The Conundrum of Sauron and the One Ring: How Did Sauron Know of Isildur's Possession?

Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' has captivated readers for generations with its intricate storyline and compelling characters. One of the most perplexing questions arising from J.R.R. Tolkien's work is how Sauron knew that Isildur had retained the One Ring after their battle. This article delves into the intricacies of this scenario, providing insights based on The Lord of the Rings and related materials.

Background: The Battle of the Black Gate and the Fall of Barad-d?r

In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the story reaches a pivotal point with the fall of Barad-d?r and the defeat of the forces of Mordor. During this climactic battle, Sauron himself was overthrown, but the wizard Gandalf had clearly stated that Sauron was still powerful, as he could sense his fell power in the world (Book II, Chapter 3, "The Collecting of the Companies").

Treachery Behind the Scenes: Isildur's Secret

Despite Sauron's defeat and the destruction of the army of Mordor, Isildur retained the One Ring. This was not a bold act of defiance but rather a subtle act of treachery. The text in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Book IV, Chapter 2, "The Passage of the Marshes") reveals that Isildur used a secret combination of accents and runes on his sword Anor Sun to sever Sauron's finger and take the Ring. The secrecy was significant; it suggests that Isildur was not entirely trusting of the other members of the Fellowship (Book V, Chapter 1, "The Departure of Boromir").

Clues to Sauron's Awareness

Despite the secrecy, Sauron was ultimately able to sense the presence of the Ring. There are several indications in Tolkien's writings that hint at Sauron's growing awareness and eventual discovery of Isildur's retention of the Ring.

In the Lords of Middle-earth, one of Tolkien's posthumous collections, there is a passage that discusses Sauron's ability to perceive the presence of the Ring (Miruvor Gruchu, 2005). It is suggested that the Ring maintained a certain connection to Sauron, even after it had been separated from its original master. This connection was maintained through the(properties of the material used in its construction; the Ring was crafted from the remains of the destroyed Ring of Power, and thus had a deep bond with its creator.)

The Long Vigil and the Reckoning

For centuries, Sauron remained in a state of tormented confusion. The passage of time and the influence of the Ring on Isildur's mind further complicated matters. In The Silmarillion (Chapter 23, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"), it is mentioned that Sauron eventually realized that the Ring was not destroyed, but rather taken by Isildur. This knowledge came not through immediate sense but through the long process of piecing together clues and monitoring the actions and decisions of those who had come into contact with the Ring.

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Conclusion

The mystery of how Sauron eventually learned of Isildur's retention of the One Ring is a testament to the rich and detailed world built by J.R.R. Tolkien. Through a combination of subtle clues, the inherent power and connection of the Ring, and the long vigil of Sauron himself, the story concludes in a manner that both preserves the suspense of Tolkien's narrative and satisfies the reader's curiosity. Understanding this aspect of the story not only enriches our appreciation of the world and characters but also enhances our engagement with the literary masterpiece of The Lord of the Rings.