Unraveling the Transformation: Saruman the White to Saruman of Many Colors

One of the most fascinating characters in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is Saruman, whose journey from a wise and powerful leader to a corrupt figure of darkness is a testament to the corruption of power and the moral decline of even the most noble of beings. This article will explore the main differences between Saruman the White and Saruman of Many Colors, focusing on their character developments and the reasons behind their moral transformation.

Saruman the White: A Figure of Light and Order

Initially, Saruman, appointed as one of the Istari (the order of wizards) in Middle-earth, is portrayed as a wise and powerful figure. He is closely aligned with the principles of order and the fight against the dark forces led by Sauron, the primary antagonist of the Last Alliance. The color white, representing purity, wisdom, and allegiances with the forces of good, symbolizes his initial nature. As the leader of the Maiar, a spirit of light, Saruman is entrusted with the mission of maintaining balance and resisting the encroaching darkness.

The Moral Decline: Saruman of Many Colors

However, as The Lord of the Rings progresses, we witness Saruman veer off course. His desire for power and control leads to his corruption. This transformation from a figure of light to one of many colors symbolizes his moral decline and the abandonment of his original mission to combat evil.

Saruman of Many Colors is a reflection of his altered state and the multiple identities he now embraces. The phrase "of many colors" is a nod to the idea that white light can be refracted into a spectrum of colors through a prism. This imagery is relevant to Saruman's transformation in that he has allowed himself to be influenced and corrupted by various powers, much like a light source being split into different shades of light.

Breaking the Original Mission

The essence of Saruman's transformation is rooted in his breaking of the original mission he was assigned as Saruman the White, symbolized by his title. In the quest to achieve power and control, Saruman has chosen to embrace multiple identities, reflecting the idea that breaking white light into various colors represents the corruption of his original purpose. Gandalf's subtle criticism of Saruman's actions, as seen in his famous quote, “he that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom,” highlights the futility and wisdom of adhering to the original mission rather than attempting to subvert and distort it.

Essentially, Saruman has fallen victim to the temptations of power, much like Sauron, though through different mechanisms and devices. This transformation from a figure of light to one of many colors is not merely a change in appearance but a profound shift in character and purpose.

The Deception and Overreach

In Tolkien's universe, deception and overreach are often the undoing of even the noblest of characters. Saruman's journey from leader to corruptor is marked by his double-dealing and deception. The attempt to be "all things to all people" as he abandons the original mission of being "Saruman the White" only leads to further isolation and weakness. In a larger sense, the devices and techniques used by Saruman, such as his attempts to seduce and deceive, mirror those used by Sauron, which highlight the effectiveness of deception in maintaining one's control and power.

In the context of The Lord of the Rings, this transformation is further emphasized by Saruman's final confrontation in the tower of Orthanc. Here, his seductive attempts and lies result in his weakening, rather than strengthening his position. This outcome is a consequence of the deception and overreach that have characterized his transformation, reflecting the broader narrative of power and corruption.

Conclusion

The transformation of Saruman the White to Saruman of Many Colors is a pivotal moment in Tolkien's narrative, illustrating the corrupting influence of power and the importance of adhering to one's original purpose. Through this lens, the title Saruman of Many Colors becomes a symbol of his moral decline and the abandonment of his original mission. This transformation serves not only as a cautionary tale but also as a reflection on the human (and Maiar) condition, where the constant temptation of power can lead even the most noble of beings to a fall from grace.