Exploring the Quorans Who Reflect the Virtues of the Istari

The Istari, often referred to as the Wizards, were Maiar, powerful beings sent to Middle-earth during the Third Age to aid in the fight against Sauron. They were bound by a moral code that forbade them from dominating Free Peoples or using force to control them. This article will delve into five Quorans who embody the virtues of the Istari and discuss why they were chosen for this role.

Why Margaret Kogan as Saruman of Many Colors

Margaret Kogan (Taking Tolkiens Legendarium Not at Face Value)

Margaret Kogan, known as “Saruman of Many Colors,” is a Quoran who stands out for her unique approach to examining the legendarium. In her profile, she emphasizes, “nothing in the world is White and Black. Much of the matters located in the Gray area where the same facts can be interpreted in different ways.” This perspective resonates with Saruman’s nuanced and often challenging nature. Like Saruman, Margaret is dedicated to inspiring others by pushing the boundaries of conventional interpretations.

Gray Areas and Propaganda

Margaret’s work often involves filtering through propaganda and interpretations, much like Saruman’s own quest to understand the implications of a world where Sauron had triumphed. In one of her essays, she argues that “it won’t be a horrible place to live…When you start to analyze the text, the picture comes out not so gloomy.” This aligns with Saruman’s perspective on the potential benefits of a world post-defeat of the Free Peoples.

Building an Army of Uruk-hai

Although Margaret might seem to advocate for the use of Uruk-hai as part of her strategy, her intentions are different from Sauron’s. She argues that “the Uruk-hai are no worse than Hobbits.” This statement reflects her belief in the potential for redemption and positive change, much like Saruman’s own internal struggle and eventual shift in perspective. Margaret’s strategy of building an army of Uruk-hai to supplant Sauron appears more pragmatic than Gandalf’s attempts to hide and manipulate hobbits. She believes that “Gandalf was sneaking into Shire again and again hiding away from the observant hobbits,” suggesting a more transparent and less insidious approach.

The Elusive True Nature of Gandalf

Margaret delves into the complex nature of Gandalf, portraying him as “smart, shrewd, and scary.” She critiques Gandalf for his manipulation of young hobbits, arguing that “all human’s feelings are alien to him he can feign love and affection to manipulate persons but in reality he has none of such human feelings.” Despite this, Margaret acknowledges Gandalf’s wisdom and his alignment with Eru’s principles, stating that “his idea about the expendability of Middle-earth dwellers is quite in tune with Eru himself, who without any remorse could destroy a whole continent with living and breathing people.” This dual view reflects both the complexity and the moral dilemmas faced by the Istari.

Insights from Pip Willis

Pip Willis, another Quoran, complements Margaret’s approach. Willis’s work often explores the implications of a world where Sauron had won, reflecting the gray areas of interpretation and the potential for a different outcome. Her work is characterized by a nuanced analysis that challenges traditional narratives and encourages readers to question their assumptions. Willis’s dedication to exploring these gray areas aligns with the Istari’s mission to inspire and guide Free Peoples through complex moral and ethical challenges.

The Virtues of the Istari

The Istari, in their essence, embody virtues of wisdom, guidance, and a commitment to the greater good, even if it means making difficult decisions. Margaret and Pip Willis, as Quorans, encapsulate these virtues by challenging conventional narratives and inspiring readers to think critically. Their work stands as a testament to the enduring influence of the Istari in the Middle-earth legendarium.

Conclusion

The Istari were sent to Middle-earth to guide and inspire, not dominate. Margaret Kogan and Pip Willis align with this mission through their nuanced interpretations and dedication to truth, even in gray areas. As Quorans who reflect the virtues of the Istari, they offer valuable insights that resonate with Tolkien’s philosophies and the complexities of the world he created.