Was It Wrong to Kill the Mouth of Sauron in Lord of the Rings: Return of the King?
The character of the Mouth of Sauron, portrayed in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, can be seen as a complex character. He is an emissary of Sauron and serves as a representative of the Dark Lord delivering threats and demands to the forces of Gondor and their allies. From a moral standpoint, the question of whether it was right or wrong to kill him can be debated. Let's delve into some of the key factors that contribute to this ethical dilemma.
Role as an Ambassador
In many traditions, ambassadors or envoys are granted certain protections under international law. This concept, known as diplomatic immunity, is intended to allow representatives to communicate without fear of retribution. However, the Mouth of Sauron is not acting in a traditional diplomatic role. He is a servant of evil, promoting Sauron's agenda and threatening the lives of the free peoples of Middle-earth. This raises the question of whether such an individual should still be granted the protections of diplomatic immunity.
Context of War
The events in The Return of the King take place during a time of war where the stakes are extremely high. The forces of Sauron are actively trying to conquer and destroy, and the Mouth of Sauron is a key part of that strategy. The decision to eliminate him can be seen as a necessary act in the context of the larger conflict. In war, sometimes tough decisions must be made to ensure the survival and success of one's cause, and the elimination of a threat falls under this category.
Characterization
The Mouth of Sauron is depicted as a malevolent figure reveling in his role as a threat and taunter. His character does not invoke sympathy as he embodies the cruelty and malice of Sauron's regime. This portrayal might influence viewers' perceptions of the morality of his fate. Considering the unprecedented acts of terror and injustice he represents, it becomes easier to justify his death in the eyes of the audience.
Narrative Consequences
From a storytelling perspective, his death serves to highlight the resolve of the forces of good and their determination to stand against evil. It reinforces the themes of sacrifice and the fight for freedom, adding depth and urgency to the narrative. The Mouth of Sauron's death is not just a personal victory for the protagonists but a broader triumph of moral and ethical principles.
In summary, while the killing of the Mouth of Sauron raises interesting ethical questions regarding the treatment of emissaries, the context of war, his role as a servant of evil, and the narrative implications of his death all contribute to the justification of his fate in the story. These factors combine to create a compelling narrative that justifies the decision to eliminate this character from the story.