How Saruman Knew Gandalf was a Maiar in Tolkien’s Middle-earth

J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion and The Hobbit, along with The Lord of the Rings, explore the complex relationships and origins of the characters in Middle-earth. One of the most intriguing questions revolves around how Saruman, head of the Order of Wizards, knew that Gandalf was a Maiar. Let's delve into the details and uncover the reasoning behind this understanding.

Insight and Perception: Saruman’s Knowledge

Saruman's wisdom and foresight allowed him to perceive much that others could not. In Middle-earth, he was renowned for his deep insights and the ability to see the future and understand the complexities of the beings and events around him. Saruman knew that Gandalf came from over the sea, suggesting that he recognized Gandalf’s fundamentally different origins.

‘Saruman saw further and deeper than others in Middle-earth. He knew Gandalf came from over the sea, so it didn’t take much for him to surmise that he was one of the Ainur. He also saw into Gandalf’s heart and so gave him Narya the Great.’

Recognizing Fellow Angels

Recognizing one's fellow divine beings is a theme that echoes throughout J.R.R. Tolkien's works. Even characters like Sauron and Gandalf, who are seen as opposing forces, would recognize the inherent angelic nature within each other. Sauron, as a fallen Maia, would recognize Gandalf, a Maia of the high order.

‘Game recognises game’. If Sauron and Gandalf were to confront each other, they would recognize each other’s angelic nature, though Sauron’s nature is more that of a fallen angel, as opposed to the pure and noble White Wizard of good.

The Order of Maia: A Shared Heritage

Saruman and Gandalf are both Maia, a type of spirit in Middle-earth. They are a resultat of creation by the Valar, the angelic beings who guide and watch over the world. Saruman, being a Maia himself, would naturally recognize his fellow Maia.

‘Because Saruman is a Maia, Maia - singular. Maiar - plural himself and they knew each other since the beginning of time. Since they both were Maiar and knew each other in Valinor before their Istari mission I’d judge that Saruman knew.’

Saruman was present when Gandalf was selected for the mission to Middle-earth, and his initial disappointment at not being chosen as the least of the Istari likely sowed the seeds of his jealousy towards Gandalf. However, this knowledge would have likely been well before any animosity developed.

Familiarity and Companionship

The relationship between Saruman and Gandalf encompasses a deep understanding that comes from their shared nature. It is not unlike knowing your closest friend's name; it's not a choice or a question, but a natural part of the bond that exists between them.

‘Oh I wonder wonderwonder how did Saruman know Gandalf was a wizard Hmm think think think. Saruman was a wizard, the head of the wizard’s council. It would be pretty dang dumb of him not to know that another member of the wizard’s council was also a wizard.’

The ‘wizards’ in Tolkien's lore are not DD wizards but are angelic spirits sent by the gods of Middle-earth, the Valar. Both Saruman and Gandalf belong to the same order of Maia, the Istari. Since they were familiar with each other before the formation of Middle-earth, their spiritual connection would have been strong, allowing Saruman to recognize Gandalf's true nature immediately.

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between Saruman and Gandalf as Maia provides a deeper insight into their interactions and the complexities of their world. Their shared heritage as Maia ensures a mutual recognition that transcends mere appearances and history, reinforcing the intricate tapestry of Middle-earth.

Key Takeaways:

Saruman recognizing Gandalf as a Maia stems from his wisdom and deeper perception. Ironically, Sauron and Gandalf, as fallen and high Maia respectively, recognize each other's nature. Both were Maia and knew each other in Valinor before their missions. The shared order of Maia and their spiritual connection ensured mutual recognition among such beings.

Keywords: Saruman, Gandalf, Maiar, Tolkien, Istari