Author’s note: I originally wrote this for a school assignment and, though I’ve changed a few things, it’s fairly much the same. We had to fill ‘gaps’ and ‘silences’ and give a ‘bad’ character a sympathetic point of view. For this reason, parts of the article, especially regarding Melian, may not have much book evidence, but I hope you’ll enjoy it anyway.
The forest was dark, evil things lurked about its eaves and suffocating fumes rose from the forest floor. As the silence grew, Sauron pondered his fate. In his heart he knew now that he had done many evil deeds, but he could not change that. Hiding himself from the world, he wept as the darkness grew around him. Sunlight fought against the twisted vines and the decaying trees, but could not enter. Sauron did not wish for light to break through, for it reminded him of days long past, of beauty and peace. To be reminded of joy, love and laughter was something he could not bear, it was too painful. He had done much wrong and from the path he had chosen there was no return, unless his master was one day defeated.
In the dreaded silence, Sauron remembered the beginnings, before the coming of the Elves. He had been great. He was revered by all for his skill in craft and many sought his advice on things. The beauty of his homeland had been magnificent. Valinor, his home, he could still see clearly in his memory. Lights of silver and gold were in the Trees, and there was a peace beyond comprehension. It had been in the twilight of the Trees that he had beheld one who was fairer than all others. She was gifted in song, and there was no Maia wiser than her. From the moment they met he was entranced by her beauty and ever wanted to be with her, for a pure light shone in her eyes, and with her he found love and happiness. However, as hard as he worked to please her, making jewels fairer than any seen before, and constructing things of all craft, she would but smile and then depart. Sauron had, after many years, asked her to wed him, but she had replied nay, saying that she wished to remain ‘without husband’.
Sauron’s heart was broken, and he grieved for many days. He returned to his craft, focusing all his efforts on his work. However, it was also at that time that the elves had awoken, and many were now learning the skills that he himself had learned of Aulë, lord of craft. His teacher no longer paid attention to him, preferring to teach those of lesser skill, and he no longer praised Sauron for his work. Aulë had brushed him aside, as one who had found a new toy and wished to be rid of the old. It was during this time that Melian, his love of old, had also left Valinor. Taking her beauty with her to Middle-earth, the land was left silent, for she no longer sang under the trees. Sauron now held but little joy, for in loving, he had lost, and he no longer found solace, even in his craft.
However when all the joys of the world had seemed to vanish, Melkor, greatest in the Music, had offered him friendship. He had shown appreciation for the work Sauron did, and provided support by listening to his problems. This friendship, while seeming good at that time, would in the years to come prove fatal.
In the years that followed, Melkor fell from honour in Valinor, as he desired all to worship him. It was for this reason he was cast from Valinor, and all those in allegiance to him were also asked to leave. Sauron had not wanted to go against the Valar, but Melkor had proven his only friend, and he saw little happiness or fulfilment in staying. He was offered much power and position by Melkor, if he would but serve him. The memory of Melian dancing under the trees had given him hope that perhaps in Middle-earth he might be reunited with her and their love might be restored.
However, this hope was ill-founded, and upon arriving in Middle-earth, Sauron discovered Melian had pledged her love to another. Never had such a thing happened before; that a Maia of such power and wisdom would give her love to a mere elf. This realisation had opened wounds that Sauron had thought healed long before. In anger and grief he returned to his master, and, to forget the hurt, gave him centuries of service. He served as one in a dream, doing everything he was asked without question. His actions had barely registered in his subconscious, yet he did his duties well and was honoured by his master for it.
Finally, the realisation of his actions had come. He had been defeated in combat for the first time in his life. However his foe, Huan, had offered him freedom, if Sauron would but surrender the stronghold that he guarded. He remembered it clearly, Lúthien, daughter of Melian, had been with Huan and the light and beauty in her was like that of her mother. Seeing one so pure had caused the realisation to come. All the havoc he had helped reek came back to his memory, and remorse for wrongs he could not undo filled his being. He fled and hid in a nearby forest, turning it to a place of evil – for it was too late to escape his master. Hidden from all, he wept and waited for the day when he would be free of his master’s will.
by Elvishmusician
