The Unfair Fate of Saruman - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Nikkolas · 06-08-2014, 10:13 PM

We might remember this one fellow by the name of Melkor.

The progenitor of Evil itself in Arda; the being responsible for ruining some of the greatest creations and efforts of his brothers and sisters.

The Result:
Chain him up for a while, he says he's sorry, and all is forgiven.

Saruman? He made a tiny orc army, killed an inconsequential amount of humans, and...uh...that's about it. Oh, tortured some hobbits.

The Result:
BANISH HIM FOREVER FROM THE BLESSED REALM!

We must also look to their drastically different circumstances. Melkor descended into Arda specifically to rule it and to ruin everyone else's life.

Saruman? In many ways his Fall is as much to do with his Vala-imposed limits as his own faults. The task he and the other Istari had been set was pretty much impossible. I think Saruman, being a rather intelligent fellow, realized this. In many ways, his desperation for the One Ring was a reaction to his belief that there was absolutely no other way to defeat Sauron.

What do you all think? Do you agree Saruman got an overly harsh punishment? Essentially, does the punishment fit the crime?

06-08-2014, 10:13 PM	#1
Nikkolas Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 55	The Unfair Fate of Saruman We might remember this one fellow by the name of Melkor. The progenitor of Evil itself in Arda; the being responsible for ruining some of the greatest creations and efforts of his brothers and sisters. The Result: Chain him up for a while, he says he's sorry, and all is forgiven. Saruman? He made a tiny orc army, killed an inconsequential amount of humans, and...uh...that's about it. Oh, tortured some hobbits. The Result: BANISH HIM FOREVER FROM THE BLESSED REALM! We must also look to their drastically different circumstances. Melkor descended into Arda specifically to rule it and to ruin everyone else's life. Saruman? In many ways his Fall is as much to do with his Vala-imposed limits as his own faults. The task he and the other Istari had been set was pretty much impossible. I think Saruman, being a rather intelligent fellow, realized this. In many ways, his desperation for the One Ring was a reaction to his belief that there was absolutely no other way to defeat Sauron. What do you all think? Do you agree Saruman got an overly harsh punishment? Essentially, does the punishment fit the crime?