What if Gandalf and the Fellowship Joined Sauron?

In the grand narrative of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, few characters embody the virtues of wisdom, courage, and reverence for the ancient ways as much as Gandalf. However, let us imagine an alternate scenario: what if Gandalf and the Fellowship decided to join Sauron?

If we consider a scenario where Gandalf is drawn to such an alliance, it is clear that this change is due to a corruption by the One Ring’s power. The Ring’s influence would weaken Gandalf’s noble character, eroding his humility, restraint, and respect for any authority. In this altered state, Gandalf would no longer think pragmatically about the Fellowship’s plans but would instead pursue a more selfish goal: using the Ring to defeat Sauron himself.

Gandalf’s Decision and the Ring

The Ring’s corrupting influence would be crucial in Gandalf’s decision. If Gandalf and Saruman are working together to obtain the Ring, Gandalf, with his unparalleled mystical skills, would most likely be the one to secure the artifact. Once in possession of the Ring, Gandalf would take it upon himself to master its power. He might either delay revealing the Ring’s acquisition to Saruman until he could fully harness its abilities, or he could manipulate the situation to maintain control.

Gandalf would be highly reluctant to hand the Ring over to Saruman, given the Ring’s corrupting nature. Instead, he would present himself as a reformed ally and advisor, offering his services to Saruman. This new Gandalf might even convince Saruman that he can be a valuable ally, working towards their shared goals. However, his ultimate goal would be to undermine and likely one day betray Saruman, using the Ring’s power to consolidate his own influence.

The Strategic Alliance

Saruman would be a shrewd enough to recognize the danger posed by a Ring-empowered Gandalf. Instead of challenging him directly, Saruman might attempt to outwit and manipulate Gandalf. He might propose roles within his ranks—chief ally, advisor, or even a position of power—humbly offered to Gandalf. However, Saruman’s underlying strategy would be to exploit any opportunity to turn against Gandalf and further his own agenda.

Even with such a strategic alliance, the impact of Gandalf’s betrayal would be limited. Saruman’s military forces, while formidable, are not as powerful as those of an alliance between Gandalf and the full strength of the Fellowship. Additionally, Gandalf’s mastery of the Ring would provide him with an unparalleled advantage on the battlefield.

The War and Aftermath

During the War of the Ring, Saruman’s forces might provide a quicker and more straightforward victory. But with Sauron’s defeat, it becomes clear that even with Saruman's assistance, Gandalf’s alliance was based more on personal gain and the desire to avoid direct conflict with the Dark Lord.

Ironically, once Sauron is vanquished, Gandalf’s true intentions would be evident. His commitment to a fair and just world, where everyone works together for the greater good, would remain intact. Even with Saruman’s influence, Gandalf’s vision for a harmonious Middle-earth would not significantly change. Any tilts towards pro-technology or more devious methods of handling dissent would be minor adjustments at best.

In conclusion, although a hypothetical Gandalf and the Fellowship joining Sauron presents a dramatic and twisted twist on the traditional narrative, the ultimate outcome would likely be a solo Gandalf seizing the Ring’s power for himself. The impact on the broader struggle against Sauron would be limited, as the true strength of the Ring’s power and Gandalf’s wisdom would prevail.

Keywords: Gandalf, Fellowship, Sauron, Ring