Why Was Saruman Afraid of Gandalf and Why Did He Dislike Him So Much?

In the realm of Middle-earth, the tales of Saruman and Gandalf are as legendary as the ancient battles they fought. Many have pondered over why Saruman stood in fear of Gandalf, and why their dislike for each other ran so deep. This article delves into the reasons behind their intense rivalry, exploring Saruman's pride, jealousy, and envy, as well as the historical events that fuelled this enmity.

Saruman's Enormous Anger and Frustration with Sauron's Disobedience

One cannot understand Saruman's hostility towards Gandalf without first understanding his relationship with Sauron. Saruman and Sauron shared a common enemy in the One Ring, but their approaches differed widely. Sauron preferred domination and control, while Saruman was more interested in self-aggrandizement. This fundamental difference led to Sauron's wrath towards anyone or anything that defied his will. Saruman, being Sauron's original mentor, could not tolerate the disobedience that Gandalf displayed, thus instigating the dislike and fear between them.

Competing Interests: Saruman's Quest for the One Ring and Gandalf's Resistance

The rivalry between Saruman and Gandalf was exacerbated by their contrasting goals. Saruman was relentless in his pursuit of the One Ring, driven by his own arrogance and desire for power. In contrast, Gandalf refused to engage in the dark arts or heed Sauron's commands. This stark contrast in their interests led to a growing animosity, fueled by Saruman's envy of Gandalf's wisdom and moral fiber.

Interpersonal Rivalries and Enmity from the Beginning

The seeds of their enmity were sown even before the events of the books took place. When the wizards were sent to Middle-earth, Saruman volunteered first. However, Manwe the King of the Valar, chose Gandalf next, rather than Saruman, for his wisdom and humility. This decision wounded Saruman's ego and added a layer of jealousy to their rivalry. Moreover, the ancient mariner Cirdan gave the Narya ring to Gandalf, despite Saruman's claim to that power, which added another insult to Saruman's pride.

The White Council and Saruman's Bitterness

When the White Council was formed, Saruman again took precedence over Gandalf, as the latter refused the position. Saruman's bitterness from this perceived snub intensified his dislike for Gandalf. He likely suspected that Gandalf was favored simply because Galadriel had nominated him without Gandalf's approval. These events, couched in the backdrop of historical distrust and envy, laid the foundation for their permanent enmity.

Saruman's Paranoia and Fear of Gandalf's Strength

Beyond mere jealousy, Saruman harbored a deep-seated fear of Gandalf's strength, loyalty, and compassion. Saruman eventually gave in to despair and treachery, attempting to end his wisdom and help that could have aided him. His inability to take even the last chance offered him speaks to his severe self-doubt and disdain for his own past actions. Saruman's envy and bitterness towards Gandalf were so profound that he saw his friend as a potential threat, further amplifying his fear and dislike.

At the heart of their rivalry lay not just pride and jealousy but a complex interplay of historical grievances and personal flaws. Both characters represent different sides of the human (or in this case, angelic) experience, encapsulated in Tolkien's rich and intricate narrative. Their relationship serves as a cautionary tale of how even the most well-intentioned individuals can be drawn into the abyss of envy and malice.