Sex Amongst the Maiar (and the Other Beings in Arda)

[denethorthefirst]

Originally Posted by ArcusCalion

Sauron, however, never had to "beget" races of beings. He changes his form so much throughout his existence that it can clearly be seen to be a fana, and not a true Body.

Sauron was only merely "clothed" until the downfall of Numenor in 3119 S.A.. After that he became fully incarnated i.e. he had to construct a new body and was completely tied to that particular form like one of the incarnates. Were it not for the One Ring Sauron would have "died" during the Battle of Mount Doom in 3441 S.A. (And one could indeed argue that for all intents and purposes Sauron did actually die during that battle, at least his body ceased to function and his spirit had to depart from it).
The question remains what kind of body Sauron actually had. Was it an actual biological body like a human or elven body, or more like a biological Machine? I would argue that Saurons incarnate form was a unique construct, Isildurs statement that the Body emanated extreme heat seems to suggest that - a human or elven body (like the Istari or Melian possessed) would have burned to death if it experienced heat like that.

[Zigûr]

Originally Posted by denethorthefirst

I would argue that Saurons incarnate form was a unique construct, Isildurs statement that the Body emanated extreme heat seems to suggest that - a human or elven body (like the Istari or Melian possessed) would have burned to death if it experienced heat like that.

This is arguably similar to the bodies of Balrogs with their flaming hair, and thus something of a recurring demonic trait. Perhaps Úmaiar manifested approximations of human bodies piloted by their fëar rather than the real thing; this might be supported by the fact that they could also be taller than would be biologically feasible, Sauron being "of more than human stature", for instance.

[Pitchwife]

As far as Sauron is concerned, I think we can safely assume that sex as a one-on-one encounter between consenting partners was completely alien to his personality. I mean, what is sex without trust, vulnerability, opening up to the other? Sauron being the control freak he was, I suppose he'd have been horrified at the notion of handing control of the most sensitive parts of his hröa over to a partner. This is not to say he would have been above using the sexual desires of others as a means of manipulation, as long as he could control and dominate them. (What really went on between Annatar and Celebrimbor?)

Speaking of control makes me wonder about those Ainur who merely clothed themselves into humanoid fanar rather than being fully incarnate. Since their 'bodies' were to them means of self-expression (or, in the cases of Sauron and his like, deception) that could be freely chosen and changed at will, we'd have to assume that any bodily functions they engaged in (such as eating, drinking and, you name it) were also completely subject to their will, wouldn't we? While this may seem enviable at first glance, I find myself wondering whether they were even able to experience spontaneous excitement, pleasure and climactic release as we do. In other words, if their desire to emulate the Children led them to attempting sexual intercourse, did it actually feel like the real thing to them or was it just a gymnastic pantomime that tragically missed the point?

[Kuruharan]

Originally Posted by Pitchwife

Speaking of control makes me wonder about those Ainur who merely clothed themselves into humanoid fanar rather than being fully incarnate. Since their 'bodies' were to them means of self-expression (or, in the cases of Sauron and his like, deception) that could be freely chosen and changed at will, we'd have to assume that any bodily functions they engaged in (such as eating, drinking and, you name it) were also completely subject to their will, wouldn't we? While this may seem enviable at first glance, I find myself wondering whether they were even able to experience spontaneous excitement, pleasure and climactic release as we do. In other words, if their desire to emulate the Children led them to attempting sexual intercourse, did it actually feel like the real thing to them or was it just a gymnastic pantomime that tragically missed the point?

My belief is that the more closely bound to their physical body a Ainur became the more they were subject to "biologial" impulses and experiences.

So Sauron, by this reasoning, would be more subject to this than practically any other Ainur.

However, I still can't wrap my mind around his personality (as we have evidence of it) having any interest at all in this sort of thing.

I think he would find it tedious and icky.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Kuruharan

I still can't wrap my mind around his personality (as we have evidence of it) having any interest at all in this sort of thing.

I think he would find it tedious and icky.

I think Sauron (and Saruman's) thoughts on sex could be reflected by the conscious breeding of Orcs to achieve specific physical traits, such as large stature, exceptional sense of smell, etc. Sex was merely a means by which to obtain more slaves.