“"You cannot escape us."”
The Black Hand of Sauron, or simply known as the Black Hand, is the main antagonist in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.
The enigmatic leading Black Captain, the Black Hand of Sauron is the personification of Sauron's cunning. While the Dark Lord continues to keep to the shadows, the Black Hand watches over Mordor, trusting his fellow Black Captains with eliminating major threats to Sauron's return.
Background
Many rumors and stories circulate about the origins of the one who would become the Black Hand of Sauron; some tell he was a king of the East who brought the heads of the two Blue Wizards as fealty to Sauron - others that he was at his side since the Downfall of Númenór. What is certain is that he is the represetantion of Sauron's manipulation and deceit, the most powerful among the Black Captains, and that he commands them with unwavering loyalty to his master.
Shadow of Mordor
Upon Sauron's return to Mordor, the Black Hand led the retaking of the Land of Shadow, personally overseeing the capture of the Black Gate. Assisted by his peers, he sacrificed Talion's family, both his wife Ioreth and his son Dirhael in a ritual meant to summon the spirit of the Elf-lord Celebrimbor. Through his inner circle of Warchiefs, the Black Hand of Sauron looms Mordor from the safety of his fortress, protected by his bodyguards, known as the Talons. The endeavours of Talion and Celebrimbor have not, however, escaped the notice of the Black Hand, warranting investigation by the Hammer of Sauron at the remains of the Gorthaur.
Following the death of the Hammer and the formation of the Gravewalker's army within the Uruk ranks, the Black Hand went to search for Talion and Celebrimbor in Núrnen, leaving the Tower of Sauron behind. His arrival there has had no results, other than reducing the place to smoking ruins as a warning to the Gravewalker.
After the Gravewalker's forces stormed the Black Gate and the Talons were "cut", the Black Hand patiently awaited Talion and Celebrimbor to confront him at the top of the towering fortification. Restoring the Elf-lord's last memories to him, the Black Hand vowed to seal himself and Talion in death, slitting his own throat in the process. This drew Celebrimbor from the mortal's body and briefly allowed Sauron to (partially) manifest phisically by absorbing the Elven spirit. The "reborn" Dark Lord attempted to crush Talion with his mace, but was eventually held back by Celebrimbor and wounded by the former. As the Gravewalker and Elf-lord merged once more, Sauron could only flee, leaving the Black Hand's lifeless body on the cold stone-walkway, and Talion's family finally avenged.
In-game Description
The Black Hand of Sauron is the greatest and most feared of the Black Captains. His mere presence spreads terror to all on the battlefield, be they foes or servants.
Some say he was once a king from the east who brought Sauron the heads of the two blue Istari as gifts. Others say that he returned across the seas with Sauron after the fall of Númenor. Still others claim that he is the Dark Lord himself, taking fair form once again within Mordor.
There are many stories of his origins. All of them are lies. The only things which are certain are that he is a master of deceit, and that he serves his Dark lord with absolute loyalty.
Trivia
- A skin was released that allows Talion to assume the appearance of the Black Hand, albeit a purely cosmetic one.
- The two Istari who are said to have been killed by him are potentially the two blue wizards who died in a mission to the east.
- Many theories have arisen regarding his identity after the game's ending. Some say the Black Hand is just another of Sauron's forms (given his ability to shapeshift as seen in this game and the Silmarillion). Others say that the "Black Hand" was possessed by Sauron's spirit or alternatively that the Black Hand allowed him to at the game's end.
- The Black Hand is the only of the Black Captains not confirmed to be a Númenórean. The Hammer had belonged to the Last Alliance of Elves and Men (The Men having been Númenórean who fled after Sauron had seduced Ar-Pharazon with promises of immortality). The Tower is mentioned to have been Númenórean (how he escaped its destruction is never made clear). The Black Hand's many stories mention him maybe being king of an eastern kingdom. Many eastern civilizations were enemies of Numenor and continued to wage war with their descendants in Gondor. If it is true that the Black Hand is Sauron, then he would be far older than not just Numenor, but many races.
Gallery
Protagonists | |
Antagonists |
Sauron • Black Captains (Black Hand of Sauron • Tower of Sauron • Hammer of Sauron) • Saruman (mentioned) • Morgoth (mentioned) |
Good Characters |
Dirhael • Eryn • Galadriel (mentioned) • Gorvin (mentioned) • Hallas (mentioned) • Hirgon of Tarnost • Ioreth • Lithariel • Torvin • Lady Marwen |
Neutral Characters |