"...he wrought himself a new guise, an image of malice and hatred made visible; and the
Eye of
Sauron the Terrible few could endure."
The Silmarillion
Akallabêth
During the First and Second Ages, the Maia known as Sauron was capable of taking on any form he wished. At times he took the shape of monstrous beasts or of a terrifying presence, but he could also take more pleasant, persuasive forms when it suited his purposes. He used such a form as 'Annatar' to ensnare the Elves of Eregion, and also in Númenor to corrupt King Ar-Pharazôn.
Sauron's corruption of Ar-Pharazôn drove that King to send a fleet against Aman itself, an action that had consequences far beyond Sauron's expectations. He failed to foresee that his actions would lead to Númenor being utterly destroyed while he himself was still on the island. After that time Sauron's fair form was destroyed, and though he took on another shape in Middle-earth, that new monstrous shape was horrifying to behold. After this time he was known as 'the Terrible', in the older original sense of the word: 'that which inspires terror'.
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- Updated 5 October 2022
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