Why did Sauron want mithril?

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[@skatemetrix]

To bring forth a new evil: fractional reserve banking with mithril deposits.

[@garethdean6382]

'By burning this wonderful metal in hellfire I can use its raw magic to mint a line of Sauron NFTs!'

[@glennsnapp290]

Hey, I’m no Sauron stan, but there was a limit to even his evil!

[@atlaspowershrugged]

He's a villain, not a monster.

[@chesterbless9441]

No, he wouldn't takeaway the Mithril Standard, would he?

[@Scientist_Salarian]

The Dark Lord of Mordor is no match for the Creature from Jekyll Island. 😅

[@cofeman347]

If you want an idea of what Sauron might have done, look at Lego LOTR: -Mithil swords -Mithril fireworks -Mithril fishing rods Truly horrific stuff

[@jemoeder5819]

Smeaguls ultimate dream: Ring enhanced mithril fishing rods

[@johnquach8821]

Mithril fireworks Aka: Guided missiles. Now guided missiles do sound like a suitable Sauron-esque invention.

[@themapsguy]

Alas that Lego LotR will never get a remaster onto switch or the like

[@Seven_Leaf]

Weapons tend to be better when they're heavy-ish, it's far better to use a light strong material for mail and plate armors.

[@General12th]

@@Seven_Leaf If Dwarf Fortress has anything to say: mithril whips. That is all.

[@Jcewazhere]

Great, now I have the image of The Mouth with a mithril grill stuck in my head... lol that is indeed more terrifying than some black iron mace.

[@yungneen6967]

He corrupts Johnny Dang to build him mithril grills

[@erikbudrow1255]

😂

[@Wolfeson28]

4:20 One small point: Merry's Barrow-blade *doesn't* actually pierce the Witch-King's armor. The exact quote is "Merry's sword had stabbed him from behind, shearing through the black mantle, and passing up beneath the hauberk had pierced the sinew behind his mighty knee." The mantle is not armor - it's just the black cloth hooded robe that the Witch-King wears. The armor is his hauberk - a long chainmail shirt which usually extends down to the knee at most. Merry's sword doesn't penetrate the hauberk, it passes "up beneath" the hauberk - as in under its lower edge - exactly as one would expect from a hobbit crawling on the ground attacking someone taller than a typical human (the earlier passage describes the Witch-King as "towering over" Eowyn).

[@bobbressi5414]

My wife and I always joke that the mithril shirt passed from Bilbo to Frodo looks like something an 80s era male figure skater would wear during competition.

[@alexiachimciuc3199]

Hahaha 😂 👏

[@jeffcordova9633]

That is hilarious!!

[@artor9175]

I know a guy who wears a shirt of titanium chainmail while fencing. I've always compared that to Frodo's shirt, but now I will have to start dropping Blades of Glory references.

[@1968CudaGuy]

Instantly I thought of the movie "Blades of Glory" and Will Ferrell..

[@crowbar_the_rogue]

It really does.

[@samuelvine]

A theory I've had for a while now is that we do actually see Mithril in use by the Nazgul. You mentioned the Morgul daggers, and I think that is our clue. Glorfindel remarks to Aragorn that the hilt of the dagger that had stabbed Frodo on Weathertop had invisible writing on it, writing that only those with power in the Unseen are capable of seeing. The more benevolent Elves crafted Ithildin to be invisible except by starlight and moonlight, for example. And I believe that the Moonrunes of the Dwarven map in the Hobbit were related to if not actually made of Ithildin as well. So, we have two (possibly 3) items that use invisible writing for their spells, and I don't think it's a coincidence. I believe that Mithril was crafted by Sauron into a spell binding largely invisible material that was then laced into the Morgul daggers. The spells to turn someone into a Wraith, as these daggers were designed to do, needed to be bound to their weapons of choice for extended periods of time and we see Ithildin do just that with the Doors of Durin. To me, it would seem odd if there was more than one super powerful material that could do almost the same thing as specially crafted Mitrhil. Since we know Sauron craved and lusted after Mithril I doubt he would ignore one of its primary attributes, to hold spells to a material. That is of course not all that Mithril can do, far from it, but I think Sauron would not be able to help himself in trying to "one up" Ithildin. He would have to try and corrupt Ithildin to his own purposes and I think that corruption of Mithril is what we see on the hilts of Morgul daggers.

[@karladenton5034]

An astute theory, well reasoned.

[@thorjelly]

It's a cool idea but there's no evidence that the elves used moon letters to form their spells. The material of the letters itself was simply enchanted to appear only with the light of the moon. It seems to me to be a wholly different thing to have letters form a spell, and to write letters with an enchanted material.

[@downtostandup]

A total off the top theory i had long ago was he was using it create something not unlike Phelactory (think liches). It probably wasn't this because dnd came later on. But it's my fun theory

[@LHSNottingham]

I like the idea that similar to how Morgoth created the corrupted race of orcs that Sauron corrupted mithril into Morgul weaponry, it’s beauty and some of its strength lost but becoming cursed and poisoned

[@cjmarion6350]

@@downtostandup the ring was already his phylactery and also it contained so much of his being that i dont believe he would be able to make anything of that power and nature again

[@inflivia]

I think you have great vocal delivery; your timing, tone, and clarity are always spot-on.

[@pentegarn1]

I use to be a contractor for the DOD and we transported titanium tank armor around the country to get it treated. I've often heard Mithril is really titanium. So it always made sense to me why Sauron would want it for war....just like we do today.

[@bookman7409]

Titanium? I can see why folks might come to that conclusion, but there's a problem. I doubt that titanium can be "beaten (hammered thin) like copper". That in part comes from watching Alec Steele trying to make titanium damascus, but I seem to recall learning that in its pure state, it can be a little brittle. The folks speculating that he wanted to use it to make armor and weapons are also assuming that Sauron knew how to replicate the dwarves' process that converted mithril into something that's seemingly indestructible. It's possible that was one of his goals, but that he went through some amount of it trying to replicate what the dwarves did to it, but making the product unrecoverable in each failed attempt.

[@kenricrose]

@@bookman7409no, I buy it. There are a lot of perspectives on this and I can see how titanium could fit for the base characteristics. The rest being legend or magical amplification of the Tolkien world.

[@86starchild]

@@kenricrose titanium has the strength of steel, but half the weight, thats all thats special about it.

[@dasweetness3180]

@@86starchild Not all. Titanium has exceptional thermal properties.

[@ahmedshaharyarejaz9886]

​@@86starchildi just like the name Titanium. It sounds so powerful.

[@LadyEmilyNyx]

I think that there's a not insignificant chance that Sauron DID in fact want it for it's beauty, at least in part. Having lost his own ability to take a fair form, perhaps he saw mithril as a way of getting that back, on some level. Of returning to being not just feared, but envied, as he once was.

[@artyjnrii]

Yes - not an appreciative desire to possess beauty, but an envious one.

[@ChristianAkacro]

I really wish I could listen to you narrate all of the Legendarium as a series of audio books. You have a wonderfully soothing voice Robert.

[@Sakumitzu]

You know, Robert, these videos are a true highlight for me every day. The fact that you are able to put out quality content like this day in and day out is more appreciated than you know!

[@EMTgamer]

Here here

[@dafewger]

The last time I was this early to a Robert video, the world was lit by two trees.

[@hansisbrucker813]

Lamps even 👀

[@towarzysztatar7961]

He was a smith and craftsman above all else, no wonder why mithrill was precious to him.

[@javiervasquez625]

Sometimes i wonder if Sauron had plans of creating his own "Undying Lands" on Middle-Earth by basically amassing all the mythril he could gather and use it to create his own divine realm in the mortal world.

[@jonathaneskew9878]

@@javiervasquez625 i believe that actually was his intention, at least in the first age

[@javiervasquez625]

@@jonathaneskew9878 Makes you wonder wether the Valar would have finally retaliated after realizing they were been directly challenged by someone who was attempting to surpass them in their power and authority.

[@jonathaneskew9878]

@@javiervasquez625 i think eru did by creating a massive flood destroying saurons physical form

[@javiervasquez625]

@@jonathaneskew9878 Before the Third Age, but we're talking about the current events of the LotR's trilogy where the already weakened Sauron was amassing mythril for some obscure purpose. That purpose might have involved the creation of a replica of the Undying Lands in Sauron's image, forcing the Valar to react accordingly.

[@matthewcreelman1347]

I like the idea that Sauron’s mithril was for use against the Valar if and when they showed up.

[@Quasihamster]

Quite simple. For chainmail gloves, or maybe just one, that he could wear over the ring. Learning from previous mistakes.

[@livinlicious]

I think its the biggest chance he wanted to create armor and weapons for himself. He never saw himself as a dark lord. He was a beautiful and merciful maiar and the fair and just ruler of all Middle-Earth. In his mind.

[@classreductionist]

At the very least I assume Sauron would want Mithril to prevent the Dwarves from making bad ass weapons and armor out of it and kicking orc ass all over the place. Mo doubt he had a much more sinister purpose for it...but denying your enemies magical metal is a good enough reason alone.

[@ScottHess]

If there were a Silmaril loose in the world, Sauron would want it for much the same reason everyone else would want it - because it is beautiful. Just because he is the dark lord doesn't mean that he doesn't enjoy having pretty things.

[@Kite403]

The thought of Sauron striding into battle, decked in full Mithril arms, is a haunting thought. He would have been unassailable by any mortal warrior, and scores would have fallen before even a swing of his great mace. There's also the thought that he was constructing a great Titan of Mithril, a war-machine unmatched by any force, marching across the world to secure Sauron's dominance over everything. It's entertaining to imagine, but scary also, because we just don't know what his plans were in the end.

[@ericbrant8983]

Like a Numidium? That would have been cool.

[@bluesbest1]

Sauron building and maybe piloting some kind of Mithril Colossus is indeed terrifying.

[@misterkami2]

Now I’m imagining Sauron fully covering Shelob in mithril armour and sending her out to roam the land..

[@Maegorthecrueltargaryen]

Sauron didn't use a mace in the books he used his hands

[@Crafty_Spirit]

@@Maegorthecrueltargaryen I'm quite sure he was wearing something in his hands (even though it is not specified), because otherwise, his opponents would have a good chance at hacking his fingers off

[@10asterisks]

100% Sauron was planning on a Mithril Gundam to battle the threat from the east - Godzilla!!!

[@ahmedshaharyarejaz9886]

Then he'll discover that the Valar from the West have also arrived and he gets dunked by Godzilla and the Valar in an epic kaiju team up.

[@mattmccartney5996]

Sauron: Behold! My greatest creation. Mithril foil! Mouth of Sauron: Magnificent O darkest of dark lords! Ummmm, and its use? Sauron: baking 'tatos and such. Mouth of Sauron (to self): we're effed.

[@troubledjoe6201]

Po-ta-toes

[@Sp3ich3rr4tt3]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@garethdean6382]

Three taters were given to the elves, who really preferred lembas. Seven taters were given to the dwarves, who dug their gardens deep. And nine, nine were given tot he hobbits who above all desired them boiled, mashed or stuck in a stew. But they were all deceived, for another Potato was grown...

[@leeboy26]

Well it was either that or Hill Trolls with fricken lazer beams attached to to their heads.

[@FLAMINGBABYHEAD]

I like to think that Sauron had a new and terrible weapon planned, but needed his ring (and therefore the greater part of his power) back before he could make it. He was stockpiling the materials in advance. Once he had conquered Middle Earth, he could then turn his entire focus towards finding the ring and once gained, he could then forge his new weapon which would cement his hold on power forever (or so his plan went). Perhaps it would even have been a device powerful enough to free Morgoth from his banishment. There's a chilling thought.

[@freeipodify]

To pick up on this, certainly controlling the mortal lands of Middle-earth would not have satisfied him. Valinor would continue to be a threat, and a great prize. Mithril might have been the catalyst to break those defenses somehow.

[@FLAMINGBABYHEAD]

@freeipodify super intriguing possibility. Sauron would have more scores to settle after he conquered Middle-Earth. Not only with the Valar, but also with the Elves who escaped to the West before he could get his revenge.

[@daniels7907]

If magic in Arda was fading then Sauron may have needed what magical metals he could find in order to preserve such magic as he could.

[@johnquach8821]

"Behold! Platinum Sauron!" I also wonder if any Easterlings looted his mithril reserves after Sauron's death.

[@dromankass8655]

I would think not, Sauron surely kept his Mithril hoard in his Dark Tower, along with the Seeing Stone and other precious treasures. All would have been lost forever when the tower fell. And yet . . . it is a dark idea that somewhere on the western edge of Mordor is some sort of testing-area for the Dark Lord's most terrible magical weapons. And here, half buried in an abandoned dungeon-lab lies a forgotten weapon. It is made of mithril, yet shines with a dark light, and somewhat resembles the devices that Saruman used to breach the walls of Helm's Deep. Only this one is much larger . . .

[@johnquach8821]

@@dromankass8655 Lost forever when the tower fell? Wouldn't the tower have exploded and the mithril ended up still stuck in the ruins? Maybe it fell out of one of the top floors? Grond II sounds interesting...

[@LoricSwift]

@@johnquach8821 Exactly - unless its foundations were swallowed deep within the earth, it would still be there. Although its possible the land was left with some kind of evil aura from the dark arts practised there that caused sickness or something.

[@jaredhartley]

This was another good one!!! May the hair in your toes never fall out!!!!

[@iamsandrewsmith]

There's one passage in LOTR -- I think it's when Sam and Frodo are passing through the Dead Marshes -- wherein they notice the sun blink out as a shadow briefly crosses it. It's a Nazgul on his fell beast at some high altitude. It reminds me of what you perceive on the ground when an airplane does the same thing, which makes it very interesting that Tolkien was so upset about modern warfare and strategic bombing.

[@klarname_online9356]

I think the main reason for Sauron hording all the mithril is probably not even a war effort... Sauron sees himself as the god king of middle earth... In his view, he is the only one who deserves this godly metal... He allone is devine and his allone is the devine metall... So every ounce of it has to be offered as a sacrifice to Sauron... Possibly he put the mithril to use or inteded to do so... However, this - I guess - is an afterthought at best

[@awesomehpt8938]

Because who doesn’t want some bling bling? Especially Sauron who made a career out of making bling bling.

[@downtostandup]

This rings true

[@BraceDecades]

You ought to do a video about Butlerian Jihad. You opened the can on Dune a while back, and it'd be a topical subject matter that a lot of folks would seem to have some misunderstandings about.

[@ziggyrayne7205]

3:33 He's a mfkin smith. Guys. Imagine being a Smith and having the most valuable malleable and beautiful medium you can find.

[@rensis1621]

I'm pretty sure he wanted to create the best damned gauntlets Middle-earth has ever seen.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

After the fall of the Dark Tower, the dwarves came from all points to dig through the rubble, looking for Sauron's mithril stockpiles.

[@marieroberts5664]

Maybe, maybe not. I think everyone sentient and sensible was avoiding the place like the plague, the soil poisonous to all life. They might have started mining the old Moria seams again, given that the Balrog was no more and the dark Nameless Things might very well have died with the withdrawal of Sauron's power from all lands. But yeah, that might well be an eventual goal.

[@cehussey]

One theory that occurred to me, assuming mithril is only found in the Misty Mountains: During the 2nd Age, Durin III financed the Last Alliance and revolts in the East and South stoked by the Blue Wizards, and he pushed mithril into Middle Earth's economy as the default currency--excluding Mordor, of course. The Last Alliance's war against the Dark Lord was military, while Durin's war was economic. While this might have worked in the 2nd Age, Sauron likely learned some lessons from his loss. The unleashing of the balrog in the 3rd Age would have been devastating to Middle Earth's economy. Sauron could subsequently deny mithril in the West as a source for wealth and weapons, while keeping Rhûnese, Khandian, Umbarian and Haradrim leaders on his payroll--playing Durin III's game, while waiting to get his Ring back. In terms of mithril for weaponry, Sauron might have been capable of working with it, but he's only one Maia. Forging neat prototypes is one thing. Mass producing them is a greater challenge. I suspect the orcs didn't like working with it, and the men of the East and South were likewise heavily regulated in how they could work with the metal. I don't imagine Sauron being so trusting as to let any men mass-produce a huge stockpile of weapons that could be turned against him and his orcs--especially since he wanted to rid Middle Earth of men, as well as elves and dwarves, even those aligned with him after they had served their purpose.

[@faunbudweis]

*Maia, Maiar is plural.

[@cehussey]

@@faunbudweis Thanks for catching that. Correction made.

[@randombutler]

I could see it partially mirroring looting throughout history. Sometimes the looting itself is the purpose

[@chadnorris8257]

I guess we should all be lucky that the black Uruks of his army didn't go into battle with mithril axes, and platemail.

[@Broockle]

Mithril would be so cool to have in real life. You could literally build a space elevator that utilizes vacuum buoyancy. 🤓

[@ponyote]

"Calmly plotting the destruction of the world." Well, that's topical.

[@CompleteAnimation]

In Deep Geek should make a video estimating the value of the Shire, and the value of Bilbo's mithril shirt, in 2025 money.

[@chrisgraythereal]

I like this idea, mostly because I disagree with Gandalf! In a highly-productive industrial economy the value of agricultural land is relatively low, so I can imagine some unique high-tech object being more valuable than the shire. But in a diminished economy, where well-tended and productive land us at a premium, the number of people with money to spare who would buy such an item of clothing is virtually zero. It's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it! I wonder what it cost for the current royal family of Liechtenstein to buy the country 300 years ago? That would be an appropriate comparison

[@Scientist_Salarian]

Excellent conclusion. I’m continually impressed by the thoughtfulness of this channel’s analysis.

[@Nathouuuutheone]

He's an industrialist and artisan. I bet that's the gist of it.

[@Defghi95]

I think it's clear, after the cutting off disaster last time, he wants definitely mithril gloves to wear his ring 😂

[@lmr4403]

A wild shiny Sauron appears, quickly throw your masterball.

[@Fortaker]

Great job as always, Robert! When I saw the title, I thought, "I know there is very little in LOTR about Sauron and his interest in mithril. How on earth can he make a decent video about it?" But, of course, you did! I was hooked the whole way through with all that fascinating information, as well as learning about Tolkien's own views on things. I'm very impressed! (Subscribed.)

[@NedLudo]

I muse that Sauron was building an Airship to rival the Vingilot, a great flying warship with which to make the journey west through the Shadowy Seas and conquer Aman in the end. Mithril has always struck me as somewhat analogous to Aluminum with the Dwarves' skill at metalwork transforming it into a magical, more durable duraluminum, an alloy the professor would have known to be of great import to military Aviation, and Tolkien clearly held a deep dread of airborne warfare, one all generations after cannot truly comprehend as we've not known a life without manned flight. It would have been a thing of dark beauty- evil's triumph over nature's skies, blackening it with the dark lord's authority and presence.

[@archmage_of_the_aether]

Possibly your best video yet. To keeping the answer to your titles question, in the last sentence. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@AHersheyHere]

"Eleven rings to the Orcs, whose fire and hatred had brought the world under the domination of the Dark Lord." -Sauron probably

[@sambojinbojin-sam6550]

Nipple rings and Prince Alberts all round!

[@stuartwiner7920]

It sounds a bit like Ultron, collecting all the vibranium in the world for his sinister purpose.

[@darkhighwayman1757]

I vaguely remember in Lotro they had some quests in the broken parts of Mordor in the 4th age where they talked about mithril that the Black Numenorians dealing with his horde of it.

[@DefileOdds]

If sauron wanted mithril so much I'm surprised he had the mouth of sauron give them the chain mail back just to prove a point, he must have a Lot in stock to just part with something like that.

[@garethdean6382]

Why? He'd get it back in a few hours after his army slaughtered his opponents. It wasn't a gift, but a very short loan. And the demoralizing effect would be as great as any weapon.

[@rrr777www]

​@@garethdean6382agreed. I've always viewed it as an intelligence gathering move

[@projektkobra2247]

I just mentioned that.. an expensive flex!!

[@selwynevonbeereskow8053]

But he wasn't told to hand the chain mail over. Just to show it to Aragorn, Gandalf and their company for causing despair.

[@projektkobra2247]

@@selwynevonbeereskow8053 -"I was bidden to SHOW thee"...then he tosses it at them SHA-SHAAAA! Sauron was probably pretty miffed at that...or WOULDA been anyway!

[@Film-Watcher12]

Your voice is so good, Robert. Keep it up with the great content.

[@RielMyricyne]

Her : he looks absent. I'm sure he is thinking about another woman. Me : Why did Sauron want mithril?

[@retematic2351]

doesn't even need to plan on using it in any way, denying the enemy a resource of such impact is initself a wise move

[@daviduhr4941]

Now that Durin’s Bane is dead and out of Moria, the dwarves can go back in and resume mining

[@somanken]

"our imagination can fill any gaps that are needed" is perhaps one of the greatest bits of advice for any type of story writing, leave gaps, don't explain everything, for in the real world no one knows everything about the world around us so to no one would know everything about some fictional world and the gap that leaves are an endless source of new creative ideas.

[@queerquill]

As always, I enjoyed your video. Thank you for making them. I'm sure they take a lot of time and effort.

Sauron was making a line of very sexy mithril undergarments!

[@seanbaines]

It may be that he had plans for mithril that required him to regain the Ring. Therefore, he was unable to complete them. Just a thought.

[@nicka731]

I would make a chain mail glove so a finger can’t get cut off in hindsight

[@bleachmon1]

He was using the mithril to build up the Mordor Air Force.

[@dbarry2645]

Because the folly of avarice is one of the main themes of the series. But its fun to think he was creating a suit a of corrupted mithril armor

[@aarondemiri486]

The Nazgul shrouded in mithril is a terrifying thought to consider, the people of middle earth were lucky they never faced such a thing.

[@rensis1621]

Witch King: "My Lord, why are we hoarding this much mithril?" Sauron: "Dude, they have cast iron pans! We need to even the scales somehow."

[@fostersstubbyasmr9557]

Now I’m imagining Sauron kitted out in mythril with a giant mace backhanding Galadriel like a fly

[@matthewcopley7679]

Make himself a new body out of Mithril, light yet strong, and near invulnerable. Sauron is his own best weapon of war. As he spun the mithril in the heat of mount doom, spinning enchantment and enhancement, in the many languages of the land, sky and heavens, turning silverlight to a molten orange hue, a vessel to hold his power, a shell unbreakable and unstoppable, that no ocean wave could crack, no sword could slash, no hammer splinter, nor arrow could piece, and no magic unmake!

[@ArcDragoon]

If Tolkien had lived long enough, Sauron's ultimate weapon would've been a Gundam.

[@spartamerican6758]

Fantastic video. These are really special treats and very appropriated❤

[@mrm20x6]

In addition to whatever he might actually use the mithril for, I think he would've wanted to horde it simply to keep anyone else from having it. Both because his enemies could use it against him, and also maybe just to remove something beautiful from the world.

[@cbsboyer]

It makes sense that Sauron wouldn't pull out the heavy weapons for taking on the people of Minas Tirith. That would show his hand to his other enemies, and without both the Rohirrim and the Dead Men of Dunharrow lead by Aragorn he would have won that battle without needing the big guns. In Sauron's estimation, Lothlorien and Rivendell would likely be much more difficult battles and it would be best that they don't know what's coming at them. Since much of his strength was already tied up in the One Ring, it could also be that he may have been too restricted to do much more than design and plan things until he recovered the Ring and was restored.

[@toonbat]

"Orcs plunder it and pay tribute to Sauron who is collecting it - We don't know why - For some secret purpose of his weapons, not for beauty." Makes sense, but I would argue that Sauron himself knows better than most that beauty can in fact be a terrible weapon. Some of his worst deeds were done while taking a beautiful shape, not only to disguise himself, but to beguile elves and men who associated a fair form with a noble spirit.

[@TheJetstream10]

Sauron was once fair and beautiful to look at and he had fallen into blackness and darkness. With Mithril he could fashion himself an armor that would restore his beauty, his fairness for all his subjects to behold. In addition, he would be invulnerable to attack protected by it so that could confidently stride forth and crush Aragorn or anyone else to stand against him. He would lose no more fingers. So defensively he would be unassailable and victorious. On the offensive side, he could equip his Nine with Mithril armor and weapons, Mithril tipped morning stars and maces to wield that would shatter their foes. His forces would go from darkness to light and all would bend their knees as slaves.

[@tonyhinrichs1869]

Great video per usual Robert! Thank you ❤! This is HIGH LEVEL stuff indeed!!!

[@seanlong2642]

I always thought it was out of fear. Eärendil and his mithril ship threw down Ancalagon and sealed the fate of Morgoth. Sauron had watched a literal god and his winged dragons laid low by mithril. He was afraid of it. He took it so it could not be used against him.

[@scotthudson8722]

Mithril nukes? (Or their equivalent) A frightening thought. I’m glad Frodo and Sam completed their quest!

[@turkN9NE]

"... an elvish weapon, the master wants it for the war"

[@Critter145]

Sauron’s “Mordor-Project” as it were.

[@Strykenine]

Same reason we all want Mithril: Chaotic drip.

[@ericroux8723]

So I think that Sauron fundamentally didn't consider the idea that one would destroy the ring. The only fear that Sauron has in relation to the ring is that some other powerful entity (Aragorn mostly) might take it and become 'Sauron 2.0'. I also think that Sauron sees Gondor (really he sees Numenor 2.0) as his chief adversary in Middle Earth. The others are kept busy while he takes Minas Tirith and then the rest is a mop up operation. Sauron though does fear, as he tries to organize Middle Earth to his will (as opposed to Morgoth who just wanted to destroy), that others will take his place as the paragon of Middle Earth. So I think that whatever Sauron was trying to make from mithril was directed at Valinor and the Valar. Possibly to stop them from coming to Middle Earth (as they had before) or maybe to stop others from going to Valinor.

[@crss29]

Because you can make plot armor with it...

[@MariaVosa]

Sauron making a fully pimped out mithril armor with mithril weapons is now my head canon

[@Houseofweird]

My wife at 1am when she sees I'm awake watching In Deep Geek Tolkien videos again: "What are you doing?" Me: "Middle-Earthy things."

[@anthonylehnerz9649]

Sauron would likely have crafted anti air defenses and missiles to stop the fellowship riding the eagles to mordor. I live that the allegory of ww2 planes reflects this, Robert. I'm kidding of course 😂

[@General12th]

Hi Robert! Regarding mithril itself, I like to believe it's aluminum -- but imbued with magic and woven with enchantments. The process of shaping mithril's arcane nature is just as arduous as shaping its physical form.

[@JakobIlar]

Mithril, when highly purified in its metallic form, and shaped into a sphere, has some interesting properties. When the sphere (baseball sized) is squeezed quickly down to the size of a golf ball, is very useful in mining. Removing entire mountain ranges, for example.

[@peadarbradaigh8612]

Your voice is awesome. I could listen all day.

[@mericaman8877]

Me before this video: "Well duh, of course he would want to make weapons and armor!" Me after this video: "Well duh, of course he would want to make weapons and armor!"

[@theclaybeartravels3596]

well, the guy should have worn mithril chain mail glove and he would have never got his fingers cut off

[@walterlyzohub8112]

I think you did an excellent job on analyzing Sauron. Mithril might actually be platinum but its density means it’s not light. But alloyed with the proper metals it could work out well enough.

[@robbie69mn]

I wish we could have seen more of Sauron and what he was doing in Mordor. Showing him is physical form and hear him.

[@TomLentz]

I always assumed he wanted it as much for denying it's usefulness to his enemies as for use by himself.

[@Barlofontain]

I just had to give my head a wobble after thinking to myself, "I wonder why he only has four fingers on one hand?"

[@JamesRamey-r8u]

Very well done sir

[@lawrencereid2767]

Because it's very nice!!!!!

[@jeffcordova9633]

Lord commander

[@defeatSpace]

"Sauron, the speculative investor.." 😂

[@marieroberts5664]

A nit to pick, if I recall correctly, Merry's angle of strike sheared through the cloth to hit beneath the hauberk to pierce the back of the knee. Merry's dagger/dirk/short sword never hit steel, since the metal armour ends at/above the knee. The one place where there would be no protection.

[@feelincrispy7053]

He was definitely going to built a massive magical mithril tank

[@Bjarkenb]

Yeah, my first thought was 'a mithril gauntlet, or two' as well

[@wknight8111]

The Amazon show actually added some nice little lore on this point: Alloying mithril with other high-quality metals allowed crafting with magical properties. This is the technique by which the three elven rings were crafted, among others. Small amounts of mithril alloyed in to magically-meaningful parts of larger weapons or structures would support his magic and "necromancy". We hear that, for example, the foundations of Barad-Dur are nigh-indestructible, likely for this same kind of reason: Mithril allowed him to weave magic into the structure. Whether the show is "canon" or not is to be determined, but it does help answer some questions that otherwise escape us.

[@RJ420NL]

Sauron was crafting a vanity set as a wedding gift for Guyladriel.

[@josephmort4039]

Sauron the Speculative Investor, whoever wrote that line deserves a raise.