Sauron is the primary antagonist of The Lord of the Rings and the greater legendarium of Middle-earth. A powerful fallen Maia and former servant of Morgoth, he seeks to dominate all of Middle-earth through the One Ring, which contains much of his power. Though rarely appearing in physical form, his presence drives the central conflict of the story. He represents corruption, tyranny, and the temptation of absolute power, serving as the unseen force behind the war against the Free Peoples.