The Mouth of Sauron and the Witch-King: An Unlikely Encounter

Introduction

The vast realms of Middle-earth were a complex web of power and intrigue, with numerous characters vying for control and influence. Two such figures were the Mouth of Sauron and the Witch-King. In what follows, we will examine the likelihood of interaction between these two formidable entities and explore the reasons why or why not they would have encountered each other.

The Mouth of Sauron and the Witch-King's Roles

Both the Mouth of Sauron and the Witch-King played pivotal roles in Sauron's campaign for dominance. The Mouth, a manifestation of the Dark Lord's will, served as his chief diplomat, while the Witch-King was the Leader of the Nazg?l and a primary military commander. Given the distinct nature of their responsibilities, it is reasonable to assume that these two figures would have had little occasion to interact directly.

As the top diplomat, the Mouth of Sauron's primary focus was on negotiation, negotiation, and more negotiation. This role required him to stay within the confines of Mordor, where he could directly communicate with Sauron. Conversely, the Witch-King, as the leader of the Nazg?l, was deeply involved in military operations and maintained a presence in Minas Morgul. He had no reason to frequently visit the gates of Mordor beyond strategic necessity.

Preparations for the Dark Lord's Return

There is one notable exception to their likely lack of interaction. During the preparations for Sauron's return, the Mouth of Sauron and the Witch-King would have had to coordinate their efforts to ensure that the Dark Tower of Barad-d?r was ready for the Lord's return. This period of time saw an increased need for communication and cooperation, even among those typically segregated within Sauron's hierarchy.

Paranoia and Isolation

Despite the need for coordination, the likelihood of frequent interaction between the Mouth of Sauron and the Witch-King remained minimal. Sauron's paranoid nature and desire for complete obedience over negotiation and delegation played a significant role in keeping these figures separate. Sauron distrusted his subordinates and handled communication directly with his trusted Nazg?l, ensuring they remained unified under his control.

Furthermore, the Nazg?l were primarily extensions of Sauron's will, empowered to act as messengers, spies, and commanders. Their connection to the One Ring, which sustained and controlled them, further solidified Sauron's ability to command them from a distance. Without Sauron's direct command, the Nazg?l were unable to act independently, which reinforced the idea that maintaining isolation was in line with Sauron's strategic goals.

The Lone Encounter

Some have speculated that the visitor to Dale and the Lonely Mountain was the Mouth of Sauron. However, a close reading of the text reveals that this character was most likely one of the Nazg?l. Instances of Sauron's direct contact with the Nazg?l are well-documented, as evidenced by their constant readiness to carry out Sauron's commands. The Mouth of Sauron, on the other hand, operated within the bounds of Mordor, rarely venturing outside the Dark Lord's domain.

While there is a theoretical possibility of random encounters, the practicalities of Sauron's governance and the nature of the Nazg?l's duties make such an encounter highly unlikely. In the cold, unemotional world of power and control in Middle-earth, the likelihood of on-screen interaction between the Mouth of Sauron and the Witch-King was minimal, if not nil.

Conclusion

The Mouth of Sauron and the Witch-King were key figures in Sauron's reign of terror, each serving distinct roles that kept them apart. While there was a brief period when their paths would have had to cross for the preparation of Barad-d?r, their intrinsic responsibilities and Sauron's paranoid nature made such interactions exceedingly rare. The primary drivers of their separation were Sauron's need for complete obedience and his strategic goals, which kept his trusted subordinates isolated and unified under his iron will.