Sauron's Final Intentions: Understanding His Actions in the Wake of Narsil's Destruction

In the heated climax of both J.R.R. Tolkien's The Two Towers and Peter Jackson's adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring, the iconic figure of Sauron, leader of the Dark Lord's armies, witnesses the destruction of the One Ring. However, the question remains: what was Sauron reaching for when he was seen with his hand exposed and the Ring of Power at risk? This article explores the possible intentions and actions of Sauron in this critical moment.

What Was Sauron Reaching For?

Many have pondered Sauron's final actions during his confrontation with Isildur. According to the text from The Two Towers and the context drawn from Peter Jackson's film adaptation, Sauron was not reaching for any specific item. Instead, he was unconscious due to the damage his corporeal form had sustained.

From Books to Movies: Sauron's Motives Reimagined

When approaching this concept from a cinematic lens, Peter Jackson's vision of Sauron's actions seems to play a crucial role. Jackson intended for Sauron to culminate his assault by attempting to burn Isildur alive. This narrative choice is inspired by the manner in which Gil-Galad was slain by the heat of Sauron's hands alone, as well as the idea of crushing or strangling.

Considering that Sauron was about to die, his actions might have been driven by a desire to take one more hero with him. The author suggests that this was an intentional dramatic choice, almost as if showcasing that Sauron is well-versed in the art of gaining attention.

Depth of the Conflict: Sauron’s Mental State

From a psychological and strategic perspective, Sauron's final actions appear to be a desperate attempt to prolong Isildur's suffering. Sauron's preference for torment over quick death is apparent in his choice to burn Isildur with his scorching hand. This aligns with Sauron's character, who enjoys inflicting pain and suffering on others. The idea of dragging Isildur back to his tower to perform a more elaborate form of torture further underscores this point.

Original Text vs. Cinematic Interpretation

Tolkien's original description of the battle is relatively vague, mentioning the fight but not delving into the specifics of Sauron's final actions. The Fellowship of the Ring film, however, provided a detailed storyboard and conceptualization for Sauron's attempt to burn Isildur. Jackson interpreted Sauron's actions as a form of sadism, where the Dark Lord grasps Isildur to burn him with his hand.

Conclusion

In summary, Sauron's final actions described by both Tolkien and Jackson were likely driven by a combination of unconsciousness due to severe injury and a desire to take Isildur with him in a final act of spite. From a cinematic standpoint, the interpretation was perhaps intended to provide a memorable and dramatic conclusion to the iconic character's final moments.

While the text provides a detailed and vivid narrative, the film adaptation offers a more striking and emotionally impactful scene. Both representations highlight Sauron's unyielding nature and his relentless pursuit of control and power even in his final moments.