The Impact of Gandalf’s Revelation to Saruman in Bilbo’s Quest for the One Ring

In the vivid world of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the characters are not just mere entities but each plays a pivotal role in shaping the fate of Middle-earth. One compelling question arises: what would have happened if Gandalf had decided to share the news about Bilbo Baggins' discovery of the Ring of Power with Saruman?

Understanding the Characters: Gandalf and Saruman

To set the stage, it is crucial to understand the roles and motives of Gandalf and Saruman at the point in time when the discovery of the One Ring was made. Saruman the White is one of the Maiar known as Istari, or Wizards, in the Universe of Middle-earth. However, by the time of Bilbo Baggins' journey, Saruman is no longer the paragon of virtue. He has been seduced by the allure of power and is actively working in conspiratorial dealings with Sauron, the Dark Lord. Saruman also possesses his own ring, a knock-off of the One Ring, symbolizing his corrupted ambition.

Potential Scenarios if Gandalf Told Saruman

If Gandalf had chosen to inform Saruman about the discovery of the One Ring, there are two plausible scenarios: Saruman would either attempt to use the Ring to challenge Sauron, or he would collude with Sauron to find the Ring. Both scenarios would have dire consequences for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth.

Saruman's Attempt to Challenge Sauron with the Ring

In the best-case scenario, Saruman would use the Ring to challenge Sauron. However, given Saruman's already corrupted state, it is unlikely that he would succeed in this endeavor. Instead, the Ring would corrupt him further, turning him into a lesser Dark Lord, corrupted and controlled by the power of the One Ring. This transformation would not only isolate him but also provide Sauron with a formidable ally. The creation of the Uruk-hai, Saruman's experiments with more powerful and aggressive orcs, would make for a more efficient and terrifying army for Sauron.

Saruman's Collusion with Sauron

In the worst-case scenario, Saruman would cooperate with Sauron to locate and destroy the Ring. This would hasten the collapse of the Free Peoples and the rise of an even more formidable Dark Lord. Sauron would likely learn of Bilbo's discovery, knowing that a skilled Ringbearer like him could become a significant threat to his dominion. Consequently, Sauron would prioritize his search for the Ring, likely leading to an accelerated campaign to conquer the Shire and the lands of Middle-earth.

Saruman’s Hierarchy and the Ring’s Discovery

Considering Saruman’s hierarchical nature and his deeply ingrained sense of authority, it is likely that he would dismiss the Ring's significance initially. Saruman's hierarchical mindset would make him skeptical about the Ring's true identity, especially if it was not found at the Gladden Fields, the traditional site where the One Ring was believed to reside. However, should he decide to investigate the ring, discovery of its true nature would be disastrous.

If Saruman indeed decided to inspect the ring and discovered its true identity, he would still be overwhelmed by the Ring's immense power. Tolkien specifically notes that only Gandalf among the Istari might have the strength to resist the Ring's influence, but even he would face a delicate balance. Saruman, with his already corrupt spirit and unchecked power, would be far more susceptible to the Ring's sway. This would lead to a rapid and irreversible downfall for Saruman, solidifying Sauron's power and hastening the annihilation of Middle-earth's free peoples.

Conclusion

The hypothetical scenario of Gandalf revealing the discovery of the One Ring to Saruman presents a grim picture for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. Both the best and worst scenarios involve significant corruption and peril. The steadfastness of the Free Peoples and the interconnected roles of their leaders would be crucial in resisting the dominance of the Dark Powers.

The discovery and the potential consequences highlight the profound impact of power and the moral fortitude required to resist its corrupting influence. The narrative of Middle-earth is a constant reminder of the fragile nature of freedom in the face of overwhelming darkness.