Saurons Role in the Battle of the Five Armies

Introduction

When discussing the Battle of the Five Armies in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth universe, one question often arises: Did Sauron command any Orcs? This article delves into the history of Sauron and his involvement (or lack thereof) in the conflict as portrayed in both the original works and adaptations. While Sauron is a central figure in many of Tolkien's stories, his role in the Battle of the Five Armies needs careful examination to properly understand his historical context.

Sauron in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

It is important to note that Sauron did not exist in The Hobbit. In the original narrative, Goblins (orcs) are confronted by the protagonists, but the villain is a Necromancer. When Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings, the Necromancer from The Hobbit was reclassified as Sauron to provide continuity and a more coherent storyline. This retcon (retroactive compilation) aligns the earlier works with the overarching narrative of the overall epic.

Sauron's Past and the Destruction of his Body

Before delving into the Battle of the Five Armies, it is crucial to understand Sauron's past and the circumstances that led to the destruction of his physical form. Sauron's primary physical body was broken when he was defeated during the Siege of Barad-dur at the end of the Second Age. This battle was a decisive moment where Sauron's forces faced a coalition of the remaining Númenóreans and Elves, led by Gil-galad and Elendil. Sauron attempted to defeat Isildur, the king of Gondor, but Isildur managed to sever Sauron's hand when he stabbed the Dark Lord with the One Ring. This act, combined with the loss of Sauron's last fragment of physical form, was so devastating that it destroyed his body entirely. The Ring itself was crucial in this process, as it was imbued with Sauron's essence.

Following the destruction of his body, Sauron's spirit remained hidden in the shadows, plotting from Dol Guldur until the beginning of the Third Age when he began to rebuild his power.

Sauron's Power and the Ring of Power

In the early years of the Third Age, Sauron sought to reclaim his physical form by capturing the Ring of Power. Until this was achieved, he retained a substantial amount of power through his command of the Nazg?l, the Blade of the Sithur, and the support of his general orcs. However, it is important to note that Sauron was not physically present during the major conflicts of the Third Age, including the Battle of Five Armies.

The Battle of the Five Armies

The Battle of the Five Armies, also known as the Battle of Dale, took place at the end of the third century of the Third Age. This battle was a fierce conflict between the armies of Dale and Esgaroth (the Elven kingdom of Mirkwood) and the forces of the goblins and wargs under the leadership of Bolg, the son of Azog. Sauron was not involved in this battle in either Tolkien's original works or in the Peter Jackson film adaptation. Bolg, as the goblin-king, was the primary commander of the goblin forces. Sauron's influence was indirect, as he continued to manipulate events through the equestrian Nazg?l and other dark forces, but he was not present on the battlefield.

While Sauron was rebuilding his power and plans, the Battle of the Five Armies was a significant event in the lives of Thorin Oakenshield, Gandalf, and the Dwarves. However, the actions of Sauron were more subtle and long-term, his influence felt through the heir to the Ring, and the forces that arose to challenge it.

In conclusion, while Sauron was a powerful and influential figure in the broader narrative of Middle-earth, his direct involvement in the Battle of the Five Armies was minimal. His influence was exerted through his orcs and other dark servants, but he did not command the forces directly involved in the battle. Understanding Sauron's role in the wider context of Middle-earth's history provides a deeper appreciation of the complex interplay between his plans and the actions of the Free Peoples.