Did Gandalf and Saruman Know the One Ring was Made by Sauron?

From the depths of Middle-earth to the Tolkein books and beyond, the quest for the One Ring is central to the Adventures of the Fellowship of the Ring. A pivotal question that often arises is whether characters like Gandalf and Saruman had insights into the true nature of the Ring. This article delves into the knowledge of Sauron's creation of the One Ring and explores the perspectives of various characters and beings from Middle-earth.

The Discovery by Gandalf

When Bilbo first showed Gandalf the Ring, he recognized it as a Ring of Power. In The Fellowship of the Ring, specifically in the chapter The Council of Elrond, Gandalf's realization was confirmed: the Ring was indeed the One Ring forged by Sauron.

Gandalf's initial recognition of the Ring's power was a crucial moment, but his subsequent research extended over years. This extended period of investigation indicates that confirming such a significant fact required time and extensive study. It was only through extensive research and deduction that Gandalf and the company eventually uncovered the full truth about the Ring's origin.

While Gandalf worked diligently to piece together the puzzle, his primary focus was not on the ring's origins but rather on the dangers it posed to those who wore it. The account in the Council of Elrond serves as a testament to this, as it reveals the full ramifications of the One Ring, even to the wise and powerful.

Valar's Knowledge of the One Ring

The Valar, guardians of Arda, possess a virtually complete knowledge of all reality. Their understanding extends to the workings of the physical world and the affairs of Middle-earth. This collective wisdom not only includes the present but also the immediate past and the near future, which often becomes the present.

According to Ralph Damiani in Mandos, the Valar, particularly the Ainur, have a profound and enduring knowledge. Key figures such as Manw? and Vair? retain memories of all that has transpired in Arda. The powers of their minds and the knowledge of Mandos, who knows all things that have been and shall be, are almost absolute.

This omniscience means that the Valar, especially those like Mandos, would have known of Sauron's creation of the One Ring immediately. Mandos, often associated with justice and judgment, remembers everything, save the interventions of Ilúvatar. Thus, the creation of the One Ring would not escape his notice, even if his full knowledge was constrained by Ilúvatar's "unpublished" actions.

The Role of Ulmo

Similarly, Ulmo, the lord of the waves, also possesses near-complete knowledge of Arda. His aquatic realm is vast and layered, covering the oceans and the seas, giving him a unique and all-encompassing view of the world. Unlike the Valar, who have a bird's-eye view from the peaks of Taniquetil, Ulmo has a more detailed, water-based perspective.

Ulmo’s knowledge, while extensive, might not have been immediate in every aspect. While he can perceive almost everything in Arda, including the depths of the seas and the shadows of Melkor, his vision and memory might have been slightly less immersed in the immediate affairs of the lands compared to the Valar.

Nevertheless, Ulmo's role in the story is significant. He was one of the few Valar who witnessed the forging of the One Ring, and his knowledge would have been invaluable in understanding the power and potential consequences of Sauron's creation.

Saruman’s Awareness

Even Saruman, the head of the order of wizards, had his suspicions. In the text of The Fellowship of the Ring, it is mentioned that Saruman had told Gandalf that the One Ring had 'long ago vanished into the sea.' This hint suggests that Saruman had some inkling about the Ring's true nature, even if he might not have known the full extent of its creation or influence.

While Saruman did not discover the Ring himself, his awareness that it was a Ring of Power and its potential for corruption indicates that he too had some knowledge. However, Saruman's ultimate fate as a result of his own arrogance and desire reflects the treacherous nature of knowledge and power.

Conclusion

From the Valar, who possess an almost omniscient view of Arda, to the Elven smiths and Ulmo, who have a unique understanding of the world's waters, the knowledge of the One Ring was widespread. Gandalf and Saruman, while they eventually uncovered the truth, were not the first to know, and their respective insights contribute to the complex narrative of The Lord of the Rings.

The quest to uncover the truth about the Ring, both by the characters in the story and by those studying Tolkien's works, continues to captivate readers and fans alike. Whether through the art of the Valar or the wisdom of the wizards, the story of the One Ring is a testament to the power of knowledge and the dangers it can present.