What happened to Sauron when Isildur cut off the Ring?

What Happened to Sauron when Isildur Cut Off the Ring?

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium, Sauron, the primary antagonist, was defeated by Isildur, the King of Gondor, when he cut off the One Ring from his finger. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of Middle-earth, as it not only ended Sauron’s physical presence but also had far-reaching consequences for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. In this article, we will delve into the details of what happened to Sauron when Isildur cut off the Ring.

The Battle of the Last Alliance

The Battle of the Last Alliance was a pivotal event in Middle-earth’s history, where the combined forces of Elves and Men, led by Gil-galad and Elendil, respectively, defeated Sauron’s army in the War of Wrath. Sauron was forced to flee and was left without a physical body. However, he still retained his spirit and managed to corrupt many of his servants, including the Nine Rings of Men, who became the Nazgûl.

Isildur’s Victory

Years later, Isildur, the King of Gondor, defeated Sauron in the War of the Last Alliance. As Sauron’s power was broken, he was forced to abandon his physical body and flee. Isildur, seeing an opportunity to destroy Sauron once and for all, cut off the One Ring from his finger. This act of destruction not only ended Sauron’s physical presence but also broke the power of the Ring.

Consequences of Sauron’s Defeat

The defeat of Sauron had significant consequences for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. The Dark Lord’s power was broken, and his armies were scattered or destroyed. The Nazgûl, who had been serving Sauron, were forced to flee and hide. The land of Mordor, which had been the seat of Sauron’s power, was left devastated and barren.

The Aftermath

In the aftermath of Sauron’s defeat, Isildur returned to Gondor and was hailed as a hero. However, he failed to destroy the One Ring, which ultimately led to its rediscovery and the events of The Lord of the Rings. Meanwhile, Sauron’s spirit remained in Middle-earth, biding his time and waiting for an opportunity to return.

Significance of Sauron’s Defeat

The defeat of Sauron had significant implications for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. It marked the end of the Dark Lord’s tyranny and the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity. The defeat also highlighted the importance of the Free Peoples’ alliance and their ability to work together to achieve a common goal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when Isildur cut off the One Ring from Sauron’s finger, he not only ended the Dark Lord’s physical presence but also broke the power of the Ring. The defeat of Sauron had far-reaching consequences for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth, marking the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity. However, the legacy of Sauron’s defeat continued to shape the course of Middle-earth’s history, ultimately leading to the events of The Lord of the Rings.

Key Points:

• Sauron was defeated by Isildur in the War of the Last Alliance.
• Isildur cut off the One Ring from Sauron’s finger, breaking the Dark Lord’s power.
• The defeat of Sauron had significant consequences for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth.
• The Dark Lord’s power was broken, and his armies were scattered or destroyed.
• The Nazgûl were forced to flee and hide.
• The land of Mordor was left devastated and barren.
• Isildur failed to destroy the One Ring, which ultimately led to its rediscovery.
• Sauron’s spirit remained in Middle-earth, biding his time and waiting for an opportunity to return.

Timeline:

Sources:

• J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings.
• J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion.
• Christopher Tolkien, The History of Middle-earth.