion]] and empowered by [[the One Ring]] he had forged, [[sack of Eregion|invaded]] [[Eriador]] in the same blow; however, he dared not attempt to take Círdan's [[Mithlond]] or [[Lindon]], fearing they were too strong because they had the help of the [[Númenóreans]].<ref name="rings" />

Círdan joined the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], and fought alongside [[Gil-galad]]. Many fell there, including [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elendil]]. After the battle, with Elrond, he urged [[Isildur]], Elendil's heir, to throw the captured One Ring into [[Orodruin]], where it would be unmade, but Isildur refused.<ref name="rings" /><ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===Third Age===
{{blockquote|Take this ring, Master… for your labours will be heavy; but it will support you in the weariness that you have taken upon yourself. For this is the Ring of Fire, and with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill. But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the [[Last Ship|last ship]] sails. I will await you.| Círdan to Gandalf, ''[[Appendix B]]''}}

[[File:Alystraea - Cirdan.jpg|250px|thumb|right|''Cirdan'' by [[:Category:Images by Alystraea|Alystraea]]]]
After the [[War of the Last Alliance]] and the death of Gil-galad, Círdan remained the Lord of the Havens.<ref name="rings" /> For more than a thousand years they went undisturbed,<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> but at around {{TA|1050}}, a shadow began to lengthen. It was at this time the [[Istari]], sent by the [[Valar]], came. Círdan was the most foresighted of all Elves in Middle-earth, and he alone knew the true purpose of the Istari.<ref name="AppB2" /> He also saw deep into the future of Gandalf, and gave him [[Narya]], his greatest possession and one of the most secret and sought-after treasures in the world.<ref name="rings" />

Throughout the [[Angmar War]], the Elves of Lindon under Círdan supported [[Arnor]]. They assisted King [[Arveleg I|Arveleg]] and the men of [[Cardolan]] drive off the [[Hill-men]] from the [[Weather Hills]]. Later, with Círdan’s help, Arveleg's young son, [[Araphor]], drove [[Angmar]]'s armies from [[Fornost]] and the [[North Downs]]. Combining forces with [[Rivendell]], and the [[Galadhrim]] who joined them from beyond the [[Misty Mountains]], they subdued Angmar for some time.<ref name="eriador">{{App|Eriador}}</ref>

In {{TA|1975}}, Círdan sent Elven sailors from Lindon on a ship to [[Forochel]] to rescue the lost king [[Arvedui]]. The crew endured a perilous journey, but Arvedui rashly attempted to return that winter, and all aboard perished. The next year, Círdan and the Elves of Lindon [[Host of the West (Arnor)|joined]] with the remnants of [[Arnor]] in the victorious [[Battle of Fornost]].<ref name="eriador" /><ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> Later, Círdan took control of the abandoned [[palantíri|Elendil Stone]] on [[Emyn Beraid]], which could gaze into the [[Tol Eressëa|lost west]] and was without link to the other ''[[palantíri]]''.<ref name="Palantiri">{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

Nothing more is mentioned of his actions until the [[War of the Ring]] in {{TA|3018}} and later in {{TA|3021|n}}. [[Galdor of the Havens|Galdor]] was his messenger to [[Rivendell]] and attended the [[Council of Elrond]], speaking with authority on his lord's behalf.<ref name="Council" />

The last mention of Círdan came with the end of the Third Age. When the Ringbearers came to Mithlond, Círdan greeted them before the gates. Although [[Gandalf]], [[Galadriel]], and [[Elrond]] passed west on the [[White Ship|ship]] he had built for them, Círdan seems to have remained for a time.{{fact}}

===Later history===
{{main|Last Ship}}
Círdan maintained the haven at least into the early [[Fourth Age]], but it was recognized that eventually, its purpose would reach an end when no more Eldar wished to cross the [[Sea]]. At that time, Círdan would abandon the Grey Havens and finally travel the [[Straight Road]] himself.<ref name="eriador" /> On some unknown date, he sailed west aboard the [[Last Ship]] with his kinsman [[Celeborn]], but when he did so, he took with him the last living memory of the [[Elder Days]] in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="prologue" />

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Cirdan.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Círdan'' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "Shipbuilder"<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 27</ref><ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries '''KIR-''' and '''TAN-'''</ref> or "Shipwright".<ref>{{PM|Last}}, "Círdan", p. 385</ref>

The [[Quenya]] cognate was '''''Ciryatan''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈkirʲatan]}}).<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry "kir-''<nowiki/>''</ref>

==Other names==
Círdan's original name was '''''Nōwē'''''. According to [[Paul Strack]], it was a [[Primitive Elvish]] name, but its meaning is unclear.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Paul Strack]]|articleurl=https://eldamo.org/content/words/word-2331717483.html|articlename=✶ ''Nōwē'' pn.|website=Eldamo|accessed=10 October 2023}}</ref>

He was also called '''''Cirdan the Shipwright''''',<ref name="Aman">{{AA|70}}, p. 85</ref> as well as '''''Cirdan of Lune'''''<ref name="Lune" /><ref name="Moon" /> (in both instances, without accent over the letter ''i'', though).

==Appearance==
In the last years of the Third Age, Círdan appeared old save for his eyes which "''were keen as stars''"; he also had a long beard.<ref name="Havens">{{RK|Havens}}, p. 1030</ref> Likely, he had grown a beard since having reached his [[Elven life cycle#"Cycles of life" and aging|third cycle of life]].<ref>{{VT|41b}}, p. 9</ref>

==Significance==
[[File:David Greset - Cirdan the Carpenter.jpg|130px|thumb|left|''Cirdan the Carpenter'' by [[:Category:Images by David Greset|David Greset]]]]
Círdan had a profound effect upon the course of Middle-earth history. He was a loyal servant and friend of [[Elwë]], sacrificing his heart's desire in search of him.<ref name="Cirdan" />

This loyalty and sense of duty shows up numerous times over the course of history, including his second sacrifice in his submission to the [[Valar]],<ref name="Cirdan" /> and his sending of troubling and potentially destructive rumors to his overlord Thingol.

He was also the most foresighted of the Elves, a consequence of the gift from the Valar.<ref name="Cirdan" /><ref name="AppB2" /> He conceivably saved Elven civilization with the founding of the havens at the [[Mouths of Sirion]],<ref name="Fifth" /> and with the fostering of both [[Gil-galad]] and [[Eärendil]].<ref name="Earendil" /> His precious gift of [[Narya]] to [[Gandalf]] was also timely and valuable.<ref name="AppB2" /> He was clearly favored by [[Ulmo]], seen by the number of messages passed through him.

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | |F|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|7| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | |:| | | | | | | | |D|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|7| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | |:| | | | | | | |:| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | THI | | OLW | | ELM | | | CÍR | | | | | | UNK |y| ARA |THI=[[Thingol]] ''d. {{FA|503}}''|OLW=[[Olwë]] ''b. {{YT}}''|ELM=[[Elmo]] ''b. {{YT}}''|CÍR='''CÍRDAN''' ''b. {{YT}}''|UNK=''unknown mother''|ARA=[[Aranwë]] ''b. {{YT}}''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |}}

{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | VOR | | |VOR=[[Voronwë]] ''b. {{FA}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===''The Lord of the Rings'' drafts===
The character of Círdan is a fairly late addition to [[Tolkien]]'s [[legendarium]], with his first appearance in the drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (dating to the early [[1940]]s) being in an outline of what would become the eleventh chapter, ''[[The Palantír]]'', of the first book in ''[[The Two Towers]]''.<ref name="Wright">{{WR|1|VI}}, pp. 76-7</ref>

The name ''Círdan'' in this outline was spelled as ''Cirdan'', and in one other instance as ''Kirdan''.<ref name="Wright" />

Nonetheless, in a draft for the chapter ''[[Many Partings]]'', the term ''Círdan'' is used.<ref>{{SD|Partings}}, p. 67</ref>

===''The Etymologies''===
However, Círdan's first appearance in the legendarium as a whole seems to be in ''[[The Etymologies]]'' (dating from the late [[1930]]s), where his name was instead given as ''C(e)irdan'' ("shipbuilder" in [[Noldorin]]), with the ''(e)'' probably indicating a development from the Noldorin word ''[[ceir]]'' ("ship"). The name ''Ceirdan'' was itself changed from an earlier form ''Certhan''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry '''TAN-''', p. 390</ref>

===Later legendarium===
In a late text called ''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'' (c. [[1969]]), there appears a passage in which Tolkien briefly considered Círdan as being one of the Noldor,<ref name="Weird">{{NM|P3xxii}}, pp. 387-8</ref> in a text explaining the origin of the name ''[[Belfalas]]'':

{{blockquote|There appears, however, in the beginning of the Second Age, to have been a group of Sindar who went south. They were a remnant, it seems, of the people of Doriath, who harboured still their grudge against the Noldor and left the Grey Havens because these and all the ships there were commanded by '''Círdan (a Noldo)'''.|''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'', ''"Belfalas"'' <ref name=Weird/>}}

However, [[Carl Hostetter]] later comments, quoting [[Christopher Tolkien]]'s own commentary on the text:

{{blockquote|The manuscript page ends mid-sentence, and without reaching an explanation of the element ''Bel-''. Christopher Tolkien writes: "It was perhaps a purely experimental extension of the history, at once abandoned; but the assertion that Círdan was a Noldo is very strange. This runs clean counter to the entire tradition concerning him — yet it is essential to the idea sketched in this passage. Possibly it was his realization of this that led my father to abandon it in mid-sentence."|''[[The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor]]'', "Commentary on the text ''Belfalas''" <ref name=Weird/>}}

At no other point in the legendarium was Círdan ever considered a Noldo.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Círdan in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="150px">
File:Decipher - Círdan.jpg|[[File:Círdan-In-Rings-Of-Power.jpg|thumb|Círdan in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]]]Círdan in [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]
File:SBG - Cirdan.jpeg|Círdan in [[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Círdan.jpg|Círdan in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
</gallery>

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:His role as lieutenant of Gil-galad is given to [[Elrond]] instead (Elrond was Gil-galad's herald in the books). He does, however, appear very briefly in Galadriel's Monologue at the start of the movie, in the very brief shot of the three elven ringbearers.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Círdan briefly appears as Frodo and Bilbo make their trip to the lands of the West.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Círdan appears in several flashbacks depicting the [[War of the Last Alliance]].

'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:It has been confirmed that Círdan will appear in the series' second season.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://time.com/6205027/cirdan-the-rings-of-power-season-2/|articlename=Exclusive: This Fan-Favorite Character Is Joining the Second Season of The Rings of Power|dated=15 August 2022|website=Time.com|accessed=4 January 2023}}</ref> He will be played by Ben Daniels.<ref>https://nerdist.com/article/ben-daniels-playing-cirdan-the-shipwright-in-the-rings-of-power/</ref>

{{references|notes}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cirdan}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=sindar
| house=
| born=Between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1105|n}}
| died=Sailed west after {{FoA|171}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=New position
| list=Lord of the [[Falas]]
| dates={{YT|1149}} – {{FA|473}}
| nvac=None
| next=[[Falas]] overrun by [[Morgoth]]'s forces
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=New position
| list=Lord of the [[Grey Havens]]
| dates={{SA|1}} – after {{FoA|171}}
| nvac=None
| next=Sailed west on the [[Last Ship]]
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=''[[Celebrimbor]], as its creator''
| list=[[Three Keepers|Keeper]] of [[Narya]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} - c. {{TA|1000}}
| next=[[Gandalf]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Mariners]]
[[Category:Moriquendi]]
[[Category:Nelyar]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Círdan]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:elfes:teleri:sindar:cirdan]]
[[fi:Círdan]]

File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Círdan.jpg

2025-08-03T19:02:16Z

SaurontheDeciever: Círdan in Rings of Power

== Summary ==
Círdan in Rings of Power

Sauron

2025-08-03T18:40:03Z

SaurontheDeciever: Added fodwraith sauron within .

{{short description|Servant of Morgoth and master of the One Ring}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Sauron
| image=Alaïs - Annatar.jpg
| caption="Annatar" by [[:Category:Images by Alaïs|Alaïs]]
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}}
| othernames=''Annatar'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Gorthaur'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Mairon'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Zigûr'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]) The Enemy [[Eye of Sauron|The Eye]] The Necromancer The Shadow ''([[#Other names|See below]])''
| titles=The [[Dark Lord]] The [[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Rings]] [[King of Men]] Lord of the World Ring-maker
| position=Smith of [[Aulë]] Lieutenant to [[Morgoth]]
| location=[[Timeless Halls]], [[Almaren]], [[Valinor]], [[Utumno]], [[Angband]], [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], [[Barad-dûr]], [[Ost-in-Edhil]], [[Armenelos]], [[Temple]], [[Dol Guldur]], and [[Window of the Eye]]
| affiliation=[[Aulë]] (originally) [[Morgoth|Melkor]] (later on)
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Black Speech]], [[Adûnaic]], and possibly [[Westron]]
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule={{SA|1600}} - {{TA|3019}}
| death=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Barad-dûr]], [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]]
| age= Unquantifiable
| notablefor=Deceived the [[Elves]] into forging the [[Rings of Power]]; Created [[The One Ring]]; Brought about the [[Downfall of Númenor]]; Nearly conquered the whole of [[Middle-earth]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=''[[#Physical form|See below]]''
| hair=
| eyes=''[[#Eye of Sauron|See below]]''
| clothing=
| weapons=[[The One Ring]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|But in after days he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void.|''[[Valaquenta]]'': Of the Enemies}}</center>

'''Sauron''' was a highly gifted [[Maiar|Maia]], originally an apprentice of [[Aulë]], who became skilled at crafting and making. Coveting the power through which he would coordinate all things according to his own will, he joined with [[Morgoth|Melkor]]. As "Gorthaur" he became the most trusted lieutenant of Morgoth, being reckoned as the greatest of his allies and servants in the [[Battles of Beleriand|Wars of Beleriand]]. From his fortress of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], Sauron was directly responsible for the death of [[Barahir]] and later the [[Noldor]]in king [[Finrod]] during the [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. He demonstrated the ability to take the form of a wolf, a serpent, and a vampire.

After the downfall of Morgoth, Sauron continually strove to conquer [[Middle-earth]] throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages. In the Second Age, under the guise of '''Annatar''', he deceived the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]], who under his guidance had created the [[Rings of Power]], whilst he secretly forged [[the One Ring]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Thus Sauron became "'''[[Lord of the Ring|the Lord of the Rings]]'''". Failing to corrupt the Elves, he assaulted the [[Westlands]], beginning a period called the [[Dark Years]], the first time he became known as the '''[[Dark Lord]]'''. The arrogant [[Númenóreans]], contesting their rule on Middle-earth, challenged him, and Sauron accepted to be brought to [[Númenor]] as a captive; however his influence corrupted the Númenóreans further - leading to the [[Downfall of Númenor]]. His spirit escaped, as did [[Elendil]] and his sons, founding the Realms in Exile of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Elves and the [[Dúnedain]], formed the [[Last Alliance]] and, in {{SA|3441}}, Elendil and Elven [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] died fighting Sauron. Following Sauron's defeat, Elendil's son, [[Isildur]], severed his Ringed finger and took the One Ring for himself.

In the Third Age, Sauron the Enemy returned to Middle-earth and, as the '''Necromancer''', took the hill of [[Amon Lanc]] as his fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]; one of his foremost servants, the [[Witch-king]], formed the realm of [[Angmar]] in the north of [[Eriador]]. Following an attack by the [[White Council]] in {{TA|2941}}, the Dark Lord Sauron returned to his fortress of [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]], marshalling his armies and using his two-faced ally, the corrupted [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Saruman]]. By {{TA|3018}}, [[Frodo Baggins]] was in possession of the Ring, and he was led by [[Gandalf]] as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Whilst Sauron waged the [[War of the Ring]] against the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Gollum]] reached Mount Doom on [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}, and the Ring was destroyed. The breaking of the Ring caused Sauron's fall, and his stepping on Morgoth's path down into the [[Void]], resulting in the start of the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]].

==History==
===Origin===
[[File:Maureval - Mairon.jpg|thumb|left|''Mairon'' by [[:Category:Images by Maureval|Maureval]]]]
{{quote|For nothing is evil in the beginning. Even Sauron was not so.|[[Elrond]]<ref name="lotr-coe"/>}}
As one of the most powerful [[Maiar]], Sauron was [[Creation of the Ainur|created]] by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of [[Time]], he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|IId}}</ref> Here he became one of the Maiar of [[Aulë]], among whose people he was deemed mighty and surpassed only by the Smith himself,<ref name="SVala" /> and was known as '''''Mairon'''''.<ref name="PE17.1">{{PE|17}}, p. 183</ref><ref group="note">Although it could be possible the name 'Mairon' was adapted by the Elves to [[Quenya]] originally from [[Valarin]] name with the same meaning much later, this pure Valarin form vanished in history.</ref>

Mairon's virtue was his love for order, planning and coordination, disliking confusion and chaos. But his obsession with order gradually overshadowed his love for the other intelligent beings of Arda, who would benefit from his planning; it became the sole object of his will, the end in itself. He started admiring [[Morgoth|Melkor]]'s power to realize his designs quickly and masterfully.<ref name="myths" />

Early on, already by the blissful [[Spring of Arda]], he was ensnared by Melkor, becoming his spy on the isle of [[Almaren]], the dwelling-place of the Valar.<ref name="Annals">{{MR|P2a}}, p. 52</ref> While [[Tulkas]] was asleep, Melkor ruined the [[Two Lamps]], and when Almaren was also destroyed, the [[Valar]] moved to the [[Aman|Blessed Realm of Aman]], still not perceiving Sauron's treachery.<ref name="Valinor">{{L|131}}: "''… Sauron was a being of Valinor perverted to the service of the Enemy …''"</ref> Soon Mairon left the Blessed Realm for [[Middle-earth]], [[Sleep of Yavanna|in a dark time]] where Melkor dominated limitlessly, and bent the knee before him as his greatest and most trusted servant.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> Thus he came to be known as '''''Gorthaur''''' by the [[Sindar]] of [[Beleriand]] and '''''Sauron''''' by others. Sauron initially was not as evil as Morgoth, as he was serving someone and not himself;<ref name="SVala" /> and unlike Melkor, who wanted to unmake and corrupt the world, Sauron wished to rule it and do what he wanted with it.<ref name="myths">{{MR|Myths}}, pp. 394-398</ref>

After [[Morgoth]] made his great fortress of [[Angband]] in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]], he appointed Sauron to be its commander.<ref name="SCaptivity">{{S|Captivity}}</ref>

===First Age===
{{quote|Sauron was become now a sorcerer of dreadful power, master of shadows and of phantoms, foul in wisdom, cruel in strength, misshaping what he touched, twisting what he ruled, lord of werewolves; his dominion was torment.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin]]"}}
At some point after the [[Awakening of the Elves]], it was Sauron who first discovered them and their dwellings.<ref>{{NM|P1xiv}}, p. 107</ref> Following their subsequent discovery by [[Oromë]], the Valar [[Battle of the Powers|made war against Melkor]] to protect them and though they stormed Angband and Utumno, they failed to find Sauron.<ref name="SCaptivity" /> Thus Sauron continued his evil operations; during the [[Great Journey|Great March]] of the [[Eldar]] to Valinor, it is said that he may have been responsible for the affliction upon the [[Atyamar|land of the Elves]] in the [[Vales of Anduin]], forcing the [[Elves]] to resume their journey.<ref>{{NM|P1vii}}, pp. 50-51</ref>

With the unchaining of Morgoth and his subsequent destruction of the [[Two Trees of Valinor]], the [[Sun]] first rose and ushered in the awakening of [[Men]]. Leaving Sauron in command of the war, Morgoth left Angband in secret to find the second-born kindred of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and to corrupt them to his will.<ref name="SWest">{{S|West}}</ref>

After the [[Fall of Fingolfin]], Sauron launched an attack on [[Tol Sirion]]. Utter fear descended upon [[Orodreth]] and those who defended the isle. Sauron assailed [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] and turned it into a watch tower for Morgoth. Therein Sauron sat and Tol Sirion the fair became [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], the Isle of Werewolves.<ref name="SFingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

Upon hearing of the deeds of [[Barahir]] and his companions, Morgoth ordered Sauron to find and kill them. [[Gorlim]], one of Barahir's companions, was captured and brought before Sauron. Sauron promised that he would free Gorlim and his wife [[Eilinel]] in return for information. Under the terror of Sauron's eyes, Gorlim revealed everything he knew, and thus the hiding place of Barahir was betrayed to the enemy. Subsequently, Sauron revealed Eilinel was dead and had Gorlim put to death.<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>

[[Beren]], son of [[Barahir]], promised to avenge his father's death. He wandered throughout [[Dorthonion]] as an outlaw and achieved great deeds that were heard far and wide. Morgoth set a high price on his head and Sauron, commanding a great army of [[werewolves]] and [[fell beasts]], sought for Beren.<ref name="Beren" />

Later, [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]], Beren, and their ten companions left [[Nargothrond]] in search of the [[Silmarils]]. Despite their being disguised as Orcs, Sauron espied them as they entered into the vale between [[Ered Wethrin]] and [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] and was suspicious, as Orcs passing were supposed to report to him. He had them captured and they were brought to him. There Finrod and Sauron fought in songs of power; the strength of both was great, but Sauron was more powerful. He then stripped them of their Orc disguises but failed to discern who they were. He had them thrown into a dark pit where one by one they were devoured by a werewolf. Withstanding this horror, they refused to betray one another.<ref name="Beren" />

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Huan Subdues Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|''Huan subdues Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
When all of their companions were dead, Finrod and Beren were the last who remained alive in Sauron's pit. When a werewolf went to attack Beren, Finrod Felagund used all his power to defeat it. In this he was successful. However, he was critically wounded and soon passed away. In that dark moment, [[Lúthien]] came to the bridge of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and sang. From his tower of Minas Tirith, Sauron saw Lúthien and knew that it was the famous daughter of [[Melian]] and [[Thingol]]. He desired to capture her and hand her over to Morgoth. Therefore, he sent a wolf to the bridge, but it was quickly and silently slain by [[Huan]]. He sent many more, and each one Huan killed. Finally, he sent [[Draugluin]], sire of the werewolves of Angband. The fight between Huan and Draugluin was fierce. Eventually Draugluin fled and, before dying, he told his master that Huan was there. According to prophecy, Huan would not die until he had encountered the greatest of all wolves, so Sauron contrived to take on that role and defeat the hound. Therefore Sauron took on the form of a werewolf, the greatest the world had ever seen then, and went towards the bridge. So great was the terror of his approach that even Huan momentarily recoiled. Sauron leaped to attack Lúthien, but she drew her magic veil over his eyes, afflicting him with fatigue and blindness. Then Huan sprang upon Sauron and there they fought. The force of Sauron's malice alone left Lúthien weak and nearly unconscious, and the fighting was brutal and prolonged; however, he could not subdue the hound of [[Valinor]]. He was trapped within Huan's jaws and could not break free, even when he took the form of a serpent and finally his own shape. Rather than leave his physical form, he yielded to Lúthien, giving her control of the isle in return for his release. He then took the form of a vampire and fled to [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]], filling the forest with horror.<ref name="Beren" />

After the [[War of Wrath]], with the downfall of [[Morgoth]] and the destruction of [[Thangorodrim]], Sauron adopted a fair form and repented his evil deeds in fear of the wrath of the Valar. [[Eönwë]] ordered Sauron to return to [[Valinor]] in order to receive the judgement of Manwë. Sauron was not willing to suffer such humiliation, and he instead fled and hid himself in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="SRings" />

===Second Age===
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring.png|thumb|right|''Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
It was {{SA|500|n}} years into the [[Second Age]] when Sauron started to stir again.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron decided that the [[Valar]] had forgotten about [[Middle-earth]] and he once again turned to evil; many Men in [[East]] and [[South]], already corrupted by Melkor, fell under the [[Shadow]] by following him.<ref name="SRings" /> By {{SA|882}}, [[Gil-galad]] sensed a shadow arising in the East and sent a [[Gil-galad's letter|warning]] to [[Númenor]].<ref>{{UT|Wife}}</ref> Around {{SA|1000}} Sauron was alarmed by the growing power of the [[Númenóreans]], and chose [[Mordor]] as a land to make into a stronghold. He began the building of [[Barad-dûr]], the Dark Tower, near Mount Doom.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Although Sauron long knew that [[Men]] were easier to sway, he sought to bring the [[Elves]] into his service, as they were far more powerful.<ref name="SRings" /> After lying hidden and increasing his power in secret, in {{SA|1200}} Sauron put on a fair visage, calling himself '''Annatar''', the Lord of Gifts, an emissary from the Valar.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"</ref> He was never welcome in [[Lindon]] as [[Elrond]] and [[Gil-galad]] did not trust him and refused to treat with him, although they did not perceive who he truly was.<ref name="SRings" />

Elsewhere Annatar was gladly received, especially in [[Eregion]], where only [[Galadriel]] distrusted him. The [[Noldorin]] smiths there learned much from him in art and magic, as their thirst for knowledge was great.<ref name="lotr-coe">{{FR|Council}}</ref><ref name="lotr-toy">{{App|SA}}</ref> Under the tutelage of Annatar and the leadership of [[Celebrimbor]], grandson of [[Fëanor]], the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], became more skilled than anyone save Fëanor himself. In the year {{SA|1500}}, when they reached the very height of their power, the Elves began the forging of the [[Rings of Power]], which according to Annatar, would help them preserve their powers over Middle-earth.

But Sauron was ready to begin his own plans, and in {{SA|1600}} - ten years after the completion of the Rings of Power - he created [[The One Ring]] to control the bearers of the other Rings. He invested most of his own power into the Ring as he forged it, so that it would be more powerful than the others. With its power he completed the building of the Dark Tower.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="lotr-toy" />

But the Elves were not so easily ensnared, and as soon as Sauron put on the One Ring they and Celebrimbor were aware of him, and realised they were betrayed.<ref name="lotr-coe" /><ref name="lotr-toy" /> They hid their Rings from Sauron and did not use them. Sauron demanded that the other Rings be given to him, for they would not have been made without his knowledge. The Elves refused, and the War was inevitable.<ref name="SRings" />

====[[Black Years]]====
During this time, Sauron constructed the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor to prevent invasion, and raised massive armies of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and Men, chiefly [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]] whom he dominated as a king and god. He had them make many fortified towns, and armed those under him with iron.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="dm" />

The [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] began in {{SA|1693}} and was a bloody conflict which destroyed Eregion and devastated much of Eriador.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Celebrimbor was slain and his body impaled on a spike paraded at the head of Sauron's legions. The Elves were pushed back almost to the Blue Mountains, while their Dwarven allies (who had also rejected Sauron) retreated behind the walls of [[Moria]] where Sauron could not assail them.

Sauron was the [[Dark Lord]] of almost all of Middle-earth beyond the coasts, but the [[Númenóreans]] responded to the Elves' call for aid and sent a relief force. With united forces, Sauron's army was driven back and defeated near the [[Sarn Ford]] and withdrew to [[Tharbad]] where he was reinforced. But the Númenórean admiral [[Ciryatur]] had sent a fleet up the river Gwathló and Sauron's army was [[Battle of the Gwathló|attacked in the rear and utterly defeated]]. The Dark Lord fled back to Mordor with little more than his own bodyguard and a handful of Orcs.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

Nonetheless, while Sauron's subsequent power never quite matched the height it had during the War with the Elves, many of his most powerful enemies' homelands had been devastated. As the Númenóreans established dominions around the [[Westlands]] (c. {{SA|1800}}),<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron's empire continued to expand to dominate barbarian Men as servants and worshippers to the far south and east.<ref name="dm">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref><ref>{{UT|Amroth}}</ref>

As the Elves had failed him, he had decided to distribute the Rings of Power to three corrupted lords of [[Númenor]]<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> and [[Khamûl|an Easterling king]] and other five Men, as well as lords of the Dwarves. The Dwarves proved too hardy and resistant to their effects; but the Men eventually faded and in {{SA|2251}} they appeared as [[Ringwraiths]], his greatest slaves.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Believing he would dominate all of Middle-earth, Sauron assumed many glorious titles: '''King of Kings''',<ref name="L131">{{L|131}}</ref> '''King of Men''',<ref name="Akallabeth" /> '''Lord of the Earth''',<ref name="SRings" /> and even '''Lord of the World'''.<ref name="L131" />

====On Númenor====
[[File:Elena Kukanova - The Temple of Melkor.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''The Temple of Melkor'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
This offended the arrogant [[Númenóreans]] who had already started to fall under the [[Shadow]]. The proud Númenóreans came to Middle-earth with great force of arms, and Sauron's forces fled. Realising he could not defeat the Númenóreans with military strength, Sauron allowed himself to be taken as a hostage to Númenor by King [[Ar-Pharazôn]] in {{SA|3262}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

There, he quickly grew from captive to adviser and was known as '''Zigûr''', the Wizard;<ref name="Defeated">{{HM|SD}}, ''passim''</ref> he seduced the King and further corrupted the people.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> He converted many Númenóreans to the worship of Darkness, becoming High Priest of a Melkor cult. He had the [[Nimloth (tree)|White Tree]] cut down and in its place raised a great [[Temple]] in which he performed human sacrifices, persecuting those who were still [[Faithful]]. Finally, he convinced the king to rebel against the Valar and attack Valinor itself, claiming they would gain immortality. [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], the supreme God, then directly intervened: Númenor was drowned under the sea, and the great navy of Númenor was destroyed.

Sauron was on Númenor in the Temple of Melkor and was caught in the ensuing [[Downfall of Númenor|flood]]. However, his spirit survived, although severely weakened by the destruction, and it fled back to Middle-earth.

====Against the Faithful====
Sauron's spirit returned to Mordor in {{SA|3320}},<ref name="lotr-toy" /> where he slowly rebuilt his strength, although he was unable to assume a fair shape. From this point on he started to rule through terror and force, largely filling the fearsome role left vacant by his former master.

Meanwhile, a few faithful Númenóreans, led by [[Elendil]], were saved from the flood, and they founded [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in Middle-earth. Sauron still considered them his hated enemies and he launched a pre-emptive attack on Gondor in {{SA|3429}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

In response, the Númenóreans formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] with the Elven-king [[Gil-galad]]. Learning of them, Sauron dispatched some [[Orcs of Mordor]] to the [[Misty Mountains]] to ambush them.<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, Note #20</ref> He also burned the [[Brown Lands|gardens]] of the [[Entwives]] against the advance of the Allies down the [[Anduin]].<ref>{{L|144}}</ref> Nonetheless, the Allies reached Mordor and defeated Sauron's forces in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] in {{SA|3434}} and finally laid siege before [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="lotr-toy" />

The siege lasted for seven years until {{SA|3441}}, when Sauron left his fortress, engaging in direct combat. Elendil and Gil-galad fought Sauron and vanquished him, but both were killed.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> [[Isildur]], son of Elendil, cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and claimed it. Later, the Ring betrayed him and was lost for more than two thousand years. After his defeat in the War of the Last Alliance, Sauron lost his ability to form a physical body for a great while.

===Third Age===
Sauron's defeat released his subjects, like the [[Easterlings]], from his tyranny, but they fell into chaos. Their tribes and kingdoms battled against each other and some withdrew to the hated west.<ref>{{UT|6b}}, p. 259</ref> Weakened by his defeat and the loss of the One Ring, it is thought that he fled to the far east to regain his power and strength before returning.

It was not until c. {{TA|1000}} that Sauron could again begin to take shape in a physical living body. Worried by this prospect, the [[Valar]] sent [[Wizards|five]] [[Maiar]] from the West to assist the peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, pp. 388-389</ref>

His power was enough that he began again to throw a shadow across portions of [[Middle-earth]]. Apparently, Sauron's spirit managed to move some Easterlings, who invaded [[Rhovanion]] and came to the [[Vales of Anduin]].<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #60</ref>

====The Necromancer====
These moves coincided with the coming of the [[Shadow]] to [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref> Around {{TA|1050|n}} he chose [[Amon Lanc|a hill]] in southern Greenwood as a place to build the fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]. At first, the [[Wise]] thought that this "Necromancer" was one of the [[Nazgûl]] who had returned and taken up residence in southern Greenwood.<ref name="TA" />

The year {{TA|1300}} marked Sauron's increased power, evidenced by "evil things" who multiplied and grew bold again, like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and some of the [[Dragons]], who attacked the [[Dwarves]]; and the return of the Nazgûl, with the founding of the evil realm of [[Angmar]].<ref name="TA" /> In the following centuries, Sauron's subjects in Angmar, the East and the South concentrated against his ancient enemies. Kings [[Araphant]] of [[Arnor]] and [[Ondoher]] of [[Gondor]] realised that a single force was coordinating the attacks on both of their kingdoms and that they needed to work together to combat this evil. However, Angmar was successful in destroying Arnor, and soon after the Nazgûl gathered in Mordor and [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|conquered]] [[Minas Ithil]] to prepare for Sauron's return; their final success was ending the [[King of Gondor|royal line]] of Gondor.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="TA" /><ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref> As his shadow deepened, [[Durin's Bane|a balrog]] awoke, causing the desertion of [[Moria]].<ref name="TA" />
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
By {{TA|2060}} the power of Dol Guldur grew so much that [[the Wise]] were alerted that Sauron was returning. [[Gandalf]] entered the fortress in {{TA|2063|n}} but the shadow fled before him. Returning to the [[East]],<ref name="TA" /> Sauron started corrupting the [[Easterlings]] and forging a strong alliance between their tribes.{{fact}} The period of his absence was known as the ''[[Watchful Peace]]'', because the Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened and the Nazgûl stayed quiet in Minas Morgul,<ref name="TA" /> using this period to prepare for Sauron's return.

====Return to Dol Guldur====
The Necromancer returned in {{TA|2460|n}} more powerful, with many Men in his service, and again took up residence in [[Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> His return coincided with the One Ring revealing itself [[Third Age 2463|three years later]], falling in the hands of [[Gollum|a Stoor]]. Sensing the danger, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]].<ref name="TA" />

The Necromancer's aims remained to gather the Rings of Power, find news about the One Ring, and eliminate the [[Heir of Isildur]], if one remained in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="TA" /><ref>{{App|Tale}}</ref> In {{TA|2475}} the [[Uruk-hai]] exited Mordor and briefly conquered [[Ithilien]]. [[Third Age 2480|Some years later]] the Orcs of the Mountains organised themselves, blocking the passes to the West; Moria had been depopulated centuries earlier by the Balrog, and Sauron sent Orcs and [[Trolls]] there.<ref name="TA" /> Also under his shadow were the [[Balchoth]], who invaded Mirkwood and cooperated with Orcs to attack Gondor.<ref name="stew" /> Sauron's servants captured the [[King of Durin's Folk|Dwarf King]] [[Thráin|Thráin II]] and took [[Ring of Thrór|one]] of the [[Seven Rings|Seven Dwarf rings]] from him.<ref name="TA" />

Still investigating the Necromancer, [[Gandalf]] snuck into Dol Guldur in {{TA|2850|n}} and met the dying Dwarf King, learning that the Necromancer was none other than Sauron. [[Third Age 2851|The next year]], Gandalf informed the White Council and urged an immediate attack upon the fortress, but [[Saruman|Saruman the White]] had learned of the presence of the [[The One Ring|Ruling Ring]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], and he thought it best to allow Sauron to build up his strength in order to reveal its location so that Saruman could seize it himself. Following this strategy, Saruman opposed Gandalf.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>

As his power was growing and his arising came closer, his minions moved again against Gondor; his agents stirred the [[Haradrim]] to resume attacking Gondor, while [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Orcs of Mordor]] infested [[Ithilien]]<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew" /> but never managed to pass beyond Anduin, further into Gondor.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> All this time Sauron apparently had learned about the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]] where his old enemy Isildur was killed, shortly after his own demise, almost three millennia ago. He sent his minions to look for the One Ring around [[Anduin]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], not knowing that it had been already in the possession of [[Gollum|a Stoor]].<ref name="TA" />

====Attack of the White Council====
Considering the situations, and the occupation of the dragon [[Smaug]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], Gandalf was worried that Sauron's military assault against the [[West]] was a matter of time, and that he would use Smaug in his force; Gandalf started considering a simultaneous attack both against Dol Guldur and against Smaug, to weaken Sauron.<ref name="erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|''Dol Guldur'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|2939}}, Saruman learned that Sauron was searching for the Ring, and worried that he would find it sooner than he. In {{TA|2941|n}}, he conceded with Gandalf to [[Attack on Dol Guldur|attack Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> Indeed, in the meantime Gandalf managed to eliminate Smaug, and the Orcs of the Mountains were decimated in the [[Battle of Five Armies|ensuing battle]], allowing the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and [[Dale]] to flourish again.<ref name="erebor" /><ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>

Although Gandalf was weakening Sauron's potential grasp in the [[Wilderland|North]],<ref name="erebor" /> Sauron had been expecting the White Council's attack against Dol Guldur and fled from there.<ref name="TA" />

====Return to Mordor====
The [[Nazgûl]] had been preparing [[Barad-dûr]] for Sauron's return, so it was easy for Sauron to return secretly to his old stronghold [[Third Age 2942|a year later]]. Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}, sent three Nazgûl back to Dol Guldur and started rebuilding the Dark Tower, and once it was completed, the [[Mount Doom]] erupted.<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew">{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

From then on, Sauron stayed in Barad-dûr to conduct his war on the [[Free peoples]]. The shadow of Mordor caused despair and sickness to the Gondorians, like [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]], and in his desperation, the Steward [[Denethor]], Sauron's most immediate enemy, used the [[Anor-stone]] to gain knowledge. That ''[[palantír]]'' was directly linked to the [[Ithil-stone]] that the Nazgûl had taken from Minas Morgul, and when Sauron used it, he discovered Denethor was using his. Sauron attempted to wrench the Anor-stone to his will, but failed due to Denethor's strength of will and birth-right to the stone. But this stressed and wore out the steward, who lost his hope.<ref name="stew" /><ref>{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

By {{TA|3000}}, the shadow lengthened, and Saruman, who was residing in [[Orthanc]], had secretly found and decided to use the [[Orthanc-stone]]. As happened with Denethor, Sauron linked with his mind, managing to corrupt him;<ref name="TA" /> from one of his wisest enemies, Saruman became one of his greatest allies.

Around {{TA|3009}}, [[Gollum]], who formerly bore the One Ring and now pursued its thief, ventured into Mordor and was captured by Sauron's minions. Gollum was tortured and interrogated for the following years,<ref name="TA" /> and before releasing him, Sauron learned that the One Ring had been found by [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[the Shire]].

Sauron bred immense armies of Orcs and allied with or enslaved Men from the east and south. He adopted the symbol of a lidless eye, and he was able at that time to send out his will over Middle-earth, so that the [[Eye of Sauron]] became a symbol of power and fear.

====The War of the Ring====
Sauron was alarmed when the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] captured Gollum,<ref name="TA" /> so in June of {{TA|3018}} he dispatched the Nazgûl to hunt for [[the One Ring]] in secrecy. To disguise the crossing of the Nine over the Great River, Sauron staged an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack on Osgiliath]]. This feint served two purposes: first, to test the strength and preparedness of Denethor, and second and more importantly, to present the Nazgûl as merely a military asset, concealing from the [[Wise]] their true mission.<ref name="hunt" /> Denethor's forces were stronger than Sauron hoped, but Sauron took the eastern half of the city nonetheless. This allowed the Nazgûl to cross the Great River and begin their hunt.<ref name="hunt" /> Now knowing the measure of his enemy, Sauron continued to amass his forces in Minas Morgul and Mordor in preparation for the siege of Gondor.<ref name="TT|IV4">{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

By September, the Nazgûl had failed to discover the Shire, and Sauron's wrath and fear were mounting. Via messenger, Sauron ordered the Nine to discard secrecy in favour of speed and go to Isengard to confront Saruman about his knowledge of the whereabouts of the Ring. At this time, Sauron also conveyed to the Nine such dire threats as to dismay even the Lord of Morgul.<ref name="hunt" /> The Nine ultimately failed in their mission, being defeated and unhorsed by the flood of the Bruinen. The Witch-king returned alone to Mordor in December of 3018 to Sauron's great fear, for Sauron perceived that his foes still had strength left in them, and luck seemed to be on their side.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "The Ring Goes South", p. 262</ref>

Sauron's next glimpse of the Ring (or so he believed) would come in the late hours of [[5 March]] T.A. 3019, when Pippin looked into the ''palantír'' of Orthanc that he had recovered from the flood of Isengard. Sauron, unaware of Saruman's defeat at hands of the [[Ents]], assumed Pippin was the Wizard's prisoner, and was being forced to look into the ''palantír'' as a form of cruel sport. Rather than interrogate Pippin immediately, Sauron chose to torment him, and bid him tell Saruman that he would send for the prisoner immediately.<ref>{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> He was therefore deceived into thinking the Ring was finally within his grasp.

A few hours later, on the morning of [[6 March]], Sauron encountered one of his foes in the ''palantír'' of Orthanc: Aragorn looked into the Stone, revealing himself to Sauron as the Heir of Isildur and wielder of [[Andúril]], the Blade Reforged. Aragorn spoke no word to Sauron and with a great effort of will wrested control of the Stone from him. As Aragorn intended, this played on Sauron's gnawing doubts and filled him with fear, believing that Aragorn might have overthrown Saruman, seizing Pippin and therefore the Ring. Thus, he ordered the Witch-king to launch his long-planned assault on Gondor immediately, rather than wait for all preparations to be made, hoping to destroy his enemies before they had a chance to make full use of the Ring's power.<ref name="RKV2">{{RK|V2}}</ref>

The death of the Witch-king and the defeat of his army in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] were a setback to Sauron, but he still had a great force of arms held in reserve in Mordor, more than enough to eventually secure military victory against all of his enemies combined. After his encounter with Aragorn in the ''palantír'', Sauron believed that one of his foes in Minas Tirith held the One Ring and would soon attempt to use it. As such, Gandalf was able to exploit Sauron's false beliefs with an audacious plan: the army of the Free Peoples would march on the Black Gate as a feint, keeping Sauron's Eye fixed upon them and blind to all else that moved, as the true Ringbearer made his way to Mount Doom.<ref name="RKV9">{{RK|V9}}</ref>

For the next nine days, Gandalf's plan worked - as the Host of the West made its way east and north, Sauron kept his entire focus upon it and diverted the whole strength of Mordor to the Black Gate to meet them. Even when Shagrat brought news of an "Elvish" intruder in [[Cirith Ungol]], Sauron's belief that the Ring was with the Host of the West remained unshaken and he made no attempt to investigate further; he could certainly not imagine that his enemies were trying to sneak the Ring into Mordor. Frodo and Sam thus made it to the [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]] undetected, and Sauron did not become aware of them until the very moment that Frodo claimed the Ring for himself.<ref name="RKVI3">{{RK|VI3}}</ref> [[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

Only then did Sauron finally perceive Frodo and, realising he had been tricked, was overwhelmed with wrath and fear. He instantly lost all interest in the ongoing [[Battle of the Morannon]] and dispatched the Nazgûl from the skies above the battle to Mount Doom with all haste. It was too late; Gollum fell into the Crack of Doom with the Ring, destroying it and himself. In the moment of the Ring's destruction, Barad-dûr and many other of Sauron's fortresses crumbled to ruin. Sauron's spirit emerged and rose above Mordor like a black cloud - he stretched out his hand towards the army of the West, but even as he did so, he was blown away by a great wind and vanished.<ref name="RKVI4">{{RK|VI4}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Thus Sauron's power was unmade, and his dominion in Middle-earth came to an end. According to Gandalf, Sauron was "maimed for ever, becoming a mere spirit of malice that gnaws itself in the shadows, but cannot again grow or take shape."<ref name="RKV9" /> Sauron's corporeal body that was in the Dark Tower died, and without the Ring, his spirit no longer had the power to create a new one. Though his indestructible mind and being were bound forever to [[Eä]], Sauron had lost all power to effect his will upon the world<ref>{{L|200}}</ref> and could never again grow in strength.<ref>{{MR|P5VII}}, section iii, p. 403 and note 11, p. 407</ref>

It is said of Sauron, in summary of his long career of wickedness in Arda, that "he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void."<ref name="SVala" />

==Characteristics==
Sauron was a being of exceptional power, both in personal might and in sorcery, yet his greatest strength lie in his cunning, intellect, and charisma; through persuasion, deception, and coercion, he brought ruin to many mortal realms and united others unto himself, often without ever having to physically intervene, and he nearly cast Middle-earth into darkness several times throughout his existence.

Much like his [[Morgoth|master]], pride in his own abilities was his greatest personal weakness, and this arrogance, coupled with an underestimation of his enemies, would ultimately doom him.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

===Physical form===
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|Tolkien's unfinished sketch of Sauron, apparently showing him just after the destruction of the Ring]]
At first Sauron appeared as a royal and commanding figure in a strong body. He was also able to veil his power and change his shape. Later, however, he could take only a terrible form, of a stature greater than a [[Men|Man]]'s, though not giant,<ref>{{L|246}}</ref> "an image of malice and hatred made visible; and the Eye of Sauron the Terrible few could endure."<ref name="Akallabeth" /> [[Isildur]] recounted that at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]], Sauron's hand was black with a deadly burning touch.<ref name="lotr-coe" /> Gollum would also call him "Black Hand", noticing he only had four fingers after Isildur cut one off.<ref name="Closed">{{TT|IV3}}</ref>

===Eye of Sauron===
The '''[[Eye of Sauron]]''', called by various names, was the symbol of Sauron the Dark Lord following the loss of [[the One Ring]]. This symbol was adopted to show his unceasing vigilance and piercing perception, and was displayed on the weaponry of his servants, or at least the [[orcs]].

Sauron's Eye as Frodo sees it in the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] is the only feature of his later form described in detail. It is yellow and rimmed with fire, with a slit pupil, "a window into nothing."<ref>{{FR|II7}}</ref> The colour is compared to that of a cat's eye, but because of the references to Sauron's Lidless Eye, it may also resemble that of a snake, such as an adder. Readers differ as to whether Sauron's eyes were literally lidless and resembled what Frodo saw, or instead the Eye was only a symbol that Frodo saw in the Mirror in an elaborate form.

Sauron's gaze, even indirectly, was known to wither, exhaust, and weaken his foes, with [[Denethor II|Denethor]], [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], and [[Gandalf]] all rendered weary and dreadful after confronting him.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> The sheer malevolence Sauron exuded through his presence alone was enough to render Lúthien frail and nearly unconscious.<ref name="Beren" />

==Etymology==
{{pronounce|Quenya - Sauron.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
'''''Sauron''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}})<ref group="note">''Sauron'' is pronounced "sour-on" (''sour'' as in not sweet).</ref> is a [[Quenya]] name, said to mean "the Abhorred".<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry "Sauron"</ref>

Several accounts of the origin of the name ''Sauron'' were suggested in different linguistic manuscripts:
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, evil-smelling, putrid", from the [[Sundocarme|root]] [[THUS#Other versions|THUS]]).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "[[THUS]]-"</ref>
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, vile"; from root [[SAWA]]). The manuscript continues saying that ''Sauron'' "could be a genuine [[Sindarin]] formation from ''[[saur]]''; but is probably from Quenya". However, this origin appears to have been rejected, as it is followed by the comment "No. [[THAW|THAW-]], cruel. ''[[Saura]]'', cruel" in the manuscript.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 183-4</ref>
*deriving from the [[Primitive Quendian]] form ''þaurond-'' (formed from the adjective ''þaurā'' "detestable", from root [[THAW]]).<ref>{{L|297}}, p. 380</ref>
*deriving from '''''Thauron''''', which includes the [[Sindarin]] element ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"; also found in [[Sauron#Other names|''Gor'''thaur''''']]).<ref name="Appendix">{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''gor'', ''thaur''</ref>

==Other names==
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Gorthaur.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Mairon.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{Pronounce|Annatar.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''''Gorthaur''''' was a name used of Sauron by the [[Sindar]] during the [[First Age]],<ref name="SVala" /><ref>{{WJ|15}}, p. 240</ref> which was composed of the elements ''[[gor]]'' ("horror, dread") and ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"), thus meaning "Terrible Dread";<ref name="Appendix" /> an alternate variation of this name was '''''Gorsodh'''''.<ref>{{WJ|One}}, entry 455, §153, p. 54</ref> The Quenya equivalent was '''''Ñorsus'''''.<ref name="PE17.1" />

In some of Tolkien's notes from the 1950s, it is said that Sauron's original name was '''''Mairon''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], "the Admirable"), but this was altered after he was suborned by Melkor. He continued to call himself Mairon the Admirable, or '''Tar-mairon''' ("King Excellent"), until after Númenor's downfall,<ref name="PE17.1" /> although he could not use that name in Númenor, as it was a Quenya name with royal implications. There he was called '''''Zigûr''''',<ref name="Defeated" /> meaning "Wizard" in [[Adûnaic]].<ref>{{SD|3vi9}}, p. 437</ref>

'''''Annatar''''' is Quenya for "Lord of Gifts", from ''[[anna]]'' + ''[[tar]]''.<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''anna'', ''tar''</ref> It can be noticed that Morgoth used a similar name when he seduced the first [[Men]]: "Giver of Gifts".<ref>{{MR|P4i}}, The '[[Tale of Adanel]]', p. 344</ref> In an isolated note, Tolkien gives other names used by Sauron when he seduced the Elves in the Second Age: '''''Artano''''' ("High-smith") and '''''Aulendil''''' ("Devoted to Aulë").<ref>{{UT|6}}, Notes, p. 254</ref>

Among his many titles and epithets were:
*The '''Base Master of Treachery''', used once by Gandalf to explain why the [[Mouth of Sauron]] should not be trusted.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[Black Hand]]''', used twice by Gollum.<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Master|Black Master]]''', used by [[Isildur]] when cursing Sauron's former servants, the [[Oathbreakers]].<ref name="RKV2" />
*The '''Black One''', used once by [[Gollum]].<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Dark Lord]]''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Dark Power''', used by Gandalf.<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref>
*The '''Deceiver''', given by [[Amandil]] before departing to ask the Valar deliverance from Sauron's corruption.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
*The '''Enemy''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''[[Eye of Sauron|Eye]]''', with its variants, mainly referred to his mental form and his [[Eye of Sauron|emblem]], but also applied to Sauron himself.<ref>{{RK|I3}}, entry "Eye, The"</ref>
*The '''Great''', following the name of ''Sauron'', it is only used once by Gandalf,<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref> once by [[Glóin]],<ref name="lotr-coe" /> and once by the Mouth of Sauron.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[King of Kings]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''[[King of Men]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="Akallabeth" />
*The '''Lord of the Earth''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Lord of [[Barad-dûr]],''' given to Sauron during the periods he inhabitated the Dark Tower; used by [[Denethor]]<ref name=":0">{{RK|V4}}</ref> and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="RKV9" />
*The '''[[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Ring]]''' or '''Lord of the Rings'''.
*The '''Lord of the World''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''Nameless''', probably given by the [[Gondorians|people of Gondor]], as it is only used by Boromir as '''Nameless Enemy''',<ref name="lotr-coe" /> by Faramir as '''Nameless One''',<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref> and by the watchmen of Gondor.<ref name=":0" />
*The '''Necromancer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''King''', given by the people of [[Agar]].<ref>{{PM|Elmar}}</ref>
*The '''One Enemy''', used once by Frodo Baggins.<ref name="TT|IV4" />
*The '''[[Ring-maker]]'''.<ref name="Shadow" />
*The '''Ruler''', used once by Saruman during his confrontation with Gandalf.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''[[Shadow]]''', not properly given to him, but to his power when he expanded it in the Third Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Sorcerer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*'''Wolf-Sauron''', the name given to the dreadful werewolf-shape that Sauron took on when he went to do battle with [[Huan]].<ref name="Beren" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
Since the earliest versions of the [[legendarium]], Sauron has undergone many changes. The prototype of this character was '''[[Tevildo]]''', lord of the cats, who played the role later taken by Sauron in the earliest version of the story of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]". Morgoth also had another servant named '''[[Fankil]]''' who led evil [[Dwarves]] and notably acted as his lieutenant, a role assumed by Sauron in the final works.

Tevildo later was transformed into '''[[Thû]]''', the Necromancer - the first proper iteration of the later Sauron. The name was then changed to ''Gorthû'', ''Sûr'', and finally to Sauron. ''Gorthû'', in the form ''Gorthaur'', remained in ''The Silmarillion''.

In the first version of the Fall of Númenor, Sûr (Thû) originally came to Númenor in the likeness of a great bird and preached a message of deliverance, and he prophesied the second coming of Morgoth. He spoke with the king (Angor) and queen (Istar) and promised them undying life and lordship of the Earth. They believed him and fell under the shadow, and the greatest part of the people of Númenor followed them. Angor raised a great temple to Morgoth in the midst of the land, and Sûr dwelt there.<ref name="downfall1">{{LR|P1II2}}</ref>{{rp|§5}} As Angor felt the oncoming of old age, Sûr convinced the king that that the gifts of Morgoth were withheld by the Gods, and that to obtain plenitude of power and undying life he must be master of the West. Sûr then aided the Númenóreans in making their great armament.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§6}} Thû survived the destruction of the island and retreated to Middle-earth where he fought wars against the surviving Númenóreans, whose hearts were not crooked and hated Thû, that assailed his temples and servants.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§13}} Eventually Amroth,<ref group="note">This Amroth is a predecessor to Eldendil, hence is a Man, not an Elf</ref> the King of Beleriand, took council with Elrond, and with what Elves remained they crossed over the mountains and assailed the fortress of Thû; Amroth himself was slain, but Thû was brought to his knees, with his servants dispelled and his dwellings destroyed, and he fled to a dark forest and hid himself.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§14}}

Prior to the publication of ''The Silmarillion'', Sauron's origins and true identity were unclear to those without full access to Tolkien's notes. For example, in early editions of ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth|The Guide to Middle Earth]]'', Sauron was described as "probably of the Eldar elves".

===The Necromancer===
In ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the Necromancer is an obscure villainous entity mentioned fleetingly by [[Gandalf]] as one of the dangers of the wider world. He is peripheral to the plot of the book: explaining why the company takes the dangerous road through Mirkwood rather than going around, and providing a reason for Gandalf's absence for that section of the journey. Thematically the Necromancer, a truly 'terrible' force beyond the power of the main protagonists, gives the world of ''The Hobbit'' a greater level of reality which Tolkien felt was necessary for a "fairy-tale" to ring true.<ref name="Letter17">{{L|17}}</ref>

Despite the alias, it would appear that the Necromancer was always intended to stand for Sauron, a figure from the very earliest phases of his legendarium (as [[Tevildo]] in "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]"). Shortly after the publication of ''The Hobbit'' Tolkien wrote:

{{blockquote|Mr Baggins began as a comic tale among conventional and inconsistent Grimm's fairy-tale dwarves, and got drawn into the edge of it – so that even Sauron the terrible peeped over the edge.|[[Letter 19]]}}

Indeed, in the ''[[Lay of Leithian]]'', [[Thû]] is called a "necromancer" who "held his hosts of [[phantoms]] and of wandering [[ghosts]]" (l. 2075) in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]].<ref>{{LB|C7}}</ref>

However, as ''The Hobbit'' was not originally intended to be integrated with Tolkien's wider mythology the Necromancer did not necessarily need to be consistent with his [[First Age]] counterpart Sauron, rather the two were loosely linked to add an 'impression of depth' to the narrative of ''The Hobbit''. With Tolkien's decision to merge the two 'worlds' and make Sauron the central antagonist of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' came the need to reconcile the two figures and account for his whereabouts in the millennia between the end of the First Age and his dwelling in Bilbo's Mirkwood. This was largely achieved in the ''[[Appendix B|Tale of Years]]'', with Sauron becoming a much greater figure after the fall of his master, one who arguably drove the history of the entire Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth.

Fans have noted that the alias "Necromancer" for Sauron is obscure, as in the context of neither ''The Hobbit'' nor ''The Lord of the Rings'' Sauron is ever specifically mentioned to use [[Wikipedia:necromancy|necromancy]], i.e. controlling the [[spirits]] of the dead.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/47756/why-is-sauron-called-the-necromancer|articlename=Why is Sauron called the "Necromancer"?|dated=|website=Stackexchange|accessed=9 January 2020}}</ref>

A later essay mentions the practice of necromancy concerning the ''[[fëar]]'' of the [[Unbodied]] Elves, mentioning that Sauron possibly did so and also taught his followers,<ref>{{MR|P3II3c}}, p. 224</ref> although this reference is not given in the context of the story.

==Minions and allies==
*[[Thuringwethil]]- Vampire Herald
*[[Draugluin]]- First of the Werewolves of Angband; mortally-wounded by [[Huan]]
*The [Witch-king|[Witch-king of Angmar]] - Lord of Morgul, Lord of the Nazgûl and deadliest servant; vanquished by [[Éowyn]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]
**[[Khamûl]] - Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, second only to the Witch-king among the Nazgûl; undone by the destruction of [[the One Ring]]
**Other 7 [[Nazgûl]] - Most terrible of his servants; perished with the One Ring
*The [[King of the Dead]] - King of the Oathbreakers, former servant bound to the [[Heir of Isildur]]
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]] - Last King of Númenor, rival-turned-puppet, coerced to the worship of the Darkness
*[[Herumor]] - Lord among the Haradrim
*[[Fuinur]] - Chief among the Haradrim
*[[Captain of the Haven]] - Commander of the Corsairs of Umbar; slain by [[Aragorn]]
*The [[Mouth of Sauron]] - Lieutenant of the Dark Tower and personal Ambassador
**[[Grishnákh]] - Orc captain of the Dark Tower; slain by the Riders of Rohan
*[[Saruman]] - Lord of Isengard, corrupted White [[Wizards|Wizard]] and treacherous ally; stabbed in the back by Gríma
**[[Gríma]] - Chief counsellor of King [[Théoden]] in Rohan, Saruman's mole at the court; shot by Hobbit arrows
**[[Squint-eyed southerner]] - Dunlending spy at the Prancing Pony Inn
**[[Bill Ferny]] - Outlaw of Bree-land
**[[Harry Goatleaf]] - Gate-keeper of the West-gate of Bree, informant
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]] - Lieutenant of Morgul, second only to the Witch-king among the Morgul-host
**[[Gorbag]] - Captain of the Orcs of Morgul that captured [[Frodo Baggins]]; murdered by Shagrat
*[[Shagrat]] - Captain of Cirith Ungol; put to death for his failures
**[[Muzgash]] - Orc guard at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Lagduf]] - Orc sentry stationed at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Radbug]] - Orc sentinel of Cirith Ungol; had his eyes squeezed out by Shagrat
**[[Snaga (orc of Mordor)|Snaga]] - Torturer of Cirith Ungol; fell to his demise in a fight with [[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Ufthak]] - Orc subordinate in Cirith Ungol; caught by Shelob in her webs
*[[Shelob]] - Descendant of [[Ungoliant]] and convenient guardian of the pass through Mordor
*The [[Two Watchers]] - Statues inhabited by evil spirits
;Characters from older concepts
*[[Naglur-Danlo]] - Orc of Cirith Ungol
*[[Shagram]] - Orc soldier of Cirith Ungol

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Sauron in Adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="160" heights="160">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Prologue.jpg|Sauron in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:LOTR-vol2-Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Sauron.jpg|Sauron ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Eye Of Sauron.jpg|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
File:Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in the ''[[Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:Lord of the Rings The Third Age - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Annatar.png|Annatar in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Sauron.jpg|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]: [[Minas Morgul]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Conquest - Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Annatar.png|Annatar in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Sauron in Dúrnost.jpg|Sauron in [[Dúrnost]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Halbrand in Mordor.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Sauron/[[Halbrand]] in [[Mordor]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:Jack-lowden-as-a-form-of-Sauron-on-the-Rings-of-Power-season-two-2.webp|[[Jack Lowden]] as [[Forodwaith (people)|Forodwaith]] Sauron in [[Dúrnost]] within [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]
File:Rings-of-power-annatar-3-ku4bifbuj2befldajixhkw2uwy.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Annatar in [[Eregion]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:SauronDarkLord ToME.jpg|Sauron, the Dark Lord card from [[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Sauron is briefly shown in the prologue sequence as a shadowy figure in a horned helmet in a non-speaking role.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played by [[Sala Baker]] and voiced by [[Alan Howard]]. In these films, he is depicted as a tall -yet not gigantic - armored warlord wielding a huge mace (a blend between his vague description by Tolkien and the more detailed appearance of [[Morgoth]] as described in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''). In the first film, he is depicted dispatching a number of Elves and Men with his mace, before killing [[Gil-galad]] (offscreen; the scene figured in the concept art done for the prologue, however) and then [[Elendil]] before being defeated by [[Isildur]] using his father's [[Narsil|broken sword]] to cut off the finger wearing [[the One Ring]], as well as three others on the same hand. This strangely causes his body to explode, producing a shockwave that knocks everyone on the battlefield off their feet.

:Later on, [[Saruman]] implies to [[Gandalf]] that Sauron was unable to retain his physical form and that the Eye was his astral form, a detail which is never brought up in the novel. It is unknown if Saruman was truthful with this statement, or if he was either misinformed or lying (since he was already corrupted by his yearning for power and Sauron's influence).

:For the portrayal of Sauron as a giant eye of fire in these movies, see [[Eye of Sauron#Portrayal in adaptations]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played and voiced by [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], under his assumed identity as the Necromancer. In these films, it is stated that the White Council does not discover he is Sauron until much later, during the events of these films, previously believing him to be a human with skills in magic. In these films, Sauron initially appears as a shadowy figure before assuming his armoured form from the previous films. With him as the slit black pupil, he projects flames around him, creating the visage of the Great Eye.

'''2017: ''[[Wikipedia:The Lego Batman Movie|The Lego Batman Movie]]'':'''
:In the film, Sauron, appearing as a flaming eye from atop his tower, is among the villains recruited by The Joker to aid in his conquest of Gotham City. His powers of vision prove to be a hindrance to Batman and his companions, but he is eventually inadvertently destroyed by the Kraken's mouth projectile. He is voiced by Jemaine Clement.

===Television===
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:'''1 September: Episode 1. ''[[A Shadow of the Past]]'':'''
::Sauron appears overseeing an army of [[Orcs]] at [[Dúrnost]] during the prologue, narrated by [[Galadriel]]. No actor is credited for the specific role.

:'''14 October: Episode 8. ''[[Alloyed]]'':'''
::It is revealed that Sauron was disguised as [[Halbrand]] (portrayed by [[Charlie Vickers]]) the entire time. After being supposedly "split open" by [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]], he took on the form of a mortal [[Men|Man]] and gave to himself the name Halbrand. At some point in time, he came upon the corpse of the last King of the [[Southlands]] and took up the crest because he thought that it suited him well.

===Radio series===
{{Incomplete}}
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sauron is provided by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1724">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1724, [[23 November|November 23]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned only very briefly at the end; [[Gandalf]] and [[Elrond]] discuss how the "Necromancer" had been driven from his abode in the south of [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

===Video games===
{{Incomplete}}
'''1985: ''[[Lord of the Rings: Game One]]'':'''

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'''''

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned by [[Gandalf]] in the beginning of the game.

'''1993: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Sauron is mentioned in the beginning of the game, when [[Gandalf]] explains the history of [[the One Ring]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron and the events of the south of Mirkwood are left unmentioned. However, whilst in Mirkwood, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] has to defeat creatures that he calls "Minions of the Necromancer".

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:At the end of the game, Berethor and company (the playable characters) have to defeat the eye of Sauron by physically attacking him on top of [[Barad-dûr]].

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''

'''2005: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tactics]]'':'''

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Sauron, in his fair guise, appears during the flashback to the years of the [[Second Age]]. He uses the name "Antheron" instead of "Annatar", which only appears in the works not covered by the game' licese.
:Visiting Sauron's personal chambers in [[Dol Guldur]] leads to a vision of the Dark Lord, still weak and recovering from his defeat at the hand of [[Isildur]].
:During an extended flashback sequence to the [[War of the Last Alliance]], Sauron himself is met within [[Barad-dûr]] by the player, who controls a historic character.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''

'''2012: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Sauron appears in a boss battle in the first level. His boss form appears as a massive CCBS figure-similar to something from LEGO's Knights Kingdom line. He is also unlocked as a playable character after the bonus level. His Annatar form appears as a playable character in a downloadable DLC.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Sauron is a "guardian".<ref name="Trailer">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caYW7d-8MIY&feature=player_embedded|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': First Official Gameplay Trailer|dated=29 June 2012|website=YT|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''

'''2014: ''[[Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Sauron has two playable forms. The first is based on the Necromancer mini-figure from the "Dol Guldur Battle" LEGO set while the second is a fiery version of his playable form in the [[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game|first game]].

'''2015: ''[[Wikipedia:Lego Dimensions|Lego Dimensions]]'':'''
:Sauron (voiced by Steven Blum), appearing in mini-figure form, invades the DC Comics' dimension and takes over Metropolis with the aid of the Rift Keystone. Soon thereafter, Sauron uses the Rift Keystone to bring Barad-dûr across dimensions to stand atop Lexcorp tower. When Batman, Gandalf, and Wildstyle arrive in the city to retake the Keystone, Sauron engages the three in a battle atop a Doctor Who Dalek saucer. Eventually, he is defeated, being pulled through a rift by Lord Vortech, the primary antagonist. Sauron is turned into a cube and does not appear again.

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'':'''

===Others===
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:Sauron is treated as a Mage of level 180 (level 360 if using the One Ring). Among his items are the Elf-slaying Black Sword (S. ''Mormegil''), the Gauntlet of Slaying ("Narsil's Bane"), and the Black Scale of dragonskin. Among his special powers are Domination (control over other players using the One Eye), resistance to normal weapons, and the ability to force anyone within his sight to resist fear (or otherwise become frozen).

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54534/cards_lang/1 Sauron]", appearing in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Balrog|The Balrog]]'', is playable as a manifestation of the card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54002/cards_lang/1 The Lidless Eye]" (from the set [[Middle-earth: The Lidless Eye|''The Lidless Eye'']]), and can be used by players to enhance their general influence.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/20/goal/|articlename=Home page for the game Middle Earth|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=5 January 2012}}</ref>

==External links==
*[http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/sauronname.htm ''A Name for the Dark Lord''] by [[Helge Fauskanger]].

{{references|note}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=evil
| house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of <s>[[Aulë]]</s> [[Morgoth|Melkor]]
| born = [[Creation of the Ainur]]
| died=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Morgoth]]''', c. 1603 years earlier
| list=2nd [[Dark Lord]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=None
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Ring created
| list=1st [[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} – {{SA|3441|n}}
| next=[[Isildur]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{ainur}}
{{numenor}}
{{ringbearers}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Smiths]]
[[de:Sauron]]
[[fi:Sauron]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/sauron]]

File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Forodwaith Sauron.webp

2025-08-03T18:34:50Z

SaurontheDeciever: Jack Lowden as Foodwraith Sauron in Lord of Rings: Rings of Power

== Summary ==
Jack Lowden as Foodwraith Sauron in Lord of Rings: Rings of Power

Sauron

2025-08-03T18:25:03Z

SaurontheDeciever: /* Sauron in Adaptations */

{{short description|Servant of Morgoth and master of the One Ring}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Sauron
| image=Alaïs - Annatar.jpg
| caption="Annatar" by [[:Category:Images by Alaïs|Alaïs]]
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}}
| othernames=''Annatar'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Gorthaur'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Mairon'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Zigûr'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]) The Enemy [[Eye of Sauron|The Eye]] The Necromancer The Shadow ''([[#Other names|See below]])''
| titles=The [[Dark Lord]] The [[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Rings]] [[King of Men]] Lord of the World Ring-maker
| position=Smith of [[Aulë]] Lieutenant to [[Morgoth]]
| location=[[Timeless Halls]], [[Almaren]], [[Valinor]], [[Utumno]], [[Angband]], [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], [[Barad-dûr]], [[Ost-in-Edhil]], [[Armenelos]], [[Temple]], [[Dol Guldur]], and [[Window of the Eye]]
| affiliation=[[Aulë]] (originally) [[Morgoth|Melkor]] (later on)
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Black Speech]], [[Adûnaic]], and possibly [[Westron]]
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule={{SA|1600}} - {{TA|3019}}
| death=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Barad-dûr]], [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]]
| age= Unquantifiable
| notablefor=Deceived the [[Elves]] into forging the [[Rings of Power]]; Created [[The One Ring]]; Brought about the [[Downfall of Númenor]]; Nearly conquered the whole of [[Middle-earth]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=''[[#Physical form|See below]]''
| hair=
| eyes=''[[#Eye of Sauron|See below]]''
| clothing=
| weapons=[[The One Ring]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|But in after days he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void.|''[[Valaquenta]]'': Of the Enemies}}</center>

'''Sauron''' was a highly gifted [[Maiar|Maia]], originally an apprentice of [[Aulë]], who became skilled at crafting and making. Coveting the power through which he would coordinate all things according to his own will, he joined with [[Morgoth|Melkor]]. As "Gorthaur" he became the most trusted lieutenant of Morgoth, being reckoned as the greatest of his allies and servants in the [[Battles of Beleriand|Wars of Beleriand]]. From his fortress of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], Sauron was directly responsible for the death of [[Barahir]] and later the [[Noldor]]in king [[Finrod]] during the [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. He demonstrated the ability to take the form of a wolf, a serpent, and a vampire.

After the downfall of Morgoth, Sauron continually strove to conquer [[Middle-earth]] throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages. In the Second Age, under the guise of '''Annatar''', he deceived the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]], who under his guidance had created the [[Rings of Power]], whilst he secretly forged [[the One Ring]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Thus Sauron became "'''[[Lord of the Ring|the Lord of the Rings]]'''". Failing to corrupt the Elves, he assaulted the [[Westlands]], beginning a period called the [[Dark Years]], the first time he became known as the '''[[Dark Lord]]'''. The arrogant [[Númenóreans]], contesting their rule on Middle-earth, challenged him, and Sauron accepted to be brought to [[Númenor]] as a captive; however his influence corrupted the Númenóreans further - leading to the [[Downfall of Númenor]]. His spirit escaped, as did [[Elendil]] and his sons, founding the Realms in Exile of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Elves and the [[Dúnedain]], formed the [[Last Alliance]] and, in {{SA|3441}}, Elendil and Elven [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] died fighting Sauron. Following Sauron's defeat, Elendil's son, [[Isildur]], severed his Ringed finger and took the One Ring for himself.

In the Third Age, Sauron the Enemy returned to Middle-earth and, as the '''Necromancer''', took the hill of [[Amon Lanc]] as his fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]; one of his foremost servants, the [[Witch-king]], formed the realm of [[Angmar]] in the north of [[Eriador]]. Following an attack by the [[White Council]] in {{TA|2941}}, the Dark Lord Sauron returned to his fortress of [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]], marshalling his armies and using his two-faced ally, the corrupted [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Saruman]]. By {{TA|3018}}, [[Frodo Baggins]] was in possession of the Ring, and he was led by [[Gandalf]] as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Whilst Sauron waged the [[War of the Ring]] against the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Gollum]] reached Mount Doom on [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}, and the Ring was destroyed. The breaking of the Ring caused Sauron's fall, and his stepping on Morgoth's path down into the [[Void]], resulting in the start of the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]].

==History==
===Origin===
[[File:Maureval - Mairon.jpg|thumb|left|''Mairon'' by [[:Category:Images by Maureval|Maureval]]]]
{{quote|For nothing is evil in the beginning. Even Sauron was not so.|[[Elrond]]<ref name="lotr-coe"/>}}
As one of the most powerful [[Maiar]], Sauron was [[Creation of the Ainur|created]] by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of [[Time]], he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|IId}}</ref> Here he became one of the Maiar of [[Aulë]], among whose people he was deemed mighty and surpassed only by the Smith himself,<ref name="SVala" /> and was known as '''''Mairon'''''.<ref name="PE17.1">{{PE|17}}, p. 183</ref><ref group="note">Although it could be possible the name 'Mairon' was adapted by the Elves to [[Quenya]] originally from [[Valarin]] name with the same meaning much later, this pure Valarin form vanished in history.</ref>

Mairon's virtue was his love for order, planning and coordination, disliking confusion and chaos. But his obsession with order gradually overshadowed his love for the other intelligent beings of Arda, who would benefit from his planning; it became the sole object of his will, the end in itself. He started admiring [[Morgoth|Melkor]]'s power to realize his designs quickly and masterfully.<ref name="myths" />

Early on, already by the blissful [[Spring of Arda]], he was ensnared by Melkor, becoming his spy on the isle of [[Almaren]], the dwelling-place of the Valar.<ref name="Annals">{{MR|P2a}}, p. 52</ref> While [[Tulkas]] was asleep, Melkor ruined the [[Two Lamps]], and when Almaren was also destroyed, the [[Valar]] moved to the [[Aman|Blessed Realm of Aman]], still not perceiving Sauron's treachery.<ref name="Valinor">{{L|131}}: "''… Sauron was a being of Valinor perverted to the service of the Enemy …''"</ref> Soon Mairon left the Blessed Realm for [[Middle-earth]], [[Sleep of Yavanna|in a dark time]] where Melkor dominated limitlessly, and bent the knee before him as his greatest and most trusted servant.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> Thus he came to be known as '''''Gorthaur''''' by the [[Sindar]] of [[Beleriand]] and '''''Sauron''''' by others. Sauron initially was not as evil as Morgoth, as he was serving someone and not himself;<ref name="SVala" /> and unlike Melkor, who wanted to unmake and corrupt the world, Sauron wished to rule it and do what he wanted with it.<ref name="myths">{{MR|Myths}}, pp. 394-398</ref>

After [[Morgoth]] made his great fortress of [[Angband]] in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]], he appointed Sauron to be its commander.<ref name="SCaptivity">{{S|Captivity}}</ref>

===First Age===
{{quote|Sauron was become now a sorcerer of dreadful power, master of shadows and of phantoms, foul in wisdom, cruel in strength, misshaping what he touched, twisting what he ruled, lord of werewolves; his dominion was torment.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin]]"}}
At some point after the [[Awakening of the Elves]], it was Sauron who first discovered them and their dwellings.<ref>{{NM|P1xiv}}, p. 107</ref> Following their subsequent discovery by [[Oromë]], the Valar [[Battle of the Powers|made war against Melkor]] to protect them and though they stormed Angband and Utumno, they failed to find Sauron.<ref name="SCaptivity" /> Thus Sauron continued his evil operations; during the [[Great Journey|Great March]] of the [[Eldar]] to Valinor, it is said that he may have been responsible for the affliction upon the [[Atyamar|land of the Elves]] in the [[Vales of Anduin]], forcing the [[Elves]] to resume their journey.<ref>{{NM|P1vii}}, pp. 50-51</ref>

With the unchaining of Morgoth and his subsequent destruction of the [[Two Trees of Valinor]], the [[Sun]] first rose and ushered in the awakening of [[Men]]. Leaving Sauron in command of the war, Morgoth left Angband in secret to find the second-born kindred of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and to corrupt them to his will.<ref name="SWest">{{S|West}}</ref>

After the [[Fall of Fingolfin]], Sauron launched an attack on [[Tol Sirion]]. Utter fear descended upon [[Orodreth]] and those who defended the isle. Sauron assailed [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] and turned it into a watch tower for Morgoth. Therein Sauron sat and Tol Sirion the fair became [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], the Isle of Werewolves.<ref name="SFingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

Upon hearing of the deeds of [[Barahir]] and his companions, Morgoth ordered Sauron to find and kill them. [[Gorlim]], one of Barahir's companions, was captured and brought before Sauron. Sauron promised that he would free Gorlim and his wife [[Eilinel]] in return for information. Under the terror of Sauron's eyes, Gorlim revealed everything he knew, and thus the hiding place of Barahir was betrayed to the enemy. Subsequently, Sauron revealed Eilinel was dead and had Gorlim put to death.<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>

[[Beren]], son of [[Barahir]], promised to avenge his father's death. He wandered throughout [[Dorthonion]] as an outlaw and achieved great deeds that were heard far and wide. Morgoth set a high price on his head and Sauron, commanding a great army of [[werewolves]] and [[fell beasts]], sought for Beren.<ref name="Beren" />

Later, [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]], Beren, and their ten companions left [[Nargothrond]] in search of the [[Silmarils]]. Despite their being disguised as Orcs, Sauron espied them as they entered into the vale between [[Ered Wethrin]] and [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] and was suspicious, as Orcs passing were supposed to report to him. He had them captured and they were brought to him. There Finrod and Sauron fought in songs of power; the strength of both was great, but Sauron was more powerful. He then stripped them of their Orc disguises but failed to discern who they were. He had them thrown into a dark pit where one by one they were devoured by a werewolf. Withstanding this horror, they refused to betray one another.<ref name="Beren" />

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Huan Subdues Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|''Huan subdues Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
When all of their companions were dead, Finrod and Beren were the last who remained alive in Sauron's pit. When a werewolf went to attack Beren, Finrod Felagund used all his power to defeat it. In this he was successful. However, he was critically wounded and soon passed away. In that dark moment, [[Lúthien]] came to the bridge of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and sang. From his tower of Minas Tirith, Sauron saw Lúthien and knew that it was the famous daughter of [[Melian]] and [[Thingol]]. He desired to capture her and hand her over to Morgoth. Therefore, he sent a wolf to the bridge, but it was quickly and silently slain by [[Huan]]. He sent many more, and each one Huan killed. Finally, he sent [[Draugluin]], sire of the werewolves of Angband. The fight between Huan and Draugluin was fierce. Eventually Draugluin fled and, before dying, he told his master that Huan was there. According to prophecy, Huan would not die until he had encountered the greatest of all wolves, so Sauron contrived to take on that role and defeat the hound. Therefore Sauron took on the form of a werewolf, the greatest the world had ever seen then, and went towards the bridge. So great was the terror of his approach that even Huan momentarily recoiled. Sauron leaped to attack Lúthien, but she drew her magic veil over his eyes, afflicting him with fatigue and blindness. Then Huan sprang upon Sauron and there they fought. The force of Sauron's malice alone left Lúthien weak and nearly unconscious, and the fighting was brutal and prolonged; however, he could not subdue the hound of [[Valinor]]. He was trapped within Huan's jaws and could not break free, even when he took the form of a serpent and finally his own shape. Rather than leave his physical form, he yielded to Lúthien, giving her control of the isle in return for his release. He then took the form of a vampire and fled to [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]], filling the forest with horror.<ref name="Beren" />

After the [[War of Wrath]], with the downfall of [[Morgoth]] and the destruction of [[Thangorodrim]], Sauron adopted a fair form and repented his evil deeds in fear of the wrath of the Valar. [[Eönwë]] ordered Sauron to return to [[Valinor]] in order to receive the judgement of Manwë. Sauron was not willing to suffer such humiliation, and he instead fled and hid himself in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="SRings" />

===Second Age===
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring.png|thumb|right|''Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
It was {{SA|500|n}} years into the [[Second Age]] when Sauron started to stir again.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron decided that the [[Valar]] had forgotten about [[Middle-earth]] and he once again turned to evil; many Men in [[East]] and [[South]], already corrupted by Melkor, fell under the [[Shadow]] by following him.<ref name="SRings" /> By {{SA|882}}, [[Gil-galad]] sensed a shadow arising in the East and sent a [[Gil-galad's letter|warning]] to [[Númenor]].<ref>{{UT|Wife}}</ref> Around {{SA|1000}} Sauron was alarmed by the growing power of the [[Númenóreans]], and chose [[Mordor]] as a land to make into a stronghold. He began the building of [[Barad-dûr]], the Dark Tower, near Mount Doom.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Although Sauron long knew that [[Men]] were easier to sway, he sought to bring the [[Elves]] into his service, as they were far more powerful.<ref name="SRings" /> After lying hidden and increasing his power in secret, in {{SA|1200}} Sauron put on a fair visage, calling himself '''Annatar''', the Lord of Gifts, an emissary from the Valar.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"</ref> He was never welcome in [[Lindon]] as [[Elrond]] and [[Gil-galad]] did not trust him and refused to treat with him, although they did not perceive who he truly was.<ref name="SRings" />

Elsewhere Annatar was gladly received, especially in [[Eregion]], where only [[Galadriel]] distrusted him. The [[Noldorin]] smiths there learned much from him in art and magic, as their thirst for knowledge was great.<ref name="lotr-coe">{{FR|Council}}</ref><ref name="lotr-toy">{{App|SA}}</ref> Under the tutelage of Annatar and the leadership of [[Celebrimbor]], grandson of [[Fëanor]], the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], became more skilled than anyone save Fëanor himself. In the year {{SA|1500}}, when they reached the very height of their power, the Elves began the forging of the [[Rings of Power]], which according to Annatar, would help them preserve their powers over Middle-earth.

But Sauron was ready to begin his own plans, and in {{SA|1600}} - ten years after the completion of the Rings of Power - he created [[The One Ring]] to control the bearers of the other Rings. He invested most of his own power into the Ring as he forged it, so that it would be more powerful than the others. With its power he completed the building of the Dark Tower.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="lotr-toy" />

But the Elves were not so easily ensnared, and as soon as Sauron put on the One Ring they and Celebrimbor were aware of him, and realised they were betrayed.<ref name="lotr-coe" /><ref name="lotr-toy" /> They hid their Rings from Sauron and did not use them. Sauron demanded that the other Rings be given to him, for they would not have been made without his knowledge. The Elves refused, and the War was inevitable.<ref name="SRings" />

====[[Black Years]]====
During this time, Sauron constructed the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor to prevent invasion, and raised massive armies of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and Men, chiefly [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]] whom he dominated as a king and god. He had them make many fortified towns, and armed those under him with iron.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="dm" />

The [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] began in {{SA|1693}} and was a bloody conflict which destroyed Eregion and devastated much of Eriador.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Celebrimbor was slain and his body impaled on a spike paraded at the head of Sauron's legions. The Elves were pushed back almost to the Blue Mountains, while their Dwarven allies (who had also rejected Sauron) retreated behind the walls of [[Moria]] where Sauron could not assail them.

Sauron was the [[Dark Lord]] of almost all of Middle-earth beyond the coasts, but the [[Númenóreans]] responded to the Elves' call for aid and sent a relief force. With united forces, Sauron's army was driven back and defeated near the [[Sarn Ford]] and withdrew to [[Tharbad]] where he was reinforced. But the Númenórean admiral [[Ciryatur]] had sent a fleet up the river Gwathló and Sauron's army was [[Battle of the Gwathló|attacked in the rear and utterly defeated]]. The Dark Lord fled back to Mordor with little more than his own bodyguard and a handful of Orcs.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

Nonetheless, while Sauron's subsequent power never quite matched the height it had during the War with the Elves, many of his most powerful enemies' homelands had been devastated. As the Númenóreans established dominions around the [[Westlands]] (c. {{SA|1800}}),<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron's empire continued to expand to dominate barbarian Men as servants and worshippers to the far south and east.<ref name="dm">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref><ref>{{UT|Amroth}}</ref>

As the Elves had failed him, he had decided to distribute the Rings of Power to three corrupted lords of [[Númenor]]<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> and [[Khamûl|an Easterling king]] and other five Men, as well as lords of the Dwarves. The Dwarves proved too hardy and resistant to their effects; but the Men eventually faded and in {{SA|2251}} they appeared as [[Ringwraiths]], his greatest slaves.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Believing he would dominate all of Middle-earth, Sauron assumed many glorious titles: '''King of Kings''',<ref name="L131">{{L|131}}</ref> '''King of Men''',<ref name="Akallabeth" /> '''Lord of the Earth''',<ref name="SRings" /> and even '''Lord of the World'''.<ref name="L131" />

====On Númenor====
[[File:Elena Kukanova - The Temple of Melkor.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''The Temple of Melkor'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
This offended the arrogant [[Númenóreans]] who had already started to fall under the [[Shadow]]. The proud Númenóreans came to Middle-earth with great force of arms, and Sauron's forces fled. Realising he could not defeat the Númenóreans with military strength, Sauron allowed himself to be taken as a hostage to Númenor by King [[Ar-Pharazôn]] in {{SA|3262}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

There, he quickly grew from captive to adviser and was known as '''Zigûr''', the Wizard;<ref name="Defeated">{{HM|SD}}, ''passim''</ref> he seduced the King and further corrupted the people.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> He converted many Númenóreans to the worship of Darkness, becoming High Priest of a Melkor cult. He had the [[Nimloth (tree)|White Tree]] cut down and in its place raised a great [[Temple]] in which he performed human sacrifices, persecuting those who were still [[Faithful]]. Finally, he convinced the king to rebel against the Valar and attack Valinor itself, claiming they would gain immortality. [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], the supreme God, then directly intervened: Númenor was drowned under the sea, and the great navy of Númenor was destroyed.

Sauron was on Númenor in the Temple of Melkor and was caught in the ensuing [[Downfall of Númenor|flood]]. However, his spirit survived, although severely weakened by the destruction, and it fled back to Middle-earth.

====Against the Faithful====
Sauron's spirit returned to Mordor in {{SA|3320}},<ref name="lotr-toy" /> where he slowly rebuilt his strength, although he was unable to assume a fair shape. From this point on he started to rule through terror and force, largely filling the fearsome role left vacant by his former master.

Meanwhile, a few faithful Númenóreans, led by [[Elendil]], were saved from the flood, and they founded [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in Middle-earth. Sauron still considered them his hated enemies and he launched a pre-emptive attack on Gondor in {{SA|3429}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

In response, the Númenóreans formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] with the Elven-king [[Gil-galad]]. Learning of them, Sauron dispatched some [[Orcs of Mordor]] to the [[Misty Mountains]] to ambush them.<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, Note #20</ref> He also burned the [[Brown Lands|gardens]] of the [[Entwives]] against the advance of the Allies down the [[Anduin]].<ref>{{L|144}}</ref> Nonetheless, the Allies reached Mordor and defeated Sauron's forces in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] in {{SA|3434}} and finally laid siege before [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="lotr-toy" />

The siege lasted for seven years until {{SA|3441}}, when Sauron left his fortress, engaging in direct combat. Elendil and Gil-galad fought Sauron and vanquished him, but both were killed.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> [[Isildur]], son of Elendil, cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and claimed it. Later, the Ring betrayed him and was lost for more than two thousand years. After his defeat in the War of the Last Alliance, Sauron lost his ability to form a physical body for a great while.

===Third Age===
Sauron's defeat released his subjects, like the [[Easterlings]], from his tyranny, but they fell into chaos. Their tribes and kingdoms battled against each other and some withdrew to the hated west.<ref>{{UT|6b}}, p. 259</ref> Weakened by his defeat and the loss of the One Ring, it is thought that he fled to the far east to regain his power and strength before returning.

It was not until c. {{TA|1000}} that Sauron could again begin to take shape in a physical living body. Worried by this prospect, the [[Valar]] sent [[Wizards|five]] [[Maiar]] from the West to assist the peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, pp. 388-389</ref>

His power was enough that he began again to throw a shadow across portions of [[Middle-earth]]. Apparently, Sauron's spirit managed to move some Easterlings, who invaded [[Rhovanion]] and came to the [[Vales of Anduin]].<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #60</ref>

====The Necromancer====
These moves coincided with the coming of the [[Shadow]] to [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref> Around {{TA|1050|n}} he chose [[Amon Lanc|a hill]] in southern Greenwood as a place to build the fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]. At first, the [[Wise]] thought that this "Necromancer" was one of the [[Nazgûl]] who had returned and taken up residence in southern Greenwood.<ref name="TA" />

The year {{TA|1300}} marked Sauron's increased power, evidenced by "evil things" who multiplied and grew bold again, like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and some of the [[Dragons]], who attacked the [[Dwarves]]; and the return of the Nazgûl, with the founding of the evil realm of [[Angmar]].<ref name="TA" /> In the following centuries, Sauron's subjects in Angmar, the East and the South concentrated against his ancient enemies. Kings [[Araphant]] of [[Arnor]] and [[Ondoher]] of [[Gondor]] realised that a single force was coordinating the attacks on both of their kingdoms and that they needed to work together to combat this evil. However, Angmar was successful in destroying Arnor, and soon after the Nazgûl gathered in Mordor and [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|conquered]] [[Minas Ithil]] to prepare for Sauron's return; their final success was ending the [[King of Gondor|royal line]] of Gondor.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="TA" /><ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref> As his shadow deepened, [[Durin's Bane|a balrog]] awoke, causing the desertion of [[Moria]].<ref name="TA" />
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
By {{TA|2060}} the power of Dol Guldur grew so much that [[the Wise]] were alerted that Sauron was returning. [[Gandalf]] entered the fortress in {{TA|2063|n}} but the shadow fled before him. Returning to the [[East]],<ref name="TA" /> Sauron started corrupting the [[Easterlings]] and forging a strong alliance between their tribes.{{fact}} The period of his absence was known as the ''[[Watchful Peace]]'', because the Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened and the Nazgûl stayed quiet in Minas Morgul,<ref name="TA" /> using this period to prepare for Sauron's return.

====Return to Dol Guldur====
The Necromancer returned in {{TA|2460|n}} more powerful, with many Men in his service, and again took up residence in [[Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> His return coincided with the One Ring revealing itself [[Third Age 2463|three years later]], falling in the hands of [[Gollum|a Stoor]]. Sensing the danger, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]].<ref name="TA" />

The Necromancer's aims remained to gather the Rings of Power, find news about the One Ring, and eliminate the [[Heir of Isildur]], if one remained in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="TA" /><ref>{{App|Tale}}</ref> In {{TA|2475}} the [[Uruk-hai]] exited Mordor and briefly conquered [[Ithilien]]. [[Third Age 2480|Some years later]] the Orcs of the Mountains organised themselves, blocking the passes to the West; Moria had been depopulated centuries earlier by the Balrog, and Sauron sent Orcs and [[Trolls]] there.<ref name="TA" /> Also under his shadow were the [[Balchoth]], who invaded Mirkwood and cooperated with Orcs to attack Gondor.<ref name="stew" /> Sauron's servants captured the [[King of Durin's Folk|Dwarf King]] [[Thráin|Thráin II]] and took [[Ring of Thrór|one]] of the [[Seven Rings|Seven Dwarf rings]] from him.<ref name="TA" />

Still investigating the Necromancer, [[Gandalf]] snuck into Dol Guldur in {{TA|2850|n}} and met the dying Dwarf King, learning that the Necromancer was none other than Sauron. [[Third Age 2851|The next year]], Gandalf informed the White Council and urged an immediate attack upon the fortress, but [[Saruman|Saruman the White]] had learned of the presence of the [[The One Ring|Ruling Ring]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], and he thought it best to allow Sauron to build up his strength in order to reveal its location so that Saruman could seize it himself. Following this strategy, Saruman opposed Gandalf.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>

As his power was growing and his arising came closer, his minions moved again against Gondor; his agents stirred the [[Haradrim]] to resume attacking Gondor, while [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Orcs of Mordor]] infested [[Ithilien]]<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew" /> but never managed to pass beyond Anduin, further into Gondor.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> All this time Sauron apparently had learned about the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]] where his old enemy Isildur was killed, shortly after his own demise, almost three millennia ago. He sent his minions to look for the One Ring around [[Anduin]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], not knowing that it had been already in the possession of [[Gollum|a Stoor]].<ref name="TA" />

====Attack of the White Council====
Considering the situations, and the occupation of the dragon [[Smaug]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], Gandalf was worried that Sauron's military assault against the [[West]] was a matter of time, and that he would use Smaug in his force; Gandalf started considering a simultaneous attack both against Dol Guldur and against Smaug, to weaken Sauron.<ref name="erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|''Dol Guldur'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|2939}}, Saruman learned that Sauron was searching for the Ring, and worried that he would find it sooner than he. In {{TA|2941|n}}, he conceded with Gandalf to [[Attack on Dol Guldur|attack Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> Indeed, in the meantime Gandalf managed to eliminate Smaug, and the Orcs of the Mountains were decimated in the [[Battle of Five Armies|ensuing battle]], allowing the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and [[Dale]] to flourish again.<ref name="erebor" /><ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>

Although Gandalf was weakening Sauron's potential grasp in the [[Wilderland|North]],<ref name="erebor" /> Sauron had been expecting the White Council's attack against Dol Guldur and fled from there.<ref name="TA" />

====Return to Mordor====
The [[Nazgûl]] had been preparing [[Barad-dûr]] for Sauron's return, so it was easy for Sauron to return secretly to his old stronghold [[Third Age 2942|a year later]]. Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}, sent three Nazgûl back to Dol Guldur and started rebuilding the Dark Tower, and once it was completed, the [[Mount Doom]] erupted.<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew">{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

From then on, Sauron stayed in Barad-dûr to conduct his war on the [[Free peoples]]. The shadow of Mordor caused despair and sickness to the Gondorians, like [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]], and in his desperation, the Steward [[Denethor]], Sauron's most immediate enemy, used the [[Anor-stone]] to gain knowledge. That ''[[palantír]]'' was directly linked to the [[Ithil-stone]] that the Nazgûl had taken from Minas Morgul, and when Sauron used it, he discovered Denethor was using his. Sauron attempted to wrench the Anor-stone to his will, but failed due to Denethor's strength of will and birth-right to the stone. But this stressed and wore out the steward, who lost his hope.<ref name="stew" /><ref>{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

By {{TA|3000}}, the shadow lengthened, and Saruman, who was residing in [[Orthanc]], had secretly found and decided to use the [[Orthanc-stone]]. As happened with Denethor, Sauron linked with his mind, managing to corrupt him;<ref name="TA" /> from one of his wisest enemies, Saruman became one of his greatest allies.

Around {{TA|3009}}, [[Gollum]], who formerly bore the One Ring and now pursued its thief, ventured into Mordor and was captured by Sauron's minions. Gollum was tortured and interrogated for the following years,<ref name="TA" /> and before releasing him, Sauron learned that the One Ring had been found by [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[the Shire]].

Sauron bred immense armies of Orcs and allied with or enslaved Men from the east and south. He adopted the symbol of a lidless eye, and he was able at that time to send out his will over Middle-earth, so that the [[Eye of Sauron]] became a symbol of power and fear.

====The War of the Ring====
Sauron was alarmed when the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] captured Gollum,<ref name="TA" /> so in June of {{TA|3018}} he dispatched the Nazgûl to hunt for [[the One Ring]] in secrecy. To disguise the crossing of the Nine over the Great River, Sauron staged an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack on Osgiliath]]. This feint served two purposes: first, to test the strength and preparedness of Denethor, and second and more importantly, to present the Nazgûl as merely a military asset, concealing from the [[Wise]] their true mission.<ref name="hunt" /> Denethor's forces were stronger than Sauron hoped, but Sauron took the eastern half of the city nonetheless. This allowed the Nazgûl to cross the Great River and begin their hunt.<ref name="hunt" /> Now knowing the measure of his enemy, Sauron continued to amass his forces in Minas Morgul and Mordor in preparation for the siege of Gondor.<ref name="TT|IV4">{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

By September, the Nazgûl had failed to discover the Shire, and Sauron's wrath and fear were mounting. Via messenger, Sauron ordered the Nine to discard secrecy in favour of speed and go to Isengard to confront Saruman about his knowledge of the whereabouts of the Ring. At this time, Sauron also conveyed to the Nine such dire threats as to dismay even the Lord of Morgul.<ref name="hunt" /> The Nine ultimately failed in their mission, being defeated and unhorsed by the flood of the Bruinen. The Witch-king returned alone to Mordor in December of 3018 to Sauron's great fear, for Sauron perceived that his foes still had strength left in them, and luck seemed to be on their side.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "The Ring Goes South", p. 262</ref>

Sauron's next glimpse of the Ring (or so he believed) would come in the late hours of [[5 March]] T.A. 3019, when Pippin looked into the ''palantír'' of Orthanc that he had recovered from the flood of Isengard. Sauron, unaware of Saruman's defeat at hands of the [[Ents]], assumed Pippin was the Wizard's prisoner, and was being forced to look into the ''palantír'' as a form of cruel sport. Rather than interrogate Pippin immediately, Sauron chose to torment him, and bid him tell Saruman that he would send for the prisoner immediately.<ref>{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> He was therefore deceived into thinking the Ring was finally within his grasp.

A few hours later, on the morning of [[6 March]], Sauron encountered one of his foes in the ''palantír'' of Orthanc: Aragorn looked into the Stone, revealing himself to Sauron as the Heir of Isildur and wielder of [[Andúril]], the Blade Reforged. Aragorn spoke no word to Sauron and with a great effort of will wrested control of the Stone from him. As Aragorn intended, this played on Sauron's gnawing doubts and filled him with fear, believing that Aragorn might have overthrown Saruman, seizing Pippin and therefore the Ring. Thus, he ordered the Witch-king to launch his long-planned assault on Gondor immediately, rather than wait for all preparations to be made, hoping to destroy his enemies before they had a chance to make full use of the Ring's power.<ref name="RKV2">{{RK|V2}}</ref>

The death of the Witch-king and the defeat of his army in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] were a setback to Sauron, but he still had a great force of arms held in reserve in Mordor, more than enough to eventually secure military victory against all of his enemies combined. After his encounter with Aragorn in the ''palantír'', Sauron believed that one of his foes in Minas Tirith held the One Ring and would soon attempt to use it. As such, Gandalf was able to exploit Sauron's false beliefs with an audacious plan: the army of the Free Peoples would march on the Black Gate as a feint, keeping Sauron's Eye fixed upon them and blind to all else that moved, as the true Ringbearer made his way to Mount Doom.<ref name="RKV9">{{RK|V9}}</ref>

For the next nine days, Gandalf's plan worked - as the Host of the West made its way east and north, Sauron kept his entire focus upon it and diverted the whole strength of Mordor to the Black Gate to meet them. Even when Shagrat brought news of an "Elvish" intruder in [[Cirith Ungol]], Sauron's belief that the Ring was with the Host of the West remained unshaken and he made no attempt to investigate further; he could certainly not imagine that his enemies were trying to sneak the Ring into Mordor. Frodo and Sam thus made it to the [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]] undetected, and Sauron did not become aware of them until the very moment that Frodo claimed the Ring for himself.<ref name="RKVI3">{{RK|VI3}}</ref> [[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

Only then did Sauron finally perceive Frodo and, realising he had been tricked, was overwhelmed with wrath and fear. He instantly lost all interest in the ongoing [[Battle of the Morannon]] and dispatched the Nazgûl from the skies above the battle to Mount Doom with all haste. It was too late; Gollum fell into the Crack of Doom with the Ring, destroying it and himself. In the moment of the Ring's destruction, Barad-dûr and many other of Sauron's fortresses crumbled to ruin. Sauron's spirit emerged and rose above Mordor like a black cloud - he stretched out his hand towards the army of the West, but even as he did so, he was blown away by a great wind and vanished.<ref name="RKVI4">{{RK|VI4}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Thus Sauron's power was unmade, and his dominion in Middle-earth came to an end. According to Gandalf, Sauron was "maimed for ever, becoming a mere spirit of malice that gnaws itself in the shadows, but cannot again grow or take shape."<ref name="RKV9" /> Sauron's corporeal body that was in the Dark Tower died, and without the Ring, his spirit no longer had the power to create a new one. Though his indestructible mind and being were bound forever to [[Eä]], Sauron had lost all power to effect his will upon the world<ref>{{L|200}}</ref> and could never again grow in strength.<ref>{{MR|P5VII}}, section iii, p. 403 and note 11, p. 407</ref>

It is said of Sauron, in summary of his long career of wickedness in Arda, that "he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void."<ref name="SVala" />

==Characteristics==
Sauron was a being of exceptional power, both in personal might and in sorcery, yet his greatest strength lie in his cunning, intellect, and charisma; through persuasion, deception, and coercion, he brought ruin to many mortal realms and united others unto himself, often without ever having to physically intervene, and he nearly cast Middle-earth into darkness several times throughout his existence.

Much like his [[Morgoth|master]], pride in his own abilities was his greatest personal weakness, and this arrogance, coupled with an underestimation of his enemies, would ultimately doom him.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

===Physical form===
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|Tolkien's unfinished sketch of Sauron, apparently showing him just after the destruction of the Ring]]
At first Sauron appeared as a royal and commanding figure in a strong body. He was also able to veil his power and change his shape. Later, however, he could take only a terrible form, of a stature greater than a [[Men|Man]]'s, though not giant,<ref>{{L|246}}</ref> "an image of malice and hatred made visible; and the Eye of Sauron the Terrible few could endure."<ref name="Akallabeth" /> [[Isildur]] recounted that at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]], Sauron's hand was black with a deadly burning touch.<ref name="lotr-coe" /> Gollum would also call him "Black Hand", noticing he only had four fingers after Isildur cut one off.<ref name="Closed">{{TT|IV3}}</ref>

===Eye of Sauron===
The '''[[Eye of Sauron]]''', called by various names, was the symbol of Sauron the Dark Lord following the loss of [[the One Ring]]. This symbol was adopted to show his unceasing vigilance and piercing perception, and was displayed on the weaponry of his servants, or at least the [[orcs]].

Sauron's Eye as Frodo sees it in the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] is the only feature of his later form described in detail. It is yellow and rimmed with fire, with a slit pupil, "a window into nothing."<ref>{{FR|II7}}</ref> The colour is compared to that of a cat's eye, but because of the references to Sauron's Lidless Eye, it may also resemble that of a snake, such as an adder. Readers differ as to whether Sauron's eyes were literally lidless and resembled what Frodo saw, or instead the Eye was only a symbol that Frodo saw in the Mirror in an elaborate form.

Sauron's gaze, even indirectly, was known to wither, exhaust, and weaken his foes, with [[Denethor II|Denethor]], [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], and [[Gandalf]] all rendered weary and dreadful after confronting him.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> The sheer malevolence Sauron exuded through his presence alone was enough to render Lúthien frail and nearly unconscious.<ref name="Beren" />

==Etymology==
{{pronounce|Quenya - Sauron.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
'''''Sauron''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}})<ref group="note">''Sauron'' is pronounced "sour-on" (''sour'' as in not sweet).</ref> is a [[Quenya]] name, said to mean "the Abhorred".<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry "Sauron"</ref>

Several accounts of the origin of the name ''Sauron'' were suggested in different linguistic manuscripts:
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, evil-smelling, putrid", from the [[Sundocarme|root]] [[THUS#Other versions|THUS]]).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "[[THUS]]-"</ref>
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, vile"; from root [[SAWA]]). The manuscript continues saying that ''Sauron'' "could be a genuine [[Sindarin]] formation from ''[[saur]]''; but is probably from Quenya". However, this origin appears to have been rejected, as it is followed by the comment "No. [[THAW|THAW-]], cruel. ''[[Saura]]'', cruel" in the manuscript.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 183-4</ref>
*deriving from the [[Primitive Quendian]] form ''þaurond-'' (formed from the adjective ''þaurā'' "detestable", from root [[THAW]]).<ref>{{L|297}}, p. 380</ref>
*deriving from '''''Thauron''''', which includes the [[Sindarin]] element ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"; also found in [[Sauron#Other names|''Gor'''thaur''''']]).<ref name="Appendix">{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''gor'', ''thaur''</ref>

==Other names==
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Gorthaur.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Mairon.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{Pronounce|Annatar.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''''Gorthaur''''' was a name used of Sauron by the [[Sindar]] during the [[First Age]],<ref name="SVala" /><ref>{{WJ|15}}, p. 240</ref> which was composed of the elements ''[[gor]]'' ("horror, dread") and ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"), thus meaning "Terrible Dread";<ref name="Appendix" /> an alternate variation of this name was '''''Gorsodh'''''.<ref>{{WJ|One}}, entry 455, §153, p. 54</ref> The Quenya equivalent was '''''Ñorsus'''''.<ref name="PE17.1" />

In some of Tolkien's notes from the 1950s, it is said that Sauron's original name was '''''Mairon''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], "the Admirable"), but this was altered after he was suborned by Melkor. He continued to call himself Mairon the Admirable, or '''Tar-mairon''' ("King Excellent"), until after Númenor's downfall,<ref name="PE17.1" /> although he could not use that name in Númenor, as it was a Quenya name with royal implications. There he was called '''''Zigûr''''',<ref name="Defeated" /> meaning "Wizard" in [[Adûnaic]].<ref>{{SD|3vi9}}, p. 437</ref>

'''''Annatar''''' is Quenya for "Lord of Gifts", from ''[[anna]]'' + ''[[tar]]''.<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''anna'', ''tar''</ref> It can be noticed that Morgoth used a similar name when he seduced the first [[Men]]: "Giver of Gifts".<ref>{{MR|P4i}}, The '[[Tale of Adanel]]', p. 344</ref> In an isolated note, Tolkien gives other names used by Sauron when he seduced the Elves in the Second Age: '''''Artano''''' ("High-smith") and '''''Aulendil''''' ("Devoted to Aulë").<ref>{{UT|6}}, Notes, p. 254</ref>

Among his many titles and epithets were:
*The '''Base Master of Treachery''', used once by Gandalf to explain why the [[Mouth of Sauron]] should not be trusted.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[Black Hand]]''', used twice by Gollum.<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Master|Black Master]]''', used by [[Isildur]] when cursing Sauron's former servants, the [[Oathbreakers]].<ref name="RKV2" />
*The '''Black One''', used once by [[Gollum]].<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Dark Lord]]''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Dark Power''', used by Gandalf.<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref>
*The '''Deceiver''', given by [[Amandil]] before departing to ask the Valar deliverance from Sauron's corruption.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
*The '''Enemy''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''[[Eye of Sauron|Eye]]''', with its variants, mainly referred to his mental form and his [[Eye of Sauron|emblem]], but also applied to Sauron himself.<ref>{{RK|I3}}, entry "Eye, The"</ref>
*The '''Great''', following the name of ''Sauron'', it is only used once by Gandalf,<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref> once by [[Glóin]],<ref name="lotr-coe" /> and once by the Mouth of Sauron.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[King of Kings]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''[[King of Men]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="Akallabeth" />
*The '''Lord of the Earth''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Lord of [[Barad-dûr]],''' given to Sauron during the periods he inhabitated the Dark Tower; used by [[Denethor]]<ref name=":0">{{RK|V4}}</ref> and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="RKV9" />
*The '''[[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Ring]]''' or '''Lord of the Rings'''.
*The '''Lord of the World''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''Nameless''', probably given by the [[Gondorians|people of Gondor]], as it is only used by Boromir as '''Nameless Enemy''',<ref name="lotr-coe" /> by Faramir as '''Nameless One''',<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref> and by the watchmen of Gondor.<ref name=":0" />
*The '''Necromancer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''King''', given by the people of [[Agar]].<ref>{{PM|Elmar}}</ref>
*The '''One Enemy''', used once by Frodo Baggins.<ref name="TT|IV4" />
*The '''[[Ring-maker]]'''.<ref name="Shadow" />
*The '''Ruler''', used once by Saruman during his confrontation with Gandalf.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''[[Shadow]]''', not properly given to him, but to his power when he expanded it in the Third Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Sorcerer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*'''Wolf-Sauron''', the name given to the dreadful werewolf-shape that Sauron took on when he went to do battle with [[Huan]].<ref name="Beren" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
Since the earliest versions of the [[legendarium]], Sauron has undergone many changes. The prototype of this character was '''[[Tevildo]]''', lord of the cats, who played the role later taken by Sauron in the earliest version of the story of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]". Morgoth also had another servant named '''[[Fankil]]''' who led evil [[Dwarves]] and notably acted as his lieutenant, a role assumed by Sauron in the final works.

Tevildo later was transformed into '''[[Thû]]''', the Necromancer - the first proper iteration of the later Sauron. The name was then changed to ''Gorthû'', ''Sûr'', and finally to Sauron. ''Gorthû'', in the form ''Gorthaur'', remained in ''The Silmarillion''.

In the first version of the Fall of Númenor, Sûr (Thû) originally came to Númenor in the likeness of a great bird and preached a message of deliverance, and he prophesied the second coming of Morgoth. He spoke with the king (Angor) and queen (Istar) and promised them undying life and lordship of the Earth. They believed him and fell under the shadow, and the greatest part of the people of Númenor followed them. Angor raised a great temple to Morgoth in the midst of the land, and Sûr dwelt there.<ref name="downfall1">{{LR|P1II2}}</ref>{{rp|§5}} As Angor felt the oncoming of old age, Sûr convinced the king that that the gifts of Morgoth were withheld by the Gods, and that to obtain plenitude of power and undying life he must be master of the West. Sûr then aided the Númenóreans in making their great armament.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§6}} Thû survived the destruction of the island and retreated to Middle-earth where he fought wars against the surviving Númenóreans, whose hearts were not crooked and hated Thû, that assailed his temples and servants.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§13}} Eventually Amroth,<ref group="note">This Amroth is a predecessor to Eldendil, hence is a Man, not an Elf</ref> the King of Beleriand, took council with Elrond, and with what Elves remained they crossed over the mountains and assailed the fortress of Thû; Amroth himself was slain, but Thû was brought to his knees, with his servants dispelled and his dwellings destroyed, and he fled to a dark forest and hid himself.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§14}}

Prior to the publication of ''The Silmarillion'', Sauron's origins and true identity were unclear to those without full access to Tolkien's notes. For example, in early editions of ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth|The Guide to Middle Earth]]'', Sauron was described as "probably of the Eldar elves".

===The Necromancer===
In ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the Necromancer is an obscure villainous entity mentioned fleetingly by [[Gandalf]] as one of the dangers of the wider world. He is peripheral to the plot of the book: explaining why the company takes the dangerous road through Mirkwood rather than going around, and providing a reason for Gandalf's absence for that section of the journey. Thematically the Necromancer, a truly 'terrible' force beyond the power of the main protagonists, gives the world of ''The Hobbit'' a greater level of reality which Tolkien felt was necessary for a "fairy-tale" to ring true.<ref name="Letter17">{{L|17}}</ref>

Despite the alias, it would appear that the Necromancer was always intended to stand for Sauron, a figure from the very earliest phases of his legendarium (as [[Tevildo]] in "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]"). Shortly after the publication of ''The Hobbit'' Tolkien wrote:

{{blockquote|Mr Baggins began as a comic tale among conventional and inconsistent Grimm's fairy-tale dwarves, and got drawn into the edge of it – so that even Sauron the terrible peeped over the edge.|[[Letter 19]]}}

Indeed, in the ''[[Lay of Leithian]]'', [[Thû]] is called a "necromancer" who "held his hosts of [[phantoms]] and of wandering [[ghosts]]" (l. 2075) in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]].<ref>{{LB|C7}}</ref>

However, as ''The Hobbit'' was not originally intended to be integrated with Tolkien's wider mythology the Necromancer did not necessarily need to be consistent with his [[First Age]] counterpart Sauron, rather the two were loosely linked to add an 'impression of depth' to the narrative of ''The Hobbit''. With Tolkien's decision to merge the two 'worlds' and make Sauron the central antagonist of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' came the need to reconcile the two figures and account for his whereabouts in the millennia between the end of the First Age and his dwelling in Bilbo's Mirkwood. This was largely achieved in the ''[[Appendix B|Tale of Years]]'', with Sauron becoming a much greater figure after the fall of his master, one who arguably drove the history of the entire Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth.

Fans have noted that the alias "Necromancer" for Sauron is obscure, as in the context of neither ''The Hobbit'' nor ''The Lord of the Rings'' Sauron is ever specifically mentioned to use [[Wikipedia:necromancy|necromancy]], i.e. controlling the [[spirits]] of the dead.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/47756/why-is-sauron-called-the-necromancer|articlename=Why is Sauron called the "Necromancer"?|dated=|website=Stackexchange|accessed=9 January 2020}}</ref>

A later essay mentions the practice of necromancy concerning the ''[[fëar]]'' of the [[Unbodied]] Elves, mentioning that Sauron possibly did so and also taught his followers,<ref>{{MR|P3II3c}}, p. 224</ref> although this reference is not given in the context of the story.

==Minions and allies==
*[[Thuringwethil]]- Vampire Herald
*[[Draugluin]]- First of the Werewolves of Angband; mortally-wounded by [[Huan]]
*The [Witch-king|[Witch-king of Angmar]] - Lord of Morgul, Lord of the Nazgûl and deadliest servant; vanquished by [[Éowyn]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]
**[[Khamûl]] - Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, second only to the Witch-king among the Nazgûl; undone by the destruction of [[the One Ring]]
**Other 7 [[Nazgûl]] - Most terrible of his servants; perished with the One Ring
*The [[King of the Dead]] - King of the Oathbreakers, former servant bound to the [[Heir of Isildur]]
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]] - Last King of Númenor, rival-turned-puppet, coerced to the worship of the Darkness
*[[Herumor]] - Lord among the Haradrim
*[[Fuinur]] - Chief among the Haradrim
*[[Captain of the Haven]] - Commander of the Corsairs of Umbar; slain by [[Aragorn]]
*The [[Mouth of Sauron]] - Lieutenant of the Dark Tower and personal Ambassador
**[[Grishnákh]] - Orc captain of the Dark Tower; slain by the Riders of Rohan
*[[Saruman]] - Lord of Isengard, corrupted White [[Wizards|Wizard]] and treacherous ally; stabbed in the back by Gríma
**[[Gríma]] - Chief counsellor of King [[Théoden]] in Rohan, Saruman's mole at the court; shot by Hobbit arrows
**[[Squint-eyed southerner]] - Dunlending spy at the Prancing Pony Inn
**[[Bill Ferny]] - Outlaw of Bree-land
**[[Harry Goatleaf]] - Gate-keeper of the West-gate of Bree, informant
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]] - Lieutenant of Morgul, second only to the Witch-king among the Morgul-host
**[[Gorbag]] - Captain of the Orcs of Morgul that captured [[Frodo Baggins]]; murdered by Shagrat
*[[Shagrat]] - Captain of Cirith Ungol; put to death for his failures
**[[Muzgash]] - Orc guard at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Lagduf]] - Orc sentry stationed at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Radbug]] - Orc sentinel of Cirith Ungol; had his eyes squeezed out by Shagrat
**[[Snaga (orc of Mordor)|Snaga]] - Torturer of Cirith Ungol; fell to his demise in a fight with [[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Ufthak]] - Orc subordinate in Cirith Ungol; caught by Shelob in her webs
*[[Shelob]] - Descendant of [[Ungoliant]] and convenient guardian of the pass through Mordor
*The [[Two Watchers]] - Statues inhabited by evil spirits
;Characters from older concepts
*[[Naglur-Danlo]] - Orc of Cirith Ungol
*[[Shagram]] - Orc soldier of Cirith Ungol

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Sauron in Adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="160" heights="160">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Prologue.jpg|Sauron in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:LOTR-vol2-Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Sauron.jpg|Sauron ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Eye Of Sauron.jpg|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
File:Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in the ''[[Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:Lord of the Rings The Third Age - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Annatar.png|Annatar in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Sauron.jpg|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]: [[Minas Morgul]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Conquest - Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Annatar.png|Annatar in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Sauron in Dúrnost.jpg|Sauron in [[Dúrnost]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Halbrand in Mordor.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Sauron/[[Halbrand]] in [[Mordor]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:Rings-of-power-annatar-3-ku4bifbuj2befldajixhkw2uwy.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Annatar in [[Eregion]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:SauronDarkLord ToME.jpg|Sauron, the Dark Lord card from [[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Sauron is briefly shown in the prologue sequence as a shadowy figure in a horned helmet in a non-speaking role.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played by [[Sala Baker]] and voiced by [[Alan Howard]]. In these films, he is depicted as a tall -yet not gigantic - armored warlord wielding a huge mace (a blend between his vague description by Tolkien and the more detailed appearance of [[Morgoth]] as described in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''). In the first film, he is depicted dispatching a number of Elves and Men with his mace, before killing [[Gil-galad]] (offscreen; the scene figured in the concept art done for the prologue, however) and then [[Elendil]] before being defeated by [[Isildur]] using his father's [[Narsil|broken sword]] to cut off the finger wearing [[the One Ring]], as well as three others on the same hand. This strangely causes his body to explode, producing a shockwave that knocks everyone on the battlefield off their feet.

:Later on, [[Saruman]] implies to [[Gandalf]] that Sauron was unable to retain his physical form and that the Eye was his astral form, a detail which is never brought up in the novel. It is unknown if Saruman was truthful with this statement, or if he was either misinformed or lying (since he was already corrupted by his yearning for power and Sauron's influence).

:For the portrayal of Sauron as a giant eye of fire in these movies, see [[Eye of Sauron#Portrayal in adaptations]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played and voiced by [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], under his assumed identity as the Necromancer. In these films, it is stated that the White Council does not discover he is Sauron until much later, during the events of these films, previously believing him to be a human with skills in magic. In these films, Sauron initially appears as a shadowy figure before assuming his armoured form from the previous films. With him as the slit black pupil, he projects flames around him, creating the visage of the Great Eye.

'''2017: ''[[Wikipedia:The Lego Batman Movie|The Lego Batman Movie]]'':'''
:In the film, Sauron, appearing as a flaming eye from atop his tower, is among the villains recruited by The Joker to aid in his conquest of Gotham City. His powers of vision prove to be a hindrance to Batman and his companions, but he is eventually inadvertently destroyed by the Kraken's mouth projectile. He is voiced by Jemaine Clement.

===Television===
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:'''1 September: Episode 1. ''[[A Shadow of the Past]]'':'''
::Sauron appears overseeing an army of [[Orcs]] at [[Dúrnost]] during the prologue, narrated by [[Galadriel]]. No actor is credited for the specific role.

:'''14 October: Episode 8. ''[[Alloyed]]'':'''
::It is revealed that Sauron was disguised as [[Halbrand]] (portrayed by [[Charlie Vickers]]) the entire time. After being supposedly "split open" by [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]], he took on the form of a mortal [[Men|Man]] and gave to himself the name Halbrand. At some point in time, he came upon the corpse of the last King of the [[Southlands]] and took up the crest because he thought that it suited him well.

===Radio series===
{{Incomplete}}
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sauron is provided by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1724">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1724, [[23 November|November 23]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned only very briefly at the end; [[Gandalf]] and [[Elrond]] discuss how the "Necromancer" had been driven from his abode in the south of [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

===Video games===
{{Incomplete}}
'''1985: ''[[Lord of the Rings: Game One]]'':'''

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'''''

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned by [[Gandalf]] in the beginning of the game.

'''1993: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Sauron is mentioned in the beginning of the game, when [[Gandalf]] explains the history of [[the One Ring]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron and the events of the south of Mirkwood are left unmentioned. However, whilst in Mirkwood, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] has to defeat creatures that he calls "Minions of the Necromancer".

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:At the end of the game, Berethor and company (the playable characters) have to defeat the eye of Sauron by physically attacking him on top of [[Barad-dûr]].

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''

'''2005: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tactics]]'':'''

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Sauron, in his fair guise, appears during the flashback to the years of the [[Second Age]]. He uses the name "Antheron" instead of "Annatar", which only appears in the works not covered by the game' licese.
:Visiting Sauron's personal chambers in [[Dol Guldur]] leads to a vision of the Dark Lord, still weak and recovering from his defeat at the hand of [[Isildur]].
:During an extended flashback sequence to the [[War of the Last Alliance]], Sauron himself is met within [[Barad-dûr]] by the player, who controls a historic character.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''

'''2012: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Sauron appears in a boss battle in the first level. His boss form appears as a massive CCBS figure-similar to something from LEGO's Knights Kingdom line. He is also unlocked as a playable character after the bonus level. His Annatar form appears as a playable character in a downloadable DLC.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Sauron is a "guardian".<ref name="Trailer">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caYW7d-8MIY&feature=player_embedded|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': First Official Gameplay Trailer|dated=29 June 2012|website=YT|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''

'''2014: ''[[Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Sauron has two playable forms. The first is based on the Necromancer mini-figure from the "Dol Guldur Battle" LEGO set while the second is a fiery version of his playable form in the [[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game|first game]].

'''2015: ''[[Wikipedia:Lego Dimensions|Lego Dimensions]]'':'''
:Sauron (voiced by Steven Blum), appearing in mini-figure form, invades the DC Comics' dimension and takes over Metropolis with the aid of the Rift Keystone. Soon thereafter, Sauron uses the Rift Keystone to bring Barad-dûr across dimensions to stand atop Lexcorp tower. When Batman, Gandalf, and Wildstyle arrive in the city to retake the Keystone, Sauron engages the three in a battle atop a Doctor Who Dalek saucer. Eventually, he is defeated, being pulled through a rift by Lord Vortech, the primary antagonist. Sauron is turned into a cube and does not appear again.

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'':'''

===Others===
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:Sauron is treated as a Mage of level 180 (level 360 if using the One Ring). Among his items are the Elf-slaying Black Sword (S. ''Mormegil''), the Gauntlet of Slaying ("Narsil's Bane"), and the Black Scale of dragonskin. Among his special powers are Domination (control over other players using the One Eye), resistance to normal weapons, and the ability to force anyone within his sight to resist fear (or otherwise become frozen).

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54534/cards_lang/1 Sauron]", appearing in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Balrog|The Balrog]]'', is playable as a manifestation of the card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54002/cards_lang/1 The Lidless Eye]" (from the set [[Middle-earth: The Lidless Eye|''The Lidless Eye'']]), and can be used by players to enhance their general influence.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/20/goal/|articlename=Home page for the game Middle Earth|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=5 January 2012}}</ref>

==External links==
*[http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/sauronname.htm ''A Name for the Dark Lord''] by [[Helge Fauskanger]].

{{references|note}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=evil
| house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of <s>[[Aulë]]</s> [[Morgoth|Melkor]]
| born = [[Creation of the Ainur]]
| died=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Morgoth]]''', c. 1603 years earlier
| list=2nd [[Dark Lord]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=None
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Ring created
| list=1st [[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} – {{SA|3441|n}}
| next=[[Isildur]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{ainur}}
{{numenor}}
{{ringbearers}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Smiths]]
[[de:Sauron]]
[[fi:Sauron]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/sauron]]

Sauron

2025-08-03T18:24:10Z

SaurontheDeciever: /* Sauron in Adaptations */

{{short description|Servant of Morgoth and master of the One Ring}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Sauron
| image=Alaïs - Annatar.jpg
| caption="Annatar" by [[:Category:Images by Alaïs|Alaïs]]
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}}
| othernames=''Annatar'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Gorthaur'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Mairon'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Zigûr'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]) The Enemy [[Eye of Sauron|The Eye]] The Necromancer The Shadow ''([[#Other names|See below]])''
| titles=The [[Dark Lord]] The [[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Rings]] [[King of Men]] Lord of the World Ring-maker
| position=Smith of [[Aulë]] Lieutenant to [[Morgoth]]
| location=[[Timeless Halls]], [[Almaren]], [[Valinor]], [[Utumno]], [[Angband]], [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], [[Barad-dûr]], [[Ost-in-Edhil]], [[Armenelos]], [[Temple]], [[Dol Guldur]], and [[Window of the Eye]]
| affiliation=[[Aulë]] (originally) [[Morgoth|Melkor]] (later on)
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Black Speech]], [[Adûnaic]], and possibly [[Westron]]
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule={{SA|1600}} - {{TA|3019}}
| death=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Barad-dûr]], [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]]
| age= Unquantifiable
| notablefor=Deceived the [[Elves]] into forging the [[Rings of Power]]; Created [[The One Ring]]; Brought about the [[Downfall of Númenor]]; Nearly conquered the whole of [[Middle-earth]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=''[[#Physical form|See below]]''
| hair=
| eyes=''[[#Eye of Sauron|See below]]''
| clothing=
| weapons=[[The One Ring]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|But in after days he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void.|''[[Valaquenta]]'': Of the Enemies}}</center>

'''Sauron''' was a highly gifted [[Maiar|Maia]], originally an apprentice of [[Aulë]], who became skilled at crafting and making. Coveting the power through which he would coordinate all things according to his own will, he joined with [[Morgoth|Melkor]]. As "Gorthaur" he became the most trusted lieutenant of Morgoth, being reckoned as the greatest of his allies and servants in the [[Battles of Beleriand|Wars of Beleriand]]. From his fortress of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], Sauron was directly responsible for the death of [[Barahir]] and later the [[Noldor]]in king [[Finrod]] during the [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. He demonstrated the ability to take the form of a wolf, a serpent, and a vampire.

After the downfall of Morgoth, Sauron continually strove to conquer [[Middle-earth]] throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages. In the Second Age, under the guise of '''Annatar''', he deceived the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]], who under his guidance had created the [[Rings of Power]], whilst he secretly forged [[the One Ring]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Thus Sauron became "'''[[Lord of the Ring|the Lord of the Rings]]'''". Failing to corrupt the Elves, he assaulted the [[Westlands]], beginning a period called the [[Dark Years]], the first time he became known as the '''[[Dark Lord]]'''. The arrogant [[Númenóreans]], contesting their rule on Middle-earth, challenged him, and Sauron accepted to be brought to [[Númenor]] as a captive; however his influence corrupted the Númenóreans further - leading to the [[Downfall of Númenor]]. His spirit escaped, as did [[Elendil]] and his sons, founding the Realms in Exile of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Elves and the [[Dúnedain]], formed the [[Last Alliance]] and, in {{SA|3441}}, Elendil and Elven [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] died fighting Sauron. Following Sauron's defeat, Elendil's son, [[Isildur]], severed his Ringed finger and took the One Ring for himself.

In the Third Age, Sauron the Enemy returned to Middle-earth and, as the '''Necromancer''', took the hill of [[Amon Lanc]] as his fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]; one of his foremost servants, the [[Witch-king]], formed the realm of [[Angmar]] in the north of [[Eriador]]. Following an attack by the [[White Council]] in {{TA|2941}}, the Dark Lord Sauron returned to his fortress of [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]], marshalling his armies and using his two-faced ally, the corrupted [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Saruman]]. By {{TA|3018}}, [[Frodo Baggins]] was in possession of the Ring, and he was led by [[Gandalf]] as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Whilst Sauron waged the [[War of the Ring]] against the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Gollum]] reached Mount Doom on [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}, and the Ring was destroyed. The breaking of the Ring caused Sauron's fall, and his stepping on Morgoth's path down into the [[Void]], resulting in the start of the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]].

==History==
===Origin===
[[File:Maureval - Mairon.jpg|thumb|left|''Mairon'' by [[:Category:Images by Maureval|Maureval]]]]
{{quote|For nothing is evil in the beginning. Even Sauron was not so.|[[Elrond]]<ref name="lotr-coe"/>}}
As one of the most powerful [[Maiar]], Sauron was [[Creation of the Ainur|created]] by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of [[Time]], he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|IId}}</ref> Here he became one of the Maiar of [[Aulë]], among whose people he was deemed mighty and surpassed only by the Smith himself,<ref name="SVala" /> and was known as '''''Mairon'''''.<ref name="PE17.1">{{PE|17}}, p. 183</ref><ref group="note">Although it could be possible the name 'Mairon' was adapted by the Elves to [[Quenya]] originally from [[Valarin]] name with the same meaning much later, this pure Valarin form vanished in history.</ref>

Mairon's virtue was his love for order, planning and coordination, disliking confusion and chaos. But his obsession with order gradually overshadowed his love for the other intelligent beings of Arda, who would benefit from his planning; it became the sole object of his will, the end in itself. He started admiring [[Morgoth|Melkor]]'s power to realize his designs quickly and masterfully.<ref name="myths" />

Early on, already by the blissful [[Spring of Arda]], he was ensnared by Melkor, becoming his spy on the isle of [[Almaren]], the dwelling-place of the Valar.<ref name="Annals">{{MR|P2a}}, p. 52</ref> While [[Tulkas]] was asleep, Melkor ruined the [[Two Lamps]], and when Almaren was also destroyed, the [[Valar]] moved to the [[Aman|Blessed Realm of Aman]], still not perceiving Sauron's treachery.<ref name="Valinor">{{L|131}}: "''… Sauron was a being of Valinor perverted to the service of the Enemy …''"</ref> Soon Mairon left the Blessed Realm for [[Middle-earth]], [[Sleep of Yavanna|in a dark time]] where Melkor dominated limitlessly, and bent the knee before him as his greatest and most trusted servant.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> Thus he came to be known as '''''Gorthaur''''' by the [[Sindar]] of [[Beleriand]] and '''''Sauron''''' by others. Sauron initially was not as evil as Morgoth, as he was serving someone and not himself;<ref name="SVala" /> and unlike Melkor, who wanted to unmake and corrupt the world, Sauron wished to rule it and do what he wanted with it.<ref name="myths">{{MR|Myths}}, pp. 394-398</ref>

After [[Morgoth]] made his great fortress of [[Angband]] in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]], he appointed Sauron to be its commander.<ref name="SCaptivity">{{S|Captivity}}</ref>

===First Age===
{{quote|Sauron was become now a sorcerer of dreadful power, master of shadows and of phantoms, foul in wisdom, cruel in strength, misshaping what he touched, twisting what he ruled, lord of werewolves; his dominion was torment.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin]]"}}
At some point after the [[Awakening of the Elves]], it was Sauron who first discovered them and their dwellings.<ref>{{NM|P1xiv}}, p. 107</ref> Following their subsequent discovery by [[Oromë]], the Valar [[Battle of the Powers|made war against Melkor]] to protect them and though they stormed Angband and Utumno, they failed to find Sauron.<ref name="SCaptivity" /> Thus Sauron continued his evil operations; during the [[Great Journey|Great March]] of the [[Eldar]] to Valinor, it is said that he may have been responsible for the affliction upon the [[Atyamar|land of the Elves]] in the [[Vales of Anduin]], forcing the [[Elves]] to resume their journey.<ref>{{NM|P1vii}}, pp. 50-51</ref>

With the unchaining of Morgoth and his subsequent destruction of the [[Two Trees of Valinor]], the [[Sun]] first rose and ushered in the awakening of [[Men]]. Leaving Sauron in command of the war, Morgoth left Angband in secret to find the second-born kindred of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and to corrupt them to his will.<ref name="SWest">{{S|West}}</ref>

After the [[Fall of Fingolfin]], Sauron launched an attack on [[Tol Sirion]]. Utter fear descended upon [[Orodreth]] and those who defended the isle. Sauron assailed [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] and turned it into a watch tower for Morgoth. Therein Sauron sat and Tol Sirion the fair became [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], the Isle of Werewolves.<ref name="SFingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

Upon hearing of the deeds of [[Barahir]] and his companions, Morgoth ordered Sauron to find and kill them. [[Gorlim]], one of Barahir's companions, was captured and brought before Sauron. Sauron promised that he would free Gorlim and his wife [[Eilinel]] in return for information. Under the terror of Sauron's eyes, Gorlim revealed everything he knew, and thus the hiding place of Barahir was betrayed to the enemy. Subsequently, Sauron revealed Eilinel was dead and had Gorlim put to death.<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>

[[Beren]], son of [[Barahir]], promised to avenge his father's death. He wandered throughout [[Dorthonion]] as an outlaw and achieved great deeds that were heard far and wide. Morgoth set a high price on his head and Sauron, commanding a great army of [[werewolves]] and [[fell beasts]], sought for Beren.<ref name="Beren" />

Later, [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]], Beren, and their ten companions left [[Nargothrond]] in search of the [[Silmarils]]. Despite their being disguised as Orcs, Sauron espied them as they entered into the vale between [[Ered Wethrin]] and [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] and was suspicious, as Orcs passing were supposed to report to him. He had them captured and they were brought to him. There Finrod and Sauron fought in songs of power; the strength of both was great, but Sauron was more powerful. He then stripped them of their Orc disguises but failed to discern who they were. He had them thrown into a dark pit where one by one they were devoured by a werewolf. Withstanding this horror, they refused to betray one another.<ref name="Beren" />

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Huan Subdues Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|''Huan subdues Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
When all of their companions were dead, Finrod and Beren were the last who remained alive in Sauron's pit. When a werewolf went to attack Beren, Finrod Felagund used all his power to defeat it. In this he was successful. However, he was critically wounded and soon passed away. In that dark moment, [[Lúthien]] came to the bridge of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and sang. From his tower of Minas Tirith, Sauron saw Lúthien and knew that it was the famous daughter of [[Melian]] and [[Thingol]]. He desired to capture her and hand her over to Morgoth. Therefore, he sent a wolf to the bridge, but it was quickly and silently slain by [[Huan]]. He sent many more, and each one Huan killed. Finally, he sent [[Draugluin]], sire of the werewolves of Angband. The fight between Huan and Draugluin was fierce. Eventually Draugluin fled and, before dying, he told his master that Huan was there. According to prophecy, Huan would not die until he had encountered the greatest of all wolves, so Sauron contrived to take on that role and defeat the hound. Therefore Sauron took on the form of a werewolf, the greatest the world had ever seen then, and went towards the bridge. So great was the terror of his approach that even Huan momentarily recoiled. Sauron leaped to attack Lúthien, but she drew her magic veil over his eyes, afflicting him with fatigue and blindness. Then Huan sprang upon Sauron and there they fought. The force of Sauron's malice alone left Lúthien weak and nearly unconscious, and the fighting was brutal and prolonged; however, he could not subdue the hound of [[Valinor]]. He was trapped within Huan's jaws and could not break free, even when he took the form of a serpent and finally his own shape. Rather than leave his physical form, he yielded to Lúthien, giving her control of the isle in return for his release. He then took the form of a vampire and fled to [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]], filling the forest with horror.<ref name="Beren" />

After the [[War of Wrath]], with the downfall of [[Morgoth]] and the destruction of [[Thangorodrim]], Sauron adopted a fair form and repented his evil deeds in fear of the wrath of the Valar. [[Eönwë]] ordered Sauron to return to [[Valinor]] in order to receive the judgement of Manwë. Sauron was not willing to suffer such humiliation, and he instead fled and hid himself in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="SRings" />

===Second Age===
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring.png|thumb|right|''Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
It was {{SA|500|n}} years into the [[Second Age]] when Sauron started to stir again.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron decided that the [[Valar]] had forgotten about [[Middle-earth]] and he once again turned to evil; many Men in [[East]] and [[South]], already corrupted by Melkor, fell under the [[Shadow]] by following him.<ref name="SRings" /> By {{SA|882}}, [[Gil-galad]] sensed a shadow arising in the East and sent a [[Gil-galad's letter|warning]] to [[Númenor]].<ref>{{UT|Wife}}</ref> Around {{SA|1000}} Sauron was alarmed by the growing power of the [[Númenóreans]], and chose [[Mordor]] as a land to make into a stronghold. He began the building of [[Barad-dûr]], the Dark Tower, near Mount Doom.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Although Sauron long knew that [[Men]] were easier to sway, he sought to bring the [[Elves]] into his service, as they were far more powerful.<ref name="SRings" /> After lying hidden and increasing his power in secret, in {{SA|1200}} Sauron put on a fair visage, calling himself '''Annatar''', the Lord of Gifts, an emissary from the Valar.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"</ref> He was never welcome in [[Lindon]] as [[Elrond]] and [[Gil-galad]] did not trust him and refused to treat with him, although they did not perceive who he truly was.<ref name="SRings" />

Elsewhere Annatar was gladly received, especially in [[Eregion]], where only [[Galadriel]] distrusted him. The [[Noldorin]] smiths there learned much from him in art and magic, as their thirst for knowledge was great.<ref name="lotr-coe">{{FR|Council}}</ref><ref name="lotr-toy">{{App|SA}}</ref> Under the tutelage of Annatar and the leadership of [[Celebrimbor]], grandson of [[Fëanor]], the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], became more skilled than anyone save Fëanor himself. In the year {{SA|1500}}, when they reached the very height of their power, the Elves began the forging of the [[Rings of Power]], which according to Annatar, would help them preserve their powers over Middle-earth.

But Sauron was ready to begin his own plans, and in {{SA|1600}} - ten years after the completion of the Rings of Power - he created [[The One Ring]] to control the bearers of the other Rings. He invested most of his own power into the Ring as he forged it, so that it would be more powerful than the others. With its power he completed the building of the Dark Tower.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="lotr-toy" />

But the Elves were not so easily ensnared, and as soon as Sauron put on the One Ring they and Celebrimbor were aware of him, and realised they were betrayed.<ref name="lotr-coe" /><ref name="lotr-toy" /> They hid their Rings from Sauron and did not use them. Sauron demanded that the other Rings be given to him, for they would not have been made without his knowledge. The Elves refused, and the War was inevitable.<ref name="SRings" />

====[[Black Years]]====
During this time, Sauron constructed the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor to prevent invasion, and raised massive armies of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and Men, chiefly [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]] whom he dominated as a king and god. He had them make many fortified towns, and armed those under him with iron.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="dm" />

The [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] began in {{SA|1693}} and was a bloody conflict which destroyed Eregion and devastated much of Eriador.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Celebrimbor was slain and his body impaled on a spike paraded at the head of Sauron's legions. The Elves were pushed back almost to the Blue Mountains, while their Dwarven allies (who had also rejected Sauron) retreated behind the walls of [[Moria]] where Sauron could not assail them.

Sauron was the [[Dark Lord]] of almost all of Middle-earth beyond the coasts, but the [[Númenóreans]] responded to the Elves' call for aid and sent a relief force. With united forces, Sauron's army was driven back and defeated near the [[Sarn Ford]] and withdrew to [[Tharbad]] where he was reinforced. But the Númenórean admiral [[Ciryatur]] had sent a fleet up the river Gwathló and Sauron's army was [[Battle of the Gwathló|attacked in the rear and utterly defeated]]. The Dark Lord fled back to Mordor with little more than his own bodyguard and a handful of Orcs.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

Nonetheless, while Sauron's subsequent power never quite matched the height it had during the War with the Elves, many of his most powerful enemies' homelands had been devastated. As the Númenóreans established dominions around the [[Westlands]] (c. {{SA|1800}}),<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron's empire continued to expand to dominate barbarian Men as servants and worshippers to the far south and east.<ref name="dm">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref><ref>{{UT|Amroth}}</ref>

As the Elves had failed him, he had decided to distribute the Rings of Power to three corrupted lords of [[Númenor]]<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> and [[Khamûl|an Easterling king]] and other five Men, as well as lords of the Dwarves. The Dwarves proved too hardy and resistant to their effects; but the Men eventually faded and in {{SA|2251}} they appeared as [[Ringwraiths]], his greatest slaves.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Believing he would dominate all of Middle-earth, Sauron assumed many glorious titles: '''King of Kings''',<ref name="L131">{{L|131}}</ref> '''King of Men''',<ref name="Akallabeth" /> '''Lord of the Earth''',<ref name="SRings" /> and even '''Lord of the World'''.<ref name="L131" />

====On Númenor====
[[File:Elena Kukanova - The Temple of Melkor.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''The Temple of Melkor'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
This offended the arrogant [[Númenóreans]] who had already started to fall under the [[Shadow]]. The proud Númenóreans came to Middle-earth with great force of arms, and Sauron's forces fled. Realising he could not defeat the Númenóreans with military strength, Sauron allowed himself to be taken as a hostage to Númenor by King [[Ar-Pharazôn]] in {{SA|3262}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

There, he quickly grew from captive to adviser and was known as '''Zigûr''', the Wizard;<ref name="Defeated">{{HM|SD}}, ''passim''</ref> he seduced the King and further corrupted the people.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> He converted many Númenóreans to the worship of Darkness, becoming High Priest of a Melkor cult. He had the [[Nimloth (tree)|White Tree]] cut down and in its place raised a great [[Temple]] in which he performed human sacrifices, persecuting those who were still [[Faithful]]. Finally, he convinced the king to rebel against the Valar and attack Valinor itself, claiming they would gain immortality. [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], the supreme God, then directly intervened: Númenor was drowned under the sea, and the great navy of Númenor was destroyed.

Sauron was on Númenor in the Temple of Melkor and was caught in the ensuing [[Downfall of Númenor|flood]]. However, his spirit survived, although severely weakened by the destruction, and it fled back to Middle-earth.

====Against the Faithful====
Sauron's spirit returned to Mordor in {{SA|3320}},<ref name="lotr-toy" /> where he slowly rebuilt his strength, although he was unable to assume a fair shape. From this point on he started to rule through terror and force, largely filling the fearsome role left vacant by his former master.

Meanwhile, a few faithful Númenóreans, led by [[Elendil]], were saved from the flood, and they founded [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in Middle-earth. Sauron still considered them his hated enemies and he launched a pre-emptive attack on Gondor in {{SA|3429}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

In response, the Númenóreans formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] with the Elven-king [[Gil-galad]]. Learning of them, Sauron dispatched some [[Orcs of Mordor]] to the [[Misty Mountains]] to ambush them.<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, Note #20</ref> He also burned the [[Brown Lands|gardens]] of the [[Entwives]] against the advance of the Allies down the [[Anduin]].<ref>{{L|144}}</ref> Nonetheless, the Allies reached Mordor and defeated Sauron's forces in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] in {{SA|3434}} and finally laid siege before [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="lotr-toy" />

The siege lasted for seven years until {{SA|3441}}, when Sauron left his fortress, engaging in direct combat. Elendil and Gil-galad fought Sauron and vanquished him, but both were killed.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> [[Isildur]], son of Elendil, cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and claimed it. Later, the Ring betrayed him and was lost for more than two thousand years. After his defeat in the War of the Last Alliance, Sauron lost his ability to form a physical body for a great while.

===Third Age===
Sauron's defeat released his subjects, like the [[Easterlings]], from his tyranny, but they fell into chaos. Their tribes and kingdoms battled against each other and some withdrew to the hated west.<ref>{{UT|6b}}, p. 259</ref> Weakened by his defeat and the loss of the One Ring, it is thought that he fled to the far east to regain his power and strength before returning.

It was not until c. {{TA|1000}} that Sauron could again begin to take shape in a physical living body. Worried by this prospect, the [[Valar]] sent [[Wizards|five]] [[Maiar]] from the West to assist the peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, pp. 388-389</ref>

His power was enough that he began again to throw a shadow across portions of [[Middle-earth]]. Apparently, Sauron's spirit managed to move some Easterlings, who invaded [[Rhovanion]] and came to the [[Vales of Anduin]].<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #60</ref>

====The Necromancer====
These moves coincided with the coming of the [[Shadow]] to [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref> Around {{TA|1050|n}} he chose [[Amon Lanc|a hill]] in southern Greenwood as a place to build the fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]. At first, the [[Wise]] thought that this "Necromancer" was one of the [[Nazgûl]] who had returned and taken up residence in southern Greenwood.<ref name="TA" />

The year {{TA|1300}} marked Sauron's increased power, evidenced by "evil things" who multiplied and grew bold again, like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and some of the [[Dragons]], who attacked the [[Dwarves]]; and the return of the Nazgûl, with the founding of the evil realm of [[Angmar]].<ref name="TA" /> In the following centuries, Sauron's subjects in Angmar, the East and the South concentrated against his ancient enemies. Kings [[Araphant]] of [[Arnor]] and [[Ondoher]] of [[Gondor]] realised that a single force was coordinating the attacks on both of their kingdoms and that they needed to work together to combat this evil. However, Angmar was successful in destroying Arnor, and soon after the Nazgûl gathered in Mordor and [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|conquered]] [[Minas Ithil]] to prepare for Sauron's return; their final success was ending the [[King of Gondor|royal line]] of Gondor.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="TA" /><ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref> As his shadow deepened, [[Durin's Bane|a balrog]] awoke, causing the desertion of [[Moria]].<ref name="TA" />
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
By {{TA|2060}} the power of Dol Guldur grew so much that [[the Wise]] were alerted that Sauron was returning. [[Gandalf]] entered the fortress in {{TA|2063|n}} but the shadow fled before him. Returning to the [[East]],<ref name="TA" /> Sauron started corrupting the [[Easterlings]] and forging a strong alliance between their tribes.{{fact}} The period of his absence was known as the ''[[Watchful Peace]]'', because the Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened and the Nazgûl stayed quiet in Minas Morgul,<ref name="TA" /> using this period to prepare for Sauron's return.

====Return to Dol Guldur====
The Necromancer returned in {{TA|2460|n}} more powerful, with many Men in his service, and again took up residence in [[Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> His return coincided with the One Ring revealing itself [[Third Age 2463|three years later]], falling in the hands of [[Gollum|a Stoor]]. Sensing the danger, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]].<ref name="TA" />

The Necromancer's aims remained to gather the Rings of Power, find news about the One Ring, and eliminate the [[Heir of Isildur]], if one remained in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="TA" /><ref>{{App|Tale}}</ref> In {{TA|2475}} the [[Uruk-hai]] exited Mordor and briefly conquered [[Ithilien]]. [[Third Age 2480|Some years later]] the Orcs of the Mountains organised themselves, blocking the passes to the West; Moria had been depopulated centuries earlier by the Balrog, and Sauron sent Orcs and [[Trolls]] there.<ref name="TA" /> Also under his shadow were the [[Balchoth]], who invaded Mirkwood and cooperated with Orcs to attack Gondor.<ref name="stew" /> Sauron's servants captured the [[King of Durin's Folk|Dwarf King]] [[Thráin|Thráin II]] and took [[Ring of Thrór|one]] of the [[Seven Rings|Seven Dwarf rings]] from him.<ref name="TA" />

Still investigating the Necromancer, [[Gandalf]] snuck into Dol Guldur in {{TA|2850|n}} and met the dying Dwarf King, learning that the Necromancer was none other than Sauron. [[Third Age 2851|The next year]], Gandalf informed the White Council and urged an immediate attack upon the fortress, but [[Saruman|Saruman the White]] had learned of the presence of the [[The One Ring|Ruling Ring]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], and he thought it best to allow Sauron to build up his strength in order to reveal its location so that Saruman could seize it himself. Following this strategy, Saruman opposed Gandalf.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>

As his power was growing and his arising came closer, his minions moved again against Gondor; his agents stirred the [[Haradrim]] to resume attacking Gondor, while [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Orcs of Mordor]] infested [[Ithilien]]<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew" /> but never managed to pass beyond Anduin, further into Gondor.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> All this time Sauron apparently had learned about the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]] where his old enemy Isildur was killed, shortly after his own demise, almost three millennia ago. He sent his minions to look for the One Ring around [[Anduin]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], not knowing that it had been already in the possession of [[Gollum|a Stoor]].<ref name="TA" />

====Attack of the White Council====
Considering the situations, and the occupation of the dragon [[Smaug]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], Gandalf was worried that Sauron's military assault against the [[West]] was a matter of time, and that he would use Smaug in his force; Gandalf started considering a simultaneous attack both against Dol Guldur and against Smaug, to weaken Sauron.<ref name="erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|''Dol Guldur'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|2939}}, Saruman learned that Sauron was searching for the Ring, and worried that he would find it sooner than he. In {{TA|2941|n}}, he conceded with Gandalf to [[Attack on Dol Guldur|attack Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> Indeed, in the meantime Gandalf managed to eliminate Smaug, and the Orcs of the Mountains were decimated in the [[Battle of Five Armies|ensuing battle]], allowing the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and [[Dale]] to flourish again.<ref name="erebor" /><ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>

Although Gandalf was weakening Sauron's potential grasp in the [[Wilderland|North]],<ref name="erebor" /> Sauron had been expecting the White Council's attack against Dol Guldur and fled from there.<ref name="TA" />

====Return to Mordor====
The [[Nazgûl]] had been preparing [[Barad-dûr]] for Sauron's return, so it was easy for Sauron to return secretly to his old stronghold [[Third Age 2942|a year later]]. Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}, sent three Nazgûl back to Dol Guldur and started rebuilding the Dark Tower, and once it was completed, the [[Mount Doom]] erupted.<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew">{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

From then on, Sauron stayed in Barad-dûr to conduct his war on the [[Free peoples]]. The shadow of Mordor caused despair and sickness to the Gondorians, like [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]], and in his desperation, the Steward [[Denethor]], Sauron's most immediate enemy, used the [[Anor-stone]] to gain knowledge. That ''[[palantír]]'' was directly linked to the [[Ithil-stone]] that the Nazgûl had taken from Minas Morgul, and when Sauron used it, he discovered Denethor was using his. Sauron attempted to wrench the Anor-stone to his will, but failed due to Denethor's strength of will and birth-right to the stone. But this stressed and wore out the steward, who lost his hope.<ref name="stew" /><ref>{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

By {{TA|3000}}, the shadow lengthened, and Saruman, who was residing in [[Orthanc]], had secretly found and decided to use the [[Orthanc-stone]]. As happened with Denethor, Sauron linked with his mind, managing to corrupt him;<ref name="TA" /> from one of his wisest enemies, Saruman became one of his greatest allies.

Around {{TA|3009}}, [[Gollum]], who formerly bore the One Ring and now pursued its thief, ventured into Mordor and was captured by Sauron's minions. Gollum was tortured and interrogated for the following years,<ref name="TA" /> and before releasing him, Sauron learned that the One Ring had been found by [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[the Shire]].

Sauron bred immense armies of Orcs and allied with or enslaved Men from the east and south. He adopted the symbol of a lidless eye, and he was able at that time to send out his will over Middle-earth, so that the [[Eye of Sauron]] became a symbol of power and fear.

====The War of the Ring====
Sauron was alarmed when the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] captured Gollum,<ref name="TA" /> so in June of {{TA|3018}} he dispatched the Nazgûl to hunt for [[the One Ring]] in secrecy. To disguise the crossing of the Nine over the Great River, Sauron staged an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack on Osgiliath]]. This feint served two purposes: first, to test the strength and preparedness of Denethor, and second and more importantly, to present the Nazgûl as merely a military asset, concealing from the [[Wise]] their true mission.<ref name="hunt" /> Denethor's forces were stronger than Sauron hoped, but Sauron took the eastern half of the city nonetheless. This allowed the Nazgûl to cross the Great River and begin their hunt.<ref name="hunt" /> Now knowing the measure of his enemy, Sauron continued to amass his forces in Minas Morgul and Mordor in preparation for the siege of Gondor.<ref name="TT|IV4">{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

By September, the Nazgûl had failed to discover the Shire, and Sauron's wrath and fear were mounting. Via messenger, Sauron ordered the Nine to discard secrecy in favour of speed and go to Isengard to confront Saruman about his knowledge of the whereabouts of the Ring. At this time, Sauron also conveyed to the Nine such dire threats as to dismay even the Lord of Morgul.<ref name="hunt" /> The Nine ultimately failed in their mission, being defeated and unhorsed by the flood of the Bruinen. The Witch-king returned alone to Mordor in December of 3018 to Sauron's great fear, for Sauron perceived that his foes still had strength left in them, and luck seemed to be on their side.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "The Ring Goes South", p. 262</ref>

Sauron's next glimpse of the Ring (or so he believed) would come in the late hours of [[5 March]] T.A. 3019, when Pippin looked into the ''palantír'' of Orthanc that he had recovered from the flood of Isengard. Sauron, unaware of Saruman's defeat at hands of the [[Ents]], assumed Pippin was the Wizard's prisoner, and was being forced to look into the ''palantír'' as a form of cruel sport. Rather than interrogate Pippin immediately, Sauron chose to torment him, and bid him tell Saruman that he would send for the prisoner immediately.<ref>{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> He was therefore deceived into thinking the Ring was finally within his grasp.

A few hours later, on the morning of [[6 March]], Sauron encountered one of his foes in the ''palantír'' of Orthanc: Aragorn looked into the Stone, revealing himself to Sauron as the Heir of Isildur and wielder of [[Andúril]], the Blade Reforged. Aragorn spoke no word to Sauron and with a great effort of will wrested control of the Stone from him. As Aragorn intended, this played on Sauron's gnawing doubts and filled him with fear, believing that Aragorn might have overthrown Saruman, seizing Pippin and therefore the Ring. Thus, he ordered the Witch-king to launch his long-planned assault on Gondor immediately, rather than wait for all preparations to be made, hoping to destroy his enemies before they had a chance to make full use of the Ring's power.<ref name="RKV2">{{RK|V2}}</ref>

The death of the Witch-king and the defeat of his army in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] were a setback to Sauron, but he still had a great force of arms held in reserve in Mordor, more than enough to eventually secure military victory against all of his enemies combined. After his encounter with Aragorn in the ''palantír'', Sauron believed that one of his foes in Minas Tirith held the One Ring and would soon attempt to use it. As such, Gandalf was able to exploit Sauron's false beliefs with an audacious plan: the army of the Free Peoples would march on the Black Gate as a feint, keeping Sauron's Eye fixed upon them and blind to all else that moved, as the true Ringbearer made his way to Mount Doom.<ref name="RKV9">{{RK|V9}}</ref>

For the next nine days, Gandalf's plan worked - as the Host of the West made its way east and north, Sauron kept his entire focus upon it and diverted the whole strength of Mordor to the Black Gate to meet them. Even when Shagrat brought news of an "Elvish" intruder in [[Cirith Ungol]], Sauron's belief that the Ring was with the Host of the West remained unshaken and he made no attempt to investigate further; he could certainly not imagine that his enemies were trying to sneak the Ring into Mordor. Frodo and Sam thus made it to the [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]] undetected, and Sauron did not become aware of them until the very moment that Frodo claimed the Ring for himself.<ref name="RKVI3">{{RK|VI3}}</ref> [[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

Only then did Sauron finally perceive Frodo and, realising he had been tricked, was overwhelmed with wrath and fear. He instantly lost all interest in the ongoing [[Battle of the Morannon]] and dispatched the Nazgûl from the skies above the battle to Mount Doom with all haste. It was too late; Gollum fell into the Crack of Doom with the Ring, destroying it and himself. In the moment of the Ring's destruction, Barad-dûr and many other of Sauron's fortresses crumbled to ruin. Sauron's spirit emerged and rose above Mordor like a black cloud - he stretched out his hand towards the army of the West, but even as he did so, he was blown away by a great wind and vanished.<ref name="RKVI4">{{RK|VI4}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Thus Sauron's power was unmade, and his dominion in Middle-earth came to an end. According to Gandalf, Sauron was "maimed for ever, becoming a mere spirit of malice that gnaws itself in the shadows, but cannot again grow or take shape."<ref name="RKV9" /> Sauron's corporeal body that was in the Dark Tower died, and without the Ring, his spirit no longer had the power to create a new one. Though his indestructible mind and being were bound forever to [[Eä]], Sauron had lost all power to effect his will upon the world<ref>{{L|200}}</ref> and could never again grow in strength.<ref>{{MR|P5VII}}, section iii, p. 403 and note 11, p. 407</ref>

It is said of Sauron, in summary of his long career of wickedness in Arda, that "he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void."<ref name="SVala" />

==Characteristics==
Sauron was a being of exceptional power, both in personal might and in sorcery, yet his greatest strength lie in his cunning, intellect, and charisma; through persuasion, deception, and coercion, he brought ruin to many mortal realms and united others unto himself, often without ever having to physically intervene, and he nearly cast Middle-earth into darkness several times throughout his existence.

Much like his [[Morgoth|master]], pride in his own abilities was his greatest personal weakness, and this arrogance, coupled with an underestimation of his enemies, would ultimately doom him.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

===Physical form===
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|Tolkien's unfinished sketch of Sauron, apparently showing him just after the destruction of the Ring]]
At first Sauron appeared as a royal and commanding figure in a strong body. He was also able to veil his power and change his shape. Later, however, he could take only a terrible form, of a stature greater than a [[Men|Man]]'s, though not giant,<ref>{{L|246}}</ref> "an image of malice and hatred made visible; and the Eye of Sauron the Terrible few could endure."<ref name="Akallabeth" /> [[Isildur]] recounted that at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]], Sauron's hand was black with a deadly burning touch.<ref name="lotr-coe" /> Gollum would also call him "Black Hand", noticing he only had four fingers after Isildur cut one off.<ref name="Closed">{{TT|IV3}}</ref>

===Eye of Sauron===
The '''[[Eye of Sauron]]''', called by various names, was the symbol of Sauron the Dark Lord following the loss of [[the One Ring]]. This symbol was adopted to show his unceasing vigilance and piercing perception, and was displayed on the weaponry of his servants, or at least the [[orcs]].

Sauron's Eye as Frodo sees it in the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] is the only feature of his later form described in detail. It is yellow and rimmed with fire, with a slit pupil, "a window into nothing."<ref>{{FR|II7}}</ref> The colour is compared to that of a cat's eye, but because of the references to Sauron's Lidless Eye, it may also resemble that of a snake, such as an adder. Readers differ as to whether Sauron's eyes were literally lidless and resembled what Frodo saw, or instead the Eye was only a symbol that Frodo saw in the Mirror in an elaborate form.

Sauron's gaze, even indirectly, was known to wither, exhaust, and weaken his foes, with [[Denethor II|Denethor]], [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], and [[Gandalf]] all rendered weary and dreadful after confronting him.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> The sheer malevolence Sauron exuded through his presence alone was enough to render Lúthien frail and nearly unconscious.<ref name="Beren" />

==Etymology==
{{pronounce|Quenya - Sauron.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
'''''Sauron''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}})<ref group="note">''Sauron'' is pronounced "sour-on" (''sour'' as in not sweet).</ref> is a [[Quenya]] name, said to mean "the Abhorred".<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry "Sauron"</ref>

Several accounts of the origin of the name ''Sauron'' were suggested in different linguistic manuscripts:
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, evil-smelling, putrid", from the [[Sundocarme|root]] [[THUS#Other versions|THUS]]).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "[[THUS]]-"</ref>
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, vile"; from root [[SAWA]]). The manuscript continues saying that ''Sauron'' "could be a genuine [[Sindarin]] formation from ''[[saur]]''; but is probably from Quenya". However, this origin appears to have been rejected, as it is followed by the comment "No. [[THAW|THAW-]], cruel. ''[[Saura]]'', cruel" in the manuscript.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 183-4</ref>
*deriving from the [[Primitive Quendian]] form ''þaurond-'' (formed from the adjective ''þaurā'' "detestable", from root [[THAW]]).<ref>{{L|297}}, p. 380</ref>
*deriving from '''''Thauron''''', which includes the [[Sindarin]] element ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"; also found in [[Sauron#Other names|''Gor'''thaur''''']]).<ref name="Appendix">{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''gor'', ''thaur''</ref>

==Other names==
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Gorthaur.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Mairon.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{Pronounce|Annatar.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''''Gorthaur''''' was a name used of Sauron by the [[Sindar]] during the [[First Age]],<ref name="SVala" /><ref>{{WJ|15}}, p. 240</ref> which was composed of the elements ''[[gor]]'' ("horror, dread") and ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"), thus meaning "Terrible Dread";<ref name="Appendix" /> an alternate variation of this name was '''''Gorsodh'''''.<ref>{{WJ|One}}, entry 455, §153, p. 54</ref> The Quenya equivalent was '''''Ñorsus'''''.<ref name="PE17.1" />

In some of Tolkien's notes from the 1950s, it is said that Sauron's original name was '''''Mairon''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], "the Admirable"), but this was altered after he was suborned by Melkor. He continued to call himself Mairon the Admirable, or '''Tar-mairon''' ("King Excellent"), until after Númenor's downfall,<ref name="PE17.1" /> although he could not use that name in Númenor, as it was a Quenya name with royal implications. There he was called '''''Zigûr''''',<ref name="Defeated" /> meaning "Wizard" in [[Adûnaic]].<ref>{{SD|3vi9}}, p. 437</ref>

'''''Annatar''''' is Quenya for "Lord of Gifts", from ''[[anna]]'' + ''[[tar]]''.<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''anna'', ''tar''</ref> It can be noticed that Morgoth used a similar name when he seduced the first [[Men]]: "Giver of Gifts".<ref>{{MR|P4i}}, The '[[Tale of Adanel]]', p. 344</ref> In an isolated note, Tolkien gives other names used by Sauron when he seduced the Elves in the Second Age: '''''Artano''''' ("High-smith") and '''''Aulendil''''' ("Devoted to Aulë").<ref>{{UT|6}}, Notes, p. 254</ref>

Among his many titles and epithets were:
*The '''Base Master of Treachery''', used once by Gandalf to explain why the [[Mouth of Sauron]] should not be trusted.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[Black Hand]]''', used twice by Gollum.<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Master|Black Master]]''', used by [[Isildur]] when cursing Sauron's former servants, the [[Oathbreakers]].<ref name="RKV2" />
*The '''Black One''', used once by [[Gollum]].<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Dark Lord]]''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Dark Power''', used by Gandalf.<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref>
*The '''Deceiver''', given by [[Amandil]] before departing to ask the Valar deliverance from Sauron's corruption.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
*The '''Enemy''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''[[Eye of Sauron|Eye]]''', with its variants, mainly referred to his mental form and his [[Eye of Sauron|emblem]], but also applied to Sauron himself.<ref>{{RK|I3}}, entry "Eye, The"</ref>
*The '''Great''', following the name of ''Sauron'', it is only used once by Gandalf,<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref> once by [[Glóin]],<ref name="lotr-coe" /> and once by the Mouth of Sauron.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[King of Kings]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''[[King of Men]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="Akallabeth" />
*The '''Lord of the Earth''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Lord of [[Barad-dûr]],''' given to Sauron during the periods he inhabitated the Dark Tower; used by [[Denethor]]<ref name=":0">{{RK|V4}}</ref> and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="RKV9" />
*The '''[[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Ring]]''' or '''Lord of the Rings'''.
*The '''Lord of the World''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''Nameless''', probably given by the [[Gondorians|people of Gondor]], as it is only used by Boromir as '''Nameless Enemy''',<ref name="lotr-coe" /> by Faramir as '''Nameless One''',<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref> and by the watchmen of Gondor.<ref name=":0" />
*The '''Necromancer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''King''', given by the people of [[Agar]].<ref>{{PM|Elmar}}</ref>
*The '''One Enemy''', used once by Frodo Baggins.<ref name="TT|IV4" />
*The '''[[Ring-maker]]'''.<ref name="Shadow" />
*The '''Ruler''', used once by Saruman during his confrontation with Gandalf.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''[[Shadow]]''', not properly given to him, but to his power when he expanded it in the Third Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Sorcerer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*'''Wolf-Sauron''', the name given to the dreadful werewolf-shape that Sauron took on when he went to do battle with [[Huan]].<ref name="Beren" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
Since the earliest versions of the [[legendarium]], Sauron has undergone many changes. The prototype of this character was '''[[Tevildo]]''', lord of the cats, who played the role later taken by Sauron in the earliest version of the story of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]". Morgoth also had another servant named '''[[Fankil]]''' who led evil [[Dwarves]] and notably acted as his lieutenant, a role assumed by Sauron in the final works.

Tevildo later was transformed into '''[[Thû]]''', the Necromancer - the first proper iteration of the later Sauron. The name was then changed to ''Gorthû'', ''Sûr'', and finally to Sauron. ''Gorthû'', in the form ''Gorthaur'', remained in ''The Silmarillion''.

In the first version of the Fall of Númenor, Sûr (Thû) originally came to Númenor in the likeness of a great bird and preached a message of deliverance, and he prophesied the second coming of Morgoth. He spoke with the king (Angor) and queen (Istar) and promised them undying life and lordship of the Earth. They believed him and fell under the shadow, and the greatest part of the people of Númenor followed them. Angor raised a great temple to Morgoth in the midst of the land, and Sûr dwelt there.<ref name="downfall1">{{LR|P1II2}}</ref>{{rp|§5}} As Angor felt the oncoming of old age, Sûr convinced the king that that the gifts of Morgoth were withheld by the Gods, and that to obtain plenitude of power and undying life he must be master of the West. Sûr then aided the Númenóreans in making their great armament.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§6}} Thû survived the destruction of the island and retreated to Middle-earth where he fought wars against the surviving Númenóreans, whose hearts were not crooked and hated Thû, that assailed his temples and servants.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§13}} Eventually Amroth,<ref group="note">This Amroth is a predecessor to Eldendil, hence is a Man, not an Elf</ref> the King of Beleriand, took council with Elrond, and with what Elves remained they crossed over the mountains and assailed the fortress of Thû; Amroth himself was slain, but Thû was brought to his knees, with his servants dispelled and his dwellings destroyed, and he fled to a dark forest and hid himself.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§14}}

Prior to the publication of ''The Silmarillion'', Sauron's origins and true identity were unclear to those without full access to Tolkien's notes. For example, in early editions of ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth|The Guide to Middle Earth]]'', Sauron was described as "probably of the Eldar elves".

===The Necromancer===
In ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the Necromancer is an obscure villainous entity mentioned fleetingly by [[Gandalf]] as one of the dangers of the wider world. He is peripheral to the plot of the book: explaining why the company takes the dangerous road through Mirkwood rather than going around, and providing a reason for Gandalf's absence for that section of the journey. Thematically the Necromancer, a truly 'terrible' force beyond the power of the main protagonists, gives the world of ''The Hobbit'' a greater level of reality which Tolkien felt was necessary for a "fairy-tale" to ring true.<ref name="Letter17">{{L|17}}</ref>

Despite the alias, it would appear that the Necromancer was always intended to stand for Sauron, a figure from the very earliest phases of his legendarium (as [[Tevildo]] in "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]"). Shortly after the publication of ''The Hobbit'' Tolkien wrote:

{{blockquote|Mr Baggins began as a comic tale among conventional and inconsistent Grimm's fairy-tale dwarves, and got drawn into the edge of it – so that even Sauron the terrible peeped over the edge.|[[Letter 19]]}}

Indeed, in the ''[[Lay of Leithian]]'', [[Thû]] is called a "necromancer" who "held his hosts of [[phantoms]] and of wandering [[ghosts]]" (l. 2075) in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]].<ref>{{LB|C7}}</ref>

However, as ''The Hobbit'' was not originally intended to be integrated with Tolkien's wider mythology the Necromancer did not necessarily need to be consistent with his [[First Age]] counterpart Sauron, rather the two were loosely linked to add an 'impression of depth' to the narrative of ''The Hobbit''. With Tolkien's decision to merge the two 'worlds' and make Sauron the central antagonist of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' came the need to reconcile the two figures and account for his whereabouts in the millennia between the end of the First Age and his dwelling in Bilbo's Mirkwood. This was largely achieved in the ''[[Appendix B|Tale of Years]]'', with Sauron becoming a much greater figure after the fall of his master, one who arguably drove the history of the entire Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth.

Fans have noted that the alias "Necromancer" for Sauron is obscure, as in the context of neither ''The Hobbit'' nor ''The Lord of the Rings'' Sauron is ever specifically mentioned to use [[Wikipedia:necromancy|necromancy]], i.e. controlling the [[spirits]] of the dead.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/47756/why-is-sauron-called-the-necromancer|articlename=Why is Sauron called the "Necromancer"?|dated=|website=Stackexchange|accessed=9 January 2020}}</ref>

A later essay mentions the practice of necromancy concerning the ''[[fëar]]'' of the [[Unbodied]] Elves, mentioning that Sauron possibly did so and also taught his followers,<ref>{{MR|P3II3c}}, p. 224</ref> although this reference is not given in the context of the story.

==Minions and allies==
*[[Thuringwethil]]- Vampire Herald
*[[Draugluin]]- First of the Werewolves of Angband; mortally-wounded by [[Huan]]
*The [Witch-king|[Witch-king of Angmar]] - Lord of Morgul, Lord of the Nazgûl and deadliest servant; vanquished by [[Éowyn]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]
**[[Khamûl]] - Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, second only to the Witch-king among the Nazgûl; undone by the destruction of [[the One Ring]]
**Other 7 [[Nazgûl]] - Most terrible of his servants; perished with the One Ring
*The [[King of the Dead]] - King of the Oathbreakers, former servant bound to the [[Heir of Isildur]]
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]] - Last King of Númenor, rival-turned-puppet, coerced to the worship of the Darkness
*[[Herumor]] - Lord among the Haradrim
*[[Fuinur]] - Chief among the Haradrim
*[[Captain of the Haven]] - Commander of the Corsairs of Umbar; slain by [[Aragorn]]
*The [[Mouth of Sauron]] - Lieutenant of the Dark Tower and personal Ambassador
**[[Grishnákh]] - Orc captain of the Dark Tower; slain by the Riders of Rohan
*[[Saruman]] - Lord of Isengard, corrupted White [[Wizards|Wizard]] and treacherous ally; stabbed in the back by Gríma
**[[Gríma]] - Chief counsellor of King [[Théoden]] in Rohan, Saruman's mole at the court; shot by Hobbit arrows
**[[Squint-eyed southerner]] - Dunlending spy at the Prancing Pony Inn
**[[Bill Ferny]] - Outlaw of Bree-land
**[[Harry Goatleaf]] - Gate-keeper of the West-gate of Bree, informant
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]] - Lieutenant of Morgul, second only to the Witch-king among the Morgul-host
**[[Gorbag]] - Captain of the Orcs of Morgul that captured [[Frodo Baggins]]; murdered by Shagrat
*[[Shagrat]] - Captain of Cirith Ungol; put to death for his failures
**[[Muzgash]] - Orc guard at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Lagduf]] - Orc sentry stationed at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Radbug]] - Orc sentinel of Cirith Ungol; had his eyes squeezed out by Shagrat
**[[Snaga (orc of Mordor)|Snaga]] - Torturer of Cirith Ungol; fell to his demise in a fight with [[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Ufthak]] - Orc subordinate in Cirith Ungol; caught by Shelob in her webs
*[[Shelob]] - Descendant of [[Ungoliant]] and convenient guardian of the pass through Mordor
*The [[Two Watchers]] - Statues inhabited by evil spirits
;Characters from older concepts
*[[Naglur-Danlo]] - Orc of Cirith Ungol
*[[Shagram]] - Orc soldier of Cirith Ungol

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Sauron in Adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="160" heights="160">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Prologue.jpg|Sauron in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:LOTR-vol2-Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Sauron.jpg|Sauron ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Eye Of Sauron.jpg|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
File:Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in the ''[[Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:Lord of the Rings The Third Age - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Annatar.png|Annatar in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Sauron.jpg|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]: [[Minas Morgul]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Conquest - Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Annatar.png|Annatar in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Sauron in Dúrnost.jpg|Sauron in [[Dúrnost]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Halbrand in Mordor.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Sauron/[[Halbrand]] in [[Mordor]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:Rings-of-power-annatar-3-ku4bifbuj2befldajixhkw2uwy.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Sauron/Annatar in [[Eregion]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:SauronDarkLord ToME.jpg|Sauron, the Dark Lord card from [[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Sauron is briefly shown in the prologue sequence as a shadowy figure in a horned helmet in a non-speaking role.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played by [[Sala Baker]] and voiced by [[Alan Howard]]. In these films, he is depicted as a tall -yet not gigantic - armored warlord wielding a huge mace (a blend between his vague description by Tolkien and the more detailed appearance of [[Morgoth]] as described in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''). In the first film, he is depicted dispatching a number of Elves and Men with his mace, before killing [[Gil-galad]] (offscreen; the scene figured in the concept art done for the prologue, however) and then [[Elendil]] before being defeated by [[Isildur]] using his father's [[Narsil|broken sword]] to cut off the finger wearing [[the One Ring]], as well as three others on the same hand. This strangely causes his body to explode, producing a shockwave that knocks everyone on the battlefield off their feet.

:Later on, [[Saruman]] implies to [[Gandalf]] that Sauron was unable to retain his physical form and that the Eye was his astral form, a detail which is never brought up in the novel. It is unknown if Saruman was truthful with this statement, or if he was either misinformed or lying (since he was already corrupted by his yearning for power and Sauron's influence).

:For the portrayal of Sauron as a giant eye of fire in these movies, see [[Eye of Sauron#Portrayal in adaptations]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played and voiced by [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], under his assumed identity as the Necromancer. In these films, it is stated that the White Council does not discover he is Sauron until much later, during the events of these films, previously believing him to be a human with skills in magic. In these films, Sauron initially appears as a shadowy figure before assuming his armoured form from the previous films. With him as the slit black pupil, he projects flames around him, creating the visage of the Great Eye.

'''2017: ''[[Wikipedia:The Lego Batman Movie|The Lego Batman Movie]]'':'''
:In the film, Sauron, appearing as a flaming eye from atop his tower, is among the villains recruited by The Joker to aid in his conquest of Gotham City. His powers of vision prove to be a hindrance to Batman and his companions, but he is eventually inadvertently destroyed by the Kraken's mouth projectile. He is voiced by Jemaine Clement.

===Television===
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:'''1 September: Episode 1. ''[[A Shadow of the Past]]'':'''
::Sauron appears overseeing an army of [[Orcs]] at [[Dúrnost]] during the prologue, narrated by [[Galadriel]]. No actor is credited for the specific role.

:'''14 October: Episode 8. ''[[Alloyed]]'':'''
::It is revealed that Sauron was disguised as [[Halbrand]] (portrayed by [[Charlie Vickers]]) the entire time. After being supposedly "split open" by [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]], he took on the form of a mortal [[Men|Man]] and gave to himself the name Halbrand. At some point in time, he came upon the corpse of the last King of the [[Southlands]] and took up the crest because he thought that it suited him well.

===Radio series===
{{Incomplete}}
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sauron is provided by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1724">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1724, [[23 November|November 23]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned only very briefly at the end; [[Gandalf]] and [[Elrond]] discuss how the "Necromancer" had been driven from his abode in the south of [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

===Video games===
{{Incomplete}}
'''1985: ''[[Lord of the Rings: Game One]]'':'''

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'''''

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned by [[Gandalf]] in the beginning of the game.

'''1993: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Sauron is mentioned in the beginning of the game, when [[Gandalf]] explains the history of [[the One Ring]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron and the events of the south of Mirkwood are left unmentioned. However, whilst in Mirkwood, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] has to defeat creatures that he calls "Minions of the Necromancer".

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:At the end of the game, Berethor and company (the playable characters) have to defeat the eye of Sauron by physically attacking him on top of [[Barad-dûr]].

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''

'''2005: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tactics]]'':'''

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Sauron, in his fair guise, appears during the flashback to the years of the [[Second Age]]. He uses the name "Antheron" instead of "Annatar", which only appears in the works not covered by the game' licese.
:Visiting Sauron's personal chambers in [[Dol Guldur]] leads to a vision of the Dark Lord, still weak and recovering from his defeat at the hand of [[Isildur]].
:During an extended flashback sequence to the [[War of the Last Alliance]], Sauron himself is met within [[Barad-dûr]] by the player, who controls a historic character.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''

'''2012: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Sauron appears in a boss battle in the first level. His boss form appears as a massive CCBS figure-similar to something from LEGO's Knights Kingdom line. He is also unlocked as a playable character after the bonus level. His Annatar form appears as a playable character in a downloadable DLC.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Sauron is a "guardian".<ref name="Trailer">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caYW7d-8MIY&feature=player_embedded|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': First Official Gameplay Trailer|dated=29 June 2012|website=YT|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''

'''2014: ''[[Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Sauron has two playable forms. The first is based on the Necromancer mini-figure from the "Dol Guldur Battle" LEGO set while the second is a fiery version of his playable form in the [[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game|first game]].

'''2015: ''[[Wikipedia:Lego Dimensions|Lego Dimensions]]'':'''
:Sauron (voiced by Steven Blum), appearing in mini-figure form, invades the DC Comics' dimension and takes over Metropolis with the aid of the Rift Keystone. Soon thereafter, Sauron uses the Rift Keystone to bring Barad-dûr across dimensions to stand atop Lexcorp tower. When Batman, Gandalf, and Wildstyle arrive in the city to retake the Keystone, Sauron engages the three in a battle atop a Doctor Who Dalek saucer. Eventually, he is defeated, being pulled through a rift by Lord Vortech, the primary antagonist. Sauron is turned into a cube and does not appear again.

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'':'''

===Others===
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:Sauron is treated as a Mage of level 180 (level 360 if using the One Ring). Among his items are the Elf-slaying Black Sword (S. ''Mormegil''), the Gauntlet of Slaying ("Narsil's Bane"), and the Black Scale of dragonskin. Among his special powers are Domination (control over other players using the One Eye), resistance to normal weapons, and the ability to force anyone within his sight to resist fear (or otherwise become frozen).

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54534/cards_lang/1 Sauron]", appearing in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Balrog|The Balrog]]'', is playable as a manifestation of the card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54002/cards_lang/1 The Lidless Eye]" (from the set [[Middle-earth: The Lidless Eye|''The Lidless Eye'']]), and can be used by players to enhance their general influence.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/20/goal/|articlename=Home page for the game Middle Earth|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=5 January 2012}}</ref>

==External links==
*[http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/sauronname.htm ''A Name for the Dark Lord''] by [[Helge Fauskanger]].

{{references|note}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=evil
| house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of <s>[[Aulë]]</s> [[Morgoth|Melkor]]
| born = [[Creation of the Ainur]]
| died=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Morgoth]]''', c. 1603 years earlier
| list=2nd [[Dark Lord]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=None
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Ring created
| list=1st [[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} – {{SA|3441|n}}
| next=[[Isildur]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{ainur}}
{{numenor}}
{{ringbearers}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Smiths]]
[[de:Sauron]]
[[fi:Sauron]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/sauron]]

Sauron

2025-08-03T18:22:47Z

SaurontheDeciever: Addded annatar in rings of power

{{short description|Servant of Morgoth and master of the One Ring}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Sauron
| image=Alaïs - Annatar.jpg
| caption="Annatar" by [[:Category:Images by Alaïs|Alaïs]]
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}}
| othernames=''Annatar'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Gorthaur'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Mairon'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Zigûr'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]) The Enemy [[Eye of Sauron|The Eye]] The Necromancer The Shadow ''([[#Other names|See below]])''
| titles=The [[Dark Lord]] The [[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Rings]] [[King of Men]] Lord of the World Ring-maker
| position=Smith of [[Aulë]] Lieutenant to [[Morgoth]]
| location=[[Timeless Halls]], [[Almaren]], [[Valinor]], [[Utumno]], [[Angband]], [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], [[Barad-dûr]], [[Ost-in-Edhil]], [[Armenelos]], [[Temple]], [[Dol Guldur]], and [[Window of the Eye]]
| affiliation=[[Aulë]] (originally) [[Morgoth|Melkor]] (later on)
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Black Speech]], [[Adûnaic]], and possibly [[Westron]]
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule={{SA|1600}} - {{TA|3019}}
| death=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Barad-dûr]], [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]]
| age= Unquantifiable
| notablefor=Deceived the [[Elves]] into forging the [[Rings of Power]]; Created [[The One Ring]]; Brought about the [[Downfall of Númenor]]; Nearly conquered the whole of [[Middle-earth]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=''[[#Physical form|See below]]''
| hair=
| eyes=''[[#Eye of Sauron|See below]]''
| clothing=
| weapons=[[The One Ring]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|But in after days he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void.|''[[Valaquenta]]'': Of the Enemies}}</center>

'''Sauron''' was a highly gifted [[Maiar|Maia]], originally an apprentice of [[Aulë]], who became skilled at crafting and making. Coveting the power through which he would coordinate all things according to his own will, he joined with [[Morgoth|Melkor]]. As "Gorthaur" he became the most trusted lieutenant of Morgoth, being reckoned as the greatest of his allies and servants in the [[Battles of Beleriand|Wars of Beleriand]]. From his fortress of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], Sauron was directly responsible for the death of [[Barahir]] and later the [[Noldor]]in king [[Finrod]] during the [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. He demonstrated the ability to take the form of a wolf, a serpent, and a vampire.

After the downfall of Morgoth, Sauron continually strove to conquer [[Middle-earth]] throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages. In the Second Age, under the guise of '''Annatar''', he deceived the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]], who under his guidance had created the [[Rings of Power]], whilst he secretly forged [[the One Ring]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Thus Sauron became "'''[[Lord of the Ring|the Lord of the Rings]]'''". Failing to corrupt the Elves, he assaulted the [[Westlands]], beginning a period called the [[Dark Years]], the first time he became known as the '''[[Dark Lord]]'''. The arrogant [[Númenóreans]], contesting their rule on Middle-earth, challenged him, and Sauron accepted to be brought to [[Númenor]] as a captive; however his influence corrupted the Númenóreans further - leading to the [[Downfall of Númenor]]. His spirit escaped, as did [[Elendil]] and his sons, founding the Realms in Exile of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Elves and the [[Dúnedain]], formed the [[Last Alliance]] and, in {{SA|3441}}, Elendil and Elven [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] died fighting Sauron. Following Sauron's defeat, Elendil's son, [[Isildur]], severed his Ringed finger and took the One Ring for himself.

In the Third Age, Sauron the Enemy returned to Middle-earth and, as the '''Necromancer''', took the hill of [[Amon Lanc]] as his fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]; one of his foremost servants, the [[Witch-king]], formed the realm of [[Angmar]] in the north of [[Eriador]]. Following an attack by the [[White Council]] in {{TA|2941}}, the Dark Lord Sauron returned to his fortress of [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]], marshalling his armies and using his two-faced ally, the corrupted [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Saruman]]. By {{TA|3018}}, [[Frodo Baggins]] was in possession of the Ring, and he was led by [[Gandalf]] as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Whilst Sauron waged the [[War of the Ring]] against the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Gollum]] reached Mount Doom on [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}, and the Ring was destroyed. The breaking of the Ring caused Sauron's fall, and his stepping on Morgoth's path down into the [[Void]], resulting in the start of the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]].

==History==
===Origin===
[[File:Maureval - Mairon.jpg|thumb|left|''Mairon'' by [[:Category:Images by Maureval|Maureval]]]]
{{quote|For nothing is evil in the beginning. Even Sauron was not so.|[[Elrond]]<ref name="lotr-coe"/>}}
As one of the most powerful [[Maiar]], Sauron was [[Creation of the Ainur|created]] by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of [[Time]], he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|IId}}</ref> Here he became one of the Maiar of [[Aulë]], among whose people he was deemed mighty and surpassed only by the Smith himself,<ref name="SVala" /> and was known as '''''Mairon'''''.<ref name="PE17.1">{{PE|17}}, p. 183</ref><ref group="note">Although it could be possible the name 'Mairon' was adapted by the Elves to [[Quenya]] originally from [[Valarin]] name with the same meaning much later, this pure Valarin form vanished in history.</ref>

Mairon's virtue was his love for order, planning and coordination, disliking confusion and chaos. But his obsession with order gradually overshadowed his love for the other intelligent beings of Arda, who would benefit from his planning; it became the sole object of his will, the end in itself. He started admiring [[Morgoth|Melkor]]'s power to realize his designs quickly and masterfully.<ref name="myths" />

Early on, already by the blissful [[Spring of Arda]], he was ensnared by Melkor, becoming his spy on the isle of [[Almaren]], the dwelling-place of the Valar.<ref name="Annals">{{MR|P2a}}, p. 52</ref> While [[Tulkas]] was asleep, Melkor ruined the [[Two Lamps]], and when Almaren was also destroyed, the [[Valar]] moved to the [[Aman|Blessed Realm of Aman]], still not perceiving Sauron's treachery.<ref name="Valinor">{{L|131}}: "''… Sauron was a being of Valinor perverted to the service of the Enemy …''"</ref> Soon Mairon left the Blessed Realm for [[Middle-earth]], [[Sleep of Yavanna|in a dark time]] where Melkor dominated limitlessly, and bent the knee before him as his greatest and most trusted servant.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> Thus he came to be known as '''''Gorthaur''''' by the [[Sindar]] of [[Beleriand]] and '''''Sauron''''' by others. Sauron initially was not as evil as Morgoth, as he was serving someone and not himself;<ref name="SVala" /> and unlike Melkor, who wanted to unmake and corrupt the world, Sauron wished to rule it and do what he wanted with it.<ref name="myths">{{MR|Myths}}, pp. 394-398</ref>

After [[Morgoth]] made his great fortress of [[Angband]] in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]], he appointed Sauron to be its commander.<ref name="SCaptivity">{{S|Captivity}}</ref>

===First Age===
{{quote|Sauron was become now a sorcerer of dreadful power, master of shadows and of phantoms, foul in wisdom, cruel in strength, misshaping what he touched, twisting what he ruled, lord of werewolves; his dominion was torment.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin]]"}}
At some point after the [[Awakening of the Elves]], it was Sauron who first discovered them and their dwellings.<ref>{{NM|P1xiv}}, p. 107</ref> Following their subsequent discovery by [[Oromë]], the Valar [[Battle of the Powers|made war against Melkor]] to protect them and though they stormed Angband and Utumno, they failed to find Sauron.<ref name="SCaptivity" /> Thus Sauron continued his evil operations; during the [[Great Journey|Great March]] of the [[Eldar]] to Valinor, it is said that he may have been responsible for the affliction upon the [[Atyamar|land of the Elves]] in the [[Vales of Anduin]], forcing the [[Elves]] to resume their journey.<ref>{{NM|P1vii}}, pp. 50-51</ref>

With the unchaining of Morgoth and his subsequent destruction of the [[Two Trees of Valinor]], the [[Sun]] first rose and ushered in the awakening of [[Men]]. Leaving Sauron in command of the war, Morgoth left Angband in secret to find the second-born kindred of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and to corrupt them to his will.<ref name="SWest">{{S|West}}</ref>

After the [[Fall of Fingolfin]], Sauron launched an attack on [[Tol Sirion]]. Utter fear descended upon [[Orodreth]] and those who defended the isle. Sauron assailed [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] and turned it into a watch tower for Morgoth. Therein Sauron sat and Tol Sirion the fair became [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], the Isle of Werewolves.<ref name="SFingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

Upon hearing of the deeds of [[Barahir]] and his companions, Morgoth ordered Sauron to find and kill them. [[Gorlim]], one of Barahir's companions, was captured and brought before Sauron. Sauron promised that he would free Gorlim and his wife [[Eilinel]] in return for information. Under the terror of Sauron's eyes, Gorlim revealed everything he knew, and thus the hiding place of Barahir was betrayed to the enemy. Subsequently, Sauron revealed Eilinel was dead and had Gorlim put to death.<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>

[[Beren]], son of [[Barahir]], promised to avenge his father's death. He wandered throughout [[Dorthonion]] as an outlaw and achieved great deeds that were heard far and wide. Morgoth set a high price on his head and Sauron, commanding a great army of [[werewolves]] and [[fell beasts]], sought for Beren.<ref name="Beren" />

Later, [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]], Beren, and their ten companions left [[Nargothrond]] in search of the [[Silmarils]]. Despite their being disguised as Orcs, Sauron espied them as they entered into the vale between [[Ered Wethrin]] and [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] and was suspicious, as Orcs passing were supposed to report to him. He had them captured and they were brought to him. There Finrod and Sauron fought in songs of power; the strength of both was great, but Sauron was more powerful. He then stripped them of their Orc disguises but failed to discern who they were. He had them thrown into a dark pit where one by one they were devoured by a werewolf. Withstanding this horror, they refused to betray one another.<ref name="Beren" />

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Huan Subdues Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|''Huan subdues Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
When all of their companions were dead, Finrod and Beren were the last who remained alive in Sauron's pit. When a werewolf went to attack Beren, Finrod Felagund used all his power to defeat it. In this he was successful. However, he was critically wounded and soon passed away. In that dark moment, [[Lúthien]] came to the bridge of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and sang. From his tower of Minas Tirith, Sauron saw Lúthien and knew that it was the famous daughter of [[Melian]] and [[Thingol]]. He desired to capture her and hand her over to Morgoth. Therefore, he sent a wolf to the bridge, but it was quickly and silently slain by [[Huan]]. He sent many more, and each one Huan killed. Finally, he sent [[Draugluin]], sire of the werewolves of Angband. The fight between Huan and Draugluin was fierce. Eventually Draugluin fled and, before dying, he told his master that Huan was there. According to prophecy, Huan would not die until he had encountered the greatest of all wolves, so Sauron contrived to take on that role and defeat the hound. Therefore Sauron took on the form of a werewolf, the greatest the world had ever seen then, and went towards the bridge. So great was the terror of his approach that even Huan momentarily recoiled. Sauron leaped to attack Lúthien, but she drew her magic veil over his eyes, afflicting him with fatigue and blindness. Then Huan sprang upon Sauron and there they fought. The force of Sauron's malice alone left Lúthien weak and nearly unconscious, and the fighting was brutal and prolonged; however, he could not subdue the hound of [[Valinor]]. He was trapped within Huan's jaws and could not break free, even when he took the form of a serpent and finally his own shape. Rather than leave his physical form, he yielded to Lúthien, giving her control of the isle in return for his release. He then took the form of a vampire and fled to [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]], filling the forest with horror.<ref name="Beren" />

After the [[War of Wrath]], with the downfall of [[Morgoth]] and the destruction of [[Thangorodrim]], Sauron adopted a fair form and repented his evil deeds in fear of the wrath of the Valar. [[Eönwë]] ordered Sauron to return to [[Valinor]] in order to receive the judgement of Manwë. Sauron was not willing to suffer such humiliation, and he instead fled and hid himself in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="SRings" />

===Second Age===
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring.png|thumb|right|''Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
It was {{SA|500|n}} years into the [[Second Age]] when Sauron started to stir again.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron decided that the [[Valar]] had forgotten about [[Middle-earth]] and he once again turned to evil; many Men in [[East]] and [[South]], already corrupted by Melkor, fell under the [[Shadow]] by following him.<ref name="SRings" /> By {{SA|882}}, [[Gil-galad]] sensed a shadow arising in the East and sent a [[Gil-galad's letter|warning]] to [[Númenor]].<ref>{{UT|Wife}}</ref> Around {{SA|1000}} Sauron was alarmed by the growing power of the [[Númenóreans]], and chose [[Mordor]] as a land to make into a stronghold. He began the building of [[Barad-dûr]], the Dark Tower, near Mount Doom.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Although Sauron long knew that [[Men]] were easier to sway, he sought to bring the [[Elves]] into his service, as they were far more powerful.<ref name="SRings" /> After lying hidden and increasing his power in secret, in {{SA|1200}} Sauron put on a fair visage, calling himself '''Annatar''', the Lord of Gifts, an emissary from the Valar.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"</ref> He was never welcome in [[Lindon]] as [[Elrond]] and [[Gil-galad]] did not trust him and refused to treat with him, although they did not perceive who he truly was.<ref name="SRings" />

Elsewhere Annatar was gladly received, especially in [[Eregion]], where only [[Galadriel]] distrusted him. The [[Noldorin]] smiths there learned much from him in art and magic, as their thirst for knowledge was great.<ref name="lotr-coe">{{FR|Council}}</ref><ref name="lotr-toy">{{App|SA}}</ref> Under the tutelage of Annatar and the leadership of [[Celebrimbor]], grandson of [[Fëanor]], the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], became more skilled than anyone save Fëanor himself. In the year {{SA|1500}}, when they reached the very height of their power, the Elves began the forging of the [[Rings of Power]], which according to Annatar, would help them preserve their powers over Middle-earth.

But Sauron was ready to begin his own plans, and in {{SA|1600}} - ten years after the completion of the Rings of Power - he created [[The One Ring]] to control the bearers of the other Rings. He invested most of his own power into the Ring as he forged it, so that it would be more powerful than the others. With its power he completed the building of the Dark Tower.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="lotr-toy" />

But the Elves were not so easily ensnared, and as soon as Sauron put on the One Ring they and Celebrimbor were aware of him, and realised they were betrayed.<ref name="lotr-coe" /><ref name="lotr-toy" /> They hid their Rings from Sauron and did not use them. Sauron demanded that the other Rings be given to him, for they would not have been made without his knowledge. The Elves refused, and the War was inevitable.<ref name="SRings" />

====[[Black Years]]====
During this time, Sauron constructed the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor to prevent invasion, and raised massive armies of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and Men, chiefly [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]] whom he dominated as a king and god. He had them make many fortified towns, and armed those under him with iron.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="dm" />

The [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] began in {{SA|1693}} and was a bloody conflict which destroyed Eregion and devastated much of Eriador.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Celebrimbor was slain and his body impaled on a spike paraded at the head of Sauron's legions. The Elves were pushed back almost to the Blue Mountains, while their Dwarven allies (who had also rejected Sauron) retreated behind the walls of [[Moria]] where Sauron could not assail them.

Sauron was the [[Dark Lord]] of almost all of Middle-earth beyond the coasts, but the [[Númenóreans]] responded to the Elves' call for aid and sent a relief force. With united forces, Sauron's army was driven back and defeated near the [[Sarn Ford]] and withdrew to [[Tharbad]] where he was reinforced. But the Númenórean admiral [[Ciryatur]] had sent a fleet up the river Gwathló and Sauron's army was [[Battle of the Gwathló|attacked in the rear and utterly defeated]]. The Dark Lord fled back to Mordor with little more than his own bodyguard and a handful of Orcs.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

Nonetheless, while Sauron's subsequent power never quite matched the height it had during the War with the Elves, many of his most powerful enemies' homelands had been devastated. As the Númenóreans established dominions around the [[Westlands]] (c. {{SA|1800}}),<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron's empire continued to expand to dominate barbarian Men as servants and worshippers to the far south and east.<ref name="dm">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref><ref>{{UT|Amroth}}</ref>

As the Elves had failed him, he had decided to distribute the Rings of Power to three corrupted lords of [[Númenor]]<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> and [[Khamûl|an Easterling king]] and other five Men, as well as lords of the Dwarves. The Dwarves proved too hardy and resistant to their effects; but the Men eventually faded and in {{SA|2251}} they appeared as [[Ringwraiths]], his greatest slaves.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Believing he would dominate all of Middle-earth, Sauron assumed many glorious titles: '''King of Kings''',<ref name="L131">{{L|131}}</ref> '''King of Men''',<ref name="Akallabeth" /> '''Lord of the Earth''',<ref name="SRings" /> and even '''Lord of the World'''.<ref name="L131" />

====On Númenor====
[[File:Elena Kukanova - The Temple of Melkor.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''The Temple of Melkor'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
This offended the arrogant [[Númenóreans]] who had already started to fall under the [[Shadow]]. The proud Númenóreans came to Middle-earth with great force of arms, and Sauron's forces fled. Realising he could not defeat the Númenóreans with military strength, Sauron allowed himself to be taken as a hostage to Númenor by King [[Ar-Pharazôn]] in {{SA|3262}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

There, he quickly grew from captive to adviser and was known as '''Zigûr''', the Wizard;<ref name="Defeated">{{HM|SD}}, ''passim''</ref> he seduced the King and further corrupted the people.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> He converted many Númenóreans to the worship of Darkness, becoming High Priest of a Melkor cult. He had the [[Nimloth (tree)|White Tree]] cut down and in its place raised a great [[Temple]] in which he performed human sacrifices, persecuting those who were still [[Faithful]]. Finally, he convinced the king to rebel against the Valar and attack Valinor itself, claiming they would gain immortality. [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], the supreme God, then directly intervened: Númenor was drowned under the sea, and the great navy of Númenor was destroyed.

Sauron was on Númenor in the Temple of Melkor and was caught in the ensuing [[Downfall of Númenor|flood]]. However, his spirit survived, although severely weakened by the destruction, and it fled back to Middle-earth.

====Against the Faithful====
Sauron's spirit returned to Mordor in {{SA|3320}},<ref name="lotr-toy" /> where he slowly rebuilt his strength, although he was unable to assume a fair shape. From this point on he started to rule through terror and force, largely filling the fearsome role left vacant by his former master.

Meanwhile, a few faithful Númenóreans, led by [[Elendil]], were saved from the flood, and they founded [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in Middle-earth. Sauron still considered them his hated enemies and he launched a pre-emptive attack on Gondor in {{SA|3429}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

In response, the Númenóreans formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] with the Elven-king [[Gil-galad]]. Learning of them, Sauron dispatched some [[Orcs of Mordor]] to the [[Misty Mountains]] to ambush them.<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, Note #20</ref> He also burned the [[Brown Lands|gardens]] of the [[Entwives]] against the advance of the Allies down the [[Anduin]].<ref>{{L|144}}</ref> Nonetheless, the Allies reached Mordor and defeated Sauron's forces in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] in {{SA|3434}} and finally laid siege before [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="lotr-toy" />

The siege lasted for seven years until {{SA|3441}}, when Sauron left his fortress, engaging in direct combat. Elendil and Gil-galad fought Sauron and vanquished him, but both were killed.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> [[Isildur]], son of Elendil, cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and claimed it. Later, the Ring betrayed him and was lost for more than two thousand years. After his defeat in the War of the Last Alliance, Sauron lost his ability to form a physical body for a great while.

===Third Age===
Sauron's defeat released his subjects, like the [[Easterlings]], from his tyranny, but they fell into chaos. Their tribes and kingdoms battled against each other and some withdrew to the hated west.<ref>{{UT|6b}}, p. 259</ref> Weakened by his defeat and the loss of the One Ring, it is thought that he fled to the far east to regain his power and strength before returning.

It was not until c. {{TA|1000}} that Sauron could again begin to take shape in a physical living body. Worried by this prospect, the [[Valar]] sent [[Wizards|five]] [[Maiar]] from the West to assist the peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, pp. 388-389</ref>

His power was enough that he began again to throw a shadow across portions of [[Middle-earth]]. Apparently, Sauron's spirit managed to move some Easterlings, who invaded [[Rhovanion]] and came to the [[Vales of Anduin]].<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #60</ref>

====The Necromancer====
These moves coincided with the coming of the [[Shadow]] to [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref> Around {{TA|1050|n}} he chose [[Amon Lanc|a hill]] in southern Greenwood as a place to build the fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]. At first, the [[Wise]] thought that this "Necromancer" was one of the [[Nazgûl]] who had returned and taken up residence in southern Greenwood.<ref name="TA" />

The year {{TA|1300}} marked Sauron's increased power, evidenced by "evil things" who multiplied and grew bold again, like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and some of the [[Dragons]], who attacked the [[Dwarves]]; and the return of the Nazgûl, with the founding of the evil realm of [[Angmar]].<ref name="TA" /> In the following centuries, Sauron's subjects in Angmar, the East and the South concentrated against his ancient enemies. Kings [[Araphant]] of [[Arnor]] and [[Ondoher]] of [[Gondor]] realised that a single force was coordinating the attacks on both of their kingdoms and that they needed to work together to combat this evil. However, Angmar was successful in destroying Arnor, and soon after the Nazgûl gathered in Mordor and [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|conquered]] [[Minas Ithil]] to prepare for Sauron's return; their final success was ending the [[King of Gondor|royal line]] of Gondor.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="TA" /><ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref> As his shadow deepened, [[Durin's Bane|a balrog]] awoke, causing the desertion of [[Moria]].<ref name="TA" />
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
By {{TA|2060}} the power of Dol Guldur grew so much that [[the Wise]] were alerted that Sauron was returning. [[Gandalf]] entered the fortress in {{TA|2063|n}} but the shadow fled before him. Returning to the [[East]],<ref name="TA" /> Sauron started corrupting the [[Easterlings]] and forging a strong alliance between their tribes.{{fact}} The period of his absence was known as the ''[[Watchful Peace]]'', because the Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened and the Nazgûl stayed quiet in Minas Morgul,<ref name="TA" /> using this period to prepare for Sauron's return.

====Return to Dol Guldur====
The Necromancer returned in {{TA|2460|n}} more powerful, with many Men in his service, and again took up residence in [[Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> His return coincided with the One Ring revealing itself [[Third Age 2463|three years later]], falling in the hands of [[Gollum|a Stoor]]. Sensing the danger, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]].<ref name="TA" />

The Necromancer's aims remained to gather the Rings of Power, find news about the One Ring, and eliminate the [[Heir of Isildur]], if one remained in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="TA" /><ref>{{App|Tale}}</ref> In {{TA|2475}} the [[Uruk-hai]] exited Mordor and briefly conquered [[Ithilien]]. [[Third Age 2480|Some years later]] the Orcs of the Mountains organised themselves, blocking the passes to the West; Moria had been depopulated centuries earlier by the Balrog, and Sauron sent Orcs and [[Trolls]] there.<ref name="TA" /> Also under his shadow were the [[Balchoth]], who invaded Mirkwood and cooperated with Orcs to attack Gondor.<ref name="stew" /> Sauron's servants captured the [[King of Durin's Folk|Dwarf King]] [[Thráin|Thráin II]] and took [[Ring of Thrór|one]] of the [[Seven Rings|Seven Dwarf rings]] from him.<ref name="TA" />

Still investigating the Necromancer, [[Gandalf]] snuck into Dol Guldur in {{TA|2850|n}} and met the dying Dwarf King, learning that the Necromancer was none other than Sauron. [[Third Age 2851|The next year]], Gandalf informed the White Council and urged an immediate attack upon the fortress, but [[Saruman|Saruman the White]] had learned of the presence of the [[The One Ring|Ruling Ring]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], and he thought it best to allow Sauron to build up his strength in order to reveal its location so that Saruman could seize it himself. Following this strategy, Saruman opposed Gandalf.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>

As his power was growing and his arising came closer, his minions moved again against Gondor; his agents stirred the [[Haradrim]] to resume attacking Gondor, while [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Orcs of Mordor]] infested [[Ithilien]]<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew" /> but never managed to pass beyond Anduin, further into Gondor.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> All this time Sauron apparently had learned about the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]] where his old enemy Isildur was killed, shortly after his own demise, almost three millennia ago. He sent his minions to look for the One Ring around [[Anduin]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], not knowing that it had been already in the possession of [[Gollum|a Stoor]].<ref name="TA" />

====Attack of the White Council====
Considering the situations, and the occupation of the dragon [[Smaug]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], Gandalf was worried that Sauron's military assault against the [[West]] was a matter of time, and that he would use Smaug in his force; Gandalf started considering a simultaneous attack both against Dol Guldur and against Smaug, to weaken Sauron.<ref name="erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|''Dol Guldur'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|2939}}, Saruman learned that Sauron was searching for the Ring, and worried that he would find it sooner than he. In {{TA|2941|n}}, he conceded with Gandalf to [[Attack on Dol Guldur|attack Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> Indeed, in the meantime Gandalf managed to eliminate Smaug, and the Orcs of the Mountains were decimated in the [[Battle of Five Armies|ensuing battle]], allowing the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and [[Dale]] to flourish again.<ref name="erebor" /><ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>

Although Gandalf was weakening Sauron's potential grasp in the [[Wilderland|North]],<ref name="erebor" /> Sauron had been expecting the White Council's attack against Dol Guldur and fled from there.<ref name="TA" />

====Return to Mordor====
The [[Nazgûl]] had been preparing [[Barad-dûr]] for Sauron's return, so it was easy for Sauron to return secretly to his old stronghold [[Third Age 2942|a year later]]. Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}, sent three Nazgûl back to Dol Guldur and started rebuilding the Dark Tower, and once it was completed, the [[Mount Doom]] erupted.<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew">{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

From then on, Sauron stayed in Barad-dûr to conduct his war on the [[Free peoples]]. The shadow of Mordor caused despair and sickness to the Gondorians, like [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]], and in his desperation, the Steward [[Denethor]], Sauron's most immediate enemy, used the [[Anor-stone]] to gain knowledge. That ''[[palantír]]'' was directly linked to the [[Ithil-stone]] that the Nazgûl had taken from Minas Morgul, and when Sauron used it, he discovered Denethor was using his. Sauron attempted to wrench the Anor-stone to his will, but failed due to Denethor's strength of will and birth-right to the stone. But this stressed and wore out the steward, who lost his hope.<ref name="stew" /><ref>{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

By {{TA|3000}}, the shadow lengthened, and Saruman, who was residing in [[Orthanc]], had secretly found and decided to use the [[Orthanc-stone]]. As happened with Denethor, Sauron linked with his mind, managing to corrupt him;<ref name="TA" /> from one of his wisest enemies, Saruman became one of his greatest allies.

Around {{TA|3009}}, [[Gollum]], who formerly bore the One Ring and now pursued its thief, ventured into Mordor and was captured by Sauron's minions. Gollum was tortured and interrogated for the following years,<ref name="TA" /> and before releasing him, Sauron learned that the One Ring had been found by [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[the Shire]].

Sauron bred immense armies of Orcs and allied with or enslaved Men from the east and south. He adopted the symbol of a lidless eye, and he was able at that time to send out his will over Middle-earth, so that the [[Eye of Sauron]] became a symbol of power and fear.

====The War of the Ring====
Sauron was alarmed when the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] captured Gollum,<ref name="TA" /> so in June of {{TA|3018}} he dispatched the Nazgûl to hunt for [[the One Ring]] in secrecy. To disguise the crossing of the Nine over the Great River, Sauron staged an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack on Osgiliath]]. This feint served two purposes: first, to test the strength and preparedness of Denethor, and second and more importantly, to present the Nazgûl as merely a military asset, concealing from the [[Wise]] their true mission.<ref name="hunt" /> Denethor's forces were stronger than Sauron hoped, but Sauron took the eastern half of the city nonetheless. This allowed the Nazgûl to cross the Great River and begin their hunt.<ref name="hunt" /> Now knowing the measure of his enemy, Sauron continued to amass his forces in Minas Morgul and Mordor in preparation for the siege of Gondor.<ref name="TT|IV4">{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

By September, the Nazgûl had failed to discover the Shire, and Sauron's wrath and fear were mounting. Via messenger, Sauron ordered the Nine to discard secrecy in favour of speed and go to Isengard to confront Saruman about his knowledge of the whereabouts of the Ring. At this time, Sauron also conveyed to the Nine such dire threats as to dismay even the Lord of Morgul.<ref name="hunt" /> The Nine ultimately failed in their mission, being defeated and unhorsed by the flood of the Bruinen. The Witch-king returned alone to Mordor in December of 3018 to Sauron's great fear, for Sauron perceived that his foes still had strength left in them, and luck seemed to be on their side.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "The Ring Goes South", p. 262</ref>

Sauron's next glimpse of the Ring (or so he believed) would come in the late hours of [[5 March]] T.A. 3019, when Pippin looked into the ''palantír'' of Orthanc that he had recovered from the flood of Isengard. Sauron, unaware of Saruman's defeat at hands of the [[Ents]], assumed Pippin was the Wizard's prisoner, and was being forced to look into the ''palantír'' as a form of cruel sport. Rather than interrogate Pippin immediately, Sauron chose to torment him, and bid him tell Saruman that he would send for the prisoner immediately.<ref>{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> He was therefore deceived into thinking the Ring was finally within his grasp.

A few hours later, on the morning of [[6 March]], Sauron encountered one of his foes in the ''palantír'' of Orthanc: Aragorn looked into the Stone, revealing himself to Sauron as the Heir of Isildur and wielder of [[Andúril]], the Blade Reforged. Aragorn spoke no word to Sauron and with a great effort of will wrested control of the Stone from him. As Aragorn intended, this played on Sauron's gnawing doubts and filled him with fear, believing that Aragorn might have overthrown Saruman, seizing Pippin and therefore the Ring. Thus, he ordered the Witch-king to launch his long-planned assault on Gondor immediately, rather than wait for all preparations to be made, hoping to destroy his enemies before they had a chance to make full use of the Ring's power.<ref name="RKV2">{{RK|V2}}</ref>

The death of the Witch-king and the defeat of his army in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] were a setback to Sauron, but he still had a great force of arms held in reserve in Mordor, more than enough to eventually secure military victory against all of his enemies combined. After his encounter with Aragorn in the ''palantír'', Sauron believed that one of his foes in Minas Tirith held the One Ring and would soon attempt to use it. As such, Gandalf was able to exploit Sauron's false beliefs with an audacious plan: the army of the Free Peoples would march on the Black Gate as a feint, keeping Sauron's Eye fixed upon them and blind to all else that moved, as the true Ringbearer made his way to Mount Doom.<ref name="RKV9">{{RK|V9}}</ref>

For the next nine days, Gandalf's plan worked - as the Host of the West made its way east and north, Sauron kept his entire focus upon it and diverted the whole strength of Mordor to the Black Gate to meet them. Even when Shagrat brought news of an "Elvish" intruder in [[Cirith Ungol]], Sauron's belief that the Ring was with the Host of the West remained unshaken and he made no attempt to investigate further; he could certainly not imagine that his enemies were trying to sneak the Ring into Mordor. Frodo and Sam thus made it to the [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]] undetected, and Sauron did not become aware of them until the very moment that Frodo claimed the Ring for himself.<ref name="RKVI3">{{RK|VI3}}</ref> [[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

Only then did Sauron finally perceive Frodo and, realising he had been tricked, was overwhelmed with wrath and fear. He instantly lost all interest in the ongoing [[Battle of the Morannon]] and dispatched the Nazgûl from the skies above the battle to Mount Doom with all haste. It was too late; Gollum fell into the Crack of Doom with the Ring, destroying it and himself. In the moment of the Ring's destruction, Barad-dûr and many other of Sauron's fortresses crumbled to ruin. Sauron's spirit emerged and rose above Mordor like a black cloud - he stretched out his hand towards the army of the West, but even as he did so, he was blown away by a great wind and vanished.<ref name="RKVI4">{{RK|VI4}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Thus Sauron's power was unmade, and his dominion in Middle-earth came to an end. According to Gandalf, Sauron was "maimed for ever, becoming a mere spirit of malice that gnaws itself in the shadows, but cannot again grow or take shape."<ref name="RKV9" /> Sauron's corporeal body that was in the Dark Tower died, and without the Ring, his spirit no longer had the power to create a new one. Though his indestructible mind and being were bound forever to [[Eä]], Sauron had lost all power to effect his will upon the world<ref>{{L|200}}</ref> and could never again grow in strength.<ref>{{MR|P5VII}}, section iii, p. 403 and note 11, p. 407</ref>

It is said of Sauron, in summary of his long career of wickedness in Arda, that "he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void."<ref name="SVala" />

==Characteristics==
Sauron was a being of exceptional power, both in personal might and in sorcery, yet his greatest strength lie in his cunning, intellect, and charisma; through persuasion, deception, and coercion, he brought ruin to many mortal realms and united others unto himself, often without ever having to physically intervene, and he nearly cast Middle-earth into darkness several times throughout his existence.

Much like his [[Morgoth|master]], pride in his own abilities was his greatest personal weakness, and this arrogance, coupled with an underestimation of his enemies, would ultimately doom him.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

===Physical form===
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|Tolkien's unfinished sketch of Sauron, apparently showing him just after the destruction of the Ring]]
At first Sauron appeared as a royal and commanding figure in a strong body. He was also able to veil his power and change his shape. Later, however, he could take only a terrible form, of a stature greater than a [[Men|Man]]'s, though not giant,<ref>{{L|246}}</ref> "an image of malice and hatred made visible; and the Eye of Sauron the Terrible few could endure."<ref name="Akallabeth" /> [[Isildur]] recounted that at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]], Sauron's hand was black with a deadly burning touch.<ref name="lotr-coe" /> Gollum would also call him "Black Hand", noticing he only had four fingers after Isildur cut one off.<ref name="Closed">{{TT|IV3}}</ref>

===Eye of Sauron===
The '''[[Eye of Sauron]]''', called by various names, was the symbol of Sauron the Dark Lord following the loss of [[the One Ring]]. This symbol was adopted to show his unceasing vigilance and piercing perception, and was displayed on the weaponry of his servants, or at least the [[orcs]].

Sauron's Eye as Frodo sees it in the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] is the only feature of his later form described in detail. It is yellow and rimmed with fire, with a slit pupil, "a window into nothing."<ref>{{FR|II7}}</ref> The colour is compared to that of a cat's eye, but because of the references to Sauron's Lidless Eye, it may also resemble that of a snake, such as an adder. Readers differ as to whether Sauron's eyes were literally lidless and resembled what Frodo saw, or instead the Eye was only a symbol that Frodo saw in the Mirror in an elaborate form.

Sauron's gaze, even indirectly, was known to wither, exhaust, and weaken his foes, with [[Denethor II|Denethor]], [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], and [[Gandalf]] all rendered weary and dreadful after confronting him.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> The sheer malevolence Sauron exuded through his presence alone was enough to render Lúthien frail and nearly unconscious.<ref name="Beren" />

==Etymology==
{{pronounce|Quenya - Sauron.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
'''''Sauron''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}})<ref group="note">''Sauron'' is pronounced "sour-on" (''sour'' as in not sweet).</ref> is a [[Quenya]] name, said to mean "the Abhorred".<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry "Sauron"</ref>

Several accounts of the origin of the name ''Sauron'' were suggested in different linguistic manuscripts:
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, evil-smelling, putrid", from the [[Sundocarme|root]] [[THUS#Other versions|THUS]]).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "[[THUS]]-"</ref>
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, vile"; from root [[SAWA]]). The manuscript continues saying that ''Sauron'' "could be a genuine [[Sindarin]] formation from ''[[saur]]''; but is probably from Quenya". However, this origin appears to have been rejected, as it is followed by the comment "No. [[THAW|THAW-]], cruel. ''[[Saura]]'', cruel" in the manuscript.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 183-4</ref>
*deriving from the [[Primitive Quendian]] form ''þaurond-'' (formed from the adjective ''þaurā'' "detestable", from root [[THAW]]).<ref>{{L|297}}, p. 380</ref>
*deriving from '''''Thauron''''', which includes the [[Sindarin]] element ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"; also found in [[Sauron#Other names|''Gor'''thaur''''']]).<ref name="Appendix">{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''gor'', ''thaur''</ref>

==Other names==
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Gorthaur.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Mairon.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{Pronounce|Annatar.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''''Gorthaur''''' was a name used of Sauron by the [[Sindar]] during the [[First Age]],<ref name="SVala" /><ref>{{WJ|15}}, p. 240</ref> which was composed of the elements ''[[gor]]'' ("horror, dread") and ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"), thus meaning "Terrible Dread";<ref name="Appendix" /> an alternate variation of this name was '''''Gorsodh'''''.<ref>{{WJ|One}}, entry 455, §153, p. 54</ref> The Quenya equivalent was '''''Ñorsus'''''.<ref name="PE17.1" />

In some of Tolkien's notes from the 1950s, it is said that Sauron's original name was '''''Mairon''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], "the Admirable"), but this was altered after he was suborned by Melkor. He continued to call himself Mairon the Admirable, or '''Tar-mairon''' ("King Excellent"), until after Númenor's downfall,<ref name="PE17.1" /> although he could not use that name in Númenor, as it was a Quenya name with royal implications. There he was called '''''Zigûr''''',<ref name="Defeated" /> meaning "Wizard" in [[Adûnaic]].<ref>{{SD|3vi9}}, p. 437</ref>

'''''Annatar''''' is Quenya for "Lord of Gifts", from ''[[anna]]'' + ''[[tar]]''.<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''anna'', ''tar''</ref> It can be noticed that Morgoth used a similar name when he seduced the first [[Men]]: "Giver of Gifts".<ref>{{MR|P4i}}, The '[[Tale of Adanel]]', p. 344</ref> In an isolated note, Tolkien gives other names used by Sauron when he seduced the Elves in the Second Age: '''''Artano''''' ("High-smith") and '''''Aulendil''''' ("Devoted to Aulë").<ref>{{UT|6}}, Notes, p. 254</ref>

Among his many titles and epithets were:
*The '''Base Master of Treachery''', used once by Gandalf to explain why the [[Mouth of Sauron]] should not be trusted.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[Black Hand]]''', used twice by Gollum.<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Master|Black Master]]''', used by [[Isildur]] when cursing Sauron's former servants, the [[Oathbreakers]].<ref name="RKV2" />
*The '''Black One''', used once by [[Gollum]].<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Dark Lord]]''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Dark Power''', used by Gandalf.<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref>
*The '''Deceiver''', given by [[Amandil]] before departing to ask the Valar deliverance from Sauron's corruption.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
*The '''Enemy''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''[[Eye of Sauron|Eye]]''', with its variants, mainly referred to his mental form and his [[Eye of Sauron|emblem]], but also applied to Sauron himself.<ref>{{RK|I3}}, entry "Eye, The"</ref>
*The '''Great''', following the name of ''Sauron'', it is only used once by Gandalf,<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref> once by [[Glóin]],<ref name="lotr-coe" /> and once by the Mouth of Sauron.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[King of Kings]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''[[King of Men]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="Akallabeth" />
*The '''Lord of the Earth''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Lord of [[Barad-dûr]],''' given to Sauron during the periods he inhabitated the Dark Tower; used by [[Denethor]]<ref name=":0">{{RK|V4}}</ref> and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="RKV9" />
*The '''[[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Ring]]''' or '''Lord of the Rings'''.
*The '''Lord of the World''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''Nameless''', probably given by the [[Gondorians|people of Gondor]], as it is only used by Boromir as '''Nameless Enemy''',<ref name="lotr-coe" /> by Faramir as '''Nameless One''',<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref> and by the watchmen of Gondor.<ref name=":0" />
*The '''Necromancer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''King''', given by the people of [[Agar]].<ref>{{PM|Elmar}}</ref>
*The '''One Enemy''', used once by Frodo Baggins.<ref name="TT|IV4" />
*The '''[[Ring-maker]]'''.<ref name="Shadow" />
*The '''Ruler''', used once by Saruman during his confrontation with Gandalf.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''[[Shadow]]''', not properly given to him, but to his power when he expanded it in the Third Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Sorcerer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*'''Wolf-Sauron''', the name given to the dreadful werewolf-shape that Sauron took on when he went to do battle with [[Huan]].<ref name="Beren" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
Since the earliest versions of the [[legendarium]], Sauron has undergone many changes. The prototype of this character was '''[[Tevildo]]''', lord of the cats, who played the role later taken by Sauron in the earliest version of the story of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]". Morgoth also had another servant named '''[[Fankil]]''' who led evil [[Dwarves]] and notably acted as his lieutenant, a role assumed by Sauron in the final works.

Tevildo later was transformed into '''[[Thû]]''', the Necromancer - the first proper iteration of the later Sauron. The name was then changed to ''Gorthû'', ''Sûr'', and finally to Sauron. ''Gorthû'', in the form ''Gorthaur'', remained in ''The Silmarillion''.

In the first version of the Fall of Númenor, Sûr (Thû) originally came to Númenor in the likeness of a great bird and preached a message of deliverance, and he prophesied the second coming of Morgoth. He spoke with the king (Angor) and queen (Istar) and promised them undying life and lordship of the Earth. They believed him and fell under the shadow, and the greatest part of the people of Númenor followed them. Angor raised a great temple to Morgoth in the midst of the land, and Sûr dwelt there.<ref name="downfall1">{{LR|P1II2}}</ref>{{rp|§5}} As Angor felt the oncoming of old age, Sûr convinced the king that that the gifts of Morgoth were withheld by the Gods, and that to obtain plenitude of power and undying life he must be master of the West. Sûr then aided the Númenóreans in making their great armament.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§6}} Thû survived the destruction of the island and retreated to Middle-earth where he fought wars against the surviving Númenóreans, whose hearts were not crooked and hated Thû, that assailed his temples and servants.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§13}} Eventually Amroth,<ref group="note">This Amroth is a predecessor to Eldendil, hence is a Man, not an Elf</ref> the King of Beleriand, took council with Elrond, and with what Elves remained they crossed over the mountains and assailed the fortress of Thû; Amroth himself was slain, but Thû was brought to his knees, with his servants dispelled and his dwellings destroyed, and he fled to a dark forest and hid himself.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§14}}

Prior to the publication of ''The Silmarillion'', Sauron's origins and true identity were unclear to those without full access to Tolkien's notes. For example, in early editions of ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth|The Guide to Middle Earth]]'', Sauron was described as "probably of the Eldar elves".

===The Necromancer===
In ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the Necromancer is an obscure villainous entity mentioned fleetingly by [[Gandalf]] as one of the dangers of the wider world. He is peripheral to the plot of the book: explaining why the company takes the dangerous road through Mirkwood rather than going around, and providing a reason for Gandalf's absence for that section of the journey. Thematically the Necromancer, a truly 'terrible' force beyond the power of the main protagonists, gives the world of ''The Hobbit'' a greater level of reality which Tolkien felt was necessary for a "fairy-tale" to ring true.<ref name="Letter17">{{L|17}}</ref>

Despite the alias, it would appear that the Necromancer was always intended to stand for Sauron, a figure from the very earliest phases of his legendarium (as [[Tevildo]] in "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]"). Shortly after the publication of ''The Hobbit'' Tolkien wrote:

{{blockquote|Mr Baggins began as a comic tale among conventional and inconsistent Grimm's fairy-tale dwarves, and got drawn into the edge of it – so that even Sauron the terrible peeped over the edge.|[[Letter 19]]}}

Indeed, in the ''[[Lay of Leithian]]'', [[Thû]] is called a "necromancer" who "held his hosts of [[phantoms]] and of wandering [[ghosts]]" (l. 2075) in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]].<ref>{{LB|C7}}</ref>

However, as ''The Hobbit'' was not originally intended to be integrated with Tolkien's wider mythology the Necromancer did not necessarily need to be consistent with his [[First Age]] counterpart Sauron, rather the two were loosely linked to add an 'impression of depth' to the narrative of ''The Hobbit''. With Tolkien's decision to merge the two 'worlds' and make Sauron the central antagonist of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' came the need to reconcile the two figures and account for his whereabouts in the millennia between the end of the First Age and his dwelling in Bilbo's Mirkwood. This was largely achieved in the ''[[Appendix B|Tale of Years]]'', with Sauron becoming a much greater figure after the fall of his master, one who arguably drove the history of the entire Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth.

Fans have noted that the alias "Necromancer" for Sauron is obscure, as in the context of neither ''The Hobbit'' nor ''The Lord of the Rings'' Sauron is ever specifically mentioned to use [[Wikipedia:necromancy|necromancy]], i.e. controlling the [[spirits]] of the dead.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/47756/why-is-sauron-called-the-necromancer|articlename=Why is Sauron called the "Necromancer"?|dated=|website=Stackexchange|accessed=9 January 2020}}</ref>

A later essay mentions the practice of necromancy concerning the ''[[fëar]]'' of the [[Unbodied]] Elves, mentioning that Sauron possibly did so and also taught his followers,<ref>{{MR|P3II3c}}, p. 224</ref> although this reference is not given in the context of the story.

==Minions and allies==
*[[Thuringwethil]]- Vampire Herald
*[[Draugluin]]- First of the Werewolves of Angband; mortally-wounded by [[Huan]]
*The [Witch-king|[Witch-king of Angmar]] - Lord of Morgul, Lord of the Nazgûl and deadliest servant; vanquished by [[Éowyn]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]
**[[Khamûl]] - Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, second only to the Witch-king among the Nazgûl; undone by the destruction of [[the One Ring]]
**Other 7 [[Nazgûl]] - Most terrible of his servants; perished with the One Ring
*The [[King of the Dead]] - King of the Oathbreakers, former servant bound to the [[Heir of Isildur]]
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]] - Last King of Númenor, rival-turned-puppet, coerced to the worship of the Darkness
*[[Herumor]] - Lord among the Haradrim
*[[Fuinur]] - Chief among the Haradrim
*[[Captain of the Haven]] - Commander of the Corsairs of Umbar; slain by [[Aragorn]]
*The [[Mouth of Sauron]] - Lieutenant of the Dark Tower and personal Ambassador
**[[Grishnákh]] - Orc captain of the Dark Tower; slain by the Riders of Rohan
*[[Saruman]] - Lord of Isengard, corrupted White [[Wizards|Wizard]] and treacherous ally; stabbed in the back by Gríma
**[[Gríma]] - Chief counsellor of King [[Théoden]] in Rohan, Saruman's mole at the court; shot by Hobbit arrows
**[[Squint-eyed southerner]] - Dunlending spy at the Prancing Pony Inn
**[[Bill Ferny]] - Outlaw of Bree-land
**[[Harry Goatleaf]] - Gate-keeper of the West-gate of Bree, informant
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]] - Lieutenant of Morgul, second only to the Witch-king among the Morgul-host
**[[Gorbag]] - Captain of the Orcs of Morgul that captured [[Frodo Baggins]]; murdered by Shagrat
*[[Shagrat]] - Captain of Cirith Ungol; put to death for his failures
**[[Muzgash]] - Orc guard at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Lagduf]] - Orc sentry stationed at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Radbug]] - Orc sentinel of Cirith Ungol; had his eyes squeezed out by Shagrat
**[[Snaga (orc of Mordor)|Snaga]] - Torturer of Cirith Ungol; fell to his demise in a fight with [[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Ufthak]] - Orc subordinate in Cirith Ungol; caught by Shelob in her webs
*[[Shelob]] - Descendant of [[Ungoliant]] and convenient guardian of the pass through Mordor
*The [[Two Watchers]] - Statues inhabited by evil spirits
;Characters from older concepts
*[[Naglur-Danlo]] - Orc of Cirith Ungol
*[[Shagram]] - Orc soldier of Cirith Ungol

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Sauron in Adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="160" heights="160">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Prologue.jpg|Sauron in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:LOTR-vol2-Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Sauron.jpg|Sauron ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Eye Of Sauron.jpg|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
File:Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in the ''[[Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:Lord of the Rings The Third Age - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Annatar.png|Annatar in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Sauron.jpg|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]: [[Minas Morgul]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Conquest - Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Annatar.png|Annatar in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Sauron in Dúrnost.jpg|Sauron in [[Dúrnost]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Halbrand in Mordor.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Sauron/[[Halbrand]] in [[Mordor]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:SauronDarkLord ToME.jpg|Sauron, the Dark Lord card from [[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]
File:Rings-of-power-annatar-3-ku4bifbuj2befldajixhkw2uwy.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Sauron/Annatar in [[Eregion]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Sauron is briefly shown in the prologue sequence as a shadowy figure in a horned helmet in a non-speaking role.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played by [[Sala Baker]] and voiced by [[Alan Howard]]. In these films, he is depicted as a tall -yet not gigantic - armored warlord wielding a huge mace (a blend between his vague description by Tolkien and the more detailed appearance of [[Morgoth]] as described in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''). In the first film, he is depicted dispatching a number of Elves and Men with his mace, before killing [[Gil-galad]] (offscreen; the scene figured in the concept art done for the prologue, however) and then [[Elendil]] before being defeated by [[Isildur]] using his father's [[Narsil|broken sword]] to cut off the finger wearing [[the One Ring]], as well as three others on the same hand. This strangely causes his body to explode, producing a shockwave that knocks everyone on the battlefield off their feet.

:Later on, [[Saruman]] implies to [[Gandalf]] that Sauron was unable to retain his physical form and that the Eye was his astral form, a detail which is never brought up in the novel. It is unknown if Saruman was truthful with this statement, or if he was either misinformed or lying (since he was already corrupted by his yearning for power and Sauron's influence).

:For the portrayal of Sauron as a giant eye of fire in these movies, see [[Eye of Sauron#Portrayal in adaptations]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played and voiced by [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], under his assumed identity as the Necromancer. In these films, it is stated that the White Council does not discover he is Sauron until much later, during the events of these films, previously believing him to be a human with skills in magic. In these films, Sauron initially appears as a shadowy figure before assuming his armoured form from the previous films. With him as the slit black pupil, he projects flames around him, creating the visage of the Great Eye.

'''2017: ''[[Wikipedia:The Lego Batman Movie|The Lego Batman Movie]]'':'''
:In the film, Sauron, appearing as a flaming eye from atop his tower, is among the villains recruited by The Joker to aid in his conquest of Gotham City. His powers of vision prove to be a hindrance to Batman and his companions, but he is eventually inadvertently destroyed by the Kraken's mouth projectile. He is voiced by Jemaine Clement.

===Television===
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:'''1 September: Episode 1. ''[[A Shadow of the Past]]'':'''
::Sauron appears overseeing an army of [[Orcs]] at [[Dúrnost]] during the prologue, narrated by [[Galadriel]]. No actor is credited for the specific role.

:'''14 October: Episode 8. ''[[Alloyed]]'':'''
::It is revealed that Sauron was disguised as [[Halbrand]] (portrayed by [[Charlie Vickers]]) the entire time. After being supposedly "split open" by [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]], he took on the form of a mortal [[Men|Man]] and gave to himself the name Halbrand. At some point in time, he came upon the corpse of the last King of the [[Southlands]] and took up the crest because he thought that it suited him well.

===Radio series===
{{Incomplete}}
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sauron is provided by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1724">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1724, [[23 November|November 23]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned only very briefly at the end; [[Gandalf]] and [[Elrond]] discuss how the "Necromancer" had been driven from his abode in the south of [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

===Video games===
{{Incomplete}}
'''1985: ''[[Lord of the Rings: Game One]]'':'''

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'''''

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned by [[Gandalf]] in the beginning of the game.

'''1993: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Sauron is mentioned in the beginning of the game, when [[Gandalf]] explains the history of [[the One Ring]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron and the events of the south of Mirkwood are left unmentioned. However, whilst in Mirkwood, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] has to defeat creatures that he calls "Minions of the Necromancer".

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:At the end of the game, Berethor and company (the playable characters) have to defeat the eye of Sauron by physically attacking him on top of [[Barad-dûr]].

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''

'''2005: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tactics]]'':'''

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Sauron, in his fair guise, appears during the flashback to the years of the [[Second Age]]. He uses the name "Antheron" instead of "Annatar", which only appears in the works not covered by the game' licese.
:Visiting Sauron's personal chambers in [[Dol Guldur]] leads to a vision of the Dark Lord, still weak and recovering from his defeat at the hand of [[Isildur]].
:During an extended flashback sequence to the [[War of the Last Alliance]], Sauron himself is met within [[Barad-dûr]] by the player, who controls a historic character.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''

'''2012: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Sauron appears in a boss battle in the first level. His boss form appears as a massive CCBS figure-similar to something from LEGO's Knights Kingdom line. He is also unlocked as a playable character after the bonus level. His Annatar form appears as a playable character in a downloadable DLC.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Sauron is a "guardian".<ref name="Trailer">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caYW7d-8MIY&feature=player_embedded|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': First Official Gameplay Trailer|dated=29 June 2012|website=YT|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''

'''2014: ''[[Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Sauron has two playable forms. The first is based on the Necromancer mini-figure from the "Dol Guldur Battle" LEGO set while the second is a fiery version of his playable form in the [[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game|first game]].

'''2015: ''[[Wikipedia:Lego Dimensions|Lego Dimensions]]'':'''
:Sauron (voiced by Steven Blum), appearing in mini-figure form, invades the DC Comics' dimension and takes over Metropolis with the aid of the Rift Keystone. Soon thereafter, Sauron uses the Rift Keystone to bring Barad-dûr across dimensions to stand atop Lexcorp tower. When Batman, Gandalf, and Wildstyle arrive in the city to retake the Keystone, Sauron engages the three in a battle atop a Doctor Who Dalek saucer. Eventually, he is defeated, being pulled through a rift by Lord Vortech, the primary antagonist. Sauron is turned into a cube and does not appear again.

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'':'''

===Others===
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:Sauron is treated as a Mage of level 180 (level 360 if using the One Ring). Among his items are the Elf-slaying Black Sword (S. ''Mormegil''), the Gauntlet of Slaying ("Narsil's Bane"), and the Black Scale of dragonskin. Among his special powers are Domination (control over other players using the One Eye), resistance to normal weapons, and the ability to force anyone within his sight to resist fear (or otherwise become frozen).

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54534/cards_lang/1 Sauron]", appearing in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Balrog|The Balrog]]'', is playable as a manifestation of the card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54002/cards_lang/1 The Lidless Eye]" (from the set [[Middle-earth: The Lidless Eye|''The Lidless Eye'']]), and can be used by players to enhance their general influence.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/20/goal/|articlename=Home page for the game Middle Earth|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=5 January 2012}}</ref>

==External links==
*[http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/sauronname.htm ''A Name for the Dark Lord''] by [[Helge Fauskanger]].

{{references|note}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=evil
| house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of <s>[[Aulë]]</s> [[Morgoth|Melkor]]
| born = [[Creation of the Ainur]]
| died=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Morgoth]]''', c. 1603 years earlier
| list=2nd [[Dark Lord]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=None
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Ring created
| list=1st [[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} – {{SA|3441|n}}
| next=[[Isildur]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{ainur}}
{{numenor}}
{{ringbearers}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Smiths]]
[[de:Sauron]]
[[fi:Sauron]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/sauron]]

File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Annatar.jpg

2025-08-03T18:13:08Z

SaurontheDeciever: Annatar/Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power from Amazon Prime Video

== Summary ==
Annatar/Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power from Amazon Prime Video