Why Did Saruman Want the One Ring in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium?

In the rich and intricate world of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, the quest to possess the One Ring is a central theme. Among the characters who sought this powerful artifact, none was more morally complex or significant than Saruman. This article delves into why Saruman desired the One Ring, examining his motivations from his initial noble intentions to his eventual corruption.

Initial Motivations: Studying Sauron and the Rings of Power

Initially, Saruman's interest in the One Ring was driven by a noble and strategic desire. He immersed himself in the study of Sauron and the Rings of Power, believing that a deeper understanding would aid in defeating Sauron.

This pursuit was part of Saruman's broader efforts to gather information that could help in the war against Sauron. His extensive knowledge of the arts of Sauron, which he gained through their time together in Valinor, was a powerful tool. Saruman's initial goal was to use his knowledge to forge a path toward ultimate victory in the conflict with Sauron.

The Path to Corruption

However, Saruman's studies went deeper than intended, and his understanding of Sauron became too intimate. His extensive knowledge of Sauron's history and the Rings of Power led to a profound, dangerous realization: he knew Sauron's plans and weaknesses intimately.

Furthermore, Saruman's close association with Sauron made him particularly susceptible to corruption. As Sauron's 'step-brother' in the high elven city of Valinor, Saruman's soul was already tainted with a dark and avaricious fascination with power. The deeper he delved into Sauron's secrets, the more his moral compass was compromised. The aspirations for ultimate power and control began to overshadow his earlier noble intentions.

The Fall from Grace: A Race Against Time

Driven by his desire to emulate Sauron, Saruman attempted to create his own Ring of Power. However, his pursuit of this goal ultimately backfired. Lacking the knowledge to actually produce a Ring that could rival the One Ring, Saruman recognized that he needed the One Ring itself to achieve his ambitions.

This realization led Saruman to embark on a desperate search for the One Ring. Following the clues left by the fall of Isildur, he traveled to the Anduin, where Isildur had perished. Saruman discovered the remaining shards of the elven pendant, the Noldorin King's prized possession, the Elendilmir. This discovery reinforced his belief that the One Ring was also still within the Anduin's currents.

To further his quest, Saruman falsely informed the White Council that Sauron was not present in Dol Gudur, and he concealed the truth about the One Ring's location. He misled the Council, claiming the Ring had long ago been lost to the sea, hoping to further his own agenda and maintain control over the White Council’s actions.

By misleading the Council, Saruman believed he could stay a step ahead of Sauron, using the delay to prolong his own attempts to find the One Ring. However, Sauron took this time to strengthen his forces, transforming Dol Gudur into a base of operations for his army of Nazgul.

The Final Confrontation: A Race Against Sauron

Saruman's hopes of obtaining the One Ring were dashed as he realized that Sauron was also actively searching for the Ring in the same area, but with the intent of capturing it first. This revelation forced Saruman to act, though it came too late to prevent Sauron from fortifying Mordor and initiating a full-scale war.

In the end, Saruman's aspirations for power were thwarted by Sauron's superior foresight and strategic planning. While Sauron constructed the Dark Tower and populated Mordor with his forces, Saruman's delays allowed Sauron to secure the One Ring, thus cementing his control over Middle-earth and beginning the last great war against the free peoples.

Ultimately, it was only through Gandalf's infiltration of Dol Gudur that the truth was revealed, and the White Council was alerted to Sauron's true plans. Saruman's relentless pursuit of the One Ring, driven by his corruption and ambition, set into motion the events that led to the downfall of Middle-earth and his eventual taming by Sauron.

Conclusion

The story of Saruman's quest for the One Ring in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium is a compelling tale of ambition, corruption, and a tragic fall from grace. Saruman's initial noble intentions crumbled under the influence of his deeply ingrained desire for power and control, leading him on a path that would ultimately cost him everything.