The Complex Dynamics of Sauron's Favoritism: Men vs. Orcs

As the primary antagonist in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, Sauron had a complex relationship with both Men and Orcs. However, his favoritism was primarily towards Men, driven by their potential power and loyalty. This essay will delve into the intricacies of Sauron's relationship with these races, highlighting why he favored Men over Orcs.

Sauron's Favoritism towards Men

Throughout his campaigns for domination, Sauron saw Men as more powerful and capable of being corrupted to serve his purposes. He offered them power and eternal life through the Rings of Power, which he forged to control them. Some Men, such as the Nazg?l, became his most devoted servants, furthering his ambitions. Sauron believed that he could manipulate and control Men more effectively than Orcs, as they were seen more as potential allies and resources rather than disposable minions.

The Role of Orcs in Sauron's Plans

Orcs were created by corrupting Elves, making them a more expendable and less sophisticated race. While Sauron employed them as soldiers and tools in his schemes, he likely viewed them as inferior compared to Men. Despite the advantages of having a large and loyal army of Orcs, Sauron did not seek to rule over them in the same way he did with other races. Instead, he used them to achieve his goals, gaining satisfaction from having orcish armies at his command, rather than from ruling over them personally.

Imperial Aspirations and Favored Groups

Sauron's preference for ruling over Elves, Dwarves, and Men became evident as he ascended to greater power. While Elves were formidable and could not be easily ruled without being transformed into perfect slaves, as seen in Morgoth's realm, Sauron discovered the vulnerability of Men. He realized that Men could be more easily manipulated and controlled, making them a greater threat and a more valuable asset in his quest for dominion. Men's ambition and potential power attracted Sauron, leading him to favor them over Orcs.

The Fate of Sauron and His Vision

It is also worth noting that Sauron's favoritism towards Men and his imperial ambitions might have led to changes in his own aspirations. By the end of the Second Age, his desire to rule over all beings independently of any past masters, such as Morgoth, became more pronounced. However, his preference for Men remained a constant, as evidenced by his willingness to offer them power and eternal life through the Rings of Power.

In conclusion, Sauron favored Men over Orcs due to their greater potential for power and loyalty. Despite his extensive use of both races, his true interest lay in transforming Men into loyal servants, seeing them as a greater threat and a more valuable asset in his quest for dominion over Middle-earth.