No, in J.R.R. Tolkien's books, there is no indication that Sauron harbored any form of love, romantic or otherwise, for Galadriel.
Sauron and Galadriel in Tolkien's Books
In J.R.R. Tolkien's comprehensive lore, the relationship between Sauron and Galadriel is one of profound and unyielding antagonism, rooted in their fundamental opposing natures and goals. Their interactions, primarily in the Second Age of Middle-earth, are characterized by conflict, resistance, and a struggle for dominance.
- Sauron's Ambition: As a Maia, a powerful spirit, Sauron was initially a servant of the Vala Aulë, the Smith. However, he was corrupted by Morgoth, the original Dark Lord, and became driven by a singular desire for order, control, and absolute power over Middle-earth. His interactions with other powerful beings like Galadriel were solely aimed at their subjugation, corruption, or destruction to further his own dominion. He sought to bend all wills to his own, seeing others as instruments or obstacles.
- Galadriel's Resistance: Galadriel, an Elf of the Noldor, was one of the mightiest and wisest Elves remaining in Middle-earth. She steadfastly resisted Sauron's influence from the very beginning of his rise to power in the Second Age. She saw through his deceptive guise as Annatar, the "Lord of Gifts," and warned others against him. Her realm of Lothlórien became a haven of light and resistance against the encroaching shadow from Mordor. Her refusal of the One Ring, when offered to her by Frodo Baggins, epitomizes her commitment to resisting temptation and tyranny.
- A Clash of Ideologies: Their conflict was not personal in a romantic sense, but ideological. Sauron represented the desire for absolute, enforced order and mastery, while Galadriel championed freedom, beauty, and the preservation of life and light in Middle-earth. Their entire existence in the Second and Third Ages was defined by this fundamental opposition.
Core Differences in Their Motivations
The table below highlights the contrasting motivations that defined their relationship:
| Character | Primary Motivation | Approach to Power | View of Others |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sauron | Domination, Conquest, Enforced Order | To seize and wield absolute authority | To be manipulated, enslaved, or destroyed |
| Galadriel | Preservation, Resistance, Protection of Life | To guide and protect, to resist corruption | To be respected, aided, and allowed freedom |
Different Interpretations
While their relationship in Tolkien's established canon is purely adversarial, some modern narrative interpretations or speculative discussions might propose a more complex dynamic between Sauron and Galadriel. Such interpretations could suggest that Sauron, despite his overwhelming power and his lack of genuine need for any Elf's assistance, might harbor a twisted, selfish form of 'love' or possessive obsession for Galadriel. This warped affection, however, would not deter him from exploiting her, deceiving her, asserting dominance over her, or even killing her to achieve his own ends, highlighting the deeply corrupted nature of his being. This perspective posits a psychological layer beyond pure antagonism, yet it remains firmly outside the established narratives of J.R.R. Tolkien's published works.
Conclusion
In the authentic literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Sauron did not love Galadriel. Their relationship was characterized solely by profound enmity and a struggle for power and the fate of Middle-earth.
