Why Didn't Sauron Destroy Eregion and Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings?

In the grand narrative of The Lord of the Rings, one may wonder why Sauron did not attack and destroy Eregion and Rivendell during his war on Gondor. These powerful realms, especially Rivendell, were out of his direct control and presented formidable challenges to conquer. This article delves into the reasons behind these strategic choices and the inherent strengths that made Eregion and Rivendell resilient.

The Strategic Challenges of Conquering Rivendell

Firstly, it was illogical for Sauron to attempt to destroy Rivendell, located hundreds of miles away from the territories he already controlled. The thought of mobilizing a massive army and supplying it for weeks, while traveling through enemy territory, would have been a monumental task. Imagine the logistics involved in ensuring that a sizable army could maintain a steady flow of supplies over such a distance. The distance and rugged terrain make a direct assault on Rivendell extremely difficult.

The Power of Elrond

Elrond, the leader of Rivendell, possessed considerable power. This power was not just symbolic; it was derived from the Ring of Elessar, which had immense magical abilities. According to Gandalf, 'The power on the borders of the West is great,' signifying that Elrond and the Elves of Rivendell were not to be underestimated.

Armies and Suppression

Even if Sauron had decided to launch an attack on Rivendell, the scale of forces required would have been humongous. As Gandalf stated, 'Evil things do not come into this valley, but still, we should not name them.' This comment implies that defending Rivendell was a highly risky endeavor. The Nazg?l, Sauron's most dreaded servants, had attempted to breach Rivendell, but they were repelled by Elrond's power.

The Defenses of Rivendell

In the face of such a formidable defense, Sauron would have had to send a large and well-equipped army. Yet, even with such a force, the journey would have been arduous and fraught with danger. The Gondorian armies, under the command of Aragorn, would have harassed Sauron's forces and supply lines, significantly weakening the attacking forces.

Furthermore, the combination of the Elves' inherent wisdom, magical prowess, and coordinated defenses would have made it nearly impossible for Sauron to take Rivendell easily. As Gandalf noted, 'There is a power in Rivendell to withstand the might of Mordor for a while, and there are might yet to be marshaled for its defense.' This defense would have consumed a significant portion of Sauron's resources and capacity, which he needed elsewhere.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the deep-seated strategic reasons and the inherent strength of Rivendell made it a formidable target for Sauron. The logistics of an attack would have been immensely challenging, the defenses too formidable, and the resources would have been better used elsewhere in his campaign. Understanding these factors provides a deeper insight into the complex narrative of The Lord of the Rings.

Keywords: Sauron, Eregion, Rivendell, Power of Elrond, Gondorian Defenses