Posted: March 30, 2000 at 00:07:03: by Jim Gregors
: I remember it being said somewhere that Sauron only feigned being driven out. At that point, he was strong enough to almost announce himself. So, it wasn't a real driving out, no.
: -OlorinSauron was twice driven from Dol Guldur. From the Tale of Years: T.A. 2063 - Gandalf goes to Dol Guldur. Sauron retreats and hides in the East. The Watchful Peace begins. The Nazgul remain quiet in Minas Morgul. T.A. 2460 - The Watchful Peace ends. Sauron returns with increased strength to Dol Guldur. T.A. 2941 - The White Council meets; Saruman agrees to an attack on Dol Guldur, since he now wishes to prevent Sauron from searching the River [Anduin]. Sauron having made his plans abandons Dol Guldur. T.A. 2951 - Sauron declares himself openly and gathers power in Mordor. He begins the rebuilding of the Barad-dur. [He] sends three of the Nazgul to reoccupy Dol Guldur. IMO, the reason Sauron retreated from Gandalf in 2063 was that he was still relatively weak, and he did not wish for the Wise to know that he had indeed risen again (since at the time it was thought that one of the Nazgul was responsible for events in Southern Mirkwood). By the time the White Council moved against him - nearly 1000 years later - preparations for Sauron's return to Mordor had been completed by the Nazgul. Sauron probably did feign a retreat at that time, but within ten years he had reoccupied his ancient citadel and declared himself openly.
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