Great Conquerors Special Edition: Sauron

Hello Hobbits,

"All of Middle-earth shall be mine, in this age or the next."

This declaration perfectly encapsulates the terrifying resolve of Sauron, the legendary villain in The Lord of the Rings.

Sauron stands as one of the most iconic fictional villains ever created—a figure who has captivated readers and audiences for generations.

But have you ever wondered why? Especially considering that he is rarely seen directly in The Lord of the Rings.

What is it about Sauron that evokes such strong emotions from the protagonists and readers alike? Why is he more compelling than the majority of the characters in the trilogy?

These are excellent questions, and here’s the answer: Tolkien masterfully crafted Sauron to be more than just a character. He is a presence—a force of will—that looms large over Middle-earth. Even in his absence, Sauron’s influence suffocates every corner of the story, driving the actions of heroes and villains alike.

Sauron’s brilliance as a villain lies in his omnipresence, his unrelenting ambition, and the dread he instills simply through the mention of his name. This is what makes him so unforgettable.

Tactical Spotlight: The Siege of Minas Tirith

The Siege of Minas Tirith during the War of the Ring is one of the most awe-inspiring scenes in the trilogy and when the reader truly witnesses the might of Sauron.

Every move Sauron makes is calculated to break the will of Gondor. He reserves the full might of his forces for this singular, decisive battle—a plan to crush Gondor in one fell stroke and obliterate the last stronghold of resistance in the West. The skies grow dark, the drums of war thunder, and his armies of Orcs, Trolls, and Men of Harad march with the singular purpose of annihilation.

The siege is not just a battle of swords and siege towers; it is a clash of wills, a test of resilience against despair. And in this test, Sauron proves why Middle-Earth should fear his name.

Mastery of Deception and Influence

Sauron’s presence was rarely seen; it was felt through his machinations across the mortal plane. His influence is symbolized by the Great Eye of Sauron, endlessly searching for the One Ring. This depiction grants him an almost supernatural quality, rendering him both omnipotent and omniscient.

He is described as a shadow growing in strength, casting his influence over lands and rulers. The suspense surrounding his resurgence drives the narrative, illustrating how the mere potential of his actions affects every soul in Middle-earth.

This is the mastery of influence. Sauron is never physically present, yet his power looms large throughout The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Though fictional, his command of influence holds practical applications in the real world. The three methods to achieve this is (1) Cultivate Mystery, (2) Create Pressure and (3) Create Symbols of Power.

1. Cultivate Mystery

Sauron’s power lies partly in the fear of the unknown. His shadow looms large over Middle-earth, not because of his physical presence, but because of the mystery surrounding his true capabilities and intentions.

By obscuring his form and strength, Sauron compels his enemies to act cautiously, always second-guessing, always reacting. When people cannot discern your limits, they move carefully, often deferring to the authority they imagine you possess.

This same principle applies to you. By maintaining an air of mystery—by withholding the need to constantly reveal your plans, strengths, or motives—you cultivate an aura that influences others without direct confrontation. 

2. Create Pressure

Sauron's presence exerts an invisible pressure on the heroes of Middle-earth, forcing them to constantly react to his plans. He doesn’t need to be physically present to dominate; his influence alone is enough to bend the world to his will. In much the same way, you can establish your own influence by setting events into motion that compel others to respond.

Consider this: in competition, you unsettle your opponents by maintaining an unyielding, stoic composure. Without saying a word, your silence becomes their doubt, their discomfort, their undoing.

Or imagine orchestrating subtle chaos in your workplace. A single covert rumor, carefully timed and placed, can ripple through the environment, leaving others scrambling to adjust.

Perhaps you’ve noticed someone’s subtle "tick"—a quirk or weakness you can use to gently push them off balance when the moment calls for it.

Influence isn’t always loud or obvious—it’s often a quiet, invisible hand, shaping outcomes without ever seeming to act.

3. Create Symbols of Power

Sauron’s influence is not confined to his physical presence—it is embodied in the unblinking symbol of the Great Eye. The Eye of Sauron strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies, a constant reminder of his watchful presence and unrelenting power. Even in his absence, his symbol speaks for him, ensuring he remains ever-present in the minds of those who resist him.

You too can harness this principle by crafting symbols that represent your identity, authority, and accomplishments. These could take the form of emblems, mottos, or objects imbued with meaning. Craft your symbol wisely, and it will amplify your presence, ensuring you are ever-present in the minds of friends and foes.