Race: Maia
Sex: Male
Faction: Mordor
Overall Rating: 9.1
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Arena Status: Active (S1)
Sauron is the quintessential dark lord, a towering figure whose ominous presence reaches beyond the misty mountains and dark forests of Middle-earth, into the annals of legendary antagonists.
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| Sauron |
Spoilers Alert: This blog post discusses significant plot details from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" series and other related works.
Historical Context of Sauron
Before becoming the Dark Lord of Mordor, Sauron was once a Maia under the Vala Aulë, making him somewhat analogous to an angelic figure in Tolkien's complex mythology. His descent into darkness has its roots in his admiration for order and efficiency, a trait that led him to be seduced by Melkor, the original Dark Lord in "The Silmarillion." Hence, Sauron isn't just a figure of terror; he's a fallen angel whose tragedy lies in the corruption of noble aspirations. Ah, the complexity! It's exhilarating!
The Second Age - A Forge of Power
Sauron's most notable act during the Second Age was the crafting of the One Ring. "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them," Tolkien wrote. The Ring was not merely a tool of dominion; it contained a part of Sauron's essence, making it an extension of his will. The power wasn't just material; it was intrinsically tied to his very being.
"The Lord of the Rings" - An Aura of Doom
Sauron never directly appears in "The Lord of the Rings." Instead, he is a shadow, a palpable dread. When Frodo wears the One Ring, he senses Sauron's eye, a haunting visualization of his ceaseless watchfulness. “The Eye was rimmed with fire...and in the black slit of its pupil opened on a pit, a window into nothing," describes Frodo. Sauron's unseen yet deeply felt presence becomes a psychological terror, making his character ever so potent.
Sauron isn't just the embodiment of evil; he represents a tapestry of fears, longings, and paradoxes that pervade the human psyche. He symbolizes the peril of absolute power, the allure of forbidden knowledge, and the ambivalence of moral choices.
The Palantíri - Windows to His Soul?
The seeing-stones, or Palantíri, serve as a critical device that amplifies Sauron's influence but also reveals his limitations. He manipulates Saruman and Denethor through these stones, but he also misinterprets what he sees, like assuming that Aragorn possesses the One Ring. These moments humanize him, revealing a depth that goes beyond mere villainy.
The Fall of Barad-dûr
Sauron's fall is as epic as his rise. As the One Ring is destroyed, so is his physical form and the bulk of his malevolent influence over Middle-earth. Sauron's annihilation is more than a mere military defeat; it's the disintegration of a force that had long haunted the collective psyche of Middle-earth's inhabitants. Yet, echoes of his existence remain, both in lore and in the landscape, a ghostly memento of battles won but never forgotten.
It's also important to recognize how Sauron has influenced subsequent works in fantasy literature. The archetype of the shadowy, omnipresent overlord exists in various guises, but few capture the imagination like this Maia-gone-rogue. He's a yardstick, a point of comparison, a legend in a universe of legends.
Sauron’s character isn't merely a concoction of malice and power; it’s a rich tapestry interwoven with lore, metaphysics, and intricate psychology. His spectral presence in "The Lord of the Rings," the fleshed-out history in "The Silmarillion," and the extended universe of Tolkien's legendarium create a multi-dimensional villain whose reverberations are felt not just in Middle-earth but across the canon of fantasy literature.
Sauron's Raw Power
When it comes to Sauron's "Raw Power," it's vital to start with a look into his origins. As a Maia under the Vala Aulë, he was already imbued with immense power from the very foundation of the world. Unlike lesser beings, his might extends far beyond physical attributes; it delves into the magical and metaphysical. "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them," wrote Tolkien. These lines are not merely poetic but indicative of the unspeakable force Sauron poured into the One Ring—a fraction of his own essence.
Remember, Sauron was the architect behind Mordor, an entire realm designed to serve his dominion. The eye of Sauron, the pinnacle of his watchtower, didn't just surveil; it instilled terror and paralysis in anyone who met its gaze. It's an extension of his power: pervasive, invasive, and oppressive. As Gandalf mentions in "The Two Towers," "Concealed within his fortress, the lord of Mordor sees all. His gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth, and flesh."
Yet, the raw power of Sauron is not simply a spectacle to behold; it's a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. During the Second Age, he personally led his armies to conquer large swaths of Middle-earth. In these instances, his power wasn't just metaphysical but also combative, a culmination of brute force and high-level magic.
So how do we measure such colossal power against all fantasy characters across different universes? Given his origins, the range and depth of his magical abilities, and the influence he has over the very fabric of his universe, it's hard not to keep him at a perfect 10. One might argue that characters like omnipotent gods in other universes might rival him, but Sauron's power goes beyond physicality into the realm of conceptual terror and existential dread, which is an awe-inspiring feat unto itself.
Sauron's raw power—be it physical, magical, or existential—dwarfs most other beings in the world of fantasy literature. Therefore, he maintains a rating of 10 in this category. No downgrade is necessary; if anything, revisiting his capabilities only reinforces this score.
Sauron's Tactical Ability
Not just a fearsome fount of raw power, but also an extraordinary tactician, Sauron is not a blunt instrument; he's a scalpel, a finely-tuned instrument of subterfuge, strategy, and calculated action. One might say he is the embodiment of the phrase, "A long defeat," as Galadriel mentions in "The Fellowship of the Ring." Despite setbacks, Sauron's designs span centuries, aiming for slow, yet irrevocable, change. Such long-term vision is rare in fantasy universes.
As a tactician, Sauron plays on multiple fronts—military, magical, and psychological. His formation of alliances, like that with Saruman and the Nazgûl, showcases a deep understanding of power dynamics. Furthermore, the strategic placement of Mordor with its mountains and the Dark Tower of Barad-dûr reveals a mind keenly attuned to the importance of geography in warfare. "One does not simply walk into Mordor," Boromir says in "The Fellowship of the Ring," highlighting the labyrinthine traps and layers of defense Sauron has put in place.
However, there's an Achilles' heel: Sauron is often so consumed by his own cunning that he overlooks the simpler strategies that can unravel him. His greatest downfall was not being able to fathom that someone would seek to destroy the One Ring rather than wield it. It's a glaring oversight and one that costs him dearly.
On the scale of 1-10, Sauron’s tactical ability in my estimate would still stand at 8.5 when compared to characters across all fantasy universes. While he is far above average, his hubris and inability to consider the "smaller" details places him just short of a perfect score. So, why stick to 8.5? Because, unlike gods and omnipotent beings, Sauron demonstrates a balance between genius-level strategy and mortal flaws, making him an intriguing study in tactical complexity. Therefore, no change in rating is required; 8.5 remains a justified score, teetering on the edge of near perfection but always held back by a smidgeon of imperfection—a single, fatal flaw!
Sauron's Influence
Sauron, the malevolent overlord of Middle-earth, exudes influence like a spider spins its web—a dark and treacherous lattice entrapping all who dare to venture too close. In terms of his persuasive power, Sauron possesses an almost insurmountable ability to control, manipulate, and inspire loyalty (or fear) among a wide range of beings, from Men to Orcs and even divine Maia like himself.
A master manipulator, Sauron used his persuasive abilities to corrupt Númenor, leading an entire civilization into ruin. Remember that iconic line, "One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them"? Well, it's not just poetic; it reflects the sheer magnitude of Sauron's powers of influence. He instills his malice into an object—the One Ring—which then proceeds to corrupt others by preying on their deepest desires and fears.
But Sauron's influence is not limited to mere mortals. His seduction of the Elves, under the guise of Annatar, the "Lord of Gifts," to create the Rings of Power, is a testimony to his knack for subterfuge and persuasion. He convinced even the wise to implement his dark designs, thereby disrupting the equilibrium of power in Middle-earth. His ideological influence even survives his physical destruction, permeating the very lands he once walked on.
His propaganda machine—run through the Mouth of Sauron, his lieutenant—spins lies and half-truths so effectively that it almost breaks the spirit of the Army of the West during the Siege of Barad-dûr. When Gandalf describes Sauron's power, he notes, "Sauron rules in Barad-dûr." His rule is not just by strength but also by the pervasiveness of his terrible will.
For these reasons, I find it difficult to give Sauron anything less than a 10 in the category of Influence. His ability to influence various species and even the cosmic balance of Middle-earth remains unparalleled across most, if not all, fantasy universes. Indeed, his influence is so potent it almost becomes a form of raw power, extending his reach across time and space, corrupting the very essence of Middle-earth and beyond.
Sauron's Resilience
Sauron. A dark name etched in the annals of fantasy lore. But let's not overlook the uncanny ability of this fearsome character to bounce back, time and time again—displaying a level of resilience that is both startling and awe-inspiring.
From the First Age, Sauron was defeated and captured during the downfall of his former master, Morgoth, yet managed to escape his doom by feigning repentance. From this catastrophic loss, Sauron displayed a stunning capacity to regroup, not just physically but also ideologically. His resilient nature enabled him to devise a new set of strategies and regain his footing, a feat evident in the line, "In the beginning of the Second Age, he left Valinor and went to Middle-earth."
Sauron rose again in the Second Age, establishing a powerful kingdom in Mordor. He forged the One Ring, cementing his power, yet was once again defeated and robbed of the Ring. Sauron dissipated, his physical form shattered. But as Gandalf said, "Sauron also had mortal slaves... for his will and malice remained and grew." This exemplifies his resilience; the undying will that existed independent of his corporeal form.
In the Third Age, his regenerative powers reached their zenith as he rallied vast armies to wage war across Middle-earth. Although ultimately defeated by Frodo's actions and the destruction of the Ring, the very notion that he could rise, fall, and rise again speaks to a level of resilience that is practically unparalleled.
However, his final defeat resulted in an obliteration so complete that he was rendered "a mere spirit of malice that gnaws itself in the shadows, but cannot again grow or take shape." This suggests that there's a limit to his resilience when faced with total existential defeat.
Hence, I would argue that Sauron deserves a rating of 8.5 in resilience, a slight dip from the previous rating of 9. This is because his resilience, while grandiose, is not infinite. He may rise from defeats multiple times, but once the foundational elements of his power are eliminated, he's incapacitated beyond recovery. The half-point reduction reflects this limitation.
Sauron's Versatility
Examining Sauron's "Versatility" demands a kaleidoscopic view of his abilities, political machinations, and his metamorphic skill set that spans across the Ages in Tolkien's lore. One must recall, Sauron was originally a Maia under the Vala Aulë, indicating a proclivity for craftsmanship and mastery over material objects—precisely the attributes that later contributed to the forging of the One Ring.
Thus, "He began, therefore, to speak to them of a new alliance, a new Dark Lord."
His shape-shifting abilities in the early Ages were nothing short of remarkable. In the Second Age, Sauron took on a fair guise as Annatar, the "Lord of Gifts," demonstrating not just physical versatility but also the capacity to charm and manipulate, deceiving the Elven-smiths into creating the Rings of Power. This display of adaptability goes beyond mere magical prowess to encompass strategic manipulation, showing "that in him lived still the spirit of Arda."
Furthermore, Sauron demonstrated adaptability in orchestrating vast, multifaceted schemes. Whether it was forging alliances with mortal kings, pulling the strings of the Witch-king of Angmar, or manipulating Saruman, Sauron displayed a versatile skill set that went beyond raw power to include political intrigue.
As said by Gandalf, "There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power."
Nevertheless, Sauron had limitations. His versatility was fettered to his grandiosity and bound to the existence of the One Ring. When the Ring was destroyed, so were the diverse abilities and powers that defined him. Keeping this dichotomy in mind, I would rate Sauron's versatility as 8.5, down from the previous 9. While he displayed a myriad of talents and was able to adapt to varied situations across Ages, the binding of his essence and power to the One Ring was a self-imposed limitation that ultimately reduced the scope of his versatility. The downfall comes not just from external defeat but from the intrinsic constraints of his chosen path of power.
Sauron's Alignment
He is undeniably "Evil" in the ethical sense; his ambitions aim for the subjugation and enslavement of all free will in Middle-earth. "He rules according to his own laws" as described by Gandalf, laws that ultimately serve to devalue life and liberty. From the creation of the Rings of Power, designed to dominate the leaders of the Free Peoples, to the establishment of a militaristic regime in Mordor, his malevolent intent is apparent. Tolkien writes in 'The Silmarillion,' "He brooked no freedom nor any rivalry, and he named himself Lord of the Earth."
On the axis of lawfulness, Sauron leans toward the "Lawful" side. His evil is highly organized, hierarchical, and predicated on order. Whether it's his bureaucratization of evil—seen through an institutionalized Orc army, a complex network of spies, or administrative figures like the Mouth of Sauron—Sauron's manner of exerting control is through strict organization. He is the orchestrator of meticulously crafted schemes and long-term plans, like the misleading guise of Annatar to forge the Rings of Power, which take centuries to unfold.
So, in summary, Sauron can be described as Lawful Evil. This alignment encapsulates his intent and modus operandi most accurately. He endeavors for a tyrannical order where his evil laws are absolute, and freedom is extinguished. His actions are dictated by an unfaltering law of his own creation, an order imposed to facilitate his malevolent desires. This is substantiated by his roles and titles like "the Dark Lord" and "the Deceiver," each indicative of an evil force who seeks to impose his own brand of terrible order upon the world. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Sauron Arena Art
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| Sauron visits Talos in the Red Ring |
Sauron's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #3 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Conference Regular Season Champion (The Lord of the Rings) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#1 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship 2nd Round Appearance (#1 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Sweet 16 Appearance (#1 Seed) | 1st |
Overall Conclusion on Sauron and Position Across Planes of Existence
The concept of rating Sauron's power across all fantasy universes necessitates a nuanced consideration. Holding a rating of 9.1, down from an initial 9.3, Sauron remains one of the most formidable characters ever to grace the fantasy genre. The downshift in rating comes not from a decrease in Sauron's raw abilities, tactical prowess, or resilience, but rather as a nuanced reassessment in light of evolving fantasy literature where characters have been introduced with multidimensional, universe-altering abilities.
Let's begin by dissecting Sauron's origins. Created by J.R.R. Tolkien, Sauron is a Maia, akin to a demi-god. This grants him powers that dwarf most mortal beings. His influence extends over legions of followers, armies of orcs, trolls, and other dark creatures, and even the very land itself, shaping Mordor to his twisted will. It's stated in "The Silmarillion" that even after losing the Ring, he was "not wholly destroyed" and his spirit endured, thereby highlighting his immense resilience. He is an entity with celestial origins, far transcending a mere mortal or even most magical beings in other fantasy realms.
Yet, it's his intellectual acumen that truly elevates him. Tolkien describes Sauron as "greater" in "knowledge of things" in "Unfinished Tales," showing his tactical and strategic mastery. He crafts intricate traps and plots that span millennia, accounting for variables in ways that would confound lesser beings. This tactical genius makes him a uniquely dangerous adversary, as he combines raw power with intelligence, unlike brutish villains who rely solely on strength.
In terms of versatility, Sauron is not a one-trick pony either. His shape-shifting abilities, showcased in the early eras of Middle-earth, his skills in deception, and his feats in both magical and physical combat make him a remarkably versatile character. Whether it's crafting the One Ring, manipulating leaders across Middle-earth, or directly engaging in combat, Sauron exhibits a wide array of skills that make him adaptable to almost any situation.
The reason Sauron doesn't get a perfect score is due to his specific limitations. For instance, his dependency on the One Ring is a double-edged sword. While it amplifies his power to god-like levels, its loss becomes his Achilles' heel. Moreover, Sauron is limited to the world of Arda. His powers, immense as they are, do not extend into multi-universe or reality-altering scales. Characters in some modern fantasy literature can manipulate reality, time, and even different dimensions, giving them an edge in a cross-universe ranking.
In conclusion, Sauron is unquestionably a towering figure in fantasy literature. He combines nearly unparalleled raw power with tactical and intellectual brilliance, and he adds to this mix a disturbing talent for influence and versatility. While not absolutely unbeatable across all universes due to his contextual limitations, he nonetheless stands as one of the most powerful fantasy characters ever created, justifying his 9.1 rating. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
