Saruman the Wise: From Reason to Madness

Contrary to what many believe, Saruman the Wise did not abandon wisdom for madness at his twilight. However, the path of his downfall began with a misguided belief in his own power and the limitations of the free peoples of Middle-earth. Gandalf, the wisest of all the Maiar, is often contrasted with Saruman, yet Gandalf never considered Saruman to be more wise than himself. Instead, Gandalf’s decision to refuse the leadership of the Istari (the Wizards) set the stage for Saruman's eventual descent into ambition and treachery.

Leadership and Wisdom

Gandalf, the original Gray Wizard known as Gandalf the White, held the position of head of the Istari. However, he refused this role, fearing he would become subject to the summons of Sauron in his fight against the evil of the Ring. Meanwhile, Saruman, the head of the order of the White Wizards, believed that men could not govern themselves and therefore should be guided by one who could. This belief, coupled with his lack of true wisdom, led him to see himself as a ruler and not merely a guide. Saruman’s ambition and desire for power led him to seek his own Ring of Power and, when that failed, to align with Sauron in an attempt to wield the One Ring.

The True Villain

Despite his early days as a loyal and wise wizard, Saruman's true villainy became evident when Gandalf refused to head the Council. Saruman jumping at the chance to replace Gandalf as leader marked the onset of his treachery. Rather than seeking to defeat Sauron and destroy the One Ring, as he was entrusted to do, Saruman became a power-hungry tyrant seeking to rule the world. Both Gandalf and other wise beings mocked Saruman, seeing him as nothing more than a court jester with dangerous ambitions.

Disagreements and Motivations

The discrepancy between Saruman and Gandalf's paths highlights the complex motivations and decisions within Middle-earth. Tolkien often tinkered with the backstory of his works, leaving many questions unanswered. For example, the return of the Ring was never fully explained, and the reasons why Saruman opposed driving Sauron out of Dol Guldur remain ambiguous. Tolkien's notes in the Return of the King Appendix B mention that Saruman first used the Palantir around 3000, but no one can be certain of the true reasons behind his actions and decisions.

Key Points

Gandalf’s Refusal: Gandalf refused the leadership of the Istari, fearing that accepting a summons from Sauron could compromise his mission. Saruman’s Ambitions: Saruman saw himself as the great ruler of men, seeking to create his own Ring of Power or align with Sauron to achieve his goals. Final Mercenary Act: Saruman’s descent into madness and power-hunger cost him, with Gandalf revealing that had he accepted the role, the whole conflict could have been avoided. Motivations and Controversies: The true motivations behind Saruman’s actions and his motivations in using the Palantir are still subject to interpretation and debate.

Despite his early reputation as a wise and powerful wizard, Saruman's path took a dark turn. This shift from a wise advisor to a malevolent leader serves as a cautionary tale in the broader narrative of The Lord of the Rings.