Analyzing Evil: Sauron From The Tolkien Legendarium

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  • Опубліковано 16 тра 2024
  • Hello everyone and welcome to the one hundred sixty-third episode of Analyzing Evil! Our feature villain for this video is Sauron from the Tolkien Legendarium. I hope you enjoy, and thanks for watching. If you have any feedback or questions feel free to let me know below!
    00:00-2:48 Introduction
    02:48-18:50 Service to Morgoth
    18:50-54:28 Beginning as Dark Lord
    54:28-57:05 Sauron's Corruption
    57:05-1:43:17 The Downfall of Numenor
    1:43:17-2:01:30 The Evil of Sauron
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    Art Credits
    I tried my best to find the artist for every one of these images but I couldn't find a few. I started to run out of room, so I was only able to include names. Search their name and LOTR and you'll find their work. If one of your illustrations is featured in this video and you aren't credited here, feel free to email me at thevileeyebusiness@gmail.com and I'll go ahead and add your name to this list!
    Jerry Vanderstelt
    Dymond Starr
    Guillem H. Pongiluppi
    Benef
    Daniel Pilla
    Pete Amachree
    Kuliszu
    Annamare
    OttoB63
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    Teos Ulanti
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    Romero-Leo
    Ösel Soto
    Max Duran
    PhaseRunner
    Artigas
    Elena Kukanova
    Oleksandra Ishchenko
    Jenny Dolfen
    Yiangyuan
    Niyo
    Meraclitus
    Rennavedh
    ElfinFen
    Eve Venture
    Esmira
    Justin Gerard
    Spenta Mainyu
    Marthia Arkoniel
    Turner Mohan
    Randy Vargas
    Richard Claraval
    Steamey
    Helena Stepanova
    Hyarion and IvarTheBoneless
    Ralphdamiani
    KuraiGeijutsu
    Brandon Moore
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    Anti Autio
    Peter Xavier Price
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    Nozy420
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    Maglorius
    Iorana1
    Donato Giancola
    Vargasni
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    Christopher Nelson
    Irulana
    Simonmoberg
    Gerwell
    Mike Bishop
    Silentium S.
    Antonello Venditti
    Usagidoodles
    SpartanK42
    Arslan Darkwing
    AlinLaer
    JohnHowe
    Alvarofernag
    Noah Bradley
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    Aitor Fernandez
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    MarkWFoster
    JovanDarkArt
    Entar0178
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    WetaWorkshop
    DonatoArts
    Anke Eibmann
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    Ilya Nazarov
    Matthew Stewart
    Steamey
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    Benef
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    SkullBastard
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    Dan Rossi
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    Jonathan Guzi
    P1xer
    The songs in this video were provided by CO.AG music. Check them out here: / @co.agmusic
    #sauron #tolkien #lordoftherings
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 861

  • @OptimusMaximusNero
    @OptimusMaximusNero 4 місяці тому +1430

    I love the fact Sauron, despite being a pure evil being, was genuinely loyal to Morgoth and never considered surprassing him. He was not only the best Demon King, but also the best sidekik 😉

    • @zorz767
      @zorz767 4 місяці тому +109

      Maybe he knew that would be really bad idea? Better to wait and let Morgoth go down by some other hand.

    • @cerdic6586
      @cerdic6586 4 місяці тому +21

      Ganondorf is the best demon king.

    • @nickdeboer4494
      @nickdeboer4494 4 місяці тому +33

      Obsessity in some ways inspires loyalty in its fanacity

    • @kiryukazuma8089
      @kiryukazuma8089 4 місяці тому +85

      @@zorz767definitely the main reason lol, he knew Morgoth would obliterate him, and also probably respected him for that reason

    • @debater452
      @debater452 4 місяці тому +26

      It was probably because Sauron knew he had no hope against Morgoth and chose to stay on his lane

  • @Kemot300
    @Kemot300 4 місяці тому +693

    I like the fact that he "surrendered" to the Numenoreans and, after a few decades, messed with their minds so much they thought it was a great idea to invade the land of the gods. Sauron got hit by "ricochet" in the destruction of the island but he managed to lead the most powerful Empire at that time to ruin just by himself.

    • @joetheperformer
      @joetheperformer 4 місяці тому +62

      So much better story than the Rings of Poopoo. But then again, we can’t really compare Tolkien’s work with that of Amazon’s loose fanfiction.

    • @rickblaine9670
      @rickblaine9670 4 місяці тому +11

      @@joetheperformerI mean, I get where the criticism comes from, but the series hasn’t even reached the prelude to the Akallabeth yet. At least watch the actual events unfold before criticizing😂

    • @danieldeclue1466
      @danieldeclue1466 4 місяці тому +15

      Actually, it only took Sauron 3 years to entirely corrupt the numenoreans

    • @jakobrenner2230
      @jakobrenner2230 4 місяці тому +38

      Along with Palpatine orchestrating the fall of the Republic, Sauron causing the fall of Númenor is probably one of my most favourite feats of devilish conspiracy.

    • @ArkhamKnightChannel
      @ArkhamKnightChannel 4 місяці тому +5

      Would still like to see his analysis on Heihachi Mishima from Tekken franchise

  • @jimb9967
    @jimb9967 4 місяці тому +712

    A two hour deep dive into Sauron? It’s Christmas again

    • @tdow9689
      @tdow9689 4 місяці тому +2

      -Come over an see Johnny Depp pursuing Amber Heard with a blade as she begs him to stop, a recording played at trial that I transcribed and loudened

    • @Super1866
      @Super1866 4 місяці тому +2

      @@tdow9689 Is he a shit-stabber?

    • @ross9867
      @ross9867 4 місяці тому +1

      ⁠@@Super1866people need to see this comment

    • @Super1866
      @Super1866 4 місяці тому

      @@ross9867 He's named after a contraceptive, he knows how to protect himself.

    • @kokayinewsome9308
      @kokayinewsome9308 4 місяці тому +2

      I believe how beautiful these characters look. Despite how demonic they become

  • @CrimzinEclipse2010
    @CrimzinEclipse2010 4 місяці тому +294

    The most fascinating thing about Sauron is, despite how genuinely evil he was, you could easily see how his minions could realistically admire him and view him as the hero of the story:
    A devoted servant of Morgoth who never tried to usurp his master.
    A genuinely skilled and genius craftsman.
    A champion who fought against the men and elves who would eradicate the orcs from Middle Earth if they could.
    A meritocratic ruler who actually rewarded his most effective and gifted servants with greater status and prestige(such as the Witch King and the Mouth of Sauron).
    And a war general who was willing to fight directly alongside his soldiers during the War of the Last Alliance.

    • @elmermedina1713
      @elmermedina1713 4 місяці тому +26

      I'm sure deep down Sauron would've wanted to overthrow Morgoth but knew that he couldn't due to being far weaker.

    • @skoomaaddict1010
      @skoomaaddict1010 4 місяці тому +20

      Good guy Sauron?

    • @CrimzinEclipse2010
      @CrimzinEclipse2010 4 місяці тому +8

      @@skoomaaddict1010 Lol

    • @hyperion3145
      @hyperion3145 4 місяці тому +32

      Sauron unironically being better than most CEOs

    • @joesplace2960
      @joesplace2960 4 місяці тому +7

      Sauron for president?

  • @daniell1483
    @daniell1483 4 місяці тому +411

    What I like best about Sauron is that he is genuinely gifted as a character. Smart, powerful, and keenly aware of psychology and behavior, he really should have won the War of the Ring if it wasn't for his pride and hubris. He could never fathom that someone may destroy the One Ring instead of trying to use it. This says a lot about the nature of evil. Evil is always wanting more and never accepting less.

    • @lisboah
      @lisboah 4 місяці тому +53

      Well, to be fair, he was right. No one was capable of destroying the Ring willingly. Eru had to intervene and make the Ring fall into the volcano.
      After all of Gandalf's planning and gambits, God himself had to intervene in order for Sauron to be defeated.

    • @keithfilibeck2390
      @keithfilibeck2390 4 місяці тому +20

      also he never thought there would be any being that he couldn't tempt with the ring, and he was seemingly correct.. except for one, Sam, and with that one person, among untold billions, he was undone.

    • @keithfilibeck2390
      @keithfilibeck2390 4 місяці тому +8

      @@GregJamesMusic First off, "Satan, also known as Ha-satan, is not Lucifer, and is best described as God's Judge, aka he tests his creations, Lucifer himself rebelled against God and was cast as the first being to be imprisoned in Hell, and has no power on earth or otherwise, everything you think you know about this figure is colored by the far later Catholic Church and pop culture, he also is not the Serpent in the Garden of Eden either.

    • @hodgrix
      @hodgrix 4 місяці тому +15

      @@lisboah yes that is correct. I think Eru would not have intervened though if Gandalf had not unwaveringly served him though. All the other Wizards seemingly failed by comparison to Gandalf

    • @metaljacket8128
      @metaljacket8128 4 місяці тому

      Indeed

  • @loganthomas2421
    @loganthomas2421 4 місяці тому +129

    Really was a bold choice of Tolkien to have Sauron be a looming presence through Middle earth before physically appearing. Incredible villain and world building

    • @vksasdgaming9472
      @vksasdgaming9472 4 місяці тому +4

      When you look at timeline of Legendarium it is the opposite. Sauron started as active henchman and then became Morgoth's successor and cunning schemer. Only after his defeat at end of Second Age he lost his physical appearance.

    • @srtviper2011
      @srtviper2011 Місяць тому

      Do you have iFunny?

  • @MrfrogAXN
    @MrfrogAXN 4 місяці тому +292

    Sauron just such an iconic villain in both its forms, and I just love his design so much.

  • @filipvadas7602
    @filipvadas7602 4 місяці тому +63

    What's interesting about Sauron is that, in his own twisted way, he firmly believes that he's doing the world a favor by removing everything redundant and replacing it with efficiency and order. The problem being that the things he sees as redundant being things like honor, self-sacrifice, humility, love and friendship.
    Its not that just that he doesn't feel them, he's phisically become incapable of understanding these concepts. He literally can't see the world and other people beyond his own perception of them.
    Hence why he couldn't understand Gandalf travelling Middle-Earth just helping people and spreading joy or why Radagast spent his time protecting nature.

  • @lisboah
    @lisboah 4 місяці тому +243

    Sauron doesn't actually appear in the LOTR books. He only has around 8 minutes of screentime in two movie trilogies.
    And yet he has always been one of the most memorable villains in fiction!
    Happy New Year to you Vile Eye, and to all those that read this!

    • @NobleRaider
      @NobleRaider 4 місяці тому +11

      So much so that a Spider-Man villain named himself after him!

    • @Anacronian
      @Anacronian 4 місяці тому +26

      Sauron did appear in the books, he personally questions and tortures Gollum, Gollum later describes that: "he only has four fingers on one hand, but four is enough".

    • @emiliosuarez2232
      @emiliosuarez2232 4 місяці тому +9

      Doesn't he has a "conversation" with Pippin through the pallantir? He also says like 2 lines or something

    • @lisboah
      @lisboah 4 місяці тому +18

      @Anacronian@@emiliosuarez2232 But these scenes are being narrated by Gollum and Pippin respectively. Sauron never directly appears in the books, he's only mentioned.

    • @anatoldenevers237
      @anatoldenevers237 4 місяці тому +5

      Wouldn't quite call that appearing though. We get a description but we don't see the scene, Sauron is never actually in scene on the page@@Anacronian

  • @boneyzoney9551
    @boneyzoney9551 4 місяці тому +193

    Tolkien was a master of character being told through environments, very excited to watch this all over the weekend

  • @benjaminstacy3227
    @benjaminstacy3227 4 місяці тому +56

    I love that Sauron is a character who has had such a huge impact on his universe, yet there is never a real physical description of him, and the only illustration Tolkien ever produced of him was a water color painting of a shadow simply reaching out. Tolkien himself said “There is no such thing as pure evil, however Sauron comes the closest.” Kudos Vile Eye for this masterpiece breakdown of one of the greatest evils in the fantasy genre.

    • @vksasdgaming9472
      @vksasdgaming9472 4 місяці тому

      Sauron was shapeshifter. At least once he appeared as giant wolf and once as one of Eldar (Annatar). No mention how he appeared to Ar-Pharazon, but it most likely was human to make him look relatable.

    • @aldiascholarofthefirstsin1051
      @aldiascholarofthefirstsin1051 21 день тому

      @@vksasdgaming9472
      In the silmarillion he was described as tall but not giant when he met the numenoreans, indicating that he had at least a intimidating appearance.

    • @vksasdgaming9472
      @vksasdgaming9472 21 день тому +1

      @@aldiascholarofthefirstsin1051 As dunedain were tall and Sauron was tall to them means it might have appeared about seven and half feet tall. Which might be around Elendil's height as he was Elendil The Tall.

  • @danielsantiagourtado3430
    @danielsantiagourtado3430 4 місяці тому +128

    "One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, One ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them; In the Land of Mordor where the shadows lie." A forever iconic quote in an instrument belonging to one of the most iconic villains of all time. Been waiting for this since you announced it! You're the best vile!

    • @Morgil27
      @Morgil27 4 місяці тому

      Ash nazg durbatulug
      Ash nazg gimbatul
      Ash nazg thrakatulug
      Agh burzum ishi krimpatul

    • @kiwwat4139
      @kiwwat4139 3 місяці тому

      I love the fact that this is written on the ring. I can just imagine Sauron lounging in his dark fortress, thinking up an evil little poem about how smart and tricksy he is to write it on his planned instrument of world domination.
      It's so extra.

    • @aldiascholarofthefirstsin1051
      @aldiascholarofthefirstsin1051 21 день тому

      @@kiwwat4139
      Since language is literally power in this universe, maybe making a cool poem was a requirement.

    • @jojocasimir1118
      @jojocasimir1118 9 днів тому

      Love that quote so cool

  • @rustybuckets2143
    @rustybuckets2143 4 місяці тому +82

    Back to the depths of Tolkien lore and I wouldn't have it any other way

  • @Timetravelingsoldiee
    @Timetravelingsoldiee 4 місяці тому +148

    Sauron is the greatest fantasy villain of all time. Nothing could even approach how compelling he is.

    • @jakobrenner2230
      @jakobrenner2230 4 місяці тому +36

      He honestly has much that makes him great: mystery, wit, intelligence, cunning and even a warped sense of self-righteousness.
      He is fascinating to me even if he truly is rotten to the core.

    • @williamking331
      @williamking331 4 місяці тому +5

      Hmmmm there are others. The dark one from the wheel of time to me is pretty much on par with Sauron.

    • @OGP2293
      @OGP2293 4 місяці тому +10

      Griffith>>>>>

    • @williamking331
      @williamking331 4 місяці тому +3

      @@OGP2293 Him too!

    • @thepandasamurai228
      @thepandasamurai228 4 місяці тому +1

      Yeah No

  • @thegamingpigeon3216
    @thegamingpigeon3216 4 місяці тому +69

    The prospect, just the IDEA, that Sauron continued his streak of malice and evil over seeking forgiveness and redemption from the Ainur out of fear of Morgoth's retribution should he ever return through the Door of Night should tell you everything you need to know about just how evil and powerful and feared Morgoth was.

  • @MrJonbon1
    @MrJonbon1 4 місяці тому +88

    So much creativity born out of so much personal horror and trauma. I have always wondered how different or even if the Middle Earth world would have been created if it were not for Tolkien's experiences during WW 1.

    • @lukasbauer8783
      @lukasbauer8783 4 місяці тому +2

      I don't know, I always found it pretty off-putting that someone actually experienced in the hell of trenchwarfare wrote about war in the often so sanitized, indeed blatantly glorifying and romanticizing way he did.
      Just compare Tolkien with Sir Thomas Mallory, who hundreds of years earlier described the reality and horror of war (also from personal experience) in a gutpunching way that tolkien was either incapable of or just not interested in.
      Of course Mallory didn't invent a whole race of inherently evil, de-humanized mooks that just existed to give the heroes something to gloriously slaughter without a twinge of conscience.

    • @Isthisjoebiden
      @Isthisjoebiden 4 місяці тому +30

      ​​@@lukasbauer8783Your view is exceedingly narrow-minded. I mean, that story was already told. Are you saying that someone else's view is irrelevant simply because you would like to see it written that way? And I don't remember the heroes just wanting to kill others for the sake of with no conscience, only of necessity due to their dark nature and ruthlessness.

    • @LeventeCzelnai
      @LeventeCzelnai 4 місяці тому +25

      ​@@lukasbauer8783lol. Tolkien was totally anti war, his description of evil is not a excuse to validate killing and destruction.

    • @thereseemstobeenanerror1219
      @thereseemstobeenanerror1219 4 місяці тому

      ​@@lukasbauer8783
      Loser

    • @Nafaka16
      @Nafaka16 4 місяці тому +2

      My thinking is that he used the books as a way to reflect and get over his own war traumas. Bring it back to the Child like notion that war is a time of heroes, honor and hope, rather than the true wickedness that it actually is in reality.

  • @OptimusMaximusNero
    @OptimusMaximusNero 4 місяці тому +117

    *Unpopular opinion:* The Sauron of Peter Jackson's movies was pretty cool, but I much prefer how the Dark Lord is portrayed in Ralph Bakshi's animated film, in which he only appears as a shadowy figure during the opening scene, but he is still very present in the entire film through the sinister atmosphere and dialogue of the characters. There is nothing more scary than what we do not see but still we do notice

    • @Finn_MacCool
      @Finn_MacCool 4 місяці тому +11

      There's a reason that's an unpopular opinion🙄

    • @KarmaExtonline
      @KarmaExtonline 4 місяці тому

      i feel you on this, acts as a nice build up too. good point

    • @Ed-zp2xo
      @Ed-zp2xo 4 місяці тому +9

      I always thought a disembodied eye chained to the top of a skyscraper was kinda silly. Especially since Sauron did have a physical form in LOTR (Gollum saw him), that of an exceptionally tall man if I recall correctly

    • @Finn_MacCool
      @Finn_MacCool 4 місяці тому +5

      @@Ed-zp2xo Why do you think that is silly?

    • @giovanniprovost
      @giovanniprovost 4 місяці тому +14

      I think the Peter Jackson version of Sauron was effective as hell. Terrifying and menacing introduction, letting the character's actions and lack of stage presence elude to the character's focus on being scheming and not as "badass" as he seemed when we first saw him. Having seen both representations, I understand where you are coming from, but I also feel like Peter Jackson's version holds Bakshi's in a chokehold as far as being a complete representation of his character.

  • @johns1625
    @johns1625 4 місяці тому +24

    Consider in your ranking, "He was only less evil than his master (Morgoth) in that for long he served another and not himself"

  • @bradenannala4085
    @bradenannala4085 4 місяці тому +18

    Saurons complete mastery over manipulation is the most terrifying part of his story. Ive always thought that the fact he wasnt always evil makes his character that much more disturbing.

  • @danielsantiagourtado3430
    @danielsantiagourtado3430 4 місяці тому +33

    i honestly like the fact that he "surrendered" to the Numenoreans and, after a few decades, messed with their minds so much they thought it was a great idea to invade the land of the gods. Sauron managed to lead the most powerful Empire at that time to ruin just by himself.

    • @leviticusprime4904
      @leviticusprime4904 4 місяці тому +1

      Killing and empire is easy but breaking an empire that is much more impressive

    • @TheAncientAstronomer
      @TheAncientAstronomer 4 місяці тому

      He only managed to do that because he found fertile ground to do so. The Numenorians were already in a path of self destruction and Sauron took advantage of it.

  • @danielsantiagourtado3430
    @danielsantiagourtado3430 4 місяці тому +36

    Sauron is just an incredibly iconic villain in both forms! His design is LEGENDARY!❤❤❤❤❤

    • @hhowdy
      @hhowdy 4 місяці тому

      Couldn’t agree more

  • @busygamin652
    @busygamin652 4 місяці тому +12

    Bro wake up. It’s almost 2024 and the video we’ve all been waiting for is here!

  • @petarantolovic6484
    @petarantolovic6484 4 місяці тому +85

    This, dear Vile Eye, may be your crowning jewel. I trully wish you all the best in the following year, and I hope your passion for these videos remains strong.
    As a sidenote, could we be seeing Smeagol/Gollum from the same mythos?

    • @Avatar1977
      @Avatar1977 4 місяці тому

      Smeagol isn't really a villain though

    • @Isthisjoebiden
      @Isthisjoebiden 4 місяці тому +9

      ​@@Avatar1977series is analyzing evil though, and there are multiple kinds. Gollum is genuine material

  • @corbinmarkey466
    @corbinmarkey466 4 місяці тому +26

    What a lucky year it's been for me to become a Lord of the Rings fan. I read the books for the first time, then watched the film trilogy (functionally for the first time), then my best friend got into it by binging all three movies in a day (extended editions no less), which we did together. I've seen so many videos on Middle Earth, and now we get to end the year with an Analyzing Evil that we've all been waiting for.

  • @joeyk107
    @joeyk107 4 місяці тому +24

    You probably won't see this but I think it would be interesting to analyze Miss Trunchbull from Matilda

    • @guilliman1990
      @guilliman1990 Місяць тому

      Up voting this so it gets recognised

  • @danielsantiagourtado3430
    @danielsantiagourtado3430 4 місяці тому +35

    I love Tolkien! He's truly of the the GREATEST authors of all time! the world he created was such a gift that gave me countless hours of wonder! HUGE fan of him! thanks for giving him such accolades! Sauron is such an amazing character by a legendary author and one of my favorites in any medium.Thanks, Vile, and Happy New year!

  • @rafaelgustavo7786
    @rafaelgustavo7786 4 місяці тому +23

    In addition to being a great reformer who would bring law and order in a scenario of cultural decay after the War of Wrath, I think Sauron saw himself as a Promethean figure who would lift Humanity out of cultural prehistory and technological ignorance: The Silmarillion says that the men of the East and South built cities of stone and had access to metallurgical knowledge.
    And bringing economic benefits: he proved himself a good economist in Númenor by multiplying the Island's wealth.
    Furthermore, he had to see himself as a deity of a great world unification: a single theocratic government, a technocratic political-economic system and a religious reformer to bring true belief through dogmatic ideas.
    This religious engineering reminds me (in some ways) of Gnosticism: a liberating god (Melkor) to rid rational beings of "Archons" (Valar) from a "Demiurgic monster" (Eru) who imprisoned everyone in a world of war and death. Interesting that Sauron spoke this of Melkor in the Second Age, but later he claimed to be Melkor in the Third Age.

  • @dllps
    @dllps 4 місяці тому +12

    I see Sauron as something special to Tolkien. Something that is personal to him.
    Furthermore, Sauron's mindset is Power = Rights, Blind Hierarchy = Perfection, Order = Control, Efficiency = Better. Tolkien actually managed to create a non-human antagonist that actually thinks as something non-human.
    He also has no desire and appreciation for the beautiful. He is not interested in Lúthein other than knowing that Melian would suffer if she were captured by him. He is not interested in the Silmarilli because they have no use in subduing the will of others. However, he is amazed and even admires the architecture and might of Númenor, as it represented power, greatness and order.

    • @specialnewb9821
      @specialnewb9821 20 днів тому +1

      I find it pretty interesting that Morgoth's self actualization is what drew him

    • @dllps
      @dllps 20 днів тому

      @@specialnewb9821 I wouldn't say it's because of that. Sauron respects power above all else, so much that he took Eru's side in the Ainulindalë against Melkor's dissonances.
      When Mairon entered Ëa and saw that Melkor was the greatest power, he simply found natural to follow him.
      Sauron has no problem serving beings more powerful than himself. What led him to deny the Valar, this is entirely my opinion, was more of a disappointment like "you have so much power and yet you don't use it."
      Sauron does not understand that just because someone has power, that does not give them the right to use it, for him, if you have power, you *must use* everything, as this is the natural order of things.
      That's why I commented that the basis of Sauron's mentality is Power = Rights.
      I would say that what attracted Mairon most was Melkor's action of not being afraid to use his power to impose his vision.
      I don't believe that Melkor actively and specifically corrupted Sauron, I believe that Sauron chose, more than any other servant of Melkor, to join him.

  • @johns1625
    @johns1625 4 місяці тому +5

    A lesser known act of Sauron is this. In First age year 369 after the Edain first traveled West and began to settle among the Elves in Beleriand, there was a council held Among the House of Malach to discuss whether to join the Eldar in their war against Morgoth in the North. During this council, a man named Amlach, son of Imlach, appears and gives a strong and moving speech against that cause, saying to let the Orcs and Elves fight over the Northlands and that the Valar in the far West are only stories with no actual evidence. Many are moved by it and it caused a lot of trouble. But afterwards, Almach appears again claiming to not have been present at the council at all and certainly not speaking against the war efforts. Sauron is the only servant of Morgoth capable of taking the form of a man, and a specific man, and speaking so forcefully moving people with his words.

  • @N_o196
    @N_o196 4 місяці тому +9

    One of my most wanted villains finally covered on Analyzing Evil, and its a huge 2 hour deep dive? I must be dreaming

  • @GundamnWing
    @GundamnWing 4 місяці тому +10

    ‘Mighty are the Ainur, and mightiest among them is Melkor; but that he may know, and all the Ainur, that I am Ilúvatar, those things that ye have sung, I will show them forth, that ye may see what ye have done. And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined.’
    This is the same conflict that arises when deistic determinism has a hand to play in the affairs of the living. Same as Griffith of Berserk, did Melkor and Sauron have any choice in their actions, when the overarching powers that be deigned it to be so, is there evil in a world devoid of free will?

    • @TheAncientAstronomer
      @TheAncientAstronomer 4 місяці тому +3

      I don't think Eru Iluvatar determined their actions. Both of them choose their doings by their own accord. What Eru told them was that whatever they are going to do, good or evil, at the end it will ultimately serve his plan for the world.
      I would like to think that Eru can see all possible futures and outcomes of every action,from the smallest to the biggest. His creations can not.
      At the end of the day though I would say that it is basically impossible to understand any entity that has that kind of power and perception of the universe as a whole.
      Past, present and future and all of the infinite variables and probabilities.

  • @diegonatan6301
    @diegonatan6301 4 місяці тому +14

    29:18 Well, to be fair to Sauron it wasn't the Valar that dealt with Numenor, it was Eru itself, I think that no one in his position would have anticipated that Eru would intervene in such direct manner...

    • @lisboah
      @lisboah 4 місяці тому +7

      Sauron, in a way, was right. The Valar were pretty negligent towards Middle-Earth. The way they dealt with Morgoth's threat and the aftermath clearly showed that they never took into account all the loose ends (Sauron, the Balrogs, the dragons, etc) nor all the death that could have been avoided had they taken a more proactive stance.

  • @MrDaros89
    @MrDaros89 4 місяці тому +46

    Aulë was such a goofball:
    "Hey Sauron, how about start following my teachings?"
    Ages later
    "Oops! Boy, I sure won't make that mistake again..."
    5 minutes later
    "Hey, Sauronman, how about start following my teachings?"

    • @sonokawaray
      @sonokawaray 4 місяці тому +2

      Aulë was always kind of a rule-breaker himself; let's not forget that time he created the dwarves because he got too impatient waiting for elves and humans to arrive in Middle-Earth. Of course he meant well and Iluvatar gave it the green light because of that, but I suppose it should be no surprise afterward that Aulë would attract pupils with their own ambition and willingness to take matters into their own hands.

    • @specialnewb9821
      @specialnewb9821 20 днів тому

      ​@sonokawaray Its that power of sub-creation as Tolkien called it. Morgoth wanted it, Sauron and Saruman learned it. The power of the author to think they ARE god.

  • @tavanium
    @tavanium 4 місяці тому +9

    A two hour video on Sauron by our guy The Vile Eye. So glad to be subbed to you for over two years now. Thank you for continuous great content.

  • @dxeka1994
    @dxeka1994 4 місяці тому +5

    The thing about Sauron vs Morgoth as is put here, and especially concerning Tolkien's letter regarding the two - Sauron is worse than Morgoth in that Morgoth would have destroyed us all, and of course he is the origination of evil in that way. Sauron, however, was more than capable and willing of turning the world and universe into his domain. Turning everything to what he ordered. He didn't see the need to destroy everything simply to control it. The ultimate extrapolation of what Power is. Ergo the Ring of Power.
    I saw another video where someone (I genuinely can't find or remember who) went into detail about what if Sauron had won. I know there's lot of those, lol. But, his ending statement really resonated with me and I think is appropriate considering the equally long video on this channel regarding another piece of English literature from roughly the same time period.
    "If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping down on a human face, forever."
    Sauron is the ultimate despot, such as Ingsoc. I have always found that compelling to me at least. Both tales, both interpretations of evil contend with Power. Without temper, morality, or concern for anything else. Though, Sauron would have been Big Brother, and he truly would have been unkillable, without death. The most horrific of eternal despotism.

  • @cerdic6586
    @cerdic6586 4 місяці тому +26

    Sauron's entrance in the Fellowship of the Ring was terrifying as a quivering 8 year old.

  • @benderthepirate
    @benderthepirate 4 місяці тому +9

    That’s a wrap! The Big Three Dark Lords of fiction: Sauron, Voldemort and Darth Sidious! Excellent work!

    • @justinayers3589
      @justinayers3589 4 місяці тому +3

      Sauron: took over the world
      Sheev: took over the galaxy
      Voldemort: beaten by some high schoolers, never took over anything

    • @dllps
      @dllps 4 місяці тому +5

      ⁠@@justinayers3589 Voldemort took over the United Kingdom. For a few months.

    • @crim1188
      @crim1188 4 місяці тому +3

      Sidious is a meme more than anything, it was Vader who actually had the presence of a dark lord in OT. Even then I'd never put him next to Sauron. Nevermind the fucking clown of a character that Voldemort.
      The ONLY thing they share is popularity, and even then only Vader and Sauron can claim significant cultural impact

    • @dllps
      @dllps 4 місяці тому +1

      @@crim1188 I think Sidious was interesting, the emperor of the galaxy looking like a deformed satanic cultist granny with yellow eyes. Clarifying once and for all that the Galactic Empire was not just evil, but metaphysically evil. The Emperor was like a cultist who used a government institution to implement his agenda.
      But yes, Vader has had a much greater cultural impact than any other Star Wars character.

    • @mriganabhkashyap1564
      @mriganabhkashyap1564 4 місяці тому +1

      You are forgetting Darkseid and Morgoth

  • @colindunnigan8621
    @colindunnigan8621 3 місяці тому +3

    The burning of the gardens of the Ent-wives may also be attributed to Sauron, or, at least I've seen it mentioned in some other JRRT videos.

  • @kylegivens3120
    @kylegivens3120 4 місяці тому +14

    Morgoth and Sauron, the two best bad guys of the Legendarium.

  • @joshuapatrick682
    @joshuapatrick682 3 місяці тому +3

    As a fellow Tolkien scholar I applaud this take. I for one hated the “disembodied eye” concept they used in the films.

  • @darthrage8673
    @darthrage8673 4 місяці тому +6

    Sauron has earned a two hour long analysis. Every great villain has been model after him in one way, shape, or form. Mostly modeling after Sauron’s ability to deceive anyone and everyone.
    You should analyze Sauron’s most loyal servent, the Witch-King of Angmar, or his puppet, Saruman.

  • @carlborneke8641
    @carlborneke8641 4 місяці тому +7

    I can never listen to Tolkien lore too many times. It will always be some of my favorite stories.

  • @Stenz_Show
    @Stenz_Show 4 місяці тому +4

    The amount of dedication and effort required to edit an upload to 2 hour long fully detailed analysis of the most evil evil ever imagined (literally the dark lord) is incredible I've been subscribed for a few years and your work is masterful. Thank you vile eye for giving us this, my nerdy autism is throughly pleased by your work and I love your channel. Keep up the good work and god speed.

  • @thatguyinyourcommentsectio182
    @thatguyinyourcommentsectio182 4 місяці тому +4

    Having a 2 hour long video about Sauron to end the year is honestly something I didn’t know I needed!
    Well done!

  • @DiZ_490
    @DiZ_490 3 місяці тому +1

    The best part about being a LOTR super fan is, no matter how often the legendarium is brought up, analyzed, or discussed, I never get tired of talking or learning about it. Like Hobbits discussing family lineages.
    Great video, dude!

  • @danielsantiagourtado3430
    @danielsantiagourtado3430 4 місяці тому +7

    "Hello everyone" Your intro is simply iconic and i know i'm in for a great time each time i hear it and this one was PEAK! Wish you all the best next year!

  • @harryglover8350
    @harryglover8350 4 місяці тому +2

    Been looking forward to this for ages since you mentioned it was coming! And 2+hours! Thanks so much

  • @GoongisKahn
    @GoongisKahn 4 місяці тому +5

    I always loved that the origin of evil (Morgoth) in tolkiens universe was Morgoth not wanting to play along to Iluvatars music. It’s like they were kids in a band class and everyone else was following along with the teacher but then Morgoth the problem kid started smacking the shit out of the drums just because he could. It also makes me imagine Morgoth and Sauron were the two metalhead outcasts who would listen to Gwar in the corner while the other gods were socializing lol.

  • @danielsantiagourtado3430
    @danielsantiagourtado3430 4 місяці тому +7

    Love your videos vile! HUGE fan of your work! Wish You a happy new year!

  • @danielsantiagourtado3430
    @danielsantiagourtado3430 4 місяці тому +9

    A plus 2 hour video on Sauron?! Will enjoy this masterpiece so much vile! Thanks For this!🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

  • @Areulder91
    @Areulder91 4 місяці тому +3

    The long awaited Vile Eye video essay, I'm lucky to have lived to see it.

  • @arjunakorale6166
    @arjunakorale6166 4 місяці тому +3

    I love it! You did the First & original Dark Lord (and greater evil of the two) Morgoth/Melkur a while ago and now you have done the second Dark Lord Sauron/Mairon. MANY THANKS, pal.

  • @IronDragon-2143
    @IronDragon-2143 4 місяці тому +2

    I've been waiting eagerly for this episode!

  • @aSUGAaddiction
    @aSUGAaddiction 4 місяці тому +2

    Im moving and this is the perfect video to pack to. Thank you for your hard work on this!

  • @The-Creeper69
    @The-Creeper69 4 місяці тому +8

    Three rings for the elven kings under the sky
    Seven for the dwarfs lord in their halls of stone
    Nine for mortal men doomed to die

    • @lisboah
      @lisboah 4 місяці тому +4

      One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
      In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.

  • @rustybuckets2143
    @rustybuckets2143 4 місяці тому +18

    Have you thought of doing a sister series about great heroes? I think that way you could talk even more about Tolkien's characters

    • @breeeegs
      @breeeegs 4 місяці тому +8

      The Noble Eye

    • @SilverDreamweaver
      @SilverDreamweaver 4 місяці тому +3

      ​@@breeeegsThe Valiant Eye

    • @breeeegs
      @breeeegs 4 місяці тому

      @@SilverDreamweaver The Kool Eye *snaps fingers while wearing beatnik hat*

    • @mr.j3rs3y
      @mr.j3rs3y 4 місяці тому

      The Pure Eye

  • @MasterFlores35
    @MasterFlores35 4 місяці тому +3

    Yes !! Finally !!
    What a way to end the year for your channel Vile 🙌🏼
    Be blessed and Happy New Year, thank you for all of the hard work you do to provide top vids 🤙🏼🙏🏼💪🏼

  • @OneThousandDead
    @OneThousandDead 4 місяці тому

    Thank you good sir! Been waiting patiently for this one for quite some time! 🤘

  • @eshedyson6458
    @eshedyson6458 4 місяці тому +1

    You have outdone yourself with this upload! What a great telling of the story of the evil of Sauron!

  • @BaroloBartolo
    @BaroloBartolo 4 місяці тому +5

    Next installment: “Analyzing Evil: the writers of Rings of Power”

  • @zander3096
    @zander3096 4 місяці тому

    Every single episode is a banger, thank you sir.

  • @valaraukar_595
    @valaraukar_595 4 місяці тому +1

    This must be your best analysis so far.
    Happy new year! 🍾🥂

  • @andreluislimaa
    @andreluislimaa 4 місяці тому

    closing the year with the most EPIC essay on Sauron! well done, sir!

  • @richardgordon5362
    @richardgordon5362 4 місяці тому

    This channel has introduced me into franchises, which some have became few of my favorites, movies and books. I sure love me hours long videos. Thank you

  • @nathanmalik7056
    @nathanmalik7056 4 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for this video, Vile!

  • @thenardedgamer247
    @thenardedgamer247 4 місяці тому +1

    Epic video! This worked great as something to listen to on my two hour drive today! Crazy that it came out like right when I left

  • @Sol-Butkis
    @Sol-Butkis 4 місяці тому +1

    Holy hell that's alot of lotr lore to digest. Another great video happy new year

  • @monstermash1571
    @monstermash1571 4 місяці тому +2

    Awesome text and thumbnail, very fitting for this series moving forward!!

  • @Hamokk
    @Hamokk 4 місяці тому +1

    The perfect New Year's gift! ❤
    As a fellow Tolkien lover this narrated deep lore is like beautiful music.

  • @deadbrother5355
    @deadbrother5355 4 місяці тому +3

    Vile eye be like " did i miss anything?"
    Na bro. Bases covered. Thank you.

  • @victorcippitelli2242
    @victorcippitelli2242 4 місяці тому +7

    A two hour video all about Sauron, for real??? I will enjoy this beauty of video a lot

  • @thighmaster5791
    @thighmaster5791 4 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for sharing.
    I enjoyed it thoroughly.

  • @carlzombie6722
    @carlzombie6722 4 місяці тому

    Awesome story n I love the sound of your voice it's the cure for my insomnia! Appreciate you very much my guy 🙏

  • @andrewemerson6077
    @andrewemerson6077 4 місяці тому +5

    YESSS! My second favorite villain of all time! Fantastic research was put into this video and I'm excited for new episodes to come next year. Could a potential episode be on Gollum/Smeagol from the Legendarium as well?

  • @theflyingdutchman1301
    @theflyingdutchman1301 4 місяці тому +1

    Absolutely love these longer storys.

  • @propakindustries22
    @propakindustries22 4 місяці тому

    Yes! So happy! Been waiting a while for this one.

  • @PraisedLink
    @PraisedLink 4 місяці тому

    Christmas seriously came when i needed it most❤ Thank you Mr.Vile😘😘

  • @doravee
    @doravee Місяць тому +1

    WOW! Amazing work! TBH, Sauron has always been fascinating to me and one of my favorite villains. Impactful too.

  • @daniel_the_enlightened1740
    @daniel_the_enlightened1740 4 місяці тому

    Now that's a gift.
    Thank you friend!

  • @romaramirez5578
    @romaramirez5578 4 місяці тому +1

    A 2 hour long video from Vile? Well what a fantastic way to end the year ❤

  • @michaelsavage7884
    @michaelsavage7884 4 місяці тому +3

    Awesome vile eye is doing Sauron. Tolkien is dear to my heart too dude. Awesome to see this.

  • @krischanlive
    @krischanlive 4 місяці тому +1

    cool, I've been waiting for this, thanks! 2 hours, lets go

  • @MortonFMurphy
    @MortonFMurphy 4 місяці тому

    I wanted to say thanks, as this video helped give me the gumption and solid enough ground to (try) read(ing) The Silmarillion (again). I'm finding it much easier to digest with the context given here and in the Morgoth video. Your dedication to your work is astounding. Thank you again.

  • @leons.kennedy8991
    @leons.kennedy8991 4 місяці тому +3

    I like Sauron cuz you barely ever see him in the movies and hardly read a first person or second person perspective of him in the books. But his presence is always there. That is such a cool and well written villain.

  • @BCrusher61
    @BCrusher61 4 місяці тому +1

    I literally just randomly wanted to know more about sauron lore and saw my fav youtuber uploaded 30 mins ago. Let’s gooo

  • @baneh1329
    @baneh1329 4 місяці тому +2

    yes longer videos, we need more of this

  • @JamesSmith144
    @JamesSmith144 4 місяці тому +1

    I've just finished now. Thank you for the legendarium refresher... a truly vile Christmas indeed 😂

  • @kylehogan2247
    @kylehogan2247 4 місяці тому +1

    HELL YES! So happy with this video!!

  • @monkey39128
    @monkey39128 4 місяці тому +3

    2 hour long Vile video!!!! Yessssssssss!!!!!

  • @ThatCoolKidYouKnow
    @ThatCoolKidYouKnow 4 місяці тому +3

    This is seriously legendary episode!

  • @TDenterpriser
    @TDenterpriser 4 місяці тому +3

    Awesome next you have to do a video on senator Armstrong from metal gear rising

  • @thewolfmanhulk2927
    @thewolfmanhulk2927 4 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for reading texts in your videos. Reading and books and such the lifeline of existence, and I am always grateful to you for doing it. Thank you

  • @sanguicidas
    @sanguicidas 4 місяці тому +1

    2 Hours. Great work man!

  • @CelestQB
    @CelestQB 4 місяці тому +2

    Been waiting for this 🍿

  • @Astartes-6969
    @Astartes-6969 4 місяці тому +11

    Please do Blue Eye Samurai.
    Most of the main characters are Anti-Heroes and Fowler is such a good antagonist.

    • @NK-22
      @NK-22 4 місяці тому +1

      Also the fact Fowler wanted to colonialize Japan. Who knows what would've happened if he succeeded. Hopefully season 2 looks into his past.

    • @Astartes-6969
      @Astartes-6969 4 місяці тому

      @@NK-22
      And you kinda understand why he is the way he is.
      His parents died during the Famine in the 9 years war, he and his sister were starving and he kept her alive by feeding her his blood, but she died and in order to survive he took her kidneys, and buried her body.
      He is the way he is cuz he wants to be in control of everything, cuz he doesn't want to feel powerless again.
      He wants to do these things cuz he CAN not cuz he HAS to.

  • @whynot1548
    @whynot1548 Місяць тому +1

    Sauron is probably one of the most underrated literary villains out there. It's annoying how many people either diss him as a one dimensional villain or deliberately misinterpret who he is

  • @littykitty040
    @littykitty040 2 місяці тому +2

    The Tolkien episodes are some of my favorites from you. It's really clear that you love and respect the legendarium.
    I do wonder if you'd ever be interested in covering characters like Saruman or the Witch King of Angmar. Hell, depending on your view of him, Feanor.

  • @chonkyseal7164
    @chonkyseal7164 4 місяці тому +1

    What a beautiful video to close the year.

  • @wolfmoe7398
    @wolfmoe7398 4 місяці тому +4

    Holy shit my man, what did we do to deserve 2 straight hours of the vile eyes gaze. I bow before your majesty and magnificence

  • @VictorLuisAngelical
    @VictorLuisAngelical 4 місяці тому

    Two hours!?
    Thank you, great watch for holidays
    Happy new year everyone