Editing Celebrimbor (section)

=== Ring-maker ===

{{Rings of Power|upright=2|caption=[[Sauron]], in disguise, deceived Celebrimbor and the smiths of Eregion into making [[Rings of Power]], and then secretly made the [[One Ring]] to gain control over all the others, and so dominate [[Middle-earth]].<ref group="T" name="Of the Rings of Power" /> Diagram has clickable links.}}

Later, someone naming himself ''Annatar'' arrived in [[Eregion]]. He appeared to be an Elf, and claimed he has been sent by the [[Valar]] to share his wisdom and skills in ring-craft and jewelry for the benefit of all Middle-earth; but in fact he was the Dark Lord [[Sauron]] in disguise. Annatar provided valuable and seemingly benevolent guidance and instruction to Celebrimbor and the smiths of Eregion, and they began making the [[Rings of Power]] for the rulers of Middle-earth—seven for the [[Dwarf (Middle-earth)|Dwarf-lords]] and [[The Nine (Middle-Earth)|nine for Men]]. Secretly, without Sauron's knowledge, Celebrimbor also forged [[three Rings]] for the Elves, the greatest and fairest of the Rings of Power. The three Rings were thus free of Sauron's corrupting influence.<ref name="Of the Rings of Power" group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1977|loc="Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"}}</ref>

At the same time, Sauron secretly forged a ring: the [[One Ring]] which would enable him to rule Middle-earth. Later Sauron reassumed his role as the Dark Lord and placed the One Ring on his finger, claiming dominion over all the Rings of Power and their bearers. Before this, Celebrimbor believed Sauron to be what he had claimed to be, but realising the truth he and the Elves of Eregion defied Sauron by withholding the other rings from him. He had already sent the three Rings away for safekeeping.<ref name="Of the Rings of Power" group=T/>

With his scheme exposed to the Elves, Sauron retaliated by attacking Eregion, initiating the War of the Elves and Sauron, and laying waste to the realm. Celebrimbor was captured in the sack of Eregion, and was forced under torture to disclose where the Nine and the Seven were held, but he would not reveal the whereabouts of the three Elvish Rings. Sauron captured the lesser rings and used them as instruments of evil in later years, particularly against Men. Celebrimbor died from his torment; his body, shot with arrows, was then hung upon a pole and used by Sauron's forces like a banner on the battlefield.<ref name="Galadriel and Celeborn" group=T/>