How Sauron Would Have Contacted Smaug: A Strategic Analysis

In the epic world of Lord of the Rings, the immense destructive power of Smaug, the dragon, poses a significant threat to Sauron’s plans. Given Smaug's reputation and the impact his actions could have, Sauron would need to employ a highly strategic approach to secure his interests. This analysis explores the various methods Sauron might use to contact Smaug, with a focus on the most likely option: sending The Mouth of Sauron as an ambassador.

The Role of The Mouth of Sauron

The Mouth of Sauron, also known as the standard-bearer of Mordor, serves as Sauron's official ambassador. This role is crucial because Sauron often prefers to avoid direct confrontation, particularly with beings of such destructive power as dragons. The Mouth of Sauron, with his formal speech and authoritative presence, would be well-suited to engage in negotiations that could involve complex communications and strategic agreements.

The Nazgul's Role in Negotiations

Another option Sauron might consider is to send the Nazgul, the Ringwraiths, to negotiate with Smaug. The Nazgul are deadly and intimidating, fearsome beings with vast powers that could awe the mighty dragon. However, sending the Nazgul could be risky because it might escalate the situation and provoke Smaug's wrath. Furthermore, the Nazgul are often used sparingly for high-stakes missions and would require a specific justification for such a dangerous task.

Direct Negotiation: The Final Resort

While it may seem tempting for Sauron to attempt a direct confrontation, this option is not without risks. The Men of Lake-town would likely experience an unimaginable terror that would not go unnoticed. The people of Lake-town, especially the hobbits, are generally considered noble and courageous. A sudden and overwhelming presence of unparalleled power would undoubtedly be detected and reported to Thranduil and other leaders of Middle-earth.

The Siege of Erebor and the Role of Orcs

Despite these considerations, Sauron may still seek to assert his influence over Smaug. If he were to send a group of Orcs to negotiate with Smaug, they could potentially deliver a message and a token of goodwill. Sending Orcs, however, is a risky proposition because the thrill of violence and destruction is often part of the Orcs' nature. They might not deliver the message as instructed or could even attack Smaug, leading to increasing hostility rather than negotiation.

Conclusion: The Wisdom of The Mouth of Sauron

Given all these factors, the most strategic and cautious approach for Sauron would be to send The Mouth of Sauron to negotiate with Smaug. This choice ensures that negotiations can proceed without unnecessary escalation or unwanted complications. The Mouth of Sauron's diplomatic presence would likely be enough to secure Sauron's interests, maintaining the delicate balance of power in Middle-earth.

Keywords:

Sauron Smaug negotiation strategy The Lord of the Rings Middle-earth