[Child of the 7th Age]

Galorme --

I agree with much of what you say about Saruman. Let me add just two things.

First, Saruman is the one being of evil in the LotR whom I can truly see in a tragic light. And he is also the one being in Tolkien's writings who deeply disturbs me because I see him, again and again, in our own world. And, frankly, that is a bit frightening.

Saruman had a subtle and charming voice which led so many into unwise paths. And I think that he could sometimes influence even those beings who, at the core of their hearts, were good and decent.

One example of this is how the Ents treated Saruman. How could this people who were known for their careful decisions, and lack of haste, so readily let Saruman go? I feel there is only one real answer. Saruman was able to use his voice in such a way that even this ancient and respected people gave in to his spell. If you care to examine the history of the twentieth century, you will see example after example of demagogic leaders who have apparently mastered this same skill. And they lead people on, decent ones as well as those already under the shadow, with disastrous results.

Secondly, the real question to me about Saruman is "Why??" Why did he go over to evil after so many ages spent in the service of good? What was the vital difference between Saruman and Gandalf, that made the former turn to evil and the latter become the agent of great goodness?

Several things are readily apparent. Saruman spent years studying the ways of evil and travelling to the east which Gandalf did not. Saruman seems to have been jealous of the regard shown to Gandalf from the beginning of their sojourn in Middle-earth.

But were there other things, things that go back to the land of Valinor? One thing that always struck me about Olorin (Gandalf) in the Silm is that he spent much time with Nienna who, above all else, teaches compassion, hope, and the endurance of the spirit. I almost think of this as a kind of "vaccination" for Gandalf, helping him to deal with the great sadness of Middle-earth, the realities of death and the shadow of evil. Saruman had no such training, and therefore his response to darkness was to adopt the way of manipulation rather than compassion.

Saruman's attitude towards "mechanization" is also a factor. It is as if he took the lessons and skills of Aule and then perverted them.

In any case, I wonder if others have any ideas on this: Why Saruman failed, while
Gandalf succeeded in following the path of light?

sharon, the 7th age hobbit

[ August 01, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]