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Originally posted by UrsumelesSauron is stated by Tolkien to be of a far higher order than Maiar like Gandalf or Sauruman, and Sauron casually tanked lightning cast down on him by the Valar.
not really. The Ones >> Maiar.
Sauron>most Valar (barring Melkor)>>>>>>other Maiar.
He also survived the blast that destroyed Numenor, which was sent by Eru Iluvitar. Eru being the God creator of Tolkien's lore. His spirit survived anyway, not his physical body.