August 17, 2003

'...nor Permit It to Be Spelt Or Spoken.'
Brett C.

Good question, Annatar, about the Mouth of Sauron. The quote in my title is from Aragorn in TTT regarding the use of Sauron's right name. In both the books and the movie the orcs refer to him as 'The Eye' or 'The Great Eye'. However, at the council of Elrond in the texts Gloin speaks of the messenger at the gate of Erebor referring to 'The Lord Sauron the Great'.

My best guess is that the use of Sauron's name was denied to the lesser slaves of Mordor, such as the Orcs, and probably the common soldiers of it's allies such as the Hardrim and Easterlings, in order to create a greater air of power and mystery among his worshippers. Sauron was skilled at making his followers think of him as a god, as can be seen in the Downfall of Numenor. It may have been a sign of significant status in the service of Barad-dur to be permitted to use his right name without reprisal.