Abstract
This paper analyzes Sauron’s “original” name, “Mairon,” in its various contexts (textual, temporal, and linguistic) and then applies it to a reading of the character in order to produce a “capsule characterization” or “minimyth” for the Lord of the Rings himself. The name “Mairon” appears only in a note to a single entry in a list of Eldarin roots, not published until 2007 in the journal Parma Eldalamberon. This niche location suggests one of the many ways in which this name is marginal: typographically, linguistically, narratively, and historically (as in the Secondary World). The name appears to have been conceived during a flurry of revision to the Legendarium following the publication of The Lord of the Rings, revision that elsewhere included additional work on Sauron. Apparently derived from maira (“admirable, excellent, precious”), the name is situated within a broader complex of entries expressing notions of greatness, art-making, service, usefulness, and value. Both “Maia” and “Mairon” are ultimately derived from the same root, suggesting a possible understanding of the pre-corrupted Sauron as in some way exemplary of his own order. The name is notably distinct from the names of most of the other Ainur, the majority of whom are named for particular domains of Creation with which they are associated (weeping, weaving, invention, birds, etc.); “Mairon” (“The Admirable”) is more closely aligned with Melian’s Quenya name “Melyanna” (“Dear Gift”) as both names suggest an implied “other.” Ultimately, the name “Mairon” is meaningful to a reading of Sauron and fits smoothly into a larger pattern of associations of the character with the notions of seeing (or not), being seen (or not), and how one is seen (or how one sees the self).
Recommended Citation
Bourquein, Cameron
(2024)
"The Nameless Enemy: How Do You Solve a Problem Like “Mairon”?,"
Journal of Tolkien Research: Vol. 20:
Iss.
2, Article 3.
Available at:
https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol20/iss2/3
Included in
Literature in English, British Isles Commons, Modern Literature Commons, Philosophy of Language Commons
Comments
A version of this paper was presented at Tolkien @ UVM on 1 April 2023. Another version which included a section on the use of the name “Mairon” in fandom was presented at GIFcon on 12 May of 2023. This paper reproduces a third version, very similar to the first version, presented at Oxonmoot 51 on 31 Aug 2024.