What If Sauron and the Nazgul Were the Good Guys in ‘The Lord of the Rings’?
Introduction
The concept of reimagining Sauron and the Nazgul as the protagonists of The Lord of the Rings is an intriguing one. While J.R.R. Tolkien's original narrative heavily portrays these figures as antagonists, the reverse premise challenges our understanding of good and evil. This article explores an alternate version of Middle-earth where the servants of Sauron are champions of progress and enlightenment.
Reimagining Middle-earth: A Tail of Two Worlds
1999 saw the publication of The Last Ringbearer, a novel by Russian author Kirill Eskov. In this version, Middle-earth is drastically different, with Mordor portrayed as an enlightened industrial society, and the rest of the world seen as superstitious and backward. This change not only shifts the moral axis but also offers a commentary on Western exceptionalism and the influence of propaganda.
Mordor: The Enlightened Empire
In Eskov's rendition, Mordor is presented as a thriving industrialized constitutional monarchy led by a just ruler. The very concept of the Dark Lord is redefined; Sauron is depicted as a businessman and an industrialist who creates wealth and prosperity through his investments and reforms. Contrary to the Tolkien narrative, Sauron is a benefactor who aims to uplift his people. The capital city of Barad-d?r is no longer a symbol of terror, but a beacon of technological advancement and innovation.
A unique feature of Mordor is its volcanic soil, which, according to empirical evidence gathered from the Azores, is incredibly fertile. Regular eruptions are necessary to ensure the survival of the Mordorians, as volcanic ash enriches the soil and supports sustained agricultural productivity. This natural resource is harnessed by the Mordorians, making them self-sufficient and well-fed.
Lack of Conquest and the True Enemy
Unlike in Tolkien's story, Sauron’s strategy does not revolve around conquering the entire world with the help of Orcs and slaves. Instead, he employs a more nuanced approach. The Nazg?l, orRingwraiths, are presented as guardians of peace and order rather than oppressive tyrants. In this alternate reality, the TRUE conflict is not between Mordor and the West, but between the Mordorians and the Westron peoples, who are depicted as superstitious and resistant to technological progress.
The Westron alliance, made up of Elvish mystics and Mannish feudal monarchs, is portrayed as backward and resistant to industrialization. They even go so far as to depict Mordorians as monsters, often using the term "Orc" as a racial slur to delegitimize them. This highlights the power of propaganda and the influence of the dominant narrative in shaping societal perceptions.
Breaking the Palantir Link
A significant subplot in Eskov’s version is the quest to destroy the palantíri, the powerful seeing-stones. Sauron realizes that these artifacts are the real link between elvish magic and Earth, which empowers Gandalf and other Elven figures. By breaking this connection, Sauron can curtail the Elvish influence and maintain control over the magical resources. The palantíri, once seen as a tool of war, are now a target of vital importance for the Mordor faction.
Conclusion: A World Reversed
In conclusion, reimagining Sauron and the Nazg?l as the good guys of Middle-earth offers a fascinating and thought-provoking alternate narrative. It challenges the accepted moral order and provides a fresh perspective on the conflicts and ideologies within Tolkien's fantastical world. While the core plot elements remain largely intact, the ethical and political meanings shift, making for a compelling story that invites readers to question their assumptions about good and evil.