Cults and Religion in Rhûn

[HaruShinigami]

In the world of The Lord of the Rings, can the form of government of the Sauron-worshipping cults living in the region of Rhûn be considered aocracy or, more precisely, theocratic despotism?

 

[Ent]

Ent believes the word you seek is "autocracy," as "aocracy" isn't to be found.

That said, Sauron's government methods could certainly qualify as an Autocracy once Melkor was gone, though we know some of the 'bands of orcs', for example, had their own local chieftains, etc., which does mean a certain level of distributive power - though in the end, they did report to Sauron, we suppose, for what they did. It's a bit speculative.

Ent does not believe it qualifies as a theocratic despotism. Such would require Sauron's acknowledgement of some other Theos = or 'god figure' - of whom he was the absolute representative. Neither Melkor/Morgoth nor Sauron seems to have acknowledged faith or belief in any 'god-figure' other than themselves and their own powers and abilities.

Melkor is the initial example of putting 'faith in self' over 'faith in Eru' - wanting to become god of the new creation, Ea. - rejecting Eru's themes and 'godhood' in favor of himself and his own power.

Sauron overthrew his original allegiance to follow Melkor, first putting his faith in Melkor rather than Eru; then, when Melkor failed, Sauron chose badly again and put his faith in himself. During the time Melkor existed, and Sauron was his vassal, it MAY be said those whom he controlled were under a certain theocratic rule - but once Melkor was no more, and Sauron put faith in himself alone, it became an autocracy.

Both were ultimately left with only the Providence available to those who overthrew their faith in the Creator and chose faith in themselves.

Faith, Choice, and the resulting Providence are 3 of Tolkien's pinnacle "moral and religious elements" in all his work.

Ent is working up an article now for submission for publication - a follow-up to one co-authored and just accepted for publication.
This new one's current title is Tolkien's Silmarils: Faith, Choice and Providence. He hopes to have it submitted soon.

 

[wondering]

Ent does not believe it qualifies as a theocratic despotism. Such would require Sauron's acknowledgement of some other Theos = or 'god figure' - of whom he was the absolute representative. Neither Melkor/Morgoth nor Sauron seems to have acknowledged faith or belief in any 'god-figure' other than themselves and their own powers and abilities.

Melkor is the initial example of putting 'faith in self' over 'faith in Eru' - wanting to become god of the new creation, Ea. - rejecting Eru's themes and 'godhood' in favor of himself and his own power.

Sauron overthrew his original allegiance to follow Melkor, first putting his faith in Melkor rather than Eru; then, when Melkor failed, Sauron chose badly again and put his faith in himself. During the time Melkor existed, and Sauron was his vassal, it MAY be said those whom he controlled were under a certain theocratic rule - but once Melkor was no more, and Sauron put faith in himself alone, it became an autocracy.

Even after Morgoth was banished from Arda, Sauron in the Second Age did present Melkor as a god whom he represented - at least to the Numenoreans. Tolkien does also say in Letter 131 that Sauron's Second Age kingdom was an "evil theocracy" and that "Sauron is also the god of his slaves". Presumably he presented himself as a kind of visible demigod figure representing the invisible Melkor.

 

[Ent]

Even after Morgoth was banished from Arda, Sauron in the Second Age did present Melkor as a god whom he represented - at least to the Numenoreans

Indeed. Sauron was very wise. He leveraged what he could use, after Melkor's absence. And we acknowledge Tolkien's words in Letter 131 - certainly an indication of how Tolkien perceived it "in the Second Age." But in the 3rd age, Melkor has long been left behind by Sauron. Early on, it was likely a theocracy, or at least a feigned one as Sauron leveraged himself into the fore.