Of Annatar and Galadriel

Sauron found Men the easiest to sway in Middle-earth (as did Morgoth) but he ever sought to control the Elves. So he disguised himself as one fair and wise and went amongst the Elves. "Only to Lindon he did not come, for Gil-galad and Elrond doubted him and his fair-seeming, and though they knew not who in truth he was they would not admit him to the land" (p. 287, The Silmarillion). But other Elves, thirsty for Sauron's great knowledge, welcomed him gladly ignoring the warnings of Gil-galad and Elrond. "...for Sauron took to himself the name of Annatar, the Lord of Gifts, and they at first had much profit from his friendship" (p. 287, The Silmarillion). By cunning words Sauron spoke against Gil-galad and Elrond and encouraged the Elves that would listen to make for themselves a land that would rival the beauty of Valinor.

"But in the meantime the power of Galadriel and Celeborn had grown, and Galadriel, assisted in this by her friendship with the Dwarves of Moria, had come into contact with the Nandorin realm of Lórinand on the other side of the Misty Mountains" (p. 236, Unfinished Tales). The Nandorin were some of the Elves who forsook the original journey to the West with the Valar. Their land encompassed forest on either side of the Great River including Dol Guldur (which will play an important role in coming events; including those in The Hobbit). Galadriel sought to strive against the actions of Sauron (though it seems doubtful she knew the truth of who Annatar was). But the Noldor, the Elves who had made the original journey, of Eregion, where Galadriel and Celeborn resided, listened to Sauron. Among them was Celebrimbor, "...who desired in his heart to rival the skill and fame of Fëanor" (p. 236, Unfinished Tales).

For the Noldor were not at peace; they loved Middle-earth but longer for the joy and beauty of Valinor where they once lived. So they hearkened to Sauron's teaching and guidance to make things of surpassing beauty. "But Sauron guided their labours, and he was aware of all that they did; for his desire was to set a bond upon the Elves and to bring them under his vigilance" (p. 287, The Silmarillion). Indeed, "In Eregion Sauron posed as an emissary of the Valar sent by them to Middle-earth..." (p. 236-237, Unfinished Tales). Between their pride for knowledge and false security since Morgoth was overthrown the Noldor fell into Sauron's evil plans. That is so true of me as well. In pride or false belief many of my worst moments are born.

Sauron recognized that his chief adversary in the region would be Galadriel for she mistrusted him. He treated her with kindness and patience for the time being forbearing her scorn. Sauron turned his attention onto Celebrimbor who, with other smiths, formed the Gwaith-i-Mírdain, a powerful brotherhood of artisans in Eregion. Eventually, by Sauron's persuasion, the brotherhood revolted against the rule of Galadriel and Celeborn between 1350-1400 Second Age. "Galadriel thereupon left Eregion and passed through Khazad-dûm to Lórinand, taking with her Amroth and Celebrían; but Celeborn would not enter the mansions of the Dwarves, and he remained behind in Eregion, disregarded by Celebrimbor. In Lórinand Galadriel took up rule, and defence against Sauron" (p. 237, Unfinished Tales). Celebrían is the daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn but her date of birth is not spelled out by Tolkien. However, lots of great geeky stuff in here. I love to see the story come together and make a compelling whole. I'm all smiles right now.

Middle-earth timeline: Second Age, circa 1200-1400

Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, page 287 and Unfinished Tales, pages 236-237