Why Sauron Wants Mithril | Tolkien Explained

Summary

In this episode of 'Nerd of the Rings,' the focus is on Mithril, the most precious metal in Middle-earth, highly coveted by Sauron. The video delves into the metal's unique properties, its uses in various artifacts like the Star of Earendil and Galadriel's Ring of Power, and its significance in the lore. It speculates on Sauron's intentions for Mithril, from crafting impenetrable armor to creating powerful weapons. The video also features an exclusive discount for Displates, metal posters with designs from popular franchises, offering viewers a chance to adorn their walls with iconic art from Middle-earth and beyond.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Displates are metal posters that are easy to mount and come in a variety of designs, including officially licensed ones from popular franchises.
• 🗡️ Mithril is a precious metal in Middle-earth, known for its beauty, strength, and resistance to decay.
• 👑 Sauron, the Dark Lord, had a significant interest in Mithril, possessing most of it by the Third Age.
• 🏰 Mithril was used in various significant items in Middle-earth, such as the Star of Earendil and the gates of Minas Tirith.
• 🔩 The Dwarves of Moria were the primary miners of Mithril, but their greed led to their downfall and the rise of Durin's Bane.
• 🛡️ Mithril was highly valued for its potential use in crafting armor and weapons due to its lightness and hardness.
• 🖌️ Elves had a particular fondness for Mithril, using it in crafting magical items and the ethereal substance ithildin.
• 🧝‍♂️ Sauron's desire for Mithril may have been driven by his need for powerful materials to forge weapons or armor.
• 🏆 The video suggests that Sauron's interest in Mithril could be linked to his background as a master smith, capable of creating powerful artifacts.
• 🎁 The video offers an exclusive discount code for Displates to viewers, encouraging them to adorn their walls with metal art.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the discussion of why Sauron coveted Mithril in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, as part of the Nerd of the Rings series.

What is Displate and how does it relate to the video?

Displate is a company that produces metal posters, and they are sponsoring the video. The video includes an exclusive discount code for viewers at the end.

What unique properties does Mithril have according to the video?

Mithril is described as beautiful, strong, and undimmed by the decay of time. It can be beaten like copper and polished like glass, and it is lighter than tempered steel yet harder.

Why was Mithril so valuable in Middle-earth?

Mithril was valuable because it was rare, had unique properties making it superior to other metals, and was used in significant items such as the Star of Earendil and the banner Arwen made for Aragorn.

How did Sauron acquire Mithril according to the video?

Sauron acquired Mithril through the Orcs who plundered it and gave it to him as tribute.

What was the fate of Mithril according to Gandalf in the video?

Gandalf reveals that most of the world's Mithril was lost, with the Dwarves delving too greedily and too deep, leading to their destruction and the Orcs gathering nearly all of it.

What are some possible uses for Mithril that Sauron might have had in mind?

Sauron might have wanted to use Mithril for armor, fortifying defenses, or crafting powerful and possibly magical weapons.

What is the significance of Mithril in the context of the Rings of Power?

Mithril is significant because it was used in the creation of the Rings of Power, and Sauron, being a master smith, would have valued it for its properties in crafting.

What is the role of Mithril in the lore of Middle-earth according to the video?

Mithril played a significant role in Middle-earth's lore, being used in various important artifacts and being a symbol of wealth and power, especially in the hands of Sauron.

Why did Sauron covet the elven rings of power in addition to Mithril?

Sauron coveted the elven rings of power because they held unique attributes and were not under his direct control, reflecting his desire for power and control over unique and powerful items.

What is the connection between Mithril and the Dwarves as mentioned in the video?

The connection between Mithril and the Dwarves is that Mithril was the foundation of their wealth in Moria, but also led to their downfall as they delved too deep in search of it.