Would Gandalf Have Become the Dark Lord if He Had Kept the One Ring?

Imagine a different world where Gandalf, the wise and noble wizard from J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved The Lord of the Rings, elected to take the One Ring when Frodo offered it to him. What would have transpired? This article delves into the implications of such a scenario, considering the consequences on their ultimate confrontation with Sauron and the potential fate of Middle-earth.

The Battle with Sauron

If Gandalf had taken the One Ring, he would have been compelled to use its power. While initially, he would have leveraged it to protect Middle-earth from Sauron's forces, he would eventually become corrupted. As Tolkien himself considered in a letter to Mrs. Eileen Elgar, Gandalf as Ring-Lord would likely have turned out to be far worse for Middle-earth than Sauron himself.

Self-Righteous and Corrupted

Tolkien remarked that while Sauron multiplies evil, he leaves some room for the good, as Sauron is thoroughly corrupted and doesn't care about moral implications. In contrast, Gandalf, if he retained his self-righteousness, would have become even more dangerous, potentially ruling Middle-earth with an iron fist. This scenario suggests that the corruption of power is less about the nature of the individuum and more about the inherent nature of power itself.

The Fate of Middle-earth

Given that Gandalf would have gained knowledge and familiarity with the Ring, he would eventually begin making deals with dark forces, transforming those who were previously in Sauron’s service. However, this path would not lead to a better outcome for Middle-earth. Instead, it would culminate in an evil Gandalf ruling the land, as opposed to the eventual triumph over Sauron at the hands of Frodo and Sam.

Alternative Timeline: Gandalf and the Ring

The Early Years

Picture Gandalf wandering in the evenings, the ring nestled safely in his pocket. He muses on the Ring's power and its potential to corrupt even the noblest of hearts. Seeking to preserve Middle-earth, he reasons that neither elves nor men can fully understand the Ring's true nature. Elves would attempt to overthrow its power, and mere mortals would succumb to its influence. Thus, he resolves to keep the Ring a secret, despite the potential dangers.

The Darkness Closes In

Afraid of losing control, Gandalf convenes with Saruman under the cover of night. He confronts the Nine Nazg?l, who demand the Ring. Gandalf, wielding his authority and the Ring's might, proclaims himself the Lord of the Ring. The sky erupts in lightning as the Ring takes hold of him. In triumph, he declares, "I am the bringer of light." However, this light turns to darkness, and Gandalf, no longer the ally of the Free Peoples, imprisons Saruman.

Unity and Control

With the Ring's newfound power, Gandalf unites elves and men in a war against Sauron. Eventually, they triumph and destroy Mordor. Yet, as a ruler, he is ever watchful and petty, meting out harsh justice to those who transgress. His ultimate ambition, however, is to ensure order and control over Middle-earth. He establishes a grand tower, The Great Tower of Unity, and places his Ringwraiths as temporary lords to maintain order.

The Final Betrayal

Despite his attempts to remain in control, Gandalf's reign over Middle-earth is ultimately brought to an end by his own hubris. Ordered by an assassin to take a chalice of poisoned wine, he perishes. The Ring, now fallen from his withered finger, passes into the hands of his murderer, leading to Middle-earth's descent into chaos and his legend becoming a tale of betrayal. Had Frodo not offered the Ring, its journey to Frodo, and the subsequent destruction of Gollum, would have led to a very different outcome, with more evils left unchecked in Middle-earth.

The Importance of Courage and Pity

In the end, Gandalf's refusal to take the Ring is a testament to his integral role in saving Middle-earth. Pity for the weakness of others, coupled with the desire to do good, are the paths that lead to their redemption. Gandalf's refusal to use the ring shows the power of humility and the strength of character, a lesson that is central to the story of The Lord of the Rings.