“I have many names.” This phrase is said many times by Sauron (played by Charlie Vickers) in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. As a master deceiver, it makes sense for Sauron to have many names. His constant repetition of this quote has even turned it into a popular meme among fans.
In the Season 2 finale, titled “Shadow and Flame,” Sauron says this line to the Orc Glüg (played by Robert Strange) right after he kills Celebrimbor (played by Charles Edwards). This raises an interesting question: just how many names does Sauron have?
Sauron Is Not His Preferred Name, Actually
In The Rings of Power, the main villain frequently calls himself Sauron, especially after his true identity is discovered by Galadriel (played by Morfydd Clark) at the end of Season 1. However, Sauron is not his original name, nor is it the name he prefers.
The character we know as Sauron is a Maiar, which means he is an angelic being. When the universe was still very young, he served as a smith under the Valar Aulë. At that time, his name was Mairon, and that is the name he still likes to be called.
The name “Mairon” comes from Quenya, which translates to “the admirable” or “the excellent.” It is easy to see why he would prefer this name; it reflects a sense of greatness. However, Mairon’s path changes when he is corrupted by Melkor, who is also known as Morgoth, the dark Valar.
Mairon followed Morgoth into Middle-earth, and as time passed, the Elves began to refer to him as Sauron. The name Sauron translates to “the cruel” or “the abhorred.” Even though he became evil, Sauron always saw himself as a champion of order and efficiency. Therefore, being called “the cruel” is likely very upsetting to him. Unfortunately, the names we dislike the most often stick with us, and that is what happened to Sauron.
When He Served Morgoth, He Had Two Other Names
Sauron served Morgoth for more than an entire age. During the First Age, he had many encounters with the Sindarin Elves, who called him Gorthaur. This name became associated with him as he became Morgoth’s most trusted lieutenant.
The name “Gorthaur” combines two elements from Sindarin: “gor,” meaning “horror,” and “thaur,” meaning “abominable.” Some translations suggest it could also mean “Mist of Fear” or “the Cruel.”
Another name that is connected to Sauron during the First Age is Thû. This name is less well-known and appears in J.R.R. Tolkien’s early drafts of The Silmarillion, especially in the Legendarium surrounding the story of Beren and Lúthien.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
The exact meaning of Thû is not clear, but it is often linked to a sinister, shadowy presence. In later versions of Tolkien’s writings, the name Thû was replaced with more familiar names like Sauron and Gorthaur, but it still remains in some older texts.
In ‘The Rings of Power,’ We Learn Two of Sauron’s Names
The Rings of Power introduces a new name for Sauron in Season 1: Halbrand. The true meaning of this name is never explained, but it likely combines the Sindarin word “hall,” which means “tall and massive,” and the Noldorin word “brand,” meaning “exalted” or “high.” This fits with his story of coming from an ancient line of kings in the Southlands, as well as with his not-so-humble sense of self.
Another name Sauron uses in Season 2 appears in Episode 2, titled “Where the Stars Are Strange.” In this episode, Sauron disguises himself as an emissary from the Valar, calling himself Annatar.
This name translates to “Lord of Gifts” in Quenya. It uses the elements “anna,” meaning “gift,” and “tar,” meaning “lord.” This name is fitting as he tries to persuade Celebrimbor to forge the Rings of Power.
There is yet another name that may be revealed in Season 3. Ar-Pharazôn (played by Trystan Gravelle) eventually invades Mordor and takes Sauron back to Númenor as a prisoner. However, Sauron quickly becomes the king’s advisor, going by the name Zigûr, which means “the Wizard.” During this time, he influences Númenor, leading to its eventual destruction.
Sauron Is Also Known by Some Dreadful Titles
Sauron is known not just by many names, but also by various titles. The most common title is “the Dark Lord.” After this, there is a long list of other names and titles. For example, in the Third Age, Sauron settles in the abandoned fortress of Dol Guldur.
He aims to reclaim as many Rings of Power as possible and regain his strength, as shown in The Hobbit. During this time, he disguises himself as a dark sorcerer known as the Necromancer. Even after leaving Dol Guldur, some people still call him that.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
Many years later, Sauron created the famous sigil of the Eye of Sauron. Because of this, many people simply refer to him as “the Eye” when talking about him. This title is widely recognized and shows the fear he instills in others.
However, the most epic title he holds is the one that gives the whole franchise its name. Due to his influence over the Rings of Power, he is called “the Lord of the Rings.”
This title is mentioned by Celebrimbor both in pity and mockery before he dies in the Season 2 finale. While this title sounds impressive, it also highlights how dependent Sauron has become on the rings. He struggles to separate his own identity from them.
The Harry Potter series continues to be popular, even with some debates around it. The eight movies are important parts of 2000s cinema.
They revived the fantasy genre and created a huge multi-media franchise. Today, people remember the movies for their great actors, high production quality, and the exciting story about Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) fighting against Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes).
The Harry Potter movies are known for being some of the biggest hits of the 2000s. They have many ambitious and visually impressive scenes that show magic and spells. However, not every movie in the series has the same amount of action.
As the story becomes darker and more serious, the films also become more thrilling. The earlier movies focus more on coming-of-age stories. This article ranks all the Harry Potter movies based on their action. The number of action scenes, how well they are done, and how they contribute to the story will determine their ranking.
8. ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001) Directed by Chris Columbus
The first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone introduces Harry as he discovers his magical powers and goes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
There, he makes friends with Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). He learns he must face an old enemy who wants to return with the help of the mysterious Philosopher’s Stone.
As the start of the Wizarding World, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is more focused on explaining things than later movies. It is very kid-friendly, thanks to Chris Columbus’ direction, which presents the action like a traditional coming-of-age story.
The action scenes are not very frequent, mainly featuring Quidditch matches and a memorable encounter with a troll. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ranks last because it lacks the thrilling moments that make the later movies memorable. It focuses more on being a sweet story about self-discovery rather than a full magical adventure.
7. ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ (2009) Directed by David Yates
This movie has a lot of teen drama and character development, but not much action. In fact, it hardly has any. Instead, it focuses on revealing who Voldemort is and how the young Tom Riddle became the most dangerous Dark Wizard. Harry’s love life is also a key point, even if this story is not very engaging.
There are only a few action scenes, like the Death Eaters attacking The Burrow, making this one of the quieter movies in the series. However, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince does deserve credit for trying to take the story in a new direction.
6. ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ (2002) Directed by Chris Columbus
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry returns for his second year at Hogwarts. The story begins strangely when a house elf named Dobby (Toby Jones) tries to prevent him from returning.
Still from Harry Potter (Credit: HBO)
Despite this, Harry goes back to school and discovers that someone has opened the legendary Chamber of Secrets, releasing a dangerous threat against half-blood students.
Like the first movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets does not have a lot of action, but it tries to include more exciting moments.
Notable scenes include Harry and Ron’s adventure in a flying car, their run-in with the Whomping Willow, Harry’s duel with Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), and the final battle against the fearsome Basilisk. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets improves on the first movie, hinting at the increased action in later films. It still feels like a children’s movie, but the stakes feel higher and more important.
5. ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ (2004) Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban marks Harry’s third year at Hogwarts. This movie represents a turning point in his story. The plot follows Harry as he learns that the notorious mass murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban and seems to be after him.
As Hogwarts is haunted by dangerous creatures called Dementors, Harry must confront his fears to discover more about his parents and their deaths.
It’s fair to say that Prisoner of Azkaban is the best Harry Potter movie. It is darker and more mature, showing a clear change from the childish tone of the earlier films. In terms of action, the movie ranks in the middle.
There are a few exciting moments, including Harry’s encounters with Dementors, one of which happens during a memorable Quidditch match, and the confrontation with the werewolf at the end. While it is not the most action-heavy movie in the series, it offers enough thrilling scenes to keep fans happy.
4. ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1’ (2010) Directed by David Yates
The second-to-last movie sees Harry on a mission to find and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. Along with Ron and Hermione, Harry travels across the country to find these cursed items, facing many challenges along the way. As he gets closer to defeating Voldemort, the Wizarding World slowly falls under his control.
Although it serves as a setup for the final movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is still exciting. This movie is like a road trip film and is possibly the darkest in the series. True to its role as a second-to-last installment, the movie is filled with action from the start.
Still from Harry Potter (Credit: HBO)
Memorable scenes include the Death Eaters attacking during Bill (Domhnall Gleeson) and Fleur’s (Clémence Poésy) wedding, the ambush at Xenophilius Lovegood’s (Rhys Ifans) house, the magical duel at a café, and the trio’s daring escape from the Ministry of Magic. Even as a setup, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 delivers plenty of excitement.
3. ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ (2005) Directed by Mike Newell
Harry’s fourth year at Hogwarts is one of the most dangerous. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry is unwillingly entered into the Triwizard Tournament.
With help from his new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody (Brendan Gleeson), Harry faces three perilous challenges while trying to uncover who put his name in the competition.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the most action-packed movie in the series up to that point. The Triwizard Tournament features Harry facing a fierce dragon in an exhilarating chase and confronting angry merpeople.
In the final task, Harry must face a maze full of magical dangers, which leads him to a graveyard where he witnesses Voldemort’s return. This film significantly raises the action level. While it might not be the best Harry Potter movie, it has some of the most memorable action scenes.
2. ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ (2011) Directed by David Yates
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is not only a box office hit but also provides a satisfying ending to Harry’s story. Picking up right where the previous movie ended, it shows Harry, Ron, and Hermione breaking into Gringotts to find another of Voldemort’s Horcruxes.
Still from Harry Potter (Credit: HBO)
Eventually, they make their way to Hogwarts, where the Order of the Phoenix prepares for a final battle against Voldemort.
As the last movie in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is a thrilling experience. From the beginning, it grabs the audience’s attention and keeps it. There is a thrilling escape from Gringotts on a dragon.
After that, viewers are treated to a two-hour-long battle, with key characters fighting Voldemort’s forces throughout Hogwarts, leading to Harry and Voldemort’s final duel. This movie is packed with excitement and delivers a satisfying conclusion, allowing Harry, Ron, and Hermione to finally find peace.
1. ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ (2007) Directed by David Yates
In the fifth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry is at his most troubled and angry. The Wizarding Community refuses to accept Voldemort’s return. As a result, Harry and Dumbledore are seen as liars craving attention, with the Ministry launching a campaign against them.
With everyone ignoring Voldemort’s return, Harry and his friends decide to take matters into their own hands while the Dark Lord searches for something that might change the war.
Still from Harry Potter (Credit: HBO)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ranks highest in terms of action due to how well its scenes are crafted. The dueling lessons are enjoyable, and the Weasley twins’ escape from Hogwarts is fantastic. However, the best part of the film is when Harry and his friends travel to the Department of Mysteries and battle the Death Eaters.
Once Dumbledore and Voldemort arrive, the movie shines as they engage in one of the best magical duels not just in the Harry Potter series, but perhaps in all cinema. Unfortunately, fans did not see another duel like this, making Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix even more impressive.
