While there was relative peace in Middle-earth through the first millennium of the Second Age by 986 Sauron began to stir. "Seeing the desolation in the world, Sauron said in his heart that the Valar, having overthrown Morgoth, had again forgotten Middle-earth; and his pride grew apace" (p. 286, The Silmarillion). Though he hated the Elves and feared the Númenóreans (who by now where frequenting Middle-earth) he hid the plans of his heart. "...he chose the land of Mordor, as it was afterwords called, for a stronghold as a counter to the threat of the Númenórean landings [this dated c. 1000 in the Tale of Years]" (p. 236, Unfinished Tales). However, he left the region where Galadriel and Celeborn dwelt alone for a while not coming there until about 1200 second age, "...wearing the fairest form that he could contrive" (p. 236, Unfinished Tales). And so the great enemy of Frodo and the free peoples of the Third Age of Middle-earth begins his slow advance.
Middle-earth timeline: Second Age, circa 986-1200
Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, pages 286-287, Unfinished Tales, page 236
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