> all the bad guys in LOTR are basically dark and ugly. Actually the worst of Sauron's evil was done when he was beautiful and charismatic (the forging of the

> all the bad guys in LOTR are basically dark and ugly. Actually the worst of Sauron's evil was done when he was beautiful and charismatic (the forging of the rings). Sauron's current form is a corruption by the ring of power. Most evil in Tolkien is brought on by corruption of self by selfish desire for power over others. So I really take exception to "all the bad guys in LOTR are basically dark and ugly." I'd even argue that some elves are portrayed as quite vain, selfish, power-hungry and downright evil (Feanor and the kinslaying?).