Why Sauron Fears Aragorn Despite Isildur’s Military Prowess: The Role of Mortality and Free Will

Introduction: Sauron and Morgoth feared both Isildur and Aragorn not because of their military prowess alone, but because of a unique ability that they shared with other mortal races. This gift, conferred by Eru, is the bittersweet double-edged sword of mortality and free will.

Understanding Sauron's Fear of Mortal Men

In the realms of Middle-earth, the fear of men, particularly those of Isildur's line, stems from the unique gift they possess. Men are the descendants of the 'Fathers of Men,' who aligned with the elves during the wars of the First Age. This shared heritage grants them the potential to unite all the tribes, a power that Sauron, the Dark Lord, must dread. The fallen angels of the Ainur, including Sauron and Morgoth, attempt to intimidate and control men, often succeeding in their endeavors to establish dominance over them. Their fear originates from the 'double-edged gift' imparted by Eru: death and free will.

The Mortal Gift: Death and Free Will

The Powers of the Ainur, the Firstborn, are archetypes destined to fulfill their roles. Unlike these immortals, men and Hobbits possess an invaluable trait—the freedom to choose. However, this freedom is fraught with tragedy, as it is tainted by the presence of Morgoth, who has introduced a constant undercurrent of evil and despair. Yet, this freedom also endows them with the potential to change their fate. Men have the capability to rise and challenge the inevitable, to disrupt the long dreary defeat.

The Eternal Crutch of Narsil and Sauron's Rationalization

When faced with significant failures, individuals often rely on rationalizations to lessen the impact of their mistakes. Sauron, in his numerous defeats, clung to Narsil, the broken sword, as a crutch. He believed that if not for Narsil, he would have triumphed. This sword, which represented his past victories, became a convenient scapegoat for his failures. Sauron’s mind tried to convince him that the fault lay not with him but with his physical shortcomings. Over time, this crutch became a convenient means to deflect responsibility, making it easier to continue his villainous pursuits.

The Return of the Crutch: Aragorn as Narsil

With the breaking of Narsil, Sauron believed that his rationalization was gone, and he could resume his ambition unimpeded. However, the return of the gift, in the form of Aragorn, has reignited his fears. Aragorn is the descendant of Isildur, the very same Isildur who helped cut down Sauron with his sword. The return of the broken sword, in the form of Aragorn, serves as a reminder of Sauron's past failures and the inevitability of a future defeat. The loss of Narsil was never solely about the physical sword but about the ability to rationalize away his failures. Now, that crutch, which had been dormant for centuries, has reappeared in the person of Aragorn, reminding Sauron of the very real threat posed by mortals.

Conclusion: Sauron’s fear of Aragorn is deeply rooted in the ancientgift of mortality and free will, which he shares with other mortals. The cyclical nature of his failures, rationalized by his reliance on Narsil, has now been challenged by the very embodiment of his past failures—Aragorn. The true strength of Aragorn lies not just in his military prowess but in the very essence of his being, a reflection of the unique freedoms and responsibilities faced by all mortal races.