Lord Of The Rings: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Elves
6. Sauron Was Defeated By An Elf Not Isildur
Peter Jackson's prologue to the Fellowship of the Ring opened with one of the most gripping scenes in modern cinema. It had the task of providing all the exposition required to get a Tolkien newbie, up-to-date with the world. Jackson did an incredible job depicting the Battle of the Last Alliance, albeit he simplified many aspects.
When all hope had faded we were shown Isildur valiantly defy Sauron, cutting the Ring from his hand and defeating him single handedly. But in the original tale, Sauron's defeat was somewhat different. After the Dark Lord was besieged in his Tower of Barad-dûr for seven years, he finally came forth to do battle. He duelled with the High King of the elves, Gil-galad, and Elendil. He burned the former to death with his Black Hand, and then killed the King of Gondor, but not before both had mortally wounded him.
It was only due to the wounds inflicted by Gil-galad, that Isildur was able to cut the Ring from Sauron's hand and destroy his physical body.