Ever wondered what the Dark Lord Sauron, the ultimate villain from The Lord of the Rings, really looked like under all that scary armor? The mystery surrounding his true appearance has captivated fans for decades. Let’s dive into the various depictions and uncover what we know about Sauron’s physical form, addressing common misconceptions and exploring the different ways he has been portrayed.
Who Was Sauron?
Sauron wasn’t always the menacing figure we know. He began as one of the Maiar, angelic beings who helped create Middle-earth. Originally named Mairon, he was drawn to the power of Morgoth, becoming a key lieutenant in Morgoth’s dark schemes, similar to the fall of Satan. Sauron’s primary goal? To become the God-king of the world through the subjugation of its inhabitants.
Sauron’s Appearance Before the Downfall of Númenor: The Fair Form
Before his corruption was fully realized, Sauron had the ability to change his appearance. He used this to his advantage, disguising himself as Annatar, a messenger from the Valar, to deceive the Elves. His pleasant appearance allowed him to manipulate them, which was instrumental in the forging of the Rings of Power.
- The Nine Rings of Men: Sauron used these to corrupt their wearers, turning them into the Ringwraiths.
- The Elven Rings: The Elves, realizing Sauron’s deception, hid the three rings made by Celebrimbor alone: Narya, Nenya, and Vilya.
The Downfall of Númenor: A Turning Point
Sauron’s influence extended to Númenor, where he became King Ar-Pharazôn’s advisor, driving a wedge between the island nation and the Elves. However, his ambition led to his downfall. The destruction of Númenor resulted in Sauron losing his ability to take on a fair form. His physical form was destroyed, forcing him to retreat to Mordor and rely on the power of the One Ring.
Sauron’s Appearance After Númenor: The Dark Lord
After the Downfall, Sauron could no longer conceal his true nature. He became a terrible, demon-like figure. Descriptions from the books paint a terrifying picture:
- A dark Lord, great and terrible.
- Isildur described his hand as black but burning like fire.
- In the Third Age, he had only nine fingers.
His physiognomy became a true reflection of his inner corruption.
The Lord of the Rings Film Trilogy: The Armored Dark Lord
In Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, Sauron is depicted wearing imposing armor. However, it’s important to note that J.R.R. Tolkien never described Sauron as wearing armor. This was an invention for the films, likely to make the battles with Elendil and Isildur more visually compelling.
The armor serves a symbolic purpose, portraying Sauron’s power and menace. In the opening sequence of The Fellowship of the Ring, Sauron explodes, and his helmet dramatically falls to the ground.
Exploring the Wētā Workshop Concept Art
Wētā Workshop, known for their incredible designs, developed concept art for The Hobbit movies that offered a glimpse into their interpretation of Sauron’s appearance. Designer Andrew Baker described Sauron as a “demonic, physical presence“.
The concept art features:
- Reptilian features: Slit-like eyes and a flattened face.
- Influence of Voldemort: The design was influenced by Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of Voldemort in the Harry Potter films.
- Pallid flesh: A departure from the charred, black skin described in the novels.
Sauron in The Rings of Power**
In Amazon’s The Rings of Power, Sauron’s depiction takes another turn. Initially presented as a shadowy figure, he later appears disguised in a pleasant form as Halbrand. Halbrand’s handsome appearance fools Galadriel for a time, showcasing Sauron’s deceptive abilities. This portrayal highlights Sauron’s ability to manipulate and deceive, a key aspect of his character.
Fan Theories and Interpretations
Fans have long speculated about Sauron’s true appearance, resulting in various interpretations. Some envision him as a dark elf from The Elder Scrolls, while others imagine more monstrous forms. The Reddit thread “What does Sauron look like under his armor?” shows readers have various ideas of what Sauron looks like.
Under-represented Aspects of Sauron
- Sauron as the Necromancer: While not explicitly detailed, exploring Sauron’s connection to necromancy could add an intriguing layer to his character.
- Sauron’s motivations: Understanding his desire to be the God-king of the world helps contextualize his actions and appearances.
Conclusion
Sauron’s appearance is multifaceted, blending Tolkien’s vague descriptions with various artistic interpretations. His true form extends beyond the physical, encompassing his spiritual essence and role as a deceiver. Whether armored, fair, or monstrous, Sauron remains a compelling and terrifying villain, capturing our imaginations and haunting Middle-earth.
