Rings of Power is currently in the midst of its second season. So far, this season appears to be more lore-accurate than the first, though there are still areas for improvement.
One notable aspect of the second season that stands out positively compared to Peter Jackson’s film trilogy is the portrayal of Sauron, who is referred to as Annatar in the show.
Peter Jackson’s trilogy took a highly controversial approach to Sauron. In the films, Sauron is primarily shown as a giant eye (the Eye of Sauron) rather than the more complex and traditional form found in J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings. Many fans felt this simplified the character and diminished his depth as a dark lord.
Sauron mostly serves as a looming threat rather than an active character, leading some viewers to find him less engaging and formidable compared to other villains with more development and backstory.
Sauron is known as a shapeshifter, taking on various forms, including elves, vampires, and wolves. However, Jackson chose to portray him in a rather cartoonish manner.
Rings of Power has taken a more nuanced approach to Sauron’s character, showcasing his ability to change forms throughout the series. The giant fiery eye has always symbolized Sauron’s presence and influence, and the latest episode reinforces this metaphor.
Instead of depicting Sauron simply as a burning eye, the showrunners have restored its metaphorical meaning. In episode 6, during a conversation between Adar and Galadriel about Sauron, Adar accuses Galadriel of already being under his influence, stating, “The eye bores a hole while the rest of him slithers in.”
This portrayal offers a more faithful depiction of Sauron’s eye than Jackson’s version. At his core, Sauron is a manipulator who delves into his targets’ psyches to uncover their weaknesses.
For most beings in Middle-earth, these weaknesses revolve around the allure of power. Sauron promises immense power but delivers control and ruthless domination, ultimately corrupting all that is good and holy.
Galadriel has already been “scanned” by Sauron; he offered her an army—something her own people were unwilling to provide, mistakenly believing Sauron had been defeated and his influence broken.
In the writing, Sauron’s eye has never been merely a physical entity seeking the Ring; it has always represented a metaphorical concept. You can’t escape Sauron’s gaze, which is not physical but rather a mental and psychological scrutiny designed to deceive.
Sauron sees into your soul, making his manipulations even more potent and harder to resist.
Hopefully, this return to metaphor will resonate with Tolkien purists who were dissatisfied with Jackson’s interpretation of the character.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
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