How significant are names to Sauron?

First, note that his indirect answers to questions are never arbitrary. They tend to have hidden meanings. For example, his intentions below involved more than allowing Galadriel to understand who he was.

Galadriel: “Tell me your name.”

Sauron: “I’ve been awake since before the breaking of the First Silence. In that time, I have had many names” (1×08).

Charlie Vickers emphasized I in “I’ve been” and that in “in that time,” showing that Sauron intentionally put one of Galadriel’s previous statements to shame—a belated response, as it were.

“I have pursued this foe since before the first sunrise bloodied the sky. It would take longer than your lifetime even to speak the names of those they’ve taken from me” (Galadriel, 1×02).

“I’ve been awake since before the breaking of the first silence. In that time, I have had many names” (Sauron, 1×08).

Specifying that he had been awake instead of alive showed he was aware of and confirmed Galadriel’s belief that Evil does not sleep. But most importantly, he established superiority—I was awake eons before the first sunrise. In my lifetime, I’ve probably had more names than the number of people you’ve lost.

Sauron was directly asked for his name only twice: once by Galadriel, seen above, and earlier by Tamar in episode 3. To Tamar, he gave a universal rule:

Tamar: “What are you called, again?”

Sauron: “Depends.”

Tamar: “Depends on what?”

Sauron: “How close we are.”

This rule (that the relationship determines the name) was consistent through the whole first season, and it applied not only to how others referred to himself, but also how he addressed them.

What is He Called?

SAURON

Sauron, coined by the Noldor, means “abhorred,” and although it is his most popular name, he would never name himself “Sauron,” nor would he permit his servants to use it.

“‘Nay!’ said Legolas. ‘Sauron does not use the Elf runes.’
‘Neither does he use his right name, nor permit it to be spelt or spoken,’ said Aragorn.”

The Lord of the Rings: The Departure of Boromir

Twice, Galadriel referred to him as “Sauron” in his presence: first in the forge, then in the vision. In both instances, Sauron was visibly disgusted and/or angry.

Galadriel: “He was killed in a place of darkness and despair, by servants of Sauron. Is that enough for you?”

Sauron: “Oh, so this is about vengeance!” (1×05).

Galadriel: “Your task was hunting Sauron.”

Sauron: “My task… was to ensure peace” (1×08).

He spoke the name twice himself, but the context keeps his character consistent. Immediately after composing himself in the second instance above, he said it because that is what Finrod would call him, and Finrod’s was the form he had taken. At the end of the vision, he spat out the name angrily and in the third person, merely quoting what Galadriel would tell her fellow-Elves.

What of his self-proclaimed servants?

The Mystics and Waldreg called him Sauron, but they had never met or associated with him directly. If Waldreg called the real Sauron by that name to his face, his punishment would be far worse than that which Adar gave him, almost by proxy.

“I pledge my loyalty to Sauron. […] You are Sauron, are you not?” (Waldreg, 1×05).

Imagine if the Mystics had been speaking to Sauron when they essentially said, “You are abhorred.”

“For you are Lord Sauron” (the Mystics, 1×08).

Sauron would never want to be called “Abhorred” by his closest associates, so he would never give the name.

SAURON — USED BY HIS ENEMIES AND THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY SAY.

ADAR

It is ironic (and speaks to the veracity of her account in the prologue) that Galadriel said, “They [the Orcs] called him Sauron.” Because it seems that they did not, even according to Adar:

“After Morgoth’s defeat, the one you call ‘Sauron’ devoted himself to healing Middle-earth” (Adar, 1×06).

Adar is a Morion, a Son of the Dark, as Galadriel said in the barn.

“You are one of them, are you not? The Moriondor. The Sons of the Dark. […] Even Moriondor take orders from a master” (Galadriel, 1×06).

According to Charlie Vickers, he was also once one of Sauron’s fiercest lieutenants, so they knew each other well. They once lived in a fortress called Dúrnost (dûr–Nost), which translates to “dark house/family” and could be termed “House of the Dark.” Sauron, as master of the Orcs, was the head or father of the House of the Sons of the Dark.

“I am not the hero you seek, for it was my family who lost the war” (Sauron, 1×03).

Galadriel was a “daughter of the Golden House of Finarfin.” Adar was a “son of the Dark House of Morgoth,” with Sauron as the successor. What would a Morion call his “father”?—Adar.

“Sauron was said to have many names in days of old. Perhaps [Adar] is one of them” (Revion, 1×03).

ADAR — USED BY HIS “SONS.”

HALBRAND

Despite appearances, the name “Halbrand” does not denote a humble man. It falls comfortably within the category of “names Sauron would give himself” for good reason.

After he gave Tamar the rule that his name depended on how close they were, he violently subdued the four Númenóreans, then said: “Call me Halbrand.” And yet, he readily introduced himself by the same name to Galadriel, with no need for a fight. He named himself in Míriel’s Court, “Halbrand of the Southlands,” without demonstrating his physical prowess. What made his confrontation with Tamar similar to those introductions?

Sauron hates the Elves and Númenóreans above all. “Call me Halbrand” was no formality or request, but a command; an assertion of dominance. It was a name he took for those whom he despised and considered beneath him (which can include everyone).

“Halbrand” essentially means “one who is superior.”

hall = exalted, high
brand = towering; tall and massive

He fared better on the sea than one of the Noldor. To her, he was Halbrand.

Sauron: “What are you called?”

Galadriel: “Galadriel.”

Sauron: “I’m Halbrand” (1×02).

Translation: “I’m superior.”

In the Court, Míriel did not ask, “What is your name?” She ordered, “Name thyself.” Galadriel listed her titles, but Sauron, a Maia of few words, simply named himself “Halbrand” to establish the Númenóreans’ inferiority.

Míriel: “Speak, Elf. Name thyself.”

Galadriel: “Galadriel of the Noldor. Daughter of the Golden House of Finarfin. Commander of the Northern Armies of High King Gil-galad.”

Sauron: “Halbrand… of the Southlands” (1×03).

Translation: “Exalted One.”

Finally, he single-handedly defeated four Númenórean guildsmen in his near-lowest state. To them, he was Halbrand.

Sauron: “Please. Don’t do this.”

Tamar: “Why not, LOWMAN?”

[fight]

Sauron: “Call me Halbrand” (1×03).

Translation: “Because I, the opposite of a lowman, will always conquer.”

Sauron is also a narcissist, so to everyone, he is Halbrand.

HALBRAND — TAKEN WHEN ASSOCIATING WITH INFERIOR BEINGS, A.K.A. EVERYONE.

ANNATAR

“Annatar” (Lord of Gifts) is very similar to the name “Halbrand” (Superior/Exalted One). Though its direct translation differs, Sauron took the name when posing as someone divine or holy—almost the definition of “Halbrand.”

“In Eregion Sauron posed as an emissary of the Valar, sent by them to Middle-earth (‘thus anticipating the Istari’) or ordered by them to remain there to give aid to the Elves.”

Unfinished Tales: The History of Galadriel and Celeborn

He maintained the pattern of dominance. On the surface, “Annatar” is perhaps less subtle than “Halbrand” in establishing superiority, but it is ironically more friendly, whereas “Halbrand” is imposing.

“But elsewhere the Elves received him gladly, and few among them hearkened to the messengers from Lindon bidding them beware; for Sauron took to himself the name of Annatar, the Lord of Gifts, and they had at first much profit from his friendship.”

Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age

Friendship. His friends called him Annatar.

ANNATAR — USED BY FRIENDS IN EREGION.

Each time Sauron gives a name, he places himself above all beings: Father, Superior, Lord. Even when Galadriel demanded a name, a simple “I have had many names” evoked the same effect. Now, things from here become ominous because Sauron’s rule applies vice versa.

What Are They Called?

The names Sauron calls his associates depend on how close they are, were, or how close he wants to be with them. In fact, he hardly referred to anyone at all in the first season, let alone by their name.

The people in Míriel’s Court, he placated.

“My friends! It seems to me that our leaving presents… some complications” (1×03).

Míriel he hardly knew, so he only used her titles as a formality.

“Perhaps it’d be better if we stayed […] long enough… good queen… to give you and your advisors adequate time to weigh our request” (1×03).

“You called for me, your majesty” (1×06).

Elendil he addressed only once.

“Captain! My gratitude” (1×03).

Finrod he knew, being responsible for his death, but he had to speak as a Man who should not have known who Finrod was.

“I’m sorry for your brother. For all of it. I’m sorry” (1×05).

Continuing to speak as a Man who should not have apprenticed to Aulë, he concealed the identity of the Vala he betrayed in ages past.

“The master I apprenticed to used to speak of the wonders of your craft” (1×08).

This simple lack of name usage was not insignificant. In all of season 1, Sauron used the names of only four people; and not just any random selection of four people.

GALADRIEL

In response to Sauron giving the rule, Tamar’s question was:

“And how close are you and the she-Elf?” (1×03).

Let’s answer that. The first question Sauron asked Galadriel was, “What are you called?” Yet, he refused to use her name and called her “Elf” derogatorily, until episode 5.

“Look, Elf. You didn’t cause my suffering, and you can’t fix it. […] I’ve got my own plans, Elf” (1×02).

“What the Elf means—” (1×03).

“If there’s one of us that doesn’t belong here, Elf, it’s you. […] Be careful, Elf. […] All I see is an Elf who won’t put down her sword” (1×03).

The first time he said her name, he was just quoting Míriel (above image): “Galadriel informed us.” He did not call her by her name until he cornered and interrogated her in the workshop.

“Whose dagger was it, Galadriel? Who is it you lost?” (1×05).

The two quickly came to an understanding in that conversation. They antagonized each other, then suddenly formed an alliance. Even so, Sauron only used her name one more time in order to prevent her from killing Adar.

“Galadriel!” (1×06).

Although Galadriel had used the name “Halbrand” seven times, Sauron would not use her name again until after she said:

“Well, my friend, it seems fate has in store for us one more raft” (1×07).

Once she vocally deemed Sauron a friend, everything changed. Suddenly, after using her name only twice over the course of a whole season, he dropped it ten times in episode 8 alone.

“Is Galadriel here?”

“Thank you, Galadriel.“

“Galadriel! We found it. […] Galadriel, I’m afraid I don’t—”

When he took the form of Finrod in the vision, he first called Galadriel “sister.” But he obtained her attention with her name (as he did in episode 6).

Sauron as Finrod: “Lost your footing again, sister? It was just a little tumble, is all. On your feet, now.”

Galadriel: “Get out of my mind.”

Sauron as Finrod: “Please, sister. Look at me. Galadriel” (1×08).

He then tried to maintain her attention with her name.

Galadriel: “No, you died. Along with countless others because of him.”

Sauron: “No, Galadriel. He was seeking a power.” […]

Galadriel: “My brother is dead because of you.”

Sauron: “Galadriel. Why would you say that? Why would you say such a thing? Galadriel, come back to me. Galadriel! LOOK AT ME!”

And the last time he said her name, he reminded her of what she deemed him in episode 7.

“Galadriel, look at me. You know who I am. I am your friend.“

MORGOTH

“You are a friend of Morgoth’s” (Galadriel, 1×08).

No one was closer to Morgoth than his most devoted servant, Sauron. Nevertheless, Sauron might have harbored some hatred, so he spat out the name as distastefully as his own.

“The heir to this mark is heir to more than just nobility. For it was his ancestor who swore a blood oath to Morgoth” (1×03).

“When Morgoth was defeated, it was as if a great, clenched fist had released its grasp from my neck” (1×08).

Halbrand was a Man speaking to an Elf, and no one who was against Morgoth had used the name “Melkor” for millennia; so he had little choice but to use the name “Morgoth,” no matter how he felt. However, while he was in Morgoth’s service, he likely would not have used that name, for it was given and used by the Elves.

“Then Fëanor rose, and lifting up his hand before Manwë he cursed Melkor, naming him Morgoth, the Black Foe of the World; and by that name only was he known to the Eldar ever after.”

Of the Flight of the Noldor

Sauron would have continued to call him “Melkor,” at least until the end of the War. And he might call him “Melkor” again.

In prison, he aimed to retain Galadriel’s trust by emphasizing “Morgoth” as the common enemy. But in the future, he will try to gain Pharazôn’s trust by building up “Melkor” as trustworthy. He may switch from saying that Morgoth held him captive to saying that Melkor is the Giver of Freedom.

“Then behind locked doors Sauron spoke to the King [Pharazôn], and he lied, saying: ‘It is he whose name is not now spoken; for the Valar have deceived you concerning him, putting forward the name of Eru […] But he that is their master shall yet prevail, and he will deliver you from this phantom; and his name is Melkor, Lord of All, Giver of Freedom, and he shall make you stronger than they.’”

Akallabêth

It is as Galadriel said. He is still a friend of Morgoth. Contrast this against his friendship with Adar, which was not dissimilar to that which he had with Morgoth.

Sauron knew Adar’s real name, but never used it. He barely even spoke to him one time.

“Do you remember me?” (Sauron, 1×06).

Their dynamic is unique, shown by Sauron’s reaction to Adar asking him who he was, allowing Sauron to give any name at all. If he wanted to uphold the idea that he was just a Man, he might have repeated the name Galadriel used in the forest (Halbrand). If he felt particularly bold, he could have subtly given the name Adar may have used in the past (Adar—if we are right about that). Instead, he remained silent, and walked away.

This was because after Adar betrayed him, he and Sauron were about as far from friendship as two people could possibly be, even more so than Sauron and Morgoth.

CELEBRIMBOR

We have seen what Sauron called (and will call) Morgoth, with whom he was once close, and still is, if you consider the Shadow. We have seen that he did not use Galadriel’s name normally until after she deemed him her friend. Now, we will see what he does when a future friendship is his goal.

It is not complicated. Sauron and Celebrimbor had never met. The name usage was no sign of a previous friendship, but of Sauron’s objective to quickly build trust. He wasted no time.

Celebrimbor: “This was the workshop of Celebrimbor.”

Sauron: “The Celebrimbor? He’s not here, is he?”

Celebrimbor: “Well, as a matter of fact, he is.”

Sauron: “Celebrimbor!” (1×08).

Sauron achieved his goal, and even Galadriel remarked on the abnormal speed at which the friendship developed.

Sauron: “Don’t be afraid! Celebrimbor will find a way. I’m certain of it.”

Galadriel: “All of a sudden, the two of you seem quite familiar” (1×08).

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Now, we must discuss the fourth name. First, if what Sauron calls a person depends on how familiar he is, was, or wants to be in order to further his designs, what could it mean for the only other name he used in season 1?

Míriel: “But if you would like some relief in carrying [your burden], I may be able to help.”

Sauron: “You called for me, your majesty.”

Míriel: “Bronwyn, this is Lord Halbrand.”

Sauron: “Bronwyn” (1×06).

POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR SEASON 2 ON THE NEXT PAGE

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