Sauron has shed tears in a couple of instances in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and the common denominator between these proves just how right Galadriel is about his character. The Prime Video series has shown the Dark Lord on-screen as never before, diving into more nuanced motivations for his evil deeds. While Sauron is entirely evil and irredeemable, no matter how you look at it, it’s fascinating to see how he deceives himself into thinking he is the answer to Middle-earth’s problems. Of course, he is having difficulty getting others to share his opinion.

In Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and other works, it’s revealed that Sauron, originally an angel-like Maia called Mairon, was obsessed with beauty and order. While Morgoth wished to cause destruction and pain, Sauron saw this as a means to achieve perfection in Middle-earth. This is what Rings of Power has leaned into. This version of the Dark Lord will go to any lengths to “heal” Middle-earth. However, Galadriel points out in the finale of Rings of Power season 2 that Sauron must first heal himself. Ultimately, the tears this villain sheds in Rings of Power prove her right.

Sauron Cried After Being Rejected By Celebrimbor & Galadriel

Sauron’s Tears Reveal A Sensitive Spot In His Character

There have been two instances in Rings of Power in which Sauron has shed some real tears. The most recent came in the finale of Rings of Power season 2, after Celebrimbor gave his biting monologue foretelling Sauron’s fate if he binds himself to the Rings of Power. The first instance was seen at the beginning of the season when Sauron left Eregion and stewed in his anger in Mordor before turning himself over to Adar. Interestingly, these instances both followed Sauron’s rejection by two individuals he tried to make see things his way.

Sauron truly believes that he is the only being who can make Middle-earth perfect, and it frustrates him that others don’t seem to see this. He deceived Galadriel and Celebrimbor regarding his identity, but once they knew the truth, he tried convincing them to trust him. Both responded scathingly, and this is something that this villain can’t understand. Galadriel and Celebrimbor’s determination to see him as Sauron, “the abhorred one,” and refusal to accept him as lord is like a personal rejection to this Rings of Power villain—especially since they are the only two he has fully revealed himself to.

Celebrimbor & Galadriel Are The Only Two Sauron Has Shown His True Self To In Rings Of Power

Sauron Didn’t Like Their Answers To His Promise Of A Perfect Middle-earth

Sauron put a lot of work into deceiving Galadriel and Celebrimbor. He was successful with both, and the two Elves fully placed their trust in him when they believed he was Halbrand and Annatar, respectively. However, when the time came for them to know who he truly was, their rejection was powerful. In the case of Galadriel, he took her revelation as an opportunity to bring her in on his side. He seemed to believe that she would accept his offer to be his queen. His tears after her rejection indicate his frustration, but he still thinks she will come to his side eventually.

A flicker of frustration crosses Sauron’s face, and he says, “I am the one keeping the storm at bay.”

Celebrimbor’s rejection was far more definitive than Galadriel’s. A particularly telling moment in Rings of Power season 2 is when Celebrimbor angrily demands that Annatar tell him who he truly is. A flicker of frustration crosses Sauron’s face, and he says, “I am the one keeping the storm at bay.” He’s angry that Celebrimbor doesn’t appreciate the illusion of peace he created for him. Then, when the truth is revealed, Celebrimbor is entirely unwilling to entertain Sauron’s delusions of grandeur. He calls him out, and the Elf’s final words to Sauron are a definitive, stinging rejection.

Galadriel Is Totally Right About Sauron Needing To “Heal Himself”

Sauron’s Anger & Sadness Prove Just How Broken He Is

Galadriel managed to reject Sauron at the end of Rings of Power season 1, but neither she nor Sauron saw this as her final answer. He had made his way into her heart and was confident that she would be under his control when the time came. Galadriel feared this as well. Her refusal of Sauron’s offer was a stab to his ego, but it wasn’t the end. Luckily, Galadriel got a second chance to prove herself in Rings of Power season 2. Like Celebrimbor, Galadriel managed to use this opportunity to deliver some powerful words against Sauron’s personal delusions.

In the end, Sauron is just a broken being desperate to feel important.

When Sauron finally tired of fighting Galadriel, he attempted to use his power to control her, believing that she was entirely under his influence. Cheeky Galadriel went along with it and pretended to hand over her Ring of Power, Nenya. However, at the last minute, she snapped that Sauron needed to heal himself, not Middle-earth, before launching herself off a cliff. It was a dramatic moment in Rings of Power season 2, but Sauron’s tears following the rejection of both Galadriel and Celebrimbor prove she was right on the mark. In the end, Sauron is just a broken being desperate to feel important.