The Flaws of Notable Characters in The Lord of the Rings: From Ernor to Sauron

When discussing the notable flaws in The Lord of the Rings, several characters stand out. From Boromir to Gollum and beyond, each character highlights the dark side of human (or other humanoid) nature. However, one might argue that the character of Ernor and the relatively minor but frustrating character, The Mouth of Sauron, also deserve a place among the least-intelligent or most hot-headed characters in the series.

Ernor: The Hot-Headed King

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the character of Ernor is often cited as one of the most hot-headed and foolish. His challenge to the Specter of the Dark Lord, the Witch-King, is a testament to his lack of sense and recklessness. Instead of simply dismissing the challenge or not responding, Ernor chose to meet the Witch-King in an open and vulnerable manner, revealing his own folly. The act of waving his royal sword and issuing a rude bodily noise towards Minas Morgul is not only cowardly but also indicative of his inability to handle pressure or make strategic decisions.

The Mouth of Sauron: A Blunt and Frustrating Instrument

Another character often criticized is The Mouth of Sauron. Despite his supposed power, his actions are often seen as nonsensical. His role in the narrative is primarily to deliver threats and propaganda to the forces of light, much of which goes straight into the ground. Not only does his general approach lack any strategic value, but his physical appearance is also highly questionable. To many, he appears to sport a bucket on his head, a nickname he is frequently given due to his unimpressive and unimpressive appearance. His ineffectiveness in delivering impactful threats or leading any sort of offensive action against the free peoples of Middle-earth could be a brilliant metaphor for his character.

A Sauron Analysis: Strategic Failures and Overconfidence

The character of Sauron also presents a myriad of strategic and moral flaws. At the outset of the conflict, Sauron seems to have the upper hand. With vast armies, native servants, and even the Nazgul serving him, as well as the betrayal of several key allies, including Saruman, he appears to be in a powerful position. However, Sauron's numerous failures in the plot indicate a man not only miscalculating but also overestimating his own power and the threat to his realm.

Strategic Failures

Missed Opportunities: Despite knowing that the Fellowship is traveling with the Ring, Sauron fails to effectively capitalize on his numerical and technological superiority, merely allowing Grishnakh's encounter to pass without action. Ignoring Clear Future Threats: Failing to guard Mount Doom, the weak link in his entire chain of defense, exemplifies his approach to future threats. Had he taken steps to secure Mount Doom, the destruction of the Ring could have been delayed significantly longer. Overconfidence: His unwavering belief that a rival dark lord poses the sole and most significant threat to his domain often blinds him to variety of solutions or to the fact that his enemies are not necessarily acting from that single motivation.

The Nazgul: Frustrating and Misguided Servants

The Nazgul, although powerful, were often seen as too complacent. The idea that they could have simply captured Frodo is laughable given the context. As the lords of darkness themselves, one would expect them to be more proactive and less reliant on the unpredictable actions of lesser beings like Grishnakh. Their failure to capture Frodo or carry out their master's bidding reflects a lack of discipline and vision, qualities one would expect from the leaders of an army of dread.

Saruman's Strategic Incompetence

Saruman, despite starting on the right foot by correctly identifying the threat to Middle-earth, ultimately fails due to a combination of overconfidence and miscalculation. His strategies become increasingly ineffective as the story progresses. His inability to form a coherent plan, double-cross Sauron, and eventually fail even in his attempt to seize the ring reflect a lack of versatile and operationally sound strategy. Moreover, his seemingly unrecoverable failure to protect the Shire aligns with his broader strategic failings.

Gandalf, Aragorn, and Other Key Figures

While the other key figures like Gandalf and Aragorn have their moments of strategic inaccuracy, their overall impact on the campaign of good versus evil is more complex. Gandalf's delays and misjudgments, though recognized, do not overshadow his profound wisdom and ultimate contributions. Aragorn, with his inefficient leadership and personal overtures, while flawed, are outshone by his eventual victory and heroics.

Concluding Thoughts

The never-ending quest for power and control is a prevalent theme in The Lord of the Rings. Characters like Sauron, though formidable, ultimately fall due to their own strategic and moral lapses. The characters of Ernor, The Mouth of Sauron, and the Nazgul, while lesser in stature, are no less significant in their failure to navigate the complexities of their roles. Each provides valuable insights into the human condition and the dangers of giving into temptation or overconfidence.

Key Takeaways:

Characters in The Lord of the Rings often embody complex traits, their flaws serving as metaphors for the human condition. The mistakes of prominent characters like Sauron and Ernor highlight themes of temptation, corruption, and redemption in Tolkien's work. In analyzing the flaws of characters, one can better understand the intricate human psychology and the challenges of leadership and power.

Stay tuned for more deep dives into the characters and themes of J.R.R. Tolkien's timeless classic.