Mouth of Sauron

The Mouth of Sauron was Sauron's ambassador and Messenger of Mordor in Middle-earth.

Service to Sauron
"A tall and evil shape, mounted upon a black horse… The rider was robed all in black, and black was his lofty helm; yet this was no Ringwraith but a living man."

- The Return of the King

The Mouth of Sauron was one of the Black Númenóreans, and briefly appeared in person when he haggled with the Army of the West in front of the Morannon, trying to convince Aragorn and Gandalf to give up and let Sauron win the battle for Middle-earth. When Gandalf turned his proposal down, the Mouth of Sauron set all the armies of Barad-dûr on to them.

The Mouth of Sauron was also known as the Lieutenant of Barad-dûr. He had served Sauron for so much of his life he had forgotten his own name. He was a man of great stature, potentially the equal of other Dúnedain, but had fallen into darkness.

As a Black Númenórean he probably came from Umbar, and it is stated that

...he entered the service of the Dark Tower when it first rose again

The Dark Tower rose again when rebuilding began in 2951 of the Third Age, which means he entered Sauron's service shortly after that. Umbar's fleet had been destroyed by the Men of Gondor in a raid led by Thorongil (Aragorn) 29 years later, and 'The Mouth' may possibly have responded by leaving Umbar to seek a less vulnerable realm.

Some readers interpret the words 'arose again' to refer to the power of Sauron rather than the construction of his tower. In this case, the rise of the Dark Tower, Barad-dûr in 2951 was the second arising. It first rose again some time after 3220 of the Second Age, which means that the Mouth of Sauron must have been at least 3,200 years old at the time of the War of the Ring. Even for a Númenórean this was an exceptional age, matched only by the Ringwraiths, and he therefore may have been a Ring-bearer, who by some magic of Sauron had not become a wraith himself. (He may have worn a lesser ring and not one of the great Rings of Power. Alternatively, he may have been granted one of the Seven Rings of the dwarves, several of which Sauron had recaptured early.) Support for this extreme old age is found in the quote:

"His name is remembered in no tale, for he himself had forgotten it."

Some have argued that even Gollum still remembered his old name after 500 years, though in fact it is Frodo who first uses Gollum's old name Sméagol. (Gollum is the name given to Sméagol by others, imitating his utterances.)

In the Middle-earth Role Playing game, the name of the Mouth of Sauron was Urzahil, but this name was not created by Tolkien.

If, however, the reference to the second arising of the Dark Tower (which was completed in time for Sauron's return in TA 2941) is taken literally rather than taken to mean something else, then the Mouth of Sauron has been in the service of his master for 78 years by the time of Battle of the Morannon (TA 3019). If this service began as a youth (perhaps a child taken by Sauron as a promising student of sorcery from a "renegade" family, for example) who was subsequently cowed, bewitched and indoctrinated by his new master, then The Mouth of Sauron could quite feasibly have no memory of his birth name. Sauron enjoyed nurturing very powerful beings from their infancy, as his personal rearing of the Nazgûl's 'Fell Beasts' indicates. Assuming this theory is correct, he may have been about the same age as Aragorn, a parallel that Tolkien might have intended.

Though there is no evidence to support this, it is possible that the Mouth of Sauron was the messenger from Mordor who asked the Dwarves in Erebor for their friendship; the words "horseman in the night" and "fell voice" support this description. However, it could also refer to one of the Ringwraiths.

The Mouth's fate is nowhere recorded, and it is probable that he died in the assault before the Morannon, as Gandalf warned him he would in the moments prior to the battle. However, in the 2003 film, while he was taunting Aragorn about never being king of Gondor, Aragorn decapitated him.

Role in the Book
The Mouth of Sauron appears briefly before the host of the West prior to the Battle of the Morannon. He briefly insults the host, asking for authority and dismissing Aragorn's claim as King. He also claims that he cannot be assailed, something that Gandalf assures him though with some warning. The Mouth looks at the all the various races of Middle-Earth united, and calls it a "conspiracy" and reveals Mordor is aware of Frodo and Sam; bringing forth the mithril-vest, assuring them that all they carried was sent to the Dark Lord. Gandalf calls this a bluff, and demands Frodo and Sam be brought forth; the Mouth claims to allow them to go free, so long they follow Mordor's conditions: Gondor and all the Free-People of Middle-Earth would lay down all arms and surrender. All lands East of the Anduin will belong to Sauron and Sauron alone, and all lands West up to the Gap of Rohan would be tribute to Mordor; he would allow them to go about their lives, so long as they live like slaves to rebuild Isengard, which would be then ruled by a new Master, more reliable than Saruman, the Mouth. Gandalf says that it's too much for two Hobbits, and again calls to see Frodo and Sam, not believing that all is as lost as the Mouth claims. Negotations halt as the Men of the West refuse to give up and surrender; Enraged and fearful at the same time, the Mouth flees back to the Gate and sets Mordor's forces upon the West. He is not seen since.

Notable Quotes
"My master, Sauron the Great, bids thee welcome."

- Mouth of Sauron addressing Captains of the West at Black Gate, movie only

"Is there any of this rout with the authority to treat with me? Or indeed, to understand me?"

- Mouth of Sauron questioning authority of the West

"It takes more than a broken piece of Elvish glass to make a king!"

- Mouth of Sauron scoffing at Aragorn's authority as King

"I have some tokens I was bidden to show thee, if thou shouldst come to dare."

- Mouth of Sauron prior to presenting Frodo's mithril shirt

"Surety you crave! Sauron gives none! If you sue for his clemency then you must do his bidding!"

- Mouth of Sauron

"Isengard will be given to Sauron and there will be a new Master of Isengard. Not Saruman. Someone more Reliable."

- Mouth of Sauron speaking Sauron's terms

Role in Films, Radio, and Video Games
In the Peter Jackson movie adaptation of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, scenes with the Mouth of Sauron were filmed but cut from the original theatrical release. These scenes were later put back into the film in the extended edition. In the film, the Mouth of Sauron is decapitated by Aragorn. He was played by Bruce Spence. His helmet bears the words “Lammen Gorthaur” (Sindarin for Voice of the Abhorred dead) written in cirth runes. This helmet covers most of his face with only his horribly disfigured and diseased mouth visible. His mouth became this way through all the evil he has spoken. Also in the film he is blind only able to see though a combination of sorcery and telepathy, which enables him to see far and wide and possibly through the environments around him (such as the Black Gate before it was opened).

He appears briefly in the Rankin-Bass animated film, The Return of the King, in a shortened version of his scene from the novel. After he introduces himself, he mocks Aragorn and warns him that he is "hopelessly outnumbered." Aragorn rebuffs him with no help from Gandalf.

He appears in both the radio programs done by the Mind's Eye and the BBC in 1979 and 1981, where he is voiced by John Vickery and John Rye. In the BBC's version, the Mouth is given an extended role and is the one who tortures Gollum into telling him why he came there and what he was looking for.

In the Return of the King video game, the Mouth of Sauron is a boss in the level The Black Gate, Aragorn duels with him and slays him before the host of Mordor comes forth.

Evil Campaign
In the computer game "The Battle for Middle-Earth II", the Mouth of Sauron was the Lord of Dol Guldur. He is the primary Mordor commander in the conquest of Northern Middle-earth and carries out his master's orders brutally and efficiently, causing the downfall of many Elven and Dwarven realms with ease.

Lothlorien, Mission 1
The Mouth of Sauron travels (apparently from Dol Guldur) with three other Nazgul, meeting up with Goblin forces in the outskirts of Lorien. From there, they prepare a mighty Goblin army by creating Goblin Caves and Fissures. From these wretched places come numerous warriors, archers, and Cave Trolls. The Mouth and the Nazgul lead this mighty army to inner Lorien, where they destroy the Elven structures and kill all in their path. Haldir is slain during the first part of the assault. While invading Lothlorien, the Mouth orders his Goblins to release Mountain Giants trapped by the Elves, providing additional firepower to the assault. At the very heart of Lorien, the Goblins assault the mighty structures and all those that seek to defend them. Galadriel manages to escape the assault, but Celeborn is killed.

The Goblins finish the job by destroying Lorien's massive Tree Palace, where Galadriel and Celeborn lived. This signals the complete Fall of Lorien. Galadriel is seen fleeing while the Mouth and his Goblins celebrate triumphantly. The Mouth then looks into the Mirror of Galadriel, eagerly viewing and planning the next stages of the Fall of the North.

Mirkwood, Mission 5
In Mission 5, the Mouth of Sauron and three Nazgul prepare building their base deep in the heart of Mirkwood. This time they have brought Shelob along in order to conquer the Elven part of Mirkwood. By creating Orc Pits, and Troll Cages, and Taverns they muster a mighty army of Orcs, Trolls, and even Corsairs of Umbar. After preparing this great army, they begin to march upon Mirkwood by a great bridge. Unfortunately for the army of Mordor, the bridge is destroyed by Ents. The Mordor host crosses to the other side using an alternate route. Once making it to the other side, the Orcs and Corsairs use their Fire Arrows and Firebombs to destroy the Ents and incinerate their Ent Moots, permanently ridding Mirkwood of the Ents. Soon after recruiting more Spiderlings with the help of Shelob, the Mordor host comes upon the Old Forest Road. The Mordor forces immediately begin creating four sentry towers at key locations, but the Elves have plans of their own and begin attacking the forces of Mordor, even creating their own battle towers to reclaim the road. Despite heavy resistance from the Elves, however, Mordor slays the enemy battalions, and conquers the Road. Then, the Mouth of Sauron and his forces move to Thranduil's kingdom, laying waste to the mighty fortress.

The Elven buildings in Mirkwood are utterly destroyed, and the few survivors instantly flee to Rivendell to gather for the final attack. With Thranduil and his forces out of the way, the Mouth of Sauron conquers the rest of Mirkwood with ease, smothering the place with darkness and shadow.

Withered Heath, Mission 6
In Mission 6, the Mouth is sent to destroy the Dwarven outposts in the Withered Heath, release many young Fire drakes into the service of Mordor, and recruit Drogoth the Dragon Lord as an ally to Sauron. To facilitate Mordor's conquest, the Mouth commands his troops to destroy the Dwarven tunnels, impeding transportation between the Dwarves. They also either ally themselves with or destroy various Warg lairs throughout the Withered Heath, for additional forces and money respectively. After all Fire drakes have been released, the Mouth then seeks out the Drogoth. The host of Mordor marches upon the northern path to the Dragon Lord, slaying any Men of Dale that attempt to stop them. The Mouth then communicates with Drogoth, and a treaty is made.

The Dragons are now allies with Sauron, a powerful force that will significantly hasten the downfall of the North.

Erebor, Mission 7
In Mission 7, a small Mordor strike force prepares an assault upon the city of Dale. This small horde slays many Dwarven builders and destroys many buildings, claiming the treasure within. This treasure greatly assists the forces of Mordor, when the Mouth of Sauron, two Nazgul, builders, and many reinforcements. The Mouth has successfully called a Dragon to help them in their assault, and with a new fortress and a vast army created, the Mouth and host of Mordor lay waste to the entire city of Dale, slaying any in their path. Gloin attempts to stop the attack with a small force, but he and his warriors are almost immediately slain. With this threat out of the way, the Mouth turns his attention to the front gate of Erebor. With the Dragon, Attack Trolls, and Catapults, the front gate is destroyed, and the Mordor army breaks into Erebor. King Dain has mustered the last Dwarves of Erebor to hold out against this wave of malice, but all are destroyed. To completely conquer Erebor, the Mouth of Sauron attacks the Throne of Erebor until it is destroyed. Erebor has now fallen.

Like in Moria, the Dwarves have now been driven out of Erebor. Only one safe haven remains for the free peoples of Middle-earth: Rivendell.

Rivendell, Mission 8
There is only one task left for Sauron in order to completely take over the North: Rivendell must be destroyed, with Elrond and Arwen slain. The Mouth (with three Nazgûl) does not appear until the Goblins (led by King Gorkil) destroy Rivendell's outer defense buildings and gate. The Mouth brings a small army of Easterlings and some builders to establish the Mordor part of Sauron's base. During this time, the Witch-King of Angmar, Shelob, Drogoth, Fell Beast riders, and eventually Sauron himself arrives. He had recovered the Ring and slain Frodo, and the Mouth then becomes one of Sauron's generals. However, the Fellowship of the Ring (besides Frodo and Sam, who are undoubtedly dead) arrive with the Army of the Dead. After this army disappears, Sauron and his army destroy the Fellowship. After this time, the Mordor and Goblin armies attack Rivendell. Elrond and Arwen attempt to stop them, but both are slain. The Mouth takes part in the destruction of two fortresses and Elrond's House, and Rivendell is defeated forever.

Middle-earth is now coated in darkness forever, and Sauron's reign in the North is supreme.

Good Campaign
In the Good Campaign, the Mouth leads a small Mordor army consisting of orcs, two Attack Trolls, and a few Ringwraiths into the Eastern entrance. However, Dwarven phalanx battalions and Men of Dale anticipate the attack, and the Mouth and his retinue are slain. The defeat of the Mordor host attacking Erebor quickly follows suit.

Role in "The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age" (GBA) game
In "The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age (GBA)" game, the Mouth of Sauron is one of three Evil commanders that the player can choose for the entire game. In this game, the Mouth of Sauron gives out a decent amount of Command Points (1-3, plus Intimidate and Spoils of War). In addition, with all of his upgrades, he is a devastating warrior with base 10 damage, higher than any other hero except for Sauron himself. In essence, the Mouth of Sauron specializes in wiping out the enemy, whether he does it or his forces do.

Role in "The Lord of the Rings Conquest"(PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
The Mouth of Sauron is a mage type hero is this Battlefront style game. He is in the good campaign and is playable in the evil campaign and skirmish modes. His primary weapon, rather than being a sword, is Saruman's Staff of Orthanc. It is unknown whether he received this staff from Sauron as a reward or had a copy created for him with the same power, but maybe, it has been given by Sauron to him as he is the new Master of Isengard as it can bee seen in the novel as in the Proposal of Sauron as "Isengard will be given to Sauron and there will be a new Master of Sauron. Not Saruman. Someone more Reliable" and they understand that the new master is Mouth of Sauron. Either way, the Mouth uses the staff's power to its fullest extent, devastating his enemies with it. In melee, unlike other mages, the Mouth uses his staff to rapidly hit his opponents many times with high speed and power. This "Barad-dur Fury" takes the place of the ShockWave.


 * see The Lord of the Rings: Conquest