Why Didn't Sauron Recruit Smaug? An Analysis of Evil and Motive

In the rich tapestry of Middle-earth as presented in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, an intriguing question arises: if Sauron knew of the formidable strength of dragons like Smaug, why didn't he attempt to recruit or harness Smaug's power? This exploration delves into the motivations and strategies of both Sauron and Smaug, and highlights the stark contrast between their natures.

Introduction to Sauron and Smaug

Sauron, the primary antagonist in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, is known for his cunning, power, and relentless pursuit of dominance. On the other hand, Smaug is depicted as a powerful and destructive dragon, having been killed by Bard the Bowman long before the events of The Lord of the Rings. This article examines the factors that influenced Sauron's decisions regarding Smaug, as well as the inherent nature of evil.

The Timing of Events

The Hobbit, which chronicles Smaug's rise to power, takes place approximately 60 years before The Lord of the Rings. Smaug's encounter with humanity concludes in Third Age 2942 when he is slain by Bard. The timeline of the War of the Ring, which forms the crux of The Lord of the Rings, spans Third Age 3018–3019. Therefore, by the time Sauron is actively preparing for the final conflict against the Free Peoples, Smaug has already been a corpse for decades.

Why Smaug Remained Unrecruited

The question of whether Sauron tried to recruit Smaug is a curious one, largely because the answer points to a fundamental truth about the nature of evil. Evil beings, like Sauron and later Saruman, are inherently self-centered and exploitative. They do not have altruistic goals or the capacity to form strategic alliances for the good of others.

The Nature of Evil

Sauron's primary objective is his own power and dominion. He is a master manipulator, and his strategies are always aimed at furthering his own agenda. When Sauron was accumulating power and resources in Dol Guldur, his forces were engaged in various conflicts, including the Battle of the Five Armies. The events in Eriador and the actions leading up to the War of the Ring leave little room for diverting attention towards a dragon that is no longer a threat in its raw form.

Evil's Selfish Nature

The example of the wolves in Middle-earth nicely illustrates the predatory and opportunistic nature of evil beings. After the Battle of Helm's Deep, Gandalf explains to the King of Rohan that the wolves are feasting on the bodies of the fallen foes. Far from being a benevolent act, this behavior is emblematic of how evil entities view their adversaries. They fight together only until their common enemy is disposed of, after which they turn on each other. Sauron would have no qualms about using such a dragon for his own purposes, but he would also benefit immensely from the chaos and destruction that would follow an alliance.

Comparisons with Other Evil Figures

The case of Saruman further underscores this interpretation. Even as he acted as an ally to Sauron, he was secretly creating his own One Ring, a direct challenge to Sauron's dominance. Saruman's actions demonstrate a ruthless ambition, one that is only concerned with personal gain. This parallels Sauron's approach to Smaug. While Sauron might have appreciated the dragon's power, he would have seen it as too big a risk and not in line with his immediate objectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the lack of Sauron's attempt to recruit Smaug can be attributed to the fundamental selfish nature of evil entities. Sauron was focused on his own goals without regard for the impact on others. The incident of Smaug's demise merely reinforced this viewpoint, making any attempt to harness or use the dragon's power unnecessary and counterproductive. This analysis underscores the stark differences between the strategic motivations of good and evil in Tolkien's world, emphasizing that evil always seeks self-preservation and domination.