The Ring: If Galadriel or Gandalf had taken it?

[Lalwendë]

That's excellent Boro!

I completely agree that Saruman is one of the most fascinating villains in literature. He reminds me of a few others, namely Faust, Satan in Paradise Lost and The Master in Doctor Who (not literature, I know ). I'm sure there are a few more. But out of all of them, Saruman interests me most. He's an enticing figure, and more intelligent than almost any one else. He is not, however, more wise.

I think that at some point his mindset changed and it became difficult to discern which were his own motives and which had been planted there by Sauron. He was a great scientist and I do believe that he began studying Ring Lore with intentions of gaining a deep understanding, probably with the intention of doing good, but he perhaps went too deep into this and at that point his own surety in his intelligence and skill overcame his purpose in Middle-earth and he began to think that perhaps he could find a way to best Sauron by beating him at his own game.

The one factor which shows that he had gone too far is when he 'breaks the light'. Light is holy in Middle-earth, and Saruman was not content to simply accept Light as such, but sought to see how it worked and how he could improve upon it and use it.

Originally Posted by Boro

Saruman is incapable of understanding the limitations of his powers. And therefor I believe if he wanted the One Ring to "break it" (as he did with the white light) and uncover crafting his own Ring of Power, he wouldn't understand the fruitlessness of his pursuit.

This is a really good point! I've never really thought that maybe Saruman wanted the One Ring so he could break it and understand how it was made/what it did, but it makes perfect sense, given his history. Do you think it would be fruitless because he would be incapable of achieving that or because you think Sauron would instantly pounce on it?