Some say he was once a king from the east who brought Sauron the heads of the two blue Istari as gifts. His mere presence spreads terror to all on the battlefield, be they foes or servants. The Black Hand of Sauron is the greatest and most feared of the Black Captains. 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. The 'reborn' Dark Lord attempted to crush Talion with his mace, but was eventually held back by Celebrimbor and wounded by the former. 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. His arrival there has had no results, other than reducing the place to smoking ruins as a warning to the Gravewalker.Īfter 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. 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.įollowing 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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

Shadow of mordor backgrounds