The Role of Sauron in Melkor's Invasion of Arda

The question of whether Sauron helped Melkor in his attack on Arda Middle Earth is a fascinating one, particularly within the framework of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. This essay explores the historical context and the complex relationship between these two powerful beings, examining the roles they played during their conflicts and the impact on the history of Middle-earth.

Introduction to Terminology

To understand the context, we first need to establish some terminology:

E: The Universe - Refers to the totality of all existence. Arda: The Earth - Represents the world in which Middle-earth (Endor) is situated. Aman: The Blessed Realm - Includes Valinor, the home of the Valar, and Eldamar, the home of the Elves. Middle-earth (Endor): The central continent of the world, where the majority of the narrative in The Silmarillion takes place.

Mairon: The Early Days of Sauron

Examining the background to the question, Sauron's original name was Mairon. This Maia was a powerful and intelligent being with a profound respect for order and a disdain for chaos. Initially, his love for order led him to support Melkor (Morgoth), who was establishing a structured kingdom. Mairon's support was secret, allowing him to maintain his position while aiding Melkor.

First Encounter with Middle-earth

Mairon and Melkor's first journey to Middle-earth marked the beginning of a tumultuous partnership. Here, Mairon played a significant role in various aspects of Melkor's realm:

Construction of Angband: Mairon helped Melkor build Angband, an ancient fortress. Development of Orcs: Mairon assisted in creating the race of Orcs, a twisted and malevolent creature born from the dark energies of the land.

Sauron in Charge

When Melkor (Morgoth) was captured and chained by the Valar, his dominion over Middle-earth briefly passed to Sauron (Mairon).

Rebuilding Angband: Sauron resumed his work, rebuilding and fortifying the fortress of Angband. Creating Werewolves: Under Sauron's direction, new races were created, including the werewolves.

Melkor's Release and the War

Upon Melkor's release from his chain and the destruction of the Two Trees, Sauron continued to support him in his conflicts.

.persisting Alliances: Sauron maintained allegiance to Melkor, supporting his military campaigns and struggles. Final Battle: The culmination of these efforts was the War of Wrath, a massive struggle between Melkor and the forces of the Valar.

End of the Second and Third Ages

By the time of the Second and Third Ages, Sauron had effectively taken over from Morgoth. During this period, Sauron established himself as the dark lord of Middle-earth, aligning himself with Melkor's legacy.

The Final Battle and Sauron's End

The destruction of the One Ring in the Third Age marked Sauron's ultimate downfall. This event left Sauron defeated for good, opening the door to the potential return of Morgoth in the final battle forecasted in Tolkien's narrative.

However, if Morgoth were to return, Sauron would not be able to help him again, as the One Ring was the key to his power and identity. Without it, Sauron was destroyed, and any latent power he might have retained would have been too weak to be effective.

Conclusion

In summary, Sauron played a crucial role in supporting Melkor's endeavors and establishing himself as a significant dark power in Middle-earth. His actions during the early stages of the War of Wrath laid the groundwork for his ultimate rule over the lands influenced by Melkor. The destruction of the One Ring, however, led to Sauron's permanent downfall, making it unlikely that he could assist Morgoth again in the final battle.