Understanding Sauron’s Choices: Why Orcs Over Trolls in the Battle of Five Armies

Sauron, the ancient Dark Lord whose influence permeated much of Middle-earth, holds a central role in the epic story of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. However, a question often arises: why did Sauron choose to use orcs instead of trolls in the Battle of Five Armies? Was it due to his limitations or were trolls simply not available at the time?

The Battle of Five Armies and Sauron’s Role

It is important to clarify that Sauron had no direct involvement in the Battle of Five Armies. Even the film adaptation of The Hobbit does not suggest that Sauron played any part in orchestrating the battle.

During the majority of the events in The Hobbit, Sauron was not in Mordor but instead had taken refuge in Dol Guldur in the southern part of Mirkwood forest. He was driven out by the Boromir-led White Council, and subsequently retreated to Mordor. At the time of the Battle of Five Armies, Sauron was not yet ready to face a confrontation of the magnitude that would soon come with Gandalf and the other heroes.

Why Orcs Over Trolls

The orcs, also known as Uruk-hai in some cases, were the main military force of Sauron. They were created to serve as his infantry against the elves and later, men. While Morgoth had also fostered other creatures such as trolls and dragons, orcs were the primary form of his soldiery.

The orcs, particularly the Uruk-hai, were versatile and could operate effectively in varied conditions. They were more resilient and less prone to harm than trolls, who turn to stone in daylight. This made the orcs a far more suitable choice for a prolonged and unpredictable conflict like the Battle of Five Armies.

The Battle Context and Participants

The conflict began when the Goblins of Azog were retaliating against the death of their Great Goblin at the hands of Gandalf earlier in the secret trail in Mirkwood. When the dwarves, elves, and men united to fight over Smaug's treasure, the Goblins and Wargs arrived, creating a combined force of five armies. In the animated version of The Hobbit, the Wargs are not counted as a separate army, but instead, the eagles are counted as one, despite their arrival towards the end of the battle. No one present represented Sauron in the battle.

Conclusion

In summary, Sauron did not directly influence the Battle of Five Armies. His orcs were the primary military force, while trolls, due to their vulnerability to daylight, were not a practical choice for such a prolonged and challenging battle. The choice of orcs over trolls was a strategic decision based on their versatility and effectiveness in battle.

Understanding the strategic choices of Sauron and the roles of his creatures in the Battle of Five Armies provides deeper insight into the complex world of Middle-earth.