The relationship and rivalry between Gandalf and Saruman is one of the most complex blends of power conflict, moral dilemmas, and battles over the future of Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings.
Their confrontation at Isengard is the turning point of this rivalry and sheds light on the true nature of both wizards. So let’s look at how J.R.R. Tolkien structured their history and powers and how their infamous battle unfolded.
The Origin Of Gandalf And Saruman
Gandalf and Saruman are not ordinary men but mighty Istari-powerful beings of Valar. They are angelic beings sent to Middle-earth to help guide their people in the war against Sauron. Between the five Istari set for Middle-earth, the work of the two Blue Wizards and Radagast was to facilitate helping Free Peoples of Middle-Earth in wisdom, each one is proscribed from showing dominance and force.
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Saruman was the leader of the order; he was more aware of the arts of the enemy, Sauron, and was given power over all the other wizards. The humility and compassion of Gandalf towards the people in Middle-earth made him very different from Saruman, and this is what caused their division in the future.
Corruption And Betrayal Of Saruman
Originally, Saruman was despatched to defeat Sauron, but he gradually became obsessed with his desire to know about Sauron’s powers.
He wanted to gain the One Ring, for this Ring held the ultimate source of Sauron’s power. His research on Sauron’s method and power convinced him that to have a future of free Middle-earth, he needed to master such power.
Finally, he becomes corrupted and seeks to be at least as powerful as Sauron, not to defeat him. His complete dark transformation occurred, when he secured the control of Orthanc Tower of Isengard, after having begun to develop an army of Uruk-hai, which serves only him.
Gandalf’s Discovery And Imprisonment
Gandalf suspected something, so he left for a visit to Isengard. During that visit, Saruman unmasked his new ambition when he began to convince Gandalf to join him in dominating Middle-earth.
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However, Gandalf declines Saruman’s proposal, insisting that he remains loyal to the Valar’s mission and is devoted to the liberty of the free peoples of Middle-earth. Outraged by Gandalf’s decision, Saruman imprisons him at Orthanc, seeking to prevent him from interfering with his scheme. The captivity of Gandalf only ends when the Great Eagle Gwaihir frees him and flees him away.
The Battle At Isengard
The moment when Gandalf finally faces Saruman occurs when Gandalf returns as Gandalf the White, resurrected after his fight with the Balrog in Moria.
He is now stronger and heads to face Saruman at Orthanc, where the armies of Rohan and the Ents have left nothing but destruction in the wake of Saruman’s forces. In this face-off, Gandalf shatters Saruman’s staff, which represents his dismissal from the order of the Istari and loss of power. Saruman’s powers were reduced, and he became a prisoner within Orthanc.
Legacy And Aftermath
After the battle, Gandalf continues on his way to defeat Sauron. Saruman’s fall progressed and he was reduced to a mere shadow of himself, he tried to dominate the Shire but was defeated by Frodo and his friends. Meanwhile, Gandalf’s journey leads him to a triumphant victory over Sauron and the restoration of peace to Middle Earth.
Ultimately, it comes out that the fight between the two was not only for power but became a moral one as well. Gandalf represents humility and sacrifice while Saruman represents the dangers of unchecked desire and the siren lure of domination. Their battle reminds one of the value of staying true to one’s mission and goal no matter the temptation for personal power.
