I think one of the most essential aspects to Saruman's character was his sense of independence, even if in the end this was an illusion as he had been trapped from looking into the palantir. Each of the Istari came to Middle-earth with the mission to help overturn Sauron and each had his own way of achieving this end. Saruman chose to do this by exercising what was obviously an incredible intellect. He believed that his Ring Lore would be vital in achieving this end.
Even once he was 'caught' by Sauron, he may have truly believed that he was in the right by seekng to use his intellect and challenge Sauron. The joke on him at the end (or is it a tragedy?) is that Sauron fooled him; there never would have been an opportunity for Saruman to truly challenge Sauron and try another way.
It's still interesting to think whether Sauron taught him how to make his own Ring of Power, but I think that Saruman trying to make it of his own volition is more appropriate to his character.
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Originally Posted by alatar
That may have been a little much; having Minas Tirith looking like post-eruption Pompeii would certainly decrease its real estate value. Plus, Sauron was looking for slaves to oppress, and corpses are just no fun.
I would agree however that he was twiddling with Mount Doom to create smokes and vapors for the upcoming war. The smog that Sauon releases for the Battle of the Pelennor fields not only blotted out the sun (aiding his folk who forgot their sunscreen and parasols) but also contained some poison for the psyche, making men needlessly despair.
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It does also bring to mind the 'nuclear winter' type effects which have been seen following massive volcanic eruptions. There was one in the Dark Ages (one of the Pacific Rim volcanoes) which resulted in massive crop failure and the Sun being blotted out for a long time in Europe. Maybe that 'poison' was partly due to sulphur and other noxious gases in the air?