Legislative Analysis: Sauron’s Strategic Choices in Middle-earth

Understanding the strategic choices made by the nefarious lord, Sauron, is crucial to comprehending the intricate story of Middle-earth as crafted by J.R.R. Tolkien. This detailed examination will delve into Sauron’s motivations for focusing on Mordor, Erebor, and Mirkwood over Eriador during the pivotal events of The Lord of the Rings.

Understanding Sauron’s Base of Operations

Sauron’s home was Mordor, a realm shrouded in darkness and evil. His base of operations from which he orchestrated the majority of his campaigns, including the annihilation of Gondor, was perfectly suited for his dark purposes. Mordor, with its volcanic landscape and Minas Morgul, provided the perfect setting for the staging and execution of his conquests (Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings).

The Shire: An Ignored Territory

The Shire, a peaceful realm inhabited by the diminutive and seemingly unassuming hobbits, did not attract Sauron’s interest until long after his primary adversaries, the elves, dwarves, and people of Gondor, posed a significant threat. The Shire was not known to Sauron until the discovery of its location via Gollum’s revelations. At this point, the Shire’s strategic importance was minimal, as the fellowship had already departed for Rivendell, and the One Ring had been taken from the Shire (Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings)

Strategic Focus: Erebor and Mirkwood

Sauron’s main strategic objective was the destruction of Gondor, founded by Elendil, Isildur, and Anarion, who, after the fall of Numenor, reestablished realms in Middle-earth. Sauron allocated the majority of his forces to the destruction of Gondor, specifically targeting Minas Tirith and its fertile southlands, while simultaneously sending armies against other key territories such as Lothlorien, Northern Mirkwood, and the kingdoms of Dale and Erebor (Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings)

Why Not Eriador?

The division of Middle-earth by the Misty Mountains made Eriador geographically remote from Sauron’s primary interests. Eriador was a land of peace, where the Hobbits lived, and it was not strategically located for Sauron to launch significant attacks. The journey into Eriador would have been long and arduous, and the land did not provide the resources or strategic advantage that Sauron required. Furthermore, the inhabitants of Eriador, while not militarily formidable, were capable of resistance and could join forces with other realms to counter Sauron’s advances (Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings)

Logistical Analysis

Logistics played a critical role in Sauron’s decision-making. The Shire’s lack of strategic importance and Mordor’s proximity to Gondor made it a more logical target for Sauron’s campaigns. Moving armies into Eriador would have required extensive resources and long supply lines, which were a significant weakness for Sauron’s forces. By focusing on Mordor and surrounding territories, Sauron minimized his logistical challenges and maximized the impact of his military efforts (Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings)

Conclusion

Sauron’s strategic choices in Middle-earth were heavily influenced by the need to secure his primary objectives: the destruction of Gondor and the acquisition of resources necessary to power his dark armies. The geography and strategic importance of territories such as Mordor, Erebor, and Mirkwood made them more suitable for his purposes than the remote and peaceful Eriador. A careful assessment of the narrative and landscape of Middle-earth reveals a well thought-out strategy that ultimately led to the downfall of both Sauron and his servants.

References:

1. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings. London: George Allen Unwin, 1954-1955.