The Jealousy of Saruman: Why He Was Envious of Gandalf

Deeply rooted in the nuances of The Lord of the Rings, the relationship between Gandalf and Saruman is often shrouded in complex motivations and emotions. However, one significant query arises: why was Saruman envious of Gandalf? A detailed examination can provide insight into the psychological battle within Saruman’s psyche.

Origins of Ambition: The Invitation to Valinor

The journey that led to Saruman’s envy began in Valinor, where the Istari, the Wizards, were given their summons to Middle Earth. According to Tolkien's notes in Unfinished Tales, the Wizard Curunir (Saruman) volunteered as the leader, and when Manwe, the chief of the Valar, asked him to go, Curunir expressed reluctance, fearing Sauron. Manwe allayed his concerns by telling him to be 'the last to go, but not the least,' a small hint that may have planted seeds of future dissatisfaction. Varda, another Vala, added, 'but not the least,' which Curunir likely noticed. These subtle words could have sparked early seeds of envy and underestimation within Saruman, laying the foundation for his later jealousy.

Psychological Battle: The Quest and Power Hunger

Upon arriving in Middle Earth, Saruman's motivations became clearer. He studied the ways of Sauron with alarming zeal, driven by a deep-seated need for power and control. This direct focus on a rival of such magnitude indicates that Saruman sought to prove his superiority over Sauron. In his misguided quest, he ignored the initial warnings and advice given by fellow Wizards, including Gandalf. Saruman's disdain for Sauron was so profound that he even dismissed Radagast, the Green Wizard, as an insignificant figure, much akin to how he viewed the peoples and cultures of Middle Earth.

Gandalf, on the other hand, took a more measured and judicious approach. He embraced the values of Middle Earth, traveling freely and engaging with the various races. This method, while seemingly unproductive to Saruman, was in fact a crucial part of Gandalf's strategy to thwart Sauron's influence. The Grey Wizard’s wisdom and insights were seen as valuable tools in this quest.

Ring Lore and the Path to Corruption

Saruman's pursuit of the One Ring lore was what ultimately led him to his demise. Although the ring itself did not turn him, his in-depth study of its power and potential influenced Saruman heavily. As he delved deeper, Saruman began to recognize the true extent of Sauron's power and danger. This realization, rather than bolstering his resolve, caused deep psychological distress and fear.

The temptation to use a Palantir revealed Saruman's dark turn. His initial strategy was to test Sauron, but events unfolded such that Sauron discerned Saruman's intentions. Saruman slowly succumbed to Sauron's influence, maintaining the facade of loyalty while plotting a betrayal that would place him in a position of power. This betrayal was driven by his belief that he could seize control and become the ultimate authority. However, the irony is that Saruman was never fully aware of the extent of his fall, continuing to think he was biding his time and waiting for the opportune moment.

Conclusion: A Complex Journey to Corruption

The journey from envy to complete corruption under Sauron's influence was a long and complex one. Saruman's initial envy of Gandalf was merely a seed that grew into a profound jealousy fueled by his obsession with power and fear of Sauron. His path to corruption was fundamentally driven by his inability to accept his inferiority to Gandalf and his unwavering belief that he could surpass Sauron. By the time his roles were reversed, Saruman's envy had transformed into a darker ambition, pushing him irreversibly towards his ultimate demise.

For a deeper understanding of these complex characters and their motivations, explore the rich narratives and notes from The Lord of the Rings and its related works.