A Confusing Scene in Lord of the Rings That Contradicts Sauron’s Master Plan

Sauron, the iconic antagonist of The Lord of the Rings, embodies the ultimate evil within Tolkien’s universe. However, one particular scene in the saga casts doubt on the Dark Lord’s malevolence. Sauron, along with his One Ring and the menacing realm of Mordor, represents an insurmountable challenge during the Third Age. Frodo’s quest to destroy the One Ring, commenced from Rivendell, felt almost hopeless. As the journey unfolded, it certainly presented numerous challenges, yet, in some respects, it appears less daunting than anticipated.

The selection of Frodo and Sam as the Ring-bearers rested on a critical assumption: Sauron would not foresee their intentions. The Dark Lord, cunning yet blinded by his own evils, believed that any residing being in Middle-earth would strive to wield the Ring, much like he would. The pure-hearted nature of Hobbits was beyond the comprehension of a villain like Sauron, leading him to underestimate their potential. While this premise offers an intriguing explanation for the choice of representatives in the quest, it nonetheless raises questions about Sauron’s readiness for any part of Frodo’s tactical maneuvers.

The Ease of Frodo & Sam’s Journey into Mount Doom

Sauron Left Mount Doom Vulnerable

Frodo and Sam holding each other on Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings.

Notably, the expression “One does not simply walk into Mordor”stands in stark contrast to what Frodo and Sam accomplished. Although Frodo found himself in captivity, Sam’s brave rescue paved their way to the foreboding Mount Doom. This volcano is integral to Sauron’s dominion yet, curiously, was not heavily guarded in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King film.

During their perilous expedition, Sauron’s assumptions about Frodo’s capture reflected a miscalculation on his part; he wrongly believed that the Hobbit was merely a scout, failing to perceive Frodo’s true objective of destroying the One Ring until it was too late. The source material, in the form of Tolkien’s books, provided context to the Ring’s accessibility. Aragorn’s strategic use of the palantir drew Sauron’s attention, diverting his forces towards the Gondor king as his army advanced towards the Black Gate. The intention was to use this diversion to create an opening for Frodo and Sam, ultimately proving to be a successful gamble. Nevertheless, considering Sauron’s capabilities, one might argue that even this explanation feels somewhat implausible.

Discrepancies in Sauron’s Characterization in Return of the King

A Flaw in Sauron’s Cunning

Sauron from Lord of the Rings and Rings of Power.

While one could argue that it benefits the storyline that Sauron appears less meticulous than expected, it also creates an inconsistency. Had Sauron exercised greater vigilance, Frodo and Sam’s mission would have been far less feasible. J.R.R. Tolkien dedicated years to crafting a robust narrative, addressing potential inconsistencies throughout the lore. However, in adapting this vast tale to film, Peter Jackson’s productions inevitably omitted countless details, making Frodo’s fortuitous encounters appear even more implausible. To fully appreciate the epic tale, viewers are often left accepting these narrative conveniences.

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