The Curious Eyes of Sauron and Smaug: A Tale of Coincidence?

Often, in discussions about the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings films, the comparison of Smaug's eyes to Sauron's is a common topic. However, is there a deeper connection between the two, or is it merely a case of sheer coincidence?

Is There Any Connection?

According to J.R.R. Tolkien, the creator of Middle-earth, there is no direct connection between Smaug and Sauron. In fact, they are featured in different works: Smaug in The Hobbit and Sauron in The Lord of the Rings.

While it might seem that their eyes share similar features, such as their lizard-like appearance, the true nature of these eyes is quite different. Smaug, a large dragon, indeed possesses such eyes, which are fitting for a reptilian creature. However, Sauron's eyes in the films are not his actual physical eyes but a manifestation of his power and evil presence.

The Nature of Smaug's Eyes

Smaug, as a dragon, has reptilian eyes which are yellow in color. This is a traditional portrayal of dragons in mythology, often portrayed with sharp, piercing eyes that reflect the dragon's fiery nature. In the film adaptations, Smaug's eyes are depicted as having a lava-like color, fitting his fiery temperament.

Evil Manifestation

Sauron's eyes in the films appear flame-like, red in color. This imagery is taken directly from Tolkien's description in The Return of the King where Sauron's eyes are described as a "flame of red." His eye is not a physical eye but a powerful symbol of his evil presence. Sauron, being a shapeshifter, eventually lost this power as manipulation and deceit were no longer effective, reflecting a loss of subtlety in his nature.

Why the Similarities?

It is true that both Smaug and Sauron have similar eyes, making their resemblances striking. However, this can be attributed to the common themes of evil and fire in both characters. The color red and flames are often used to symbolize evil and destruction, and this is evident in Sauron's eyes. The yellow color of Smaug's eyes in the films also relates to the traditional portrayal of dragons as fire-breathing beasts.

Additionally, the similarity in the shapes of the eyes (slit-like pupils) can be explained by their shared narrative purposes. In Smaug's case, the slit-like pupil is a nod to his reptilian nature, while in Sauron's, it adds to the aura of his evil and foreboding presence.

Conclusion

In essence, the similarities between Smaug and Sauron's eyes are purely coincidental. Both serve as powerful symbols of evil and are not connected in the way that many might think. The filmmakers did use these similarities to add aesthetic appeal and thematic cohesion to the films, but these connections are coincidental rather than intentional.

The exploration of character design in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the narrative choices made to enhance the storytelling experience.