However, not all of Middle-earth remains under Sauron's sway. Those Elves who had survived the vicissitudes of the First Age begin a new kingdom in Eregion, and during the Second Age, the Elves of Eregion forge many magical rings, including 19 Rings of Power with the aid of Sauron. At this time Sauron is still able to put on a fair appearance and manages to fool the elves into believing his intentions are good. But he deceived them, for in secret he had made the One Ring for himself in order to enslave them and all the other peoples of Middle-earth.
Sauron's plan fails, however: the Elves discover his plot and discard their Rings until they could be shielded from his influence. Sauron then waged war upon the Elves, capturing all the Rings of Power except three which were hidden as he had no part in their creation. While many Elves are killed and the kingdom in Eregion destroyed, the Men of Númenor help the Elves and repel Sauron. After the war, Sauron distributed seven rings to Dwarves and Nine to Men. The dwarves proved immune to his influence, becoming only inflamed with greed for gold, but Men prove weaker. The nine men that had received the rings became great lords, kings, and warriors of their time eventually fell under Sauron's sway, becoming in the end the Nazgûl.