Annatar's Intrigue: How Sauron's Guise Met Celebrimbor in Eregion

Annatar, a manifestation of Sauron, gained entry into the realm of Eregion through the manipulated will of its master smith, Celebrimbor. This devious move ultimately resulted in the forging of the fateful Rings of Power. The story of how Sauron's deception succeeded, and the role of Eregion's rulers, Celeborn and Galadriel, is a complex one, full of intrigue and deception.

Evolution of Lore

Originally, Annatar's entry into Eregion was met with rejection by Celeborn and Galadriel. This early version is intriguing, and it hints at the potential collaboration of Sauron in directly opposing the rulers of Eregion. However, in later versions, the narrative changes significantly.

In the revised tale, Celeborn and Galadriel are not the rulers of Eregion. This adjustment strips away their direct influence over the situation, making Annatar's entrance and acceptance a more direct act of Celebrimbor's ambition and desire for knowledge.

The Role of Celebrimbor

Celebrimbor, the master smith and leader of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain, proved to be an unwitting pawn in Sauron's grand scheme. Initially deceived by Annatar's guise as a benevolent and knowledgeable figure, Celebrimbor was manipulated into bringing the Rings of Power into existence.

With no mention of a revolt or resistance against Celeborn and Galadriel in the later versions, the focus shifts entirely to Celebrimbor's actions. His ambition and desire for knowledge made him the key figure in this conspiracy, leading to the creation of the Rings of Power within Eregion's borders.

The Complicity of Celeborn and Galadriel

While at one point, Celeborn and Galadriel might have been responsible for keeping Annatar out, the later versions portray them as complicit in the situation. Their influence diminishes, making Celebrimbor almost solely responsible for the tragic outcome in Eregion.

The complexity of this narrative can be seen in the question of how to keep an outsider out of a city. It parallels a hypothetical situation where preventing certain entities from entering is nearly impossible. Given that ancient kingdoms lacked modern border controls, and Annatar's exceptional beauty and charisma, it seems that even resistance efforts would have been futile.

Fortress of Eregion

The fabled city of Ost-in-edhil, heavily walled, might have been intended as a safeguard against Sauron's influence. However, the narrative ultimately reveals that this fortress was not impervious to the duplicity within its own walls. The walls did not protect against the internal treachery that led to the downfall of Eregion.

Conclusion

The story of Annatar's infiltration into Eregion provides a fascinating insight into Tolkien's evolving narrative, particularly the role of Sauron and his agents. From a tale ofHandled and resistance to a tragic narrative of betrayal and ambition, the story of Eregion's decline is one marked by the fallibility of even the most trusted individuals.

Ultimately, the story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting how the pursuit of knowledge can lead to disaster, and the importance of vigilance against those who may seek to manipulate or deceive for their own ends.

While Eregion's rulers played a significant role, it was Celebrimbor's actions and the allure of forbidden knowledge that led to the Rings of Power and their subsequent downfall.