Did Saruman Actually Have the Power to Become the Third Dark Lord?

Saruman, one of the Istar wizards who were sent to Middle-earth to aid in the fight against Sauron, possessed significant power and knowledge. However, the question of whether he could have become a true Dark Lord like Sauron is complex and multifaceted, involving his ambitions, power, and limitations.

Ambition and Corruption

Saruman's Desire for Power: Saruman's ambition for power led him to betray his original mission. He became corrupted by the desire to rival Sauron rather than serve the greater good. This ambition is evident in his attempts to create his own army of Uruk-hai and to seek the One Ring for himself.

Crossroots of Corruption: Saruman's descent into corruption began with his obsession with the One Ring. His hunger for power and knowledge led him down a path where he began to see himself as a potential rival to Sauron. This is demonstrated in his early interactions and interactions with Saruman, where he is portrayed as more evil and corrupt than the other wizards.

Power and Knowledge

Knowledge and Sorcery: Saruman was knowledgeable in sorcery and had considerable power, particularly in his ability to manipulate and deceive. He also had access to ancient texts and knowledge which gave him an advantage in understanding the nature of the One Ring and the dark arts. His mastery of these skills allowed him to wield significant influence over others and to challenge Sauron directly.

Access to Ancient Texts: Saruman’s access to ancient texts and knowledge gave him a critical edge. His understanding of the One Ring’s weaknesses and the dark arts allowed him to forge Uruk-hai soldiers and other dark creations. He also attempted to strengthen his own power through the manipulation of others and the acquisition of the Ring.

Limitations and Downfall

Limited by Goodness: Despite his considerable power, Saruman was ultimately limited by his lack of a solid foundation in goodness. He underestimated Sauron’s power and the extent of his evil, which proved to be his downfall. Saruman’s ambitions and overconfidence in his own strength led to his isolation and destruction.

Defeat by the Free Peoples: Sarumans plans unraveled, and he was defeated by the forces of Rohan and ultimately by his own creations. His overconfidence and underestimation of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth led to his isolation and destruction. This defeat marked the end of his ambitions to challenge Sauron.

The Path to Becoming a Dark Lord

Will and the Ring: While it is clear that Saruman possessed the power to become a significant dark power, the question remains whether he could overcome Sauron in a contest of wills over the Ring. Taking the Ring from Sauron isn’t simply a matter of power but also a matter of will. Sarumans ambition and his underestimation of Sauron’s will led to his downfall.

Supplanting Sauron: Saruman likely could supplant Sauron as the third dark lord, but he would need to do so through a more strategic approach. By constructing an empire capable of challenging Mordor and conquering it through force of arms, he could use the Ring’s supernatural charisma and his gift for industry to build massive engines of war, breed terrifying monsters, and produce new invincible weapons. His reputation, which had not yet been compromised, would allow him to sway many powerful allies to his cause, leading to a formidable challenge against Sauron.

Conclusion

While Saruman had the potential to become a significant dark power in Middle-earth, his ambitions, limitations, and the nature of his character prevented him from truly becoming a Dark Lord like Sauron. His path was ultimately paved with betrayal, corruption, and isolation, leaving him to face the consequences of his own actions.