The relationship between Gandalf and Saruman in JRR Tolkien's famous trilogy The Lord of the Rings is not just a depiction of good versus evil, but a depiction of the corruption of magic and power. Gandalf and Saruman are two incredibly powerful wizards, both of whom are looked up to by many throughout the novel, both with admiration and fear. Gandalf and Saruman began their journey together as wizards in the White Council, using their powers for the greater good. However, once greed, jealousy and a ferocious desire for power took hold, Saruman began using his magic for evil and began plotting to conquer Middle Earth by joining forces in an attempt to unleash the Dark Lord , Sauron. It can be argued who is the stronger or more powerful wizard between Gandalf or Saruman, hence why Tolkien shows the pair of wizards as a juxtaposition to represent both the good and evil sides of magic and power. Despite their obvious physical similarities, Saruman can be seen as a representation of Gandalf's "evil twin" who willingly transformed himself into a villain once he succumbed to the temptation of greater power, supremacy, and dominance. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In the Lord of the Rings, there are only two sides: good and evil. Those who are portrayed as good stand with Gandalf, fighting for morality, ethics, and general peace among all hobbits, elves, dwarves, and free people. Those depicted as evil coincide with Saruman and share a strong desire for power to control or conquer Middle-earth. On two completely opposite sides of the spectrum, Tolkien uses Gandalf and Saruman to illustrate extreme good and extreme evil. Gandalf and Saruman are a juxtaposition, as they both possess a lot of power and prestige as wizards, but they use their powers so drastically differently, as they have two completely opposite motivations. Both Gandalf the Gray - protagonist and noble member of the Istari - and Saruman of the Many Colors - antagonist and corrupt leader of the Istari - were sent by the Valar to stop Sauron's upheaval. Saruman's attraction to Sauron's ability to dominate and control all of Middle-earth led him to join forces with Sauron in an attempt to rule Middle-earth himself. In the same way that Saruman allies himself with Sauron to gain power, he allies himself with Gandalf before turning evil. Saruman sought Gandalf as an ally; however, once Gandalf surpasses Saruman as a wizard, out of bitterness and resentment, he joins forces with Sauron to gain even greater power. It was noted by Gandalf that "Saruman has himself studied the arts of the enemy" (Tolkien, 63). Although Saruman gains much power, he recognizes that he is not powerful enough to conquer Middle-earth alone. Saruman studies his enemies, to become stronger than those who pose a challenge or threat to him. As a result, Saruman's choice to join forces with Gandalf and Sauron was a strategic move to further help himself increase his powers so that he could soon conquer Middle-earth. The temptation of power, corruption and evil is a threat. incredibly powerful concept throughout this trilogy. The power that comes to the wielder of the One Ring, for example, is something that many may desire, but are unwilling to submit to due to the evil ramifications that come with such power. In the same sense that Gollum is unable to resist the temptation and powers that come from the One Ring, Saruman is unable to resist the temptation to.