If Denethor hadn't committed suicide

[Erendis]

Originally Posted by PrinceOfTheHalflings

I wonder how much Sauron learned from Denethor regarding this matter? Sauron would have expected someone like Saruman or Denethor to try to sieze the Ring, but he seemed quite surprised when Aragorn revealed himself as the Heir of Isildur in the palantir. Apparently Denethor hadn't given away anything concerning his suspicions about Aragorn!

Was he really surprised to learn there was still one heir of Isildur?Remember that his true identity was hidden from him at teh requrst of his mother.Isn't it an indication that Sauron suspected his existence and propably searced secretly for him?

I think Sauron's reaction was not that surprised as a result of fear-he had suspicions,but the relevance of true caught him unready.