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Dates
First recorded in the fifth century of the First Age; still in use at the end of the Third Age
Race
Refers to one of the Ainur
Title of
Morgoth (in the First Age) and Sauron (in the Second1 and Third)
Note
The timeline for this entry refers speculatively to the usage of the term 'Black Hand'. Both Morgoth and Sauron themselves long predated the period shown here.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 18 January 2008
  • Updates planned: 1

Black Hand

The hand that first wore the Ring

Encyclopedia of Arda Timeline
Years of the TreesFirst AgeSecond AgeThird AgeFourth Age and Beyond

A term used of Morgoth in the First Age, and later by Gollum to describe Sauron's literal hand, but also used figuratively of his immense power.


Notes

1

There is no recorded use of the term 'Black Hand' during the Second Age, but since this was the time of Sauron's greatest expansion of power in the west of Middle-earth, it seems unlikely that the name fell out of use (especially as it was remembered late in the following Age.) Its usage during the Third Age is unknown before the last years of that Age: the timeline for this entry speculates a growing resurgence of use as Sauron grew in power, until he finally announced himself in III 2951.

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Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 1999, 2001, 2008. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.