Sauron and the One Ring: Misconceptions and Reconsiderations

Many readers and viewers have been puzzled by Sauron's apparent decision to hold onto the One Ring, a golden and powerful artifact that ultimately brought about his downfall. The popular misconception is that Sauron 'let the One Ring be taken from him,' often leading to questions like, 'Why would he do that?' This assumption is based on a misinterpretation of events and the intricacies of the narrative as presented in The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. In this article, we will delve into the true story of how the One Ring was taken from Sauron, and why this event, rather than his giving it away, led to his eventual destruction.

Understanding Sauron's Mortal Form and the Ring's Acquisition

It is a widespread belief that Sauron willingly gave up the Ring, thus paving the way for its destruction. However, this is far from the truth. Sauron, as a powerful and immortal being, did not part with the Ring of his own accord. In reality, the Ring was cut from his hand, leaving him severely weakened and ultimately leading to his demise.

How Sauron Met His Mortal End

Sauron, in his mortal form, was slain by Elendil and Gil-Galad during the assault on Barad-d?r. It is important to note that his death was not voluntary; rather, he perished in battle. The Battle of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men resulted in Sauron's defeat, and the Ring was extracted from his hand through physical combat, not a deliberate decision on his part. The mortal form that Sauron inhabited was crushed, leaving him impotent and without the power to continue his reign of terror.

The True Impact of Sauron's Defeat

The shattering of Sauron's mortal form had a significant and immediate impact on Middle-earth. The Event of the Breaking of the Great Ring (which is the direct translation of the phrase 'Sauron is vanquished') marked the end of the era of Morgoth and the beginning of the Third Age. The shards of the sword Narsil, one of the weapons wielded by Isildur in the battle, were later used to cut the Ring from Sauron's hand. This act not only symbolized the end of Sauron's direct control but also the beginning of a new era for Middle-earth.

A Comparison Between Fiction and Reality

Movies and other modern adaptations of Tolkien's works often depict Sauron's battle with Elendil and Gil-Galad differently. Films such as those in the The Lord of the Rings trilogy by Peter Jackson portray Sauron as hiding in Barad-d?r for seven years after the fall of Morgoth. However, this portrayal is far from accurate. Sauron did not retreat to Barad-d?r; he was actively engaged in the battle, and his mortal form was destroyed in the process.

The Real Reasons Behind Sauron's Defeat

Sauron's defeat was due to the combined efforts of Elendil and Gil-Galad, as well as the powerful curse that had been placed on the Ring. The curse ensured that only a person of noble intent could partake in the destruction of the Ring. Given that Sauron had never intended to destroy the Ring himself, his greatest adversaries were able to destroy it through their combined might.

Conclusion: The True Story of the One Ring

In summary, when the question is raised, 'Why did Sauron let the One Ring be taken from him?' the answer is that he did not 'let' it be taken. Instead, it was taken from him through the physical destruction of his mortal form. This event, rather than being a voluntary relinquishment, was a battle that Sauron lost due to his enemies' greater collective strength and the cursed nature of the Ring itself.

The story of Sauron and the One Ring is rich with symbolism and narrative complexity. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming power, there is always the possibility for a force of good to emerge and triumph. This is a testament to the enduring appeal of J.R.R. Tolkien's writing and the universal lessons it conveys.