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Originally Posted by Bêthberry
Hmmm. But imagine the gloating, vainglory, lust, and delicious bequiling and exquisite expertise that could motivate Sauron to tempt Virtue. Talk about power. Talk about a dangerous liaison.
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Yes, I suppose that would be enjoyable for him; however, considering his failure to corrupt the elves, I would assume he was not in a playful mood. And the Rings could always be used against him (which was always a grave concern of his). Also, one must consider Middle-earth at the time was at the absolute nadir of mannish virtue. It was the Dark Ages, really, and even the Numenoreans who came across the sea were now prone to ill-will. Sauron needed lieutenants to brutally force his agenda, not trophies to gloat over. Uncertainty always plagued Sauron.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bêthberry
After all, eventually even Frodo succumbed to the One Ring.
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And he refused it at first or tried to give it away afterwards on several occasions. The danger for Sauron is a highly-principled man of virtue returning the ring to the Elves, where it would be lost to the Dark Lord. As Tolkien said, Sauron only he had nine to dole out, he had to do it judiciously.