Tides
“But for a long time he did not dare to challenge the Lords of the Sea, and he withdrew from the coasts.”
Akallabêth
“Well, then I best make my retreat, while you’ve still got a warm opinion of me” (Sauron, 1×03).
“I suggest we set history aside for the moment. Show some restraint. Let’s try not to antagonize these people” (Sauron, 1×03).
There was a recurring metaphor of tides throughout the season in reference to fate, destiny, or even the pull of time, all of which were used by Sauron, Pharazôn, Elendil, and others. Though Sauron was unable to control the tides, he knew how to use its current to his advantage.
“A Man and an Elf, together?” (Pharazôn, 1×03).
Everyone in Míriel’s Court knew that the situation was peculiar, so what Sauron was about to say before Galadriel interrupted is relevant to Elendil’s observation: “Strange tides, indeed.” The picture on the right shows what Sauron was about to explain in the Court, which perfectly fits Pharazôn’s metaphor:
“You see, the tide may rise and drown a man, or fall and sweep him out to sea. But the trick of mastering the current is to know which way it will turn next” (1×05).
Who was the first to use not just any metaphor of tides, but the most famous one? —Sauron.
What is another way of saying “the tide may rise and drown a man?”
All eyes remained fixed on Galadriel in the second image above, while a Maia poked his head out from behind. “Is that an Elf?” we hear one mutter, as we say to ourselves in retrospect, “Look, it’s Sauron.” Considering the recent rebellion, which almost spelled the destruction of Númenor, Galadriel was a perfect distraction. (The relevance of the first image will become clear in a moment.)
I wanted to draw attention to the fact that both of the above images were filmed in a way that makes Sauron look like he was stepping on Galadriel’s gown.
Míriel’s assessment was only partially correct.
Galadriel: “Palantiri show many visions. Some that will never come to pass.”
Míriel: “It has already come to pass. The vision begins with your arrival” (1×04).
The vision did not begin with Galadriel’s arrival. It began with Sauron’s arrival.
“The tide may rise and drown a man, or fall and sweep him out to sea,” said Pharazôn. Sauron likened Galadriel’s fate to tides: “Yours may be heading in.” She rose upon Númenor to drown a man (or an entire island of Men, from Míriel’s perspective), and when Pharazôn came to the prison, it seemed Galadriel’s tides were heading out.
“Salutations, Elf! The Queen Regent has rendered her decision. You are to be shipped back to the Elves under armed escort, tonight” (Pharazôn, 1×04).
Now, the question is: Did Sauron want her to leave, or not?