The Necromancer in The Hobbit is actually Sauron , the Dark Lord of Middle-earth, hiding under another name while he regains his strength at Dol Guldur in southern Mirkwood.

Quick Scoop: Who (or What) Is the Necromancer?

  • In the book, the Necromancer is a mysterious dark sorcerer whose evil power corrupts Greenwood, turning it into Mirkwood.
  • He never appears directly in The Hobbit but is mentioned as the threat that pulls Gandalf away from Bilbo and the dwarves’ quest.
  • Later lore and appendices in The Lord of the Rings make it explicit that this Necromancer is Sauron in disguise, rebuilding his power at Dol Guldur.
  • In the films, this is shown more clearly: the shadowy Necromancer at Dol Guldur eventually reveals himself as Sauron.

Why Is He Called “The Necromancer”?

  • “Necromancer” is one of Sauron’s many titles, reflecting his role as a dark sorcerer associated with fear, spirits, and corrupted creatures like orcs and Ringwraiths.
  • He uses this hidden identity so the Wise (like Gandalf and the Elves) will not immediately realize that Sauron has returned and is gathering strength again.

Story Impact in The Hobbit

  • The Necromancer mainly acts as a plot device : his growing threat forces Gandalf to leave the company and join the White Council’s move against Dol Guldur.
  • Driving the Necromancer from Dol Guldur sets up the larger conflict of The Lord of the Rings , where Sauron openly returns to Mordor and becomes the main villain.

TL;DR: The Necromancer in The Hobbit is Sauron in a hidden form, secretly rebuilding his power at Dol Guldur before the events of The Lord of the Rings.

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