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Could Sauron Tempt Saruman to Embrace Evil in The Lord of the Rings?

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Saruman the White, depicted by Christopher Lee in ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ falls into darkness due to jealousy and the temptation of power, particularly concerning the One Ring. J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings provide a deeper understanding of his corruption and rivalry with Gandalf. Unlike the films, which suggest Saruman’s downfall is ambiguous, Tolkien’s narrative reveals Saruman’s ambition to usurp Sauron, leading to his eventual conflict with Gandalf and the hobbits’ struggle to reclaim the Shire.

Understanding Saruman’s Downfall

In the cinematic adaptation of ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ we are introduced to Saruman the White, portrayed by Christopher Lee, at a point where he has already succumbed to the dark influence of Sauron. His past, when he stood for righteousness, is only revealed through the accounts of Gandalf, played by Ian McKellen, and is elaborated in ‘The Hobbit’ films. However, the journey of Saruman’s corruption remains largely unexplored in the films.

Fortunately, J.R.R. Tolkien provides a rich narrative in his writings that details Saruman’s gradual fall into darkness. In texts such as ‘The History of Middle-earth,’ we uncover the intricate events leading to this pivotal transformation, which we will delve into in the following sections.

The Intricacies of Wizardry in Middle-earth

The wizards, known as the Istari, are unique beings referred to as Maiar, existing without a true corporeal form. They serve under the Valar, who are akin to deities in Tolkien’s universe. Notably, Sauron also belongs to the Maiar, alongside Gandalf and Saruman.

The five Istari—Saruman, Gandalf, Radagast, Alatar, and Pallando—were dispatched to Middle-earth during the Third Age with a mission to provide guidance and hope to its Free Peoples. Their role was to assist in the battle against evil without intervening directly in the affairs of the world.

The relationship between Saruman and Gandalf is marked by rivalry and ambition. Saruman, who was responsible for bringing other Istari to Middle-earth, felt an undercurrent of jealousy towards Gandalf, especially as Galadriel expressed a preference for Gandalf’s leadership over Saruman’s within the White Council. This envy was exacerbated by Gandalf’s possession of a Ring of Power, an honor that Saruman coveted for himself.

The Temptation of Power and the Search for the One Ring

As events unfolded, Saruman’s interest in the One Ring intensified shortly before the events of ‘The Hobbit.’ His quest to locate the Ring stemmed from a desire for power, ultimately leading him to misuse the Palantír to discern its whereabouts.

Tolkien articulated that a defining flaw of the Maiar is their impatience. Saruman found himself frustrated with the slow pace of events, leading him to seek a means to impose his vision of ‘good’ upon Middle-earth. This impatience became a gateway for Sauron to manipulate Saruman through the Palantír, drawing him closer to the dark side.

While the films portray Saruman’s fall somewhat ambiguously, the books present a clearer narrative. In the films, Saruman’s selfishness is hinted at, particularly in his line, ‘Leave Sauron to me!’ However, Christopher Lee confirmed that his character in ‘The Hobbit’ had not yet fully embraced Sauron’s corruption. Instead, he was driven by arrogance and ignorance.

The Divergence of Saruman’s Fate

One notable discrepancy between the films and the source material is Saruman’s ultimate fate. In the Extended Edition of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,’ Gandalf offers Saruman a chance to redeem himself by revealing Sauron’s plans. However, Saruman remains defiant until he is betrayed by Gríma Wormtongue, leading to his demise.

In contrast, Tolkien’s account reveals that Saruman always harbored ambitions to usurp Sauron rather than serve him blindly. When Gandalf confronts Saruman, stripped of his power, he does not meet his end at the hands of Gríma but escapes and subsequently subjugates the Shire. This sets the stage for the hobbits’ return, where they must reclaim their home from Saruman’s rule.

In ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,’ we witness Sauron’s attempts to corrupt Galadriel. Despite his manipulations, Galadriel ultimately resists his temptations, a stark contrast to Saruman’s downfall. This pivotal moment echoes throughout the narrative, emphasizing the strength of will against dark influences.

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