Every Name Sauron Uses in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Rings of Power’ Explained

J.R.R. Tolkien, a master of language and etymology, gave many characters in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ multiple names. Among them, Sauron, the primary antagonist, has the most diverse array of titles. This variety reflects his long existence and complex nature. Originally named Mairon, meaning ‘The Admirable’ in Quenya, he was once a Maia under Aulë, the Vala of craftsmanship. Mairon's quest for order led him to become obsessed with controlling chaos and free will, prompting his alliance with Morgoth, the fallen Vala.

As Mairon became corrupted, he earned the name Sauron, which means ‘The Abhorred’ in Quenya. Although this title was widely recognized, Sauron disliked it, preferring to be called Tar-Mairon, or ‘King Mairon,’ which highlighted his former grandeur. However, his minions, such as the Orcs, often referred to him by his stronghold’s name, Barad-dûr, or simply as "the Boss." The Númenóreans knew him as Zigûr, meaning ‘Wizard.’

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Sauron also used various aliases for deception, the most notable being Annatar, or ‘Lord of Gifts’," during the Second Age. In this guise, he deceived the Elves into creating the Rings of Power. Other less canonical names include Artano, ‘High-smith,’ and Aulendil, ‘Devoted to Aulë.’

In ‘The Rings of Power’, a new alias, Halbrand, was introduced. While not directly from Tolkien's texts, it might derive from Old English meanings or resemble Halbarad, a character from the novels. Under this disguise, Sauron pretended to be the King of the Southlands.

Sauron’s numerous titles, including ‘The Dark Lord’ and the Necromancer, illustrate his self-importance and the fear he instilled across Middle-earth. His many names and titles emphasize his status as a formidable and malevolent force, even if he never physically appeared during the War of the Ring.

–Farheen Ali