Why Did Sauron Maintain the Road to the Cracks of Doom?

In J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings', the road to the Cracks of Doom is a critical plot element that Sauron maintains with unwavering dedication. Despite its treacherous nature, the road serves a strategic purpose that aligns with Sauron's overall narrative and goals.

The Importance of the Road

The road to the Cracks of Doom is a useful path between the Tower of Barad-d?r and Mount Doom (Sammath Naur). Crossing a perilous abyss, the road leads through two smoking chasms and then onto a long sloping causeway before reaching the entrance of Mount Doom. This path is crucial for several reasons:

Strategic Location: The Cracks of Doom is the center of Sauron's kingdom and the location where his power is at its maximum. Any power that must be exerted to control the land must originate from here. Ease of Travel: The road provides a direct and accessible route for Sauron, his forces, and any emissaries to travel between the Dark Tower and the Mount of Doom. This simplifies his control and surveillance. Control of the Ring: Having the road maintained allows Sauron to monitor and control any attempted destruction of the One Ring. This is a crucial element in maintaining his dominance and ensuring the Ring's survival. Communication and Supply Lines: The road facilitates the movement of resources and troops, making it a vital part of Sauron's logistical supply chain.

Thus, maintaining the road ensures that Sauron can swiftly respond to any threats or attempts to destroy his supreme artifact, the One Ring.

Reasons for Maintaining the Road

While the road is useful for obvious reasons, there are deeper motivations behind Sauron's insistence on its maintenance:

Strategic Position

Saumath Naur and Beyond: Sauron knew that the Cracks of Doom was the center of his kingdom. By maintaining this road, he could quickly respond to any threats or challenges. The road not only led to the Cracks of Doom but also extended through the Iron Bridge, passing over a deep chasm and reaching the slopes of Mount Doom. This road provided a direct route for any expeditions or messengers sent by Sauron to Mount Doom.

Understanding the Path

Sam’s Journey: Sam, J.R.R. Tolkien's character, did not know the purpose of the road but his journey highlighted the significance of this path. When Sam followed Frodo to Mount Doom, he inadvertently followed Sauron's well-maintained route. This road was a constant reminder of Sauron's power and control, showing how meticulously he maintained his domain.

The Everlasting Need for Repair

The road to the Cracks of Doom was often threatened by the tumults of Mount Doom's furnaces, which produced frequent damage. Despite this, the road was always repaired and cleared by the labor of countless orcs. This constant maintenance indicates the inherent importance of the road to Sauron’s strategy and control. It shows the tenacity and dedication Sauron had towards maintaining his stronghold.

Comparisons with Morgoth

Historically, Sauron learned from his predecessor, Morgoth, the importance of physical dominion and the rule over his subjects. Both Sauron and Morgoth became permanently incarnate, losing the majority of their powers of super locomotion and shape-shifting. As a result, the road became a crucial means of Sauron's quick travel and control over his domain. The road served as a constant reminder of Sauron’s authority and his unparalleled power to maintain and control his empire.

In conclusion, the road to the Cracks of Doom was maintained by Sauron for multiple strategic and symbolic reasons. It was a critical path that not only served as an essential route for travel and communication but also symbolized the unyielding power and control of Sauron over his domain. By maintaining this road, Sauron ensured that his dominion could endure and that his ultimate weapon, the One Ring, would be preserved.