Two Dark Lords?

[obloquy]

Originally Posted by LadyBrooke

Indeed I always thought that rule under Galadriel would be like when Sauron was around in the guise of Annatar. Most would think her benevolent, looking out for the good of all, but eventually she would claim control of everything. We can't forget that (according to most versions of her stories) she came to Middle Earth looking for power and that she was counted the greatest of the Noldor alongside her Uncle. Look how much trouble Feanor managed to stir up.

Tolkien's description of the new Ring Lord's (or Ring Lady's) slide into corruption was somewhat more subtle than simply veiled wickedness. Benevolent rulers can deprive subjects of freedoms in the name of protection, and force upon them "the wisest course." A perfectly structured society where all fill designated roles, all are protected, and none are deviant might be the most beneficial from the perspective of an all-powerful ruler, but this kind of structure requires the revocation of choice and freedom, and the decisive removal of any dissenting voices, thereby making slaves of all.