Sauron's Malice and the Pursuit of Order: A Deeper Analysis

Is Sauron truly evil, or is he merely misguided in his quest for order? This question lies at the heart of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and is a fascinating topic of discussion in both literary and philosophical circles. Sauron, once a powerful Maia, has been transformed by the evil he embraced. This transformation raises crucial questions about the nature of evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the justification of one's actions even when they cause great suffering.

From Maia to Despotic Overlord

Sauron, originally a being of great wisdom and power, was seduced by the influence of Morgoth. Of course, he believed in the righteousness of his actions, a belief rooted in his corruptive nature. This belief is highlighted in his interactions with Gandalf, where he reveals his intentions are driven by self-interest. He serves Sauron because it is beneficial to him, and would quickly betray him if circumstances were to change. This self-serving nature is a hallmark of his corrupted state.

The Corruption of Truth and Order

Sauron's quest for order is deeply intertwined with his desire for power and control. His knowledge of the universe is extensive, stemming from a time before its creation and the limits of the world. However, his understanding of truth and goodness is skewed. The corruption of these ideals is evident in his inability to perceive any value in alternative choices. This is a key insight into the nature of his evil; any choice that does not lead to order and control is seen as a diminishment, a weakness that he must overcome.

A Lack of Personal Truth

Sauron lacks the concept of personal truth. For Tolkien, personal truth implies a universe where there are no universal truths. This is crucial because within Arda (Tolkien's fantasy world), there are clear moral laws. Sauron's actions deny this universality, reflecting his fundamental malice. Without such truths, Sauron's world is one where only his will and his pursuit of order matter. This lack of an overarching moral framework is what defines his corruption and ultimate evil.

The Pursuit of Order as Malice

Sauron's love for order stems not from a genuine desire to help his minions, but from a deep-seated need to control and dominate. He is fond of his minions not because he values them, but because he feels a need to exert his power over them. His view of order is simplistic and incorrect; it is a means to an end, not an end in itself. He wants control, and he believes that any means to achieve it is justified. This is evident in his willingness to betray and torture, as seen in his treatment of Gorlim and Barahir, and his sadistic pleasure in the suffering of his enemies.

Sauron's pursuit of order is a reflection of his corrupted nature. He sees any deviation from his vision as a threat, and thus, he must suppress it. This is why he is so brutal and treacherous. History and legend provide many examples of reformers who claim to act for the greater good while secretly relishing in the suffering of those who oppose them. Sauron is no different. His actions are driven by his own twisted sense of righteousness and the belief that only he can impose order and progress on the world.

Evil as the Unilateral Imposition of Will

In Tolkien's world, evil is characterized by the unilateral imposition of one's will on others. This concept is central to his works and is embodied in Sauron's actions. He believes that he can bring about a better world, but does so through means that cause great suffering. Sauron's story is a warning against the corruptive nature of absolute power and the dangers of justifying one's actions by appealing to a higher, personal truth that denies universal moral laws.

Through Sauron's actions, Tolkien explores the moral complexities of power and the nature of evil. His belief system is a reminder that the pursuit of order and progress must be tempered with respect for universal truths and the dignity of all beings. Sauron's tragic story is a cautionary tale about the folly of those who seek to impose their will on others, even in the name of an unproven and selfish good.