I think answer is a transitive verb, but why does it have a preposition to?

Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
Excellent question. "Answers to" is actually a phrasal verb, and it is used to show that you are under the supervision of someone or to report to someone. In this case it is showing us that only "Sauron" can control the ring. Ex: Now that I'm your boss, you answer to me in all matters. Ex: You will answer directly to Mr. Wright. Ex: I answer only to my wife.