Sauron is an idiot

That analogy doesn't work very well in Tolkien's universe. There is a 'god' in Tolkien's universe: Eru.

He created angelic beings, the Valar. And somewhat lesser beings, the Maiar.

Saruon is one of the Maiar. He is powerful, yes. But not a god. Would the average man in Middle-earth perceive him as a god? I haven't run across any evidence in Tolkien's writing that would suggest that. Those who know of him in the books The Hobbit and LOTR, at least, don't see him as a god. Gandalf and Radagast are also Maiar. Sauron is powerful and evil but those attributes wouldn't elevate him into a more 'god-like' position to anyone familiar with the history and races or spiritual hierarchy of Middle-earth.

Of the Valar and Maiar, only two were evil in bent: Melkor and Sauron. So to apply "Gods aren't very intelligent" to this universe would be to label Eru and the rest of the Valar and Maiar as unintelligent which I would disagree with.

And, for the record, I don't know enough of Pratchett to agree he said that, although I have no reason to doubt you. I just can't find a quote from him about the matter.

To the question at hand (posted by OP), I just looked through the book as a reminder but I don't think we know what the orcs thought or did after Frodo escaped besides the fact that Sam's sword, an Elven-cloak and brooch, and the mithril shirt made their way to the Mouth of Sauron.

But we do overhear a conversation between Shagrat and Gorbag before Sam rescues Frodo. They imply that there's a bit of scrambling and - perhaps - chaos going on in the upper echelon of troops, I think caused by Pippin looking into the Palantir (and, in the book, I think Aragorn has looked into it, as well). Sauron knows where Pippin is, he thinks this is the Hobbit he's looking for, and why would he think another one is somewhere even closer to him? But he has put out word to detain any trespassers - although no details have been given as to what they are looking for in particular - and S&G are following those orders in regards to Frodo.

However, (in the book) they think Shelob could only have been wounded by a great warrior, probably an Elf. And because this 'great Elf warrior' just left Frodo behind... he obviously didn't think much of him so he must not be important at all. And when they strip him, they won't (and don't) find the Ring. They don't mention, in their conversation, him being small and likely they don't even know what a Hobbit is.

And then, they start fighting amongst themselves - Sam thinks in argument over Frodo and the spoils. Gorbag is killed. It's chaos in the tower. The possessions taken from Frodo end up with the Mouth of Sauron but who knows what other information was conveyed to him at that time.

When meeting with Gandalf & Co. the Mouth of Sauron is mostly on a fishing expedition. He doesn't have Frodo. Information on S&F were muddled to begin with even before the orcs started their infighting. The MoS relies on the reaction of Frodo's friends to confirm that they know of 'this spy' as the Mouth calls him. 'What use you find in [the Hobbits] I cannot guess; but to send them as spies into Mordor is beyond even your accustomed folly.

The Mouth doesn't have Frodo but, seeing that he's important to Gandalf & Co, seeks to use him as a bargaining chip. He'll give Frodo back if they just all roll over and let Sauron assume rule. Would he have done this if Sauron had the Ring? No. Gandalf figures this out and stands his ground. Sauron knows something is up but he didn't know Frodo had the Ring. And he doesn't know where Frodo is now.

He even SEES FRODO WALKING TOWARDS THE MOUNTAIN

Well, now.. that's a movie thing. Sauron glanced his way as he scanned the landscape but I don't think he saw Frodo. And the whole eye as lighthouse is totally movie only. That's not how Sauron was working in the book.

As to why he didn't sense the Ring close to him, perhaps because it was being carried by a being that was best able to not give into the craven desires the Ring inspired.

reply share

add reply

formatting help