The Moment Sauron Discovered the Ring’s Destruction

Once the Ring was destroyed, Sauron remained unaware of the cataclysmic event for a while. The definitive moment came when his body was consumed by the volcanic fires of Mount Doom, indicating that the One Ring, his power source, had indeed been annihilated. Yet, this revelation did not immediately register as Sauron’s final fate.

From Reaction to Realization

When Frodo approached the Cracks of Doom and placed the One Ring on them, Sauron felt apprehension. He realized that the intended action was to destroy the Ring in its only destruction-fated location, the very place it was forged. This realization prompted a significant reduction in his power, but it was not immediately apparent to Sauron what this meant for his eternal dominion.

With his power waning, Sauron attempted to reclaim the Ring, orchestrating a confrontation at the Black Gate. Here, he was engaged in a bitter struggle with Aragorn and his allies, evidently believing that he could still mount a successful defense and reclaim his power center.

Gandalf mentioned that a vast reduction in his power was a consequence of the Ring’s destruction. This power reduction was so significant that it led to Sauron’s ultimate downfall. The dramatic scene of Sauron leaving his body to transform into a form of tremendous power marked his final moments. He sought to confront the forces of the West, including Gandalf and the combined armies of the Free Peoples. However, his form proved to be both terrible and impotent, ultimately dissipated by a simple breeze.

Illustrating the Key Scene

Interestingly, the final scene has received only limited artistic representation. The first unauthorized US edition featured a depiction, though it was notable for its unapproved nature. There is considerable room for more illustrative art, particularly given the detailed descriptions that Tolkien provided in his works.

One of the most striking aspects of the scene is Sauron’s final transformation. His body is consumed by fire as the Ring, the source of his immense power, is destroyed within the Cracks of Doom. This moment is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Despite the Ring’s cessation of being a tangible entity, the notion of the Ring remains entrenched in the lore of Middle-earth, defining the despair and ambition of Sauron’s reign.

Conclusion

The moment Sauron discovered the Ring’s destruction marked a critical turning point in the narrative of Lord of the Rings. His realization came too late, as the mere idea of the Ring remained a pivotal element in his eternal journey of power and destruction. This event is not only a turning point for Sauron’s downfall but also for the saga’s heroes as they secured the safety of Middle-earth.