Did Saruman Believe He Could Master The One Ring?

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Professor Hedgethistle

Given that this is Gandalf speaking, I'm inclined to follow his lead and take his interpretation of the situation. Now if you want to try and discredit Gandalf you may go right ahead and try...

I wouldn't dream of it. Although Gandalf is not infallible ...

Nevertheless, Gandalf's words are not incompatible at all with my understanding. I refer the learned professor to my post #32. Sauron did not want information only. He wanted the Hobbit. Urgently, and with great anticipation. Why? Because he thought that the Hobbit had the Ring.

Perhaps those asserting the contrary case would care to explain why, if he did not believe the Hobbit to have the Ring, Sauron would become so obsessed with the Hobbit (such that his dark mind would become filled with his voice and face), why he awaited the Hobbit with such expectation and what exactly the error was that Gandalf was referring to.