Sauron in the Third Age | Tolkien Explained

Today, we explore all of Sauron's actions and travels during the Third Age! We will cover his multiple trips to the East and Dol Guldur, how his presence brings out evil across the map, his physical form during the War of the Ring, and his strategy during the War of the Ring.
After his defeat at the hands of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, Sauron goes into hiding, growing his strength and using all his cunning to craft a plan for vengeance. Using his magic, his servants, and his newly found palantir, he will attempt to bend all of Middle-earth to his will.
Sauron in the First Age: • Sauron in the First Ag...
Sauron in the Second Age: • Sauron in the Second A...
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Sauron - War of the Last Alliance - Matt DeMino
Barad-dur and Orodruin - Mike Coombs
Sauron - Jerry Vanderstelt
Sauron vs Elendil and Gil-galad on Orodruin - Kip Rasmussen
Isildur cut the Ring - Denis Gordeev
The Necromancer - SpartanK42
Dunedain Tracker - Aleksander Karcz
Rohirrim - Julia Alex
Dark Lord Sauron - SpartanK42
The Gladden Fields - Anke Eissmann
Black Arrow - Paolo Puggioni
Attack on Dol Guldur - Angus McBride
The Gift - Catherine Chmiel
Minas Ithil - Shadow of War Concept Art
Minas Morgul - Shadow of War Concept Art
The Dark Lord and the Palantir - The Baby Dragons
Blue Palantir - Aitor Fernandez
Red Palantir - Aitor Fernandez
Saruman the White - Matt DeMino
Saruman - Vihrushka
Gollum's Journey Commences - Frederic Bennett
Mordor - Ochi Zla
Sauron - Shockbolt
Sauron Power - Ben Juniu
Frodo Meets Sauron - Anastasiya Cemetery
Boromir arrives to Rivendell - 1oshuart
The Palantir of Orthanc - Shockbolt
The Nazgul - Istrandar
The Palantir - Morgen Bell
Sauron - Johnnyslowhand
Sauron - Jean Pascal Leclerc
Aragorn and the Rohirrim - Magali Villeneuve
A Sudden Call to Mount Doom - Ted Nasmith
At the Cracks of Doom - Ted Nasmith
The Shadow of Sauron - Ted Nasmith
The Fate of Isildur - Anato Finnstark
Melkor reaching Arda - Sarka Skoripikova
#sauron #tolkien #lordoftherings

[@CaptainFSU]

No being has ever felt such panic as Sauron when he realizes where the ring is when Frodo puts it on.

[@NeviusZ]

It was at that moment that Sauron knew, he fucked up.

[@ramondejesus65]

@@NeviusZ 😂

[@voncinnamon1]

im sure some fear was there but the fact that Frodo put the ring on meant Frodo was making the same mistake as the others was a good thing for him. Didnt count on the creature he let go screwing everything up lol

[@alexbeardsley751]

I can imagine Sauron saying the ultimate, "Oh shit!"

[@iruga7379]

Like the all powerfull Shogun of Evil AKU FROM Samurai Jack once said: ''Oh no....''

[@hynjus001]

I love how Manwe blows Sauron's spirit into the void at the end. The Valar are like "Well done, free peoples! We'll take it from here"

[@stgwgeshdgdgeken2556]

Only took them a couple thousand years

[@Modulates]

That or Manwe goes "alright enough of this garbage, you're beneath us and Morgoth."

[@lachlanf4842]

People always say "Where was Gondor" but never "Where the hell was the Valor?!" 😂

[@carlosalegria4776]

Eru when Frodo puts on the ring and Sauron sends the nazgul after him: 'Yes, yes, well done Sauron, well done Sauron, HOWEVER' *Proceeds to trip Gollum and destroy Sauron's physical form for good

[@splendiforusme]

To be fair, the Valar are ageless. So thousands of years to us is probably just like a couple of weeks to them 😂

[@TheMarcHicks]

Funnily enough, Sauron's hatred for the Heirs of Isildur is far older than just the cutting off of the One Ring, but almost certainly dates back as far as the First Age when Luthien-the foremother of the future Kings of Numenor and.Lords of Adunie-defeated Sauron on the Isle of Werewolves. Boy does that guy hold a grudge 😆.

[@guglielmo_arte_naturale]

Damn thanks for the funny info 😂✌️

[@guglielmo_arte_naturale]

This man Sauron Is mad as fuck

[@swathisajja5615]

@@guglielmo_arte_naturale I don't think he is human

[@guglielmo_arte_naturale]

@@swathisajja5615 yes you are right Sorry 😂😅

[@SpecialOrder_937]

“Huan has come “

[@JasonSmith-we5ls]

Tolkien’s stories are always told on a grand time scale. I love how they all take place over several millennia.

[@dusty616l]

well if the universe is truly infinite. then all this probably already happened.

[@mtrrea1682]

@@dusty616l And still happening ?

[@BargerClan]

The Ages of the LOTR are like The elder scrolls Ages timeline.

[@mancamiatipoola]

It might surprise you that Tolkien was inspired from real world history. There have been many ages of humanity that each lasts about 3-4000 years and are separated by great cataclysms. Many races and dark entities are inspired by real world mythical creatures and gods. The elves are inspired by the ancient phoenicians who were a very advanced people that came from the west and brought knowledge and navigation to the people of the Mediterranean. The dwarves and hobbits are inspired by real life gnomes that were 3-4 ft tall and lived in northern lands of England and Scandinavia. In fact an entire miniature underground village similar to the Shire was discovered by archaeologists in England in the 80s confirming that these little people existed. And finally, in our cycle (age) the people that control the world are the cult of Sauron. Yes indeed, the Eye of Providence symbol was placed on many churches and even on the dollar bill - the pyramid with the eye - which represents the New World Order that really controls our world in secret by using puppet country leaders, corporation magnates and religious leaders. The pyramid with the eye - the eye of Sauron - the cult of demonic worshippers that control our world.

[@CyberEJ]

It's totally mental. It's some of the most amazing story telling ever. I've only ever seen the LOTR movies (and the Hobbit ones), only once at that. The difference between the movies and the books seems to be even more than that between the HP books and movies.

[@williamballard767]

I have this headcanon that when Sauron enters the Void and sees his master Morgoth chained up, Sauron stands there for awhile and all he says is “hey…” And morgoth turns to him and says “hey.”. And an awkward silence falls for all eternity lol

[@CygnusTheSilly]

There is also a moment when Sauron bumps into Morgoth so Sauron says "sorry" and Morgoth says "You Too" then the silence becomes even more awkward

[@stuartemmanuel3735]

GOLLUM not Fordo is the true hero of the the third age

[@totallynotalpharius2283]

Morgoth: so is Glorfindel still ducking around up there Sauron: yep Morgoth: god I hate that guy

[@PopcornMax179]

"Hello." "Good, you?" *ahh shit why did I say that, he just said hello, not how are you, now I look stupid...

[@samwise5486]

@@stuartemmanuel3735 fair enough lmao

[@earlofdoncaster5018]

I love how Sauron is defeated by Isildur by chopping the ring off his finger and then vanquished by Gollum biting a finger off Frodo. Live by The Ring, die by The Ring I guess.

[@MatthewCaunsfield]

Only in the film version - in the book Elendil kills Sauron, then Isildur cuts the ring off afterwards. But yes, there are a lot of lost fingers! 😀

[@earlofdoncaster5018]

@@MatthewCaunsfield I've read the book many times and I was not aware Elendil killed Sauron. Flipping the bird at Sauron would still be ironic justice!

[@MatthewCaunsfield]

@@earlofdoncaster5018 I think it's in the chapter "The Shadow of the Past" although TBH it only sticks in my mind because I listened to the Radio 4 series so often when I was younger! 😂 Upon checking it turns out I forgot to mention Gil-Galad as well. Oops! 😱 Here's the text: “It was Gil-galad, Elven-king and Elendil of Westernesse who overthrew Sauron, though they themselves perished in the deed; and Isildur Elendil’s son cut the Ring from Sauron’s hand and took it for his own."

[@HPLOTRGOTfan]

Wow, great pick up. Lol, I’m reading this in bed ready to sleep and now I’m going to be up all night analysing and comparing Sauron/Isildur and Frodo/Gollums’ ring and finger conundrum.

[@_semih_]

@@MatthewCaunsfield Actually in the book Elendil couldn't kill him. Tolkien did not write anything about Sauron's spilled blood or wounds. What Tolkien told us is Sauron burnt and destroyed Gil-Galad's body and slayed Elendil. There's no any damage taken by Sauron. He must be just extremly exhausted

[@KeppyKep]

Never quite realised the parallel between Denethor and Saruman, in that Sauron attempted to bend them both to his will through the Palantiri. Saruman lost, while Denethor won. Denethor gets a lot of crap, especially by movie-onlys, but man he was a bad-ass. Yes, the experienced badly damaged him, and he later fell into despair. But he succeeded in a battle of wills where Saruman, a Maiar, failed. Damn

[@_semih_]

I think its all about having the Numenorean blood. Because Sauron and Saruman had no right to use the Palantirs with their full power, Maiar or not

[@victorneistrup7277]

@@davidw7609 The blood of the Numenoreans flows in the people of Gondor, since the Gondorians are direct descendants of Numenor. Their blood has just lessened with the merging of "lesser men", which they had to do after loosing so many of their numbers to the plague and the Rhun invasion. So there is some merit in KeppyKep's comment.

[@jigthh]

Movie Denethor and book Denethor are two quite different entities when it comes to their ideals and strength. Movie Denethor is made to be a bit of a shakespeare bad guy, while in the book he is cold but strong and stalwart defender of men.

[@Phoenix-King-ozai]

In addition to his ancestry, I think Original intentions also matter Saruman while not evil was already on the path to corruption by the time he was influenced by sauron Jealous, proud and power hungry men don't remain pure for long, even if they are lesser gods ( or especially if they are gods)

[@charliewinter5868]

Really interesting I hadn’t considered that. That’s what I love about Tolkien’s works even after reading the books multiple times, every time it’s still thought provoking and you see things in a new light.

[@megabowzer100]

The way this is edited with the maps and picture markers is genius !! Really easy to follow with sharp clear narrative.great work 👍

[@soulwarrior]

I only came across this channel due to the new series, but I've watched a lot of videos back to back and I have to agree. Really makes the world feel grander. Appreciate all the hard work that went into the videos!

[@Haedox]

can’t get enough of these videos

[@youplaywell1165]

A true advanture right here in the internet

[@dh-vm3uy]

Same here

[@chartypeplays2396]

Sauron: My armies will be unstoppable! Gandalf: I'm about to end this man's whole career.

[@nottitan7504]

Literally thought Andy serkis was the gollum in your video. Good shit

[@NerdoftheRings]

😊

[@nicholasbourcier]

What fascinates me about Tolkiens world is how the Valar seemingly can never stop existing both spiritually and physically.

[@MusMasi]

plenty of beings like that in the myths and religions the world over

[@defrte]

In the film Sauron DID have a physical form, but it was pretty obscure. Sauron has it when Aragon looks into the Palantir to draw Sauron's gaze, Sauron himself is holding the Palantir, but I think that was only the extended edition He was also suppose to make an appearance when they were at the Black Gate, but it was deleted/edited despite almost making it into the film. Sauron was replaced with an attack troll instead. At the end of the day, it was a good idea to keep and use the flaming eye, as a metaphor, but also as a presence as Sauron himself was not able to directly influence the world outside of his servants. Adding a physical manifestation at the very end of the film would likely take away from the endless feeling of dread due to his unknown yet long grasp of his shadow, but I know that is subjective between viewers

[@yeetdragon2413]

In the Hobbit movies, Sauron is the black pupil of the fiery eye

[@alexg1778]

I personally love the literal flaming Eye. I think the symbolism and what it represents is more effective than an actual physical form. Not that his physical form isn't cool, just the eye really pushes the thought of an ever present threat.

[@yeetdragon2413]

@@alexg1778 i like the version in the hobbit, because it's still the "fiery all-seeing eye", but with an actual being inside of it. It is also more accurate to the books.

[@mikkelnpetersen]

I personally think it was a nice twist PJ made, that Sauron was "weak" and "formless" and NEEDED the one ring to gain enough power to do anything else, make him look much more desperate to recover the one ring.

[@gelatinousjoe7979]

I agree, it makes the threat of him getting the ring easier to grasp and more concrete. He gets the ring, he’ll take physical form at full power

[@alanthompson2753]

The fact that Sauron has to take vengeance on Isildur's line and not him must really salt his wound and motivate his hatred. Even though humans die, if they defeat a Maya that victory is forever baby

[@starkilr101]

Even though the Eye is only a Peter Jackson development for his form, it looks great and malevolent

[@AfferbeckBeats]

There is also a zoom in on the fiery eye that shows him standing in it in his physical form, it might only be in the extended version.

[@starkilr101]

@@AfferbeckBeats true and it just looks awesome

[@lizzies4964]

I actually think it was a good call for Sauron not to take on a physical form in the movies. While it would have been cool to see him, I think a lot of people would have questioned why Sauron wasn't more directly involved in battles if he had a physical form. The Eye also looks really cool.

[@antiseth3964]

@@lizzies4964 Sauron acts through so many people and mechanisms that he gains this threateningly enigmatic presence in the films. Plus, it’s implied in the films (and the books too) that Sauron was still weakened without the ring-enough to relegate him to the role of a manipulator and puppet master as opposed to coming forth in battle himself. So while he likely had physical form, he probably understood that he could be much more intimidating when his presence was felt-by proxy of his armies and dark works-rather than seen. The Eye atop Barad Dur is a great way to represent that presence, even if directly glimpsed from afar.

[@AnthonyBerkshire]

@@AfferbeckBeats only in the Hobbit movies

[@Arvendui1]

As always this is a stellar video. The single thing that stood out most for me was just how f***ed the people of Middle Earth would have been without Gandalf. In this video alone there are something like half a dozen occasions where he almost singlehandedly made the difference!

[@sylvainquainon4379]

That was his job! People of Middle-Earth were having a hard time because of a Maia, so the Valar sent them another Maia to balance things out. Well they had to send 5 of them to get one doing his job ; not a very reliable bunch, these Maiar. :p

[@lucaleone4331]

I thought the same. I've watched a ton of videos and the movies over and over. But until laid out like this video does. I didn't realize how bad it was just before The Hobbit journey.

[@alanjohnsonbmw]

Her: I bet he's thinking about other women Me:

[@di3486]

He: Bet she is texting with another man... Me:

[@DSVN23]

😂😂😂

[@glorfindel4945]

@@di3486 I honestly didn't expect that xD

[@steveblanmag7410]

Hahahaha! His eye is burning with lust!

[@tiagosantos5653]

Awesome Gollum impression! And nice to know about the Dale war after the Ring was destroyed.

[@moviewolverine89]

Can we just take a minute to appreciate the fact that Denethor had the strength of will to resist Sauron where Saruman ultimately failed? The man was flawed for sure but his commitment to never surrendering to Sauron was unmatched, that's for sure.

[@orrointhewise87]

Love the Gollum cameo! 😁

[@youplaywell1165]

AMAZING it's like watching LOTR from the other perspective

[@redtiger676]

I just wanted to say that I love your videos. The maps help so much in wrapping my mind around everything happening. Your production quality is top-notch, you've quickly become my favorite LoTR content creator!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much! That is high praise indeed!

[@drwalidosama]

Do you think Tolkein sometimes got confused by the breadth of his own characters and mythology? Like think to himself “what year was the Battle of Pelennor Fields again?” Amazing how he wrote so extensive a history that this feels like a documentary!

[@fehoobar]

Christopher Tolkien is really to thank for a lot of cohesion. Silmarillion was published after JRR Tolkien's death, and Christopher went through all of his father's (haphazard) notes and hammered out a cohesive timeline and probably added on a lot of details and tidbits. Not to mention a lot of information and details come from Tolkien's letters that were biopic'd later on and gathered with great effort. It's really sad it's been such a thankless task, everyone in these comments rants and raves about Tolkien's world, but if it wasn't for Christopher we wouldn't have seen very much of it.

[@9Dunk]

I remember reading something about Glorfindel. Tolkien had forgotten about his 1st Age Glorfindel when telling the story of Frodo going to Rivendell. His son asked if it was the same Glorfindel and pointed out that no two elves have the same name, so Tolkien made 1st Age Glorfindel come back to life after his fight with the Balrog. I think the name Elrond had some similar kind of mix up too.

[@Noleme]

Great video. One significant (or at least I consider it so) lore error would be the final fate of Sauron. Sauron did not join his Master in the Void, as even in his reduced state he was not permitted to leave Arda until its final conclusion. Tolkien outlines in HoME v10 that Sauron would continue to exist on Middle-Earth, but in a state where he could never properly focus on growing again (the same fate at Saruman after his rejection by the Powers). Morgoth was able to be thrust from the World through a specific appeal to the Iluvatar, and in part because he was able to be truly 'killed' due to all of his power being poured into his physical form which the Valar destroyed. Sauron is still out there, just unable to take shape again on his own. But we also have some evidence that forcefully disembodied Ainur within Arda can reform with the aid of others (e.g., Boldog). More curious than anything Nerd of the Rings whether you think this comment is worth addressing. Big lore nerd so hoping for a response. Again, love the videos.

[@kyleganse4978]

Maybe this idea would be the basis of his 4th age tail that never was completed and we only have scraps of. Could be the humans that turned evil were seeking Sauron in some way.

[@sylvainquainon4379]

Yours might be the only KZbin videos I refuse to watch on my phone or even my PC. Always waiting until I sit comfortably in front of my 4K TV to enjoy these properly. Great work, as always.

[@SomeGuyandanAmbulance]

I always thought that the eye was a sort of “observation deck” and Sauron was inside it, but could freely leave

[@boxinabox6608]

Thr palantr

[@Monkplaysbass]

I picked a good time to have a sudden interest in Sauron.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Indeed!

[@senoadjiaditya1535]

Lord of The Rings Trilogy no doubt is the best movie I have ever watch for the last of two decade!! Thank you JRR. Tolkien, Thank you Peter Jackson and thank you all fellow fans of Lord of The Rings for such amazing content like this!

[@jamiegregg9211]

agreed my friend that they are

[@marionbaggins]

And it is soon the Best Book Trilogy, in the past seven decades...In 3 or 4 Years.

[@jamiegregg9211]

@@marionbaggins agreed

[@senoadjiaditya1535]

@@marionbaggins It is! Lord of The Rings universe really fascinates me.

[@marionbaggins]

@@senoadjiaditya1535 Same!!! And we got awesome people who talk about on KZbin!!!

[@np8252]

I've been binging these videos for the last 48 hours, absolutely brilliant!

[@NerdoftheRings]

48hrs well spent! 😁 Thanks for watching/subscribing!

[@EvanzZx]

Sauron is the most interesting character in all of tolkeins works. I love him!!

[@southernberean8166]

Wow the battle of Dale after the ring was destroyed. I’m so glad your channel is on here or I would’ve never known that

[@mikelarsen5836]

Have you thought about reading all of Tolkien's works? The best way to learn. Good as the movies were, they cannot compare to the source material. Too much left out or completely changed for no good reason!

[@antiseth3964]

@@mikelarsen5836 I kinda thought the same at one point, but if you look at the format of films vs books, I understand that Lord of the Rings cannot be exactly the same story in both. I think the films deliver the best dramatic retelling of the events in a reasonable watch time, and that requires making some changes to keep the story accessible to a broad audience. LoTR directly translated to the silver screen would be many hours longer than all but the most devoted fans would be willing to stick through, and it would break all known conventions of good film writing and pacing. Unfortunately, no studio is going to pitch tens to hundreds of millions of dollars to make that. The story of Lord of the Rings will always be the books for me, but I can enjoy the films for being very lovingly crafted cinema-some of the best ever made.

[@viincanity]

@@mikelarsen5836 I've not read the books, but it's very hard to include all details in movies as it is compared to books. Unless you want the series to be split over a few decades ;) But I think it would be too slow to watch, losing interest fast.

[@redtexan7053]

“Angmar would be destroyed by a combined force of Elves and Gondorians in 1975.” *Fortunate Son starts to play*

[@freddiescott2715]

That gollum voice was spot on!

[@Colgruv]

"Denethor's will is too strong to be conquered in this way" is not something I ever expected to hear.

[@stephanwatson7902]

The Eye of Sauron comes from the fact that he is constantly atop his tower, with his hand on the Palantir trying to see everything he can of his enemies; as it produces light

[@joshuastrittmatter4188]

I don’t know why, but that thought just makes me laugh. It gives me the image of a disgruntled Sauron sitting in front of a TV with a PS4 controller, constantly jamming the control sticks in every direction as he relentlessly tries to get a view of everything outside his tower.

[@stephanwatson7902]

@@joshuastrittmatter4188 lol

[@JohnPeacekeeper]

Ironically, the Palantir can't actually produce its own light

[@stephanwatson7902]

@@JohnPeacekeeper No because Tokien described when Denethor used the Palantir, people saw a light coming from his tower

[@LiuGondor]

That was a nice Gollum impression.

[@afti03]

it's tough going back to the real world after watching one of these...

[@IndianCODPlayingNerd]

The Music for the whole series is amazing!! I love it. Keep doing what you do man! I am getting more and more eager to read the Silmarillion now and other Tolkien works. Arguably one of the best channels for one of the best story world ever created 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

Read it. Do it. I haven’t finished it but I already love it

[@TeacherGalante]

Just what I needed to listen to while mowing the yard. 🏰

[@dustinhowell7612]

I like the extended version of Return of the King and the Hobbit where it shows what the eye really is. The black slit is him, the fire just emanates off it that. It just happens to look like an eye. Then, in return of the king, when Aragon looks into the Palantir, the eye is like a gateway to wherever Sauron really is. He's a being not of this world. So cool. This video was well made.

[@OLHA15]

The effort that goes into these videos are so obvious. Keep up the good work!

[@briansabalo]

Creative Assembly and Sega, if you're listening, we need a Total War: Middle-Earth asap, with Nerd as loremaster!

[@Edude117]

I highly doubt that'll happen. They already have a wildly successful fantasy IP at their disposal so it probably wouldn't be worth the trouble for a redundant series like Total War: Middle-Earth, especially when you consider how difficult it supposedly is to get the rights to the Lord of the Rings.

[@briansabalo]

@@Edude117 i agree about how it would be difficult, but it's certainly not redundant? warhammer is no middle-earth! one can dream though!

[@ancientofdays1152]

The one dislike is Sauron follower I presume, don’t see the reason for disliking this video

[@evanripple3230]

Regardless NotR videos always have an amazing like to dislike ratio, I’d have to guess it was either a LotR hater or a misclick. Nothing to dislike about this quality content.

[@teamvlcn6820]

@@TheRatsintheWalls They should notice the misclick, though. Especially if, like me, they watch the video multiple times.

[@sarxeye]

they were probably not prepared for the video to contain spoiling lol. they mad

[@someoneirrelevant6815]

I’d like to think that Sauron did have a physical form inside Barad Dur, but used the giant flaming eye to look upon the entire land.

[@carnage4907]

Did this dude just do gollum’s voice perfectly? That was amazing. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Reck]

Becoming obsessed with your channel. Wonderful.

[@storeheier93]

The production and storytelling is so freakin good!

[@galicredstone]

As a 40+ year fan of the Tolkien mythos, I love these videos. I just discovered your channel, hidden in the Gladden (KZbin) Fields, but what a wonderful happenstance it was! I look forward to fully exploring your work Sir!

[@NerdoftheRings]

So glad a big fish (the algorithm) brought you to my part of the river. 😄 Thanks so much for watching/subscribing!

[@Sara.m.t]

I am speechless at the quality of this video - you’ve outdone yourself once again, Matt! 🤩🙌🏻✨

[@NOS2IeX]

* is name is Fridolin

[@jasonbourneistreadstone]

"7 years. That's how long you kids have been on my lawn!" (Sauron finally comes out and starts brushing them away with his mace) One ingrate punk cuts his finger off with a knife and takes his ring. Life ain't easy in Southside Mordor..

[@istvanfodor9749]

To think the original trilogy and the Hobbit trilogy, with all their lore and amazing story telling, are quite literally a blink of the eye in the world Tolkien crafted. The potential to bring it into the cinema world is just as great as the world itself but I only hope they take care in bringing it to life. I can only hope that Tolkien is living out his greatest adventures in Arda 🗡📜

[@peterconway6584]

I haven't read all the Tolkien corpus, so I rely on videos like this to bring out information I don't know. There were crucial pieces here that I either never read or hadn't pieced together. Thank you!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Glad I could help fill in the gaps! Thanks for watching/subscribing!

[@DeaNizBack]

I rly would like to know what Sauron's thougts were upon receiving the news that a Balrog was found in Kazadum. "Sir we found a Balrog, a servant from your former master." "Uhm, good Job! But just leave him there, will you?" Is my guess.

[@AnnaMarianne]

Perhaps Sauron did contact the balrog, but it refused to serve Sauron. Remember that Gothmog, the chief of the balrogs, was co-lieutenants of Melkor with Sauron. This balrog might have thought Sauron had no authority over him, that he was equal to Sauron and not his servant.

[@denisl2760]

@@AnnaMarianne Smaug also

[@tednielsen2915]

@@AnnaMarianne Sauron didn't have enough badges

[@_semih_]

@@AnnaMarianne Nope, That Balrog wasn't equal to Sauron in any case. All the Balrogs including Gothmog(Lord of Balrogs) were lesser Maiar spirits than Sauron: "Both outside Arda and in it, before the fall of Utumno. *Melkor had corrupted many spirits -some great, as Sauron, or less so, as Balrogs"* [The History of Middle Earth Vol 10: Morgoth’s Ring. Myths Transformed] Also in the Silmarillion, Sauron had been described as "the Chief of *all the captains of Morgoth"* so basically Sauron was Gothmog's chief

[@_semih_]

@@tednielsen2915 He had! Read my comment man

[@JasperTheFriendlyGoth]

All of your reading voices are great, but your Gollum took me by surprise! I love your channel! I love the historical documentary style so much. The only bad part is that I have watched everything no less than three times. Its kinda become my video comfort food. Thank you for the content!

[@lindseygoodwin4389]

I drive two hours each way for work, and your videos are making that journey enjoyable! Thanks for the engaging content!

[@emperornapoleon6204]

Amazing content! I’ve read these stories so many times, in the Silmarillion, Hobbit, LotR, and supplemental readings, and still can’t get enough! It is the richest invented history known to man. The power of Tolkien’s imagination is legendary. Lucky Gandalf stopped the alliance of Smaug and Sauron before it could form. The forces of good in the Third Age were not in any way prepared to face off against a Winged Fire Drake, let alone an entire army behind it. Imagine what Smaug’s direct service to Sauron would have caused. With the fall of the north, the Balrog Durin’s Bane no doubt would have joined him openly as well. Then all would have been lost.

[@jaimy_games]

Wauw I was really wondering how you could explain Sauron's actions in just 17 minutes. But you did an amazing job, very clear, very organized, easy to follow. Thank you!

[@HansHammertime]

Your voices throughout all your videos are spot on. I was really surprised at your great Gollum voice!

[@thehighguarduk4820]

Fantastic video, you really tell this story so well and show the great scope and key details with equal importance. Nicely done I really enjoyed this!

[@reecehobson5525]

That gollum impression is bang on

[@GalacticGod]

Awesome video!

[@jomanclus108]

Thank you Matt. Another excellent video. Much appreciated. Love your "Gollum" voice!

[@shubhammitra4227]

Wow man! I loved this video. I see people saying the third age pales in comparison to the grandeur of first age, but honestly, Sauron is a much better villain than Morgoth, and the stories of third age are better fleshed out. I love your storytelling, you should make movies man!

[@hazorg16]

Great video loved the whole 'Sauron in each age' series good job and thank you

[@uborca941]

I cant possibly know how long these videos take, for some you need to read a lot of letters and even if you know these by memory, that is just a lot of knowledge. Keep up the channel your videos are great!

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Always liked the way it was done in the movie with just the eye tower. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@evancondon1372]

I keep learning more and more about Sauron and it’s awesome

[@mojojojoslyfoxharris]

Although it would have been interesting to see Sauron in physical form during the final battle in Return of the King as teased in some cases. I think it was a good thing for the following reasons: 1) It made us focus on Saruman more who was played greatly by the late Christopher Lee in the first two films as well as the Nazgul who were well represented too! 2) It would be hard to develop a villain as a character who's so distant all the time and be able to connect that with the audience. 3) By the final battle of the Return of the King, Sauron finally appearing would have been a bit too little too late kind of feeling especially after the climatic Battle of Pelennor Fields Unless the 3 books are made into a respective series where you have more time to develop characters as compared to the films, I don't see how you could have worked Saruon much better than how Peter Jackson did here!

[@gelatinousjoe7979]

I’m also pretty sure in the movies it is stated that Sauron can’t take physical form until he has the ring.

[@eacalvert]

Yay new video!!!! Ty for all your hard work it really shows 😁

[@Bubviv]

Wow. How have i not found you before?? Your maps, narration and chronological precision are second to none. Sometimes it hard wrapping ones head around events and wars when so many things happen at the same time ... but this chessboard overview is great!

[@lulululu8045]

I listening to your videos while falling aswleep. I love them!!

[@jubaman5847]

Lets goooooooo

[@Jonnell01]

----🧢---- 👉😬👈

[@james9609]

Always look forward to your uploads! You should do an audiobook. You're very easy on the ears! I'd buy it!

[@jimiknewstubb]

Keep them coming man, this is such a great resource

[@MortenVoigt]

Very nice work Matt ❤️🙏🏼

[@LieutenantTK]

Dunno about you guys but that Sauron guy sounds like he was a right pain in the ass for the free folk of middle-earth...

[@nate7LP_my_dog_found_the_knife]

Saucony created so many jobs.

[@judeconnor-macintyre9874]

I could change him.

[@MrMarvellousMark]

The final video about Sauron , probably the age where he had the most power but also his downfall. Great Video ! KEEP IT UP MELLON

[@leonardofaber5823]

The Age where he was weaker, you mean

[@MrMarvellousMark]

@@leonardofaber5823 at the start yes but nearing the end , he became stronger

[@leonardofaber5823]

@@MrMarvellousMark but neither more nor as stronger as he was during the Second Age. Sauron was more powerful before the beginnig of Time, when he was created along with the other Ainur by Eru. As time progressed, he was losing power through corruption and, of course, every time he lost a physical form. What might give people the idea he was stronger is because we have more descriptions of his acts in the Third Age than we have from previous Ages. But the fact is: he was weaker. Powerful enough to cause all that mess, but weaker than ever.

[@MrMarvellousMark]

@@leonardofaber5823 yes his physical middle eqrth form took away some of his powers he had back in Valinor

[@leonardofaber5823]

@DoomedGenX I know they did, and I never said he was weaker than Elves and Men. I was merely comparing his Third Age's level of power with HIS previous levels of power

[@kristianbroberg]

You tell these stories so well.. I think Tolkien would be proud. Thank you!

[@sebastianmatt7707]

Fantastic video again, really helps putting all the pieces together

[@chanonnaluta7958]

I really like that ominous synth drone that you play to represent the forces of Shadow. It always gives me chills and you use it quite well. It's like a reminder that all is not good especially in this timeline videos. Sure, for millennia there is some peace and happiness but then...(music)

[@chriskelevra9139]

Love your channel

[@rorzag]

I love your videos! You enrich Tolkien’s legacy - I’m sure his family would be proud

[@Bushwookie_18]

Love the longer format my dude!

[@browneye010]

Man that pic of Gollum falling into mt doom he looks terrifying

[@onclesam1463]

Awesome !

[@martsilv5303]

That was so excellently written and narated. Thank you.

[@Billy_the-cat]

Imagine waiting thousands and thousands of years just to get impatient at the end and tricked. And when he realized it he thought "Nazguls! Do something!!"

[@youplaywell1165]

yay new video made my day

[@xergiok2322]

Thank you for pointing out that Sauron did indeed have physical form. This misconception and the literal interpretation of the eye is the thing that bothered me most about the film trilogy.

[@marionbaggins]

I am glad I watched your First Age one, last week after your Second Age Video!!!

[@fredderbuter350]

Dude, these videos are so good. Thank you.

[@Modulates]

I like the idea that the Valar or Eru go "alright enough Sauron." and do exactly what happens to Morgoth and Saruman. Sort of the opposite of what happens with Beren and Luthien which is actually awesome. Though obviously at least one of the two (and probably both) dark lords are meant to return, I believe Sauron would join Morgoth in his return

[@arthurkasper523]

I never read the books, but from the movies I never had any idea how old Gandalf really was.

[@teamvlcn6820]

Don't forget Galadriel. Besides two, maybe three, other people, she is the oldest being native to Middle-Earth, at 8,000+ years.

[@brettlovell8761]

Fun fact: Arwen is Aragorn's aunt (many generations removed).

[@peteg475]

@@brettlovell8761 Yeah. Also, Galadriel is Elrond's mother-in-law, and therefore Arwen's grandmother.

[@EarlSundance]

U gotta read the books, starting with the Silmarillion, have fun. an you'll find out about Tom Bombadil, etc.

[@kemrone]

God damnnnnn!!! Wish this story never ended. You the goat for covering all this for us.🔥🙏🏻❤️

[@DeeMorrison818]

Well done and brilliantly told! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Jonahch2v9]

Absolutely love the narration mixed with the map and timelines. Makes it so much easier to follow and remember the order. I've never gotten bored with a single video. Wish you had a "Nerd of the Bible" series.

[@NihilSineDeo09]

Check The Bible Project YT channel

[@Strutsbandage]

I love saturdays!!!!!

[@tobiasball5225]

Quite thorough. Thank you and well done.

[@JorgeCanela]

Great videos! I loved every one I've seen so far, so keep them coming. Congratulations.