Lady Galadriel banished Sauron by powerfully penetrating his mind and issuing a direct, unyielding command during the climactic confrontation at Dol Guldur. This extraordinary feat of will and power forced the Dark Lord to flee with his Nazgûl.
The Confrontation at Dol Guldur
The banishment of Sauron by Lady Galadriel occurred during the coordinated assault on his stronghold of Dol Guldur, a dark fortress in Mirkwood where he had been secretly regaining strength as the Necromancer. This event saw the White Council, including Galadriel, Gandalf, Elrond, and Saruman, unite their forces to drive him out.
Galadriel's Potent Intervention
During the fierce battle, Galadriel engaged Sauron directly, demonstrating the immense power she wielded, amplified by her ancient Elven might. Her method of banishment was not through physical combat alone but through a profound mental assault.
Here's how she achieved it:
- Penetrating Sauron's Mind: Galadriel was able to breach Sauron's formidable defenses and delve directly into his consciousness. This was a testament to her unparalleled mental fortitude and inherent power as one of the Eldar.
- Issuing the Command: Once inside his mind, she delivered a singular, absolute directive that Sauron found himself utterly unable to resist: "Go back to the void from whence you came!"
- Sauron's Retreat: Overwhelmed and unable to withstand her command any longer, Sauron let out a scream of defeat and fled from Dol Guldur, taking the Nine Ringwraiths with him. This action effectively broke his hold on the fortress and diminished his immediate threat, albeit temporarily, as he retreated to Mordor to openly declare himself once more.
Key Aspects of the Banishment
The following table summarizes the crucial elements of Galadriel's banishment of Sauron:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Method | Mental penetration of Sauron's mind and will. |
| Command Issued | "Go back to the void from whence you came!" |
| Sauron's Reaction | Unable to resist, he screamed and fled with the Nine Ringwraiths (Nazgûl). |
| Context | Attack on Dol Guldur by the White Council. |
Significance of the Event
Galadriel's successful banishment of Sauron from Dol Guldur was a pivotal moment. It disrupted his plans to consolidate power in the North and forced him to reveal himself earlier than he might have intended, shifting the focus of his operations back to Mordor. This act showcased the immense, ancient power residing within the Lady of Lórien, a power that even the Dark Lord could not fully withstand in that moment of direct confrontation.
