HOME | DD

Description
In the Second Age, after lying dormant for about 1,000 years, Sauron reappeared, having assumed a beautiful appearance and calling himself Annatar, "the Lord of Gifts". Sauron befriended the Elven-smiths of Eregion, and counseled them in arts and magic. Some of the Elves distrusted him, especially the Lady Galadriel in Lórien and Gil-galad, the High King of the Noldor; the Elves in Eregion did not heed their warnings, however.
With Sauron's assistance, the Elven-smiths forged the Rings of Power, which conferred great power to their bearers. Unbeknown to them, Sauron had secretly forged the One Ring in the volcanic Mount Doom in Mordor. This "One Ring to rule them all" had the power to dominate the other Rings and enslave their wearers to Sauron's will. The Rings of Power were extremely potent, however, and to accomplish his goal Sauron was forced to place the greater part of his native power into it. Anyone of sufficiently strong will who possessed the One Ring had available to him much of Sauron's own power to dominate. Should the One Ring ever be destroyed, Sauron would be reduced and forever unable to take any physical form.
When Sauron put on the One Ring and tried to dominate the Elves, they became aware of his intent and removed their Rings. Sauron responded with military force, initiating the War of the Elves and Sauron and conquering much of the land west of Anduin. This began the Dark Years.

Description
In the Second Age, after lying dormant for about 1,000 years, Sauron reappeared, having assumed a beautiful appearance and calling himself Annatar, "the Lord of Gifts". Sauron befriended the Elven-smiths of Eregion, and counseled them in arts and magic. Some of the Elves distrusted him, especially the Lady Galadriel in Lórien and Gil-galad, the High King of the Noldor; the Elves in Eregion did not heed their warnings, however.
With Sauron's assistance, the Elven-smiths forged the Rings of Power, which conferred great power to their bearers. Unbeknown to them, Sauron had secretly forged the One Ring in the volcanic Mount Doom in Mordor. This "One Ring to rule them all" had the power to dominate the other Rings and enslave their wearers to Sauron's will. The Rings of Power were extremely potent, however, and to accomplish his goal Sauron was forced to place the greater part of his native power into it. Anyone of sufficiently strong will who possessed the One Ring had available to him much of Sauron's own power to dominate. Should the One Ring ever be destroyed, Sauron would be reduced and forever unable to take any physical form.
When Sauron put on the One Ring and tried to dominate the Elves, they became aware of his intent and removed their Rings. Sauron responded with military force, initiating the War of the Elves and Sauron and conquering much of the land west of Anduin. This began the Dark Years.