In my story Sauron represents as near an approach to the…
““In my story Sauron represents as near an approach to the wholly evil will as is possible. He had gone the way of all tyrants: beginning well, at least on the level that while desiring to order all things according to his own wisdom he still at first considered the (economic) well-being of other inhabitants of the Earth. But he went further than human tyrants in pride and the lust for domination, being in origin an immortal (angelic) spirit.* In The Lord of the Rings the conflict is not basically about 'freedom', though that is naturally involved. It is about God, and His sole right to divine honour. The Eldar and the Númenóreans believed in The One, the true God, and held worship of any other person an abomination. Sauron desired to be a God-King, and was held to be this by his servants; if he had been victorious he would have demanded divine honour from all rational creatures and absolute temporal power over the whole world.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Sauron embodies ultimate evil, surpassing mortal tyrants by seeking divine domination and absolute power over all.
In simple terms: Sauron wants god‑like control, beyond human tyranny.
Key Takeaway
Beware the lure of absolute power.
Themes
evil
power
divine
hubris
Mood
dark
serious
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- religious doctrine
- ethical debates
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
theology
political philosophy
mythology
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives a ruler from benevolence to tyranny?
- Can absolute power ever be justified?
A Different Perspective
Even with evil intentions, Sauron’s early concern for economic well‑being shows complexity.