What if Saruman Got The One Ring? | Tolkien Theory

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 9. 05. 2024
  • Check out The Long-Expected Soundscape: jordanrannells.com/shop
    25% off the 3-part collection: NERD25 (Expires June 10, 2023)
    15% off the 3-part collection after June 10: NERD15
    10% off one soundscape: NERD10
    Hit subscribe and the bell for great Tolkien content every week!
    Nerd of the Rings on PATREON: / nerdoftherings
    NOTR merch: nerdoftherings.creator-spring...
    To purchase artist work, check out these amazing artists!
    Tulikoura - www.deviantart.com/tulikoura
    Matthew Stewart - www.matthew-stewart.com/
    BellaBergolts - www.deviantart.com/bellabergolts
    Magdalena Katanska - www.artstation.com/magdalenak... / qualiney
    Jerry Vanderstelt - store.vandersteltstudio.com/m...
    Anna Podedworna - www.artstation.com/akreon
    Jenny Dolfen - goldseven.wordpress.com/
    Turner Mohan - turner_mohan
    Ted Nasmith - www.tednasmith.com/shop/
    Anke Eissmann - anke.edoras-art.de/anke_illust...
    Aronja Art - / aronjaart
    Ivan Cavini - / ivan_cavini
    Sara Morello - www.artstation.com/saramorello
    Matěj Čadil - www.etsy.com/people/matejcadil
    Tulikoura - www.deviantart.com/tulikoura
    Aegeri - www.deviantart.com/aegeri
    Sergio Botero - www.artstation.com/sboterod
    Noe Leyva - / noeleyvart
    Clemence Morisseau - www.artstation.com/kahirie
    Edvige Faini - www.edvigefaini.com , edvige.faini , edvige_faini
    Saruman The Many Colored - Ralph Damiani
    saruman - Dzmitry Yakhouski
    Saruman - Kinko White
    saruman with the palantir - kuliszu
    lord of the rings the white council - White Council Game
    Sméagol and the Ring - Anke Eißmann
    Minas Tirith - Aronja Art
    Rise of Isengard, Orthanc - LOTRO
    Saruman - John Howe
    Celebrimbor - Angus McBride
    Saruman & Beren, Key of Orthanc - LOTRO
    Dol Guldur - Aronja Art
    The Eye of Sauron - John Howe
    Saruman - Steve Airola
    Saruman - Elrodimus Flash
    Saruman - Catherine Karina Chmiel
    the white council, saruman the white - mellorianj
    First Wave - Olanda Fong-Surdenas
    CavernsIsengard - John Howe
    Saruman Palantir - Steve Airola
    The Eye of Sauron - John Howe
    Gandalf - Catherine Karina Chmiel
    The Voice of Saruman - Alan Lee
    The White Hand of Saruman - Ralph Damiani
    Saruman - LOTRO
    Gandalf - Elrodimus Flash
    Gandalf - Jenny Dolfen
    Gwaihir the Windlord Bears Gandalf From Isengard - Ted Nasmith
    Across Middle-earth - Amon Hen - Ralph Damiani
    Uruk-hai - Paul Raymond Gregory
    The Horn of Boromir - Matthew Stewart
    Aragorn Watching Over Boromir's Body - Catherine Karina Chmiel
    Pippin and Merry in Fangorn Forest - Anke Eißmann
    Éomer - Soni Alcorn-Hender
    Eomer - Catherine Karina Chmiel
    the riders of rohan - Turner Mohan
    The Stranger in the Forest - Ted Nasmith
    Gandalf the White - Andrea Piparo
    Legolas and Gandalf - Catherine Karina Chmiel
    Edoras - Alan Lee
    saruman in orthanc - anotherstranger_me
    Saruman and Palantir - Angus McBride
    saruman with the palantir - kuliszu
    The One Ring - John Howe
    saruman of many colours - Tolman Cotton
    Saruman - John Howe
    Isengard - Ivan Cavini
    The Riders of Rohan - Peter Xavier Price
    Arriving at Isengard - Erodimus Flash
    Saruman - Elrodimus Flash
    Grima and the Nazgul - Ralph Damiani
    Grond - John Howe
    Sauron - anotherstranger_me
    Approaching Edoras - Ted Nasmith
    gandalf and theoden - Tolman Cotton
    The Riders of Rohan - Ted Nasmith
    king theoden - tulikoura
    Saruman The Ringmaker - Ralph Damiani
    Witch King of Angmar - Peet
    Grond - Ralph Damiani
    gandalf - Rafael Damiani
    Rohirrim in Battle of Pelennor Fields - Ivan Cavini
    Attack on Helm's Deep - Ivan Cavini
    The Palantir - Olanda Fong-Surdenas
    minas tirith - aegeri
    The Siege of Gondor - Alan Lee
    Corsairs - John Howe
    Witch King Morgul - Elrodimus Flash
    Gothmog - John_Howe
    Minas Tirith - Ralph Damiani
    Minas Tirith - John Howe
    Easterling - Olanda Fong-Surdenas
    Easterlings - John Howe
    orcs - Angus McBride
    Ents Destroy Isengard - John Howe
    Ent at Isengard - Elrodimus Flash
    Fall of Isengard - Elrodimus Flash
    Helm's Deep - John Howe
    Intro Rohan - Jan Pospíšil
    Fell beasts - Kinko White
    Witch King - John Howe
    Fell Beast - Elrodimus Flash
    Orthanc - Treason of Isengard
    glorfindel with elrond and gandalf - alystraea
    Nazgul Bowing Before Sauron - Kip Rasmussen
    frodo - Jenny Dolfen
    Across Middle-earth - Lorien - Ralph Damiani
    sauron - Anna Podedworna
    Saruman the White - Daniel Govar
    Fighting Uruk-hai - Jan Pospisil
    The Fell Beast of Mordor - Matej Cadil
    Aftermath at Isengard - Soni Alcorn-Hender
    Gandalf - Elrodimus Flash
    the white council, gandalf the grey - mellorianj
    Saruman - Tom Romain
    Gandalf - Anke Eissmann
    Gandalf - skullb*st*rd
    Gandalf the White - Steve Airola
    Eye of Sauron - John Howe
    sketchesSaruman - John Howe
    Gandalf the Black - Jose L Serrano Silva
    JRR Tolkien - skullb*st*rd
    The Shadow of Sauron - Ted Nasmith
    #lordoftherings #tolkien #saruman
  • Zábava

Komentáře • 801

  • @NerdoftheRings
    @NerdoftheRings  Před 11 měsíci +61

    Check out The Long-Expected Soundscape: jordanrannells.com/shop
    25% off the 3-part collection: NERD25 (Expires June 10, 2023)
    15% off the 3-part collection after June 10: NERD15
    10% off one soundscape: NERD10

    • @annevandermey7551
      @annevandermey7551 Před 11 měsíci +2

      Jordan’s soundscape is pure genius! It was such an amazing experience to be involved! Thanks for sharing!

    • @CrookedRosePOD
      @CrookedRosePOD Před 11 měsíci +1

      What about Tom Bombadil lol

    • @alongexpectedsoundscape
      @alongexpectedsoundscape Před 11 měsíci +4

      @@CrookedRosePOD Tom Bombadil is in the Soundscape! played by Phil Dragash, some may recognize that name :) You'll hear him singing away in the distance :) and Goldberry singing :D

    • @ChiaraSiasat
      @ChiaraSiasat Před 11 měsíci +3

      Jordan has done such an incredible job, I’ve been listening to the FOTR soundscape almost on a daily

    • @Azulakayes
      @Azulakayes Před 11 měsíci +2

      Faramir meets Eowyn...got goosebumps from that.

  • @JonStark117
    @JonStark117 Před 11 měsíci +1298

    *As much as he wanted to play Gandalf… Sir Christopher Lee was absolutely PERFECT to play Saruman. His commanding and stoic presence along with his cunning voice was just again…PERFECT casting.🙏🏼*

    • @specialunit0428
      @specialunit0428 Před 11 měsíci +17

      @Slywerk A pity, but don't forget that there is only so much you can put into a film. Alot has to be cut out sometimes and even then, things have to be mixed/changed for an audience rather than readers. Cinema's won't show films if they are too long, and DVD's can only hold so many hours.

    • @philhughes1315
      @philhughes1315 Před 11 měsíci +4

      What if it was Ian McKellen who acted SARUMAN. That's your next theory video

    • @jonathanhaste3803
      @jonathanhaste3803 Před 11 měsíci +14

      Christopher Lee was such a good actor he’d would have nailed Gandalf as well I reckon!

    • @GKTorn.
      @GKTorn. Před 10 měsíci

      Absolutely. 100% agree 🤘

    • @scubasteve7850
      @scubasteve7850 Před 9 měsíci +3

      They had to build up the jealous feelings for Saruman towards Gandalf somehow to get him into character fully lol

  • @oguzhanenescetin5702
    @oguzhanenescetin5702 Před 11 měsíci +817

    He would buy an anti-tree defence around Isengard

    • @rosiehawtrey
      @rosiehawtrey Před 11 měsíci

      Yeah, about 50 Phalanx CIWS should do it.

    • @GameAnGrog
      @GameAnGrog Před 11 měsíci +49

      And lo did Saruman spray Round-Up upon the Ents of Fangorn.

    • @BillyBob-js3ei
      @BillyBob-js3ei Před 11 měsíci +29

      @@GameAnGrogin this story, Saruman loses to Monsantos team of lawyers.

    • @jeffreyjeziorski1480
      @jeffreyjeziorski1480 Před 11 měsíci +6

      The first flame throwers on middle earth

    • @rosiehawtrey
      @rosiehawtrey Před 11 měsíci +3

      @@GameAnGrog Lovely stuff. My dad had fun with that when they moved into their bungalow when I was a kid. He did the roundup and diesel trick, then rotavated the back garden 4 times, then dug it out 4 times, then cleared out all the scaffolding pins and other rubbish, until he found a live grenade from WW2 by the garage... We came home to a bomb disposal truck..

  • @rinmathews9337
    @rinmathews9337 Před 11 měsíci +230

    You should do a theory video on what if Sam insisted on bringing Bill the Pony the whole way? How far could they have realistically made it bringing a pony everywhere?

    • @owenboss1030
      @owenboss1030 Před 11 měsíci +54

      LMFAO surely the balrog would cower in fear against the trusted steed Bill

    • @Gurrehable
      @Gurrehable Před 7 měsíci +22

      -We're going to Mordor alone, Bill!
      -Of course you are, Mr Frodo and Mr Sam, and I'm coming with you!
      *Wades into the water*

    • @rinmathews9337
      @rinmathews9337 Před 7 měsíci +2

      @@Gurrehable Maybe the water was only 4 feet deep

    • @groerhahn225
      @groerhahn225 Před 7 měsíci +7

      Finally someone's asking the important questions here.

    • @duncanramsay9262
      @duncanramsay9262 Před 6 měsíci

      He survived dude he's in the scaring of the shire.

  • @tombombadilofficial
    @tombombadilofficial Před 11 měsíci +383

    I want a story-heavy, open world, LOTR game where these scenarios are possible based on player interactions and choices.

    • @GregorySnipe
      @GregorySnipe Před 9 měsíci +58

      Tom be real, you would never leave the Old Forest. You would miss, Goldberry.

    • @filiperiksson3259
      @filiperiksson3259 Před 8 měsíci +21

      Have you looked into the Kingdoms of Arda mod for Mount and Blade 2? Still very much in development but it looks to become exactly what you're looking for.

    • @rookcapcoldblood2618
      @rookcapcoldblood2618 Před 8 měsíci +18

      I would encourage you to check out Divide and Conquer, a mod for Medieval II Total War. It’s a complete and total conversion mod that turns the entire game into Lord of the Rings in The Third Age, and one of my favorite moments is Isengard when you get the Ring and Saruman becomes the Lord of the Ring.

    • @HDdeiu
      @HDdeiu Před 7 měsíci +3

      @Hidetaka Miyazaki hear tom's words and make the magic part of this world!

    • @KEROVSKI_
      @KEROVSKI_ Před 7 měsíci +5

      @@filiperiksson3259 It's just not the same. If you could play a first person game, fighting massive armies, going through Middle Earth, that would be incredible.

  • @valentinkambushev4968
    @valentinkambushev4968 Před 11 měsíci +224

    I wonder if at some point, Faramir and Eowyn's rebels would be approached by new allies. Two blue pilgrims from the east, leading an army of alikely thinking men, seeking any form of resistance that is willing to stand up against their former leader.

  • @michaelkeith3308
    @michaelkeith3308 Před 11 měsíci +43

    Never thought of it until watching this but.....boromir trying to take the ring IS what SAVED the quest.
    Else, this likely WOULD have been what happened.

    • @Disgruntled_Grunt
      @Disgruntled_Grunt Před měsícem +2

      Yep

    • @Fordragon
      @Fordragon Před měsícem +5

      That's spot-on, because until this point, the Fellowship members had been debating whether to go straight to Mordor or to go to Gondor first. Boromir trying to take the ring made Frodo realize that the only hope of winning was to destroy it as soon as possible, and that he had to do it alone. Luckily, Sam was smart enough to guess that Frodo would try to sneak off, and was able to catch up to him.

  • @botros2010
    @botros2010 Před 11 měsíci +222

    7:29
    The description of the voice of Saruman perfectly shows how well cast Sir Christopher Lee was in the role. Man's voice was simply iconic.
    "Suddenly another voice spoke, low and melodious, its very sound an enchantment. Those who listened unwarily to that voice could seldom report the words that they heard; and if they did, they wondered, for little power remained in them. Mostly they remembered only that it was a delight to hear the voice speaking, all that it said seemed wise and reasonable, and desire awoke in them by swift agreement to seem wise themselves. When others spoke they seemed harsh and uncouth by contrast; and if they gainsaid the voice, anger was kindled in the hearts of those under the spell. For some the spell lasted only while the voice spoke to them, and when it spake to another they smiled, as men do who see through a juggler's trick while others gape at it. For many the sound of the voice alone was enough to hold them enthralled; but for those whom it conquered the spell endured when they were far away, and ever they heard that soft voice whispering and urging them. But none were unmoved; none rejected its pleas and its commands without an effort of mind and will, so long as its master had control of it."

    • @OrgusDin
      @OrgusDin Před 11 měsíci +3

      Read the entire thing in his voice, can confirm.

    • @virtualatheist
      @virtualatheist Před 11 měsíci +2

      ​@@OrgusDin I tried, but ended up just repeating, "To Isengard," over and bloody over!

  • @FieryCheeze
    @FieryCheeze Před 11 měsíci +93

    Okay, now I want more of this Faramir & Eowyn alternate universe!

  • @thamuffinman6911
    @thamuffinman6911 Před 11 měsíci +378

    The effort that went into this video & theory story is just next level. You’re the best man

    • @NerdoftheRings
      @NerdoftheRings  Před 11 měsíci +27

      Thanks so much! And thanks for watching and subscribing!

    • @johnsondoendi9224
      @johnsondoendi9224 Před 5 měsíci

      czcams.com/video/Sx9WtEYqt_o/video.html

  • @R2D93
    @R2D93 Před 11 měsíci +85

    Excellent theory. It sounds almost like Saruman obtaining the ring and taking over Middle Earth would be akin to Tolkien's worst industrialization nightmare

    • @PeekabooEUDK
      @PeekabooEUDK Před 10 měsíci +2

      This has no place in The Lord of the Rings "Tolkien's worst industrialization nightmare" Why would you mix them together?

    • @yw9113
      @yw9113 Před 8 měsíci +23

      ​@andreasjensen3853 the desecration of nature for the sake of industrialisation is a very prominent motif in Lotr tho so it's not at all far-fetched

    • @PeekabooEUDK
      @PeekabooEUDK Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@yw9113 Have you ever read what Tolkien wrote about people drawing parallels to the real world and his work? He hated it.

    • @yw9113
      @yw9113 Před 8 měsíci +20

      @andreasjensen3853 Tolkien might've disliked allegory but Lotr is quite obviously allegorical. Tolkien freely admitted so himself in his letters
      And the industrialisation and deforestation of Isengard are in no subtle way depicted as evil

    • @PeekabooEUDK
      @PeekabooEUDK Před 8 měsíci

      @@yw9113 Yeah obviously people can put more meaning into words than what they were meant to at the time they were written. "I think the text is a metaphor for bl bla bla" is straight out wrong if the writer mentions the fact that is NOT a metaphor for anything. He admitted that the LOTR trilogy was allegorical? Please give the source for that. In my copy of the first book it clearly states that it is not meant to give a secondary meaning.

  • @rafaelgustavo7786
    @rafaelgustavo7786 Před 11 měsíci +150

    He would have his telepathic ability greatly increased. In this way, he would control the Nazgûl (Unfinished Tales version), the Orcs, Trolls, Wargs and other evil creatures in the Misty Mountains.
    If Sauron didn't attack soon (logistically impossible with the existence of Gondor), he would be outmatched and overthrown. I imagine that this way Saruman would have two strong domains in the end: Isengard and Mordor.

    • @istari0
      @istari0 Před 11 měsíci +14

      Sauron had armies arranged along a very long front. He had both the forces and the geography to send an army into Rohan from the north either from the Black Gate or from Dol Guldur.

    • @mycaleb8
      @mycaleb8 Před 11 měsíci +5

      @@istari0 You're right, this theory ignores the substantial armies of Dol Guldur.

    • @7yep4336dfgvvh
      @7yep4336dfgvvh Před 9 měsíci +1

      Don't think he can overthrow sauron. Only the good can.

    • @groerhahn225
      @groerhahn225 Před 7 měsíci +5

      @@7yep4336dfgvvh Sauro and Saruman are both Maiars. More or less equal in power. There is no reason Saruman wouldn't be able to overthrow Sauron if he was wielding the One Ring.

    • @AlyssMa7rin
      @AlyssMa7rin Před 5 měsíci

      Theoretically, I'm sure that Saruman would be able to turn his might to Subjugating or expelling the portion of Sauron's soul within the ring.@@groerhahn225

  • @JonStark117
    @JonStark117 Před 11 měsíci +34

    *Seeing Sir Christopher Lee with that kind of power boost would be absolutely EPIC!👏🏼*

    • @autumninautumn
      @autumninautumn Před 10 měsíci +2

      Would near real life levels of Christopher Lee awesomeness

  • @ChipRogers
    @ChipRogers Před 11 měsíci +38

    I would love to see you do a video answering “what if Saruman came down?” In the Voice of Saruman in the books, Gandalf offers him the chance to redeem himself and help them one last time. What might have happened had he repented and joined our heroes?

    • @chrissnyder8108
      @chrissnyder8108 Před 11 měsíci +3

      Well, Saruman would not have trashed the Shire, so the Hobbits would not be coming home to a big mess. As for the rest, since the Fellowship & Frodo won their battles without Saruman, I supposed having him on their side probably would not have created a much different outcome.

    • @lysander3262
      @lysander3262 Před 11 měsíci +16

      "He may have rendered great service"
      He might have been instrumental at the Battle of Pellenor (sic?) Fields. His voice may have bolstered the defenders of Minas Tirith against the fear instilled by the Nazgûl. Or perhaps he could have laid enchantments upon mumaks or felbeasts. Many that would have died might have lived. It would not change the outcome of the war, but an extra wizard would have changed many lives.
      My two cents.

    • @Gurrehable
      @Gurrehable Před 7 měsíci +1

      ​@@lysander3262I lean more towards the "great service" consisting of Saruman telling them what he knew. His staff was broken, so I doubt he would have any instrumental role in the rest of the story. His soul may have been redeemed in the end though

    • @arthurbriand2175
      @arthurbriand2175 Před měsícem

      ​@@chrissnyder8108Or he would have tried to betray them to get the ring and would have fucked up the final battle of the black Gate.

  • @Jim-pq9pm
    @Jim-pq9pm Před 9 měsíci +24

    I was always under the impression that only Sauron can use the rings power properly, and that it is always seeking to reunite with him. I've always believed that any scenario that involves someone claiming the ring for themself is ultimately serving Sauron's end. It will inevitably return to him.

    • @theoncomingstorm7903
      @theoncomingstorm7903 Před 5 měsíci +11

      Supposedly according to Tolkein that doesn't apply if the ring is claimed by a Maia, who could claim the ring to such a degree that it results in the same outcome for Sauron as if the ring were destroyed. Though the evil in the ring would still dominate the Maia that claimed it.

    • @Jim-pq9pm
      @Jim-pq9pm Před 5 měsíci

      @@theoncomingstorm7903 What did he specifically say? Because Saruman doesn't have the full power of a Maia

    • @theoncomingstorm7903
      @theoncomingstorm7903 Před 5 měsíci

      One can imagine the scene in which Gandalf, say, was placed in such a position. It would be a delicate balance. On one side the true allegiance of the Ring to Sauron; on the other superior strength because Sauron was not actually in possession, and perhaps also because he was weakened by long corruption and expenditure of will in dominating inferiors. If Gandalf proved the victor, the result would have been for Sauron the same as the destruction of the Ring; for him it would have been destroyed, taken from him for ever. But the Ring and all its works would have endured. It would have been the master in the end. @@Jim-pq9pm

    • @luiswohlrab4847
      @luiswohlrab4847 Před 5 měsíci

      I think so as well, but this way the video is more interesting, portraying an unlikely yet still possible scenario.

    • @movieclipsreversed2494
      @movieclipsreversed2494 Před 5 měsíci +3

      ​@@Jim-pq9pmGandalf also doesn't have the full power yet Tolkien believed that it was more than possible scenario if he claims the One Ring

  • @valentinkambushev4968
    @valentinkambushev4968 Před 11 měsíci +17

    For some reason, I hate Saruman more than any other LOTR villain. I think what I hate the most about him is how he always puts himself above everybody else. I've always hated characters and people who do this. They really couldn't cast anyone else, but Christopher Lee (RIP). This man had a perfect signature look of superiority.

    • @Your-Least-Favorite-Stranger
      @Your-Least-Favorite-Stranger Před 11 měsíci +4

      My issue with him is the blatant, unapologetic manipulation. I despise manipulators.

    • @owenboss1030
      @owenboss1030 Před 11 měsíci +3

      Cutting out Saruman's death scene was criminal. There's an interview with Christopher Lee where he corrects Peter Jackson on how he should react to being stabbed by Grima. The dude was one of a kind.

  • @SpaceMonkeyBoi
    @SpaceMonkeyBoi Před 11 měsíci +67

    What if Gollum killed Sam and Frodo in their sleep?
    What if Eomer took the ring?
    What if Borimir took the ring?
    What if Azog took the lonely mountain? And how would that effect the war if the ring?
    What if the balrog killed the fellowship?
    What if Saruman won helms deep?

  • @Beryllahawk
    @Beryllahawk Před 11 měsíci +4

    Short version: Saruman gets the Ring, and Middle-Earth becomes New Jersey :(

  • @Parasmunt
    @Parasmunt Před 8 měsíci +6

    Saruman was one of the most interesting characters in the book, the Voice is especially a fascinating concept. Imagine going to Saruman and even from a distance you hear a musical voice and feel your heart lifted, you want to sit down and listen forever not turning into an automaton you still have your faculties but just completely charmed and beguiled. Imagine the power of that. The Sirens from Greek mythology would be an analogy.

  • @primal1233
    @primal1233 Před 11 měsíci +26

    I'm not sure how powerful he would be, but he would definitely be more powerful than he already was

  • @Br4dSp34d
    @Br4dSp34d Před 7 měsíci +4

    "...and Debbie"
    just kills me every time 😂😂

  • @phoenixstudiosprime
    @phoenixstudiosprime Před 10 měsíci +7

    I love how this video is structured, laying groundwork from the cannon before turning to theory. The epilogue was fantastic

  • @myriadmediamusings
    @myriadmediamusings Před 11 měsíci +64

    Oooh now this is a possibility I never considered! Loved your previous what if installments, theyre like an extra special event.
    If you dont mind me throwing out my own suggestion: What if Isildur survived Gladden Fields? Meaning that his company still gets ambushed, sons killed and stll loses the ring, but doesnt get felled by arrows?

    • @daarom3472
      @daarom3472 Před 11 měsíci

      would much have been different really?
      I wonder what would've happened if during the Nirnaeth Arnoenidad the evil men hadn't been evil and betrayed their allies, would the alliance have won and what wod the landscape look like afterward?

    • @Hellbane224
      @Hellbane224 Před 11 měsíci +1

      To be fair, losing the Ring is WHY he got felled by arrows. He put on the Ring and dove into the water to try to escape, but the Ring did what the Ring likes to do and abandoned him, leaving him exposed.

  • @daveroe4961
    @daveroe4961 Před 11 měsíci +28

    I always thought Saruman was never interested in using The Ring except to advance his knowledge in order to craft his own ring.

    • @Gilliganfrog
      @Gilliganfrog Před 11 měsíci +21

      Wrong. If anything, Saruman's intentions were the exact opposite: he experimented with creating his own rings SOLELY BECAUSE he didn't possess (but very badly lusted after) the One Ring himself.
      Although both beings were Maiar, Sauron was far, far greater & more powerful than Saruman; and Sauron's One Ring was far, far more powerful than anything Saruman could have ever made.

    • @marcoaraiza9381
      @marcoaraiza9381 Před 4 měsíci

      Yeah, plus the one ring adds to sarumans power. If he made his own ring he'd just gimp himself like Sauron did

    • @Mare_Man
      @Mare_Man Před měsícem

      ​@Gilliganfrog Tolkien himself said that if Saruman had been able to fill the gaps in his Ring-lore he would have been able to forge a Great Ring of his own and challenge the bearer of the One.

  • @naraiceylob
    @naraiceylob Před 8 měsíci +1

    The one thing I note is that I suspect that the elves would flee middle earth when an enemy took the ring whether that enemy was Sauron or Sauruman.
    While Lothlorien and Rinvendell may fall I suspect they would both be near empty before they fall. Perhaps a rearguard would remain but Elven kind would have fled to the havens.

  • @CybershamanX
    @CybershamanX Před 11 měsíci +14

    Interesting choices for Saruman's actions! I would have never figured what would have happened if he had hidden that he had found the ring from Sauron! Thanks for this interesting "what if"! 😎🤘☮

  • @eric81757
    @eric81757 Před 9 měsíci +5

    I think it would have been possible for Saruman to get the ring earlier than he did. If Gandalf had decided to go to the shire instead of listening to Radagast, then Gandalf wouldn't have known of his treachery, and they might have taken the ring to Saruman willingly. That has always been one of my big "what ifs". Gandalf even said that if he'd known about the ring wraiths being abroad, he never would have listened to Radagast, he would have gone straight to the Shire and left right away, missing out on a lot of the members of the Fellowship along the way.

  • @cassandrabuitron427
    @cassandrabuitron427 Před 11 měsíci

    Really excellent stuff. Congrats on almost hitting 1 mil!!

  • @omeryakuppatan5784
    @omeryakuppatan5784 Před 11 měsíci +2

    I get so happy whenever I see this channel's notification ❤ keep the good work man, great job!!!

  • @groerhahn225
    @groerhahn225 Před 7 měsíci +3

    I absolutely LOVE how the battle of Isengard mirrors the battle of Pelennor fields, in which the losing forces defending a fortress are saved by an emerging army. Even better, it also mirrors the battle of Five Armies, in the sense that the giant eagles save the day. Just that it isn't eagles but fellbeasts, and the day isn't saved.
    It's quite impressive how you manage to both stay as close to the lore and the spirit of Tolkien as possible while also coming up with an interesting scenario. Amazon Studios should have hired you as a writer, really.

  • @braixendelphox4051
    @braixendelphox4051 Před 11 měsíci +16

    The artists who lend their art to these videos are nothing short of incredible, Christopher Lee's likeness is completely spot on.

  • @killer4944
    @killer4944 Před 11 měsíci +13

    Great video!
    but how would Gandalf free King Théoden from Saruman's control if Saruman possesses The One Ring and his power over King Théoden at its fullest ?

  • @bobby_pilgrim4528
    @bobby_pilgrim4528 Před 11 měsíci +1

    That epilogue gave me goosebumps! I need more of that!

  • @alfiewilliams2425
    @alfiewilliams2425 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Amazing video,huge fan. compelling and perfectly reasonable within the lore and universe, but that epilogue... you have to do a follow-up 'what if' about that, the whole idea of their meeting would make for a great tale!

  • @TheSilentHeel
    @TheSilentHeel Před 11 měsíci

    Fantastic video as always! I absolutely adore these types of videos from you. I know you generally shy away from theory videos as you don’t want to become purely that, but I certainly wish you would do them a bit more often!
    One quick question, is it really so simple to just “claim” the ring? How do you go about doing that when it’s current master is Sauron? Do you have to hold more power than Sauron and convince the ring you would be a better master? Okay sorry, that was more than one. I got carried away haha.

  • @MichaelZislis
    @MichaelZislis Před 11 měsíci +2

    I love these theory videos! Just finished yet another read through of LOTR and wanted to add these to your list in case you didn’t have enough awesome content ideas in the pipeline 😅
    - What if Sam takes the ring
    - What if Faramir takes the ring
    - What if Aragon takes the ring
    - What if Boromir takes the ring

  • @picklebuckeye
    @picklebuckeye Před 11 měsíci +2

    That epilogue was just perfect!

  • @jesusknight1
    @jesusknight1 Před 11 měsíci

    Have you ever done a video about the Silmarills and their making, powers and histories? That would be most welcome! Thanks for your vids, I'm a new subscriber of your videos and they are amazing!

  • @steveslothstorm1155
    @steveslothstorm1155 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Loving these theory videos. In the Balrog video you mention how it's possible the Balrog of Moria might act as an ally to Sauron and it would be awesome to see a theory video considering what effect a more active Balrog would have on middle earth.

  • @kirkwhite3399
    @kirkwhite3399 Před 11 měsíci

    Daaamn. So many times in this i found myself exclaiming aloud 'yes!' This is how I'd imagined it would go. Very compelling. Excellent work...

  • @jaysgamingcorner8539
    @jaysgamingcorner8539 Před 11 měsíci

    Awesome video. This theory took a dark turn, fitting considering that it's about Saruman. Keep up the great work

  • @mirvzdnb
    @mirvzdnb Před 11 měsíci

    I absolutely love your What If‘s!
    It would be very interesting to see a „What if Faramir got the One Ring“.

  • @NerdoftheRings
    @NerdoftheRings  Před 11 měsíci +38

    What do you think of the theory? Anything you'd change? Did I forget something? Let me know!

    • @anand.v.s984
      @anand.v.s984 Před 11 měsíci +4

      Wait, wouldn't Soldier's from Rivendel and lorien Form Alliance with the Rohirrims and Ents

    • @electroskylightgaming4085
      @electroskylightgaming4085 Před 11 měsíci +4

      Here is the deal: The One Ring will keep magic and prevent the Decay of Middle Earth, albeit in a quite cruel way. After all, the valar left the race of men to its own devices, almost alone.

    • @Airick29
      @Airick29 Před 11 měsíci +4

      How can Gandalf cure Theodan with Sauroman’s power amplified?

    • @Lutoures
      @Lutoures Před 11 měsíci +2

      I loved tour theory and storytelling as always, Matt!
      As for changes: I think after claiming the ring and defeating Gandalf, Saruman wouldn't send the Nazgul to Minas Tirith. He would instead let the war play out longer, in order to weaken all other major powers.
      He would eventually side with Men, as you point out, but he would wait to see the results of the battle. If Gondor resisted, he would send an emissary (not the Nazgul, as they would be hidden or spying on the elves for now) and propose an "alliance" to defeat the remaining foes of Gondor, wich would actually enslave Denethor to his will, as he did before with Theoden.
      If the invading armies won, in the other hand, he would go through the same plan over a longer period, pitching men against orcs. The rest would go just as you said.
      I'd add that Fangorn would be absolutely put to ruins, and given to the Men under Saruman's control right away.
      Also, I'm very curious on how the three remaining wizards would react to this scenario. Radagast would likely be the first to confront him, and lose.

    • @istari0
      @istari0 Před 11 měsíci

      @@electroskylightgaming4085 The Three Elven Rings were intended to help prevent decay, not the One. It's purpose was to allow Sauron to dominate the wearers of the other Rings of Power.

  • @cherryb824
    @cherryb824 Před 11 měsíci

    These are my favorite types of vids, excited to watch

  • @matthewferguson1979
    @matthewferguson1979 Před 2 měsíci

    dude you are amazing. Never stop with the content. Absolutely amazing

  • @Sputnik_
    @Sputnik_ Před 10 měsíci +1

    These type of videos are some of the best. would love to see the "Got the one ring" series expand. for example what if Elrond got the ring or Legolas

  • @Delpino666
    @Delpino666 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Loved the video, man. Such a great take! One of the most interesting "what if" moments on the whole timeline for me is what if the Balrogs would have been too late and shelob had consumed the silmarils and Morgoth. Instead of a main antagonist who is cunning and bides their time the free peoples would have had to face one that was more instinct and hunger-driven

  • @arrjayzor
    @arrjayzor Před 11 měsíci +1

    I'm usually not fond of theory videos, but this one was really well done.

  • @jetdonovan2869
    @jetdonovan2869 Před 11 měsíci

    I love these what if videos. Keep it up!

  • @robertmyers4664
    @robertmyers4664 Před 11 měsíci +11

    Interesting theory but it’s missing one major player: Manwe.
    Yes the Valar have an annoying tendency to not get involved, but if things get bad enough they have eventually used their might to defeat Morgoth’s forces in the past.
    Sending the Istari was Plan A, as it ideally would allow the free peoples to resist Sauron on their own, and sending back a “powered up” Gandalf after he proved he would not be corrupted by it was further evidence of Manwe’s care for the survival of the free people’s. In the books, that was enough, but had the ring come up Sauron it Saruman, I fully believe the Valar would have intervened directly.

  • @Reaper0123
    @Reaper0123 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Nice theory, and hoping to see more ’what if’s’. And clearly in these ones about claming the ring, the True victor is ”The One”…

  • @123Everythingeverywhere
    @123Everythingeverywhere Před 11 měsíci

    This was awesome. perfect theory all around. Can't wait for a battle between upgraded Gandalf and Saruman with the ring.

  • @noahnaugler7611
    @noahnaugler7611 Před 11 měsíci +9

    That epilogue is such a tease, now I want this alternate timeline to exist

  • @TheZebbsonchannel
    @TheZebbsonchannel Před 11 měsíci

    wow! Insane thinking! You are truly amazing at this! So damn accurate and plausable that it sounds true to the lore hahah

  • @prestondurnell5394
    @prestondurnell5394 Před 11 měsíci +2

    Could you consider making a video of “What if the Witch King got the one ring” or what would happen if one Nazgûl got all 9 rings for themself? I’m really curious how that would play out if possible at all

  • @aboutthebook3213
    @aboutthebook3213 Před 11 měsíci

    as always, nicely done

  • @Cerylion
    @Cerylion Před 11 měsíci

    Always great to ser a new entry in this series. What could the next one be? Aragon claiming the ring?

  • @davehudson6276
    @davehudson6276 Před 10 měsíci

    Great video! Please keep up the good work!

  • @wanderdragon1075
    @wanderdragon1075 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Ooo man I may have to get this soundscape and start my read through of the Serkis audiobooks over lol

    • @alongexpectedsoundscape
      @alongexpectedsoundscape Před 11 měsíci +1

      Many others have done the same! Syncing is very easy and well worth it! :D

  • @DarkROSkull013
    @DarkROSkull013 Před 11 měsíci

    Wow. This theory is amazing. Good job :)

  • @ryankoops1455
    @ryankoops1455 Před 11 měsíci +8

    I don't think the process of mastering the ring would be so trivial as Saruman deciding to be its master. I think it would be a process that would take time to fight for its control. While Saruman is a powerful Wizard he is not as powerful as a Maia and is weakened compared to his Maia form.
    great vid! it clearly shows alot of time and research put in!

    • @Cerylion
      @Cerylion Před 11 měsíci +6

      On other hand, Saruman was preparing for centuries to claim the ring. If someone could master the ring in a short notice, I'd say it would be him.

    • @ryankoops1455
      @ryankoops1455 Před 11 měsíci +3

      @@Cerylion Its interesting to look how much Saruman prepared and how all of his preparations still lead to failure. I think Saruman is a great example of how preparation by your self in isolation isnt very useful. “No plan survives first contact with the enemy.” He has no real allies or friends to help him and does not truly test his plans against adversity. In his arrogance he sees his plans as flawless.
      Saurman prepares an army and weakens Rohan, yet its clear both in the books he does not actually have good battle strategy (this is seen in lotr and expressly state by Hammond and scull and discussed in a PPP episode.
      He sets himself up in a great position to find the ring, and yet fails to find it.
      He is the leader of the white council yet Gandalf is really the one that ends up directing the councils actions.
      While I agree that Saruman is one of the few who could master the ring, his knowledge is purely academic and not practical like Gandalf or Galadriel who wield rings of power and have been in the presence of the one.

  • @therovingranger
    @therovingranger Před 5 měsíci

    That was a really fun theory! I especially liked the idea that Faramir and Eyown are at the head of a resistance against the new ring bearer!
    I would love to see a theory video of what would have happened if Saruman had not turned to evil and had been present at the council of Elrond and helped the fellowship on their way to destroy the ring!

  • @CrumpetsRule
    @CrumpetsRule Před 11 měsíci +3

    Keep on the good work!😊

  • @jakubhulka3970
    @jakubhulka3970 Před 11 měsíci

    Great video! One theory that I would love to see on your chanel is What if Gil-Galad survived to the third age. Basically what if he was alive in the events of Lord of the Rings. Love your chanel, love your work. Have a great day.

  • @OutlawStradegyGaming
    @OutlawStradegyGaming Před 11 měsíci +2

    Your videos are badass dude, you're the bomb!

  • @gracelloyd3758
    @gracelloyd3758 Před 10 měsíci +1

    The soundscape sounds amazing

  • @mycophil
    @mycophil Před 21 dnem

    This is amazing, and the epilogue gave me ABSOLUTE GOOSE BUMPS!!!

  • @Jayjay-qe6um
    @Jayjay-qe6um Před 11 měsíci +1

    I like the continuation of this theory, most especially Faramir and Eowyn resistance against Saruman.

  • @wcs9582
    @wcs9582 Před 7 měsíci

    With the description we get from Tolkein you cited in this video, Christopher Lee was such a perfect choice for Saruman. RIP.

  • @kevindegraaff9875
    @kevindegraaff9875 Před 11 měsíci +1

    This is my favourite 'what if' so far

  • @Mentallect
    @Mentallect Před 11 měsíci +10

    Sarauman becomes basically Sauron himself with similar motivations, but slightly different as well. Sauron wants to control people to benefit people according to his evil philosophy which leads to him being autocratic, Saruman wants to resources more than people, but he Saruman also wants to control people, but Saruman likely kills off many more people than Sauron in the end because he craves gold and jewels more.

    • @shaneknolltrey728
      @shaneknolltrey728 Před 11 měsíci

      Well, they are both (former) servants of Aulë, and suffer the same controllingly-ambitious weaknesses of character. Makes sense they'd take ME in relatively the same direction.

  • @destro6971
    @destro6971 Před 11 měsíci +6

    10 seconds in and I’m pumped for this one 👍🏼

    • @yoostcool6889
      @yoostcool6889 Před 11 měsíci

      dude, 10 seconds in he was still doing the ad read

  • @mateuszslawinski1990
    @mateuszslawinski1990 Před 11 měsíci

    Truly the best and glorious outcome.
    *Looks at industrial combine with hundreds of forges*

  • @badgerpatt
    @badgerpatt Před 11 měsíci

    Wow, just wow!!! 🤯 Watching this is like reading a "Choose Your Own Adventure," except way better because it's Tolkien and You!!! ❤⚔️

  • @smaco6633
    @smaco6633 Před 9 měsíci

    The idea of Middle Earth going through an industrial revolution is awesome.
    Reminds me of that old Troika game, Arcanum.

  • @tobiasolausson8085
    @tobiasolausson8085 Před 8 měsíci

    One who breaks a thing to discover what it is has left the path of wisdom.
    One of my favorite passages from fellowship of the rings, I think the chapter is called the council of Saruman

  • @turdiousmcfurgeson1570
    @turdiousmcfurgeson1570 Před 3 měsíci

    That epilogue was 🔥!!

  • @maciejpietrzak6146
    @maciejpietrzak6146 Před 10 měsíci +2

    There might be a one flaw in that theory. Since you already pointed out, that Saruman's voice would be sttonger with the Ring, it's really doubtfull for me, that Gandalf wpuld be able to break his control over Theoden. And though, Rohan would be in the control of Saruman a whole time.

  • @MisterEnsayne
    @MisterEnsayne Před 11 měsíci +1

    Missed the What Ifs! Pretty sure that's how I discovered NotR

  • @kanealoha
    @kanealoha Před 11 měsíci +1

    Great job with this video.

  • @arinatema6932
    @arinatema6932 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Could you do a theory video on the would happen if the council of Elrond chose a different option then destroying the ring. Such as bringing it to Valinor or keeping it in Rivendell.

  • @TheZombifiedGuy
    @TheZombifiedGuy Před 11 měsíci

    This is a very thoughtful imagining, I think. It makes sense that Saruman would seek to manipulate Denethor instead of trying to defeat Gondor militarily at that point - even in canon, he tries to persuade Theoden to make peace. The fact that his voice also brings together men of the east and west against the orcs - though obviously not for benign reasons - is an interesting twist. I can even see how Saruman's powers of persuasion, enhanced by the ring, might lead men of Gondor to turn on the elves; it wouldn't necessarily need to be about dominating their wills so much as exploiting the fact that they would probably see them as recluses who contributed nothing to their defense since the War of the Last Alliance. Those ties aren't as strong as they used to be, and you can see the seeds of a sentiment like that in Boromir at the Council of Elrond when he says it's only because of Gondor that their lands are kept safe.
    Loved the epilogue, by the way. I was wondering how those two figured into things! It feels right.

  • @sauron6031
    @sauron6031 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Very cool video love this sort of stuff

  • @user-sd7ri9fy4i
    @user-sd7ri9fy4i Před 2 měsíci

    Nice work dude thanks

  • @vishnunaidoo3258
    @vishnunaidoo3258 Před 11 měsíci

    Good story!Guaranteed to make you think about how the movies could have ended with a different outcome!

  • @lestercross5123
    @lestercross5123 Před 7 měsíci

    Very interesting! 👍
    I don't read. In the films, my impression was the ring could go anywhere (except Mount Doom ofc) and it was ultimately advantageous for Sauron.
    (I never thought Sauron had need to fear Saruman claiming the ring.)

  • @Wolfbane8
    @Wolfbane8 Před 11 měsíci

    Love the video
    I am still holding out for "What If Bilbo Carried the Ring to Mordor?"

  • @NZStarlight
    @NZStarlight Před 11 měsíci +1

    I'm surprised to not see some quotes from Tolkien on what would have happened if Saruman had gained the ring? Surely he mentioned that in some of his letters?
    It's an interesting view that Saruman really could have "won". I think most people assume that Saruman was self-deceiving and that had he claimed the ring that Sauron wouldn't have had too much difficulty wresting it off him.

    • @ZanathKariashi
      @ZanathKariashi Před 11 měsíci

      yeah, I find it doubtful. The fact that he fell without even having the Ring gives him as much a chance of mastering it as Gollum.
      The Ring would play into his ego and let him borrow it's powers to convince him that he had mastered it (since no one in story knows that truly mastering the Ring would destroy Sauron instantly, the same as unmaking it, that was only explicitly confirmed in Tolkien's letters) while urging him to defeat Sauron and remove the threat to his power, at which point he'd essentially bring the Ring right to Sauron and it would betray him and return to it's true master.
      Everyone in story just assumes that mastering the Ring would let them use it's powers of domination and they could overthrow Sauron and eventually become a dark lord themselves no matter how good intentioned they started out as.
      Though Gandalf, Elrond, and Galadriel also acknowledge that it's more likely that the Ring would just pretend to help them right up till they unwittingly delivered it right back to Sauron for anyone foolish enough to even try to master it.

  • @timonlehmann5179
    @timonlehmann5179 Před 11 měsíci

    Thank you for your videos. They are right up my alley! However, one question still remains unanswered: What does Saruman do with his Uruk-hai army when he wants to drive out the Orcs and establish a human kingdom?

  • @astraloutlaw6549
    @astraloutlaw6549 Před 11 měsíci

    Good video as always NOTR. One area in Middle-Earth that interests me the most, and I'm not sure if you or Tolkien covered on it, is the area in the farther southeast known as the Dark Lands. I'm wondering....
    Why is it called that? Is that another area ruled by another evil? Perhaps by Sauron or some other, greater, much darker force? It's something I began to ponder on the most.
    Just to add, I always had this fan theory of what would happen if the Easterlings actually did not fight alongside the orcs nor for Sauron, but rather against them? Would Sauron and his forces even stand a chance against the race of men?

  • @theblackflame4002
    @theblackflame4002 Před 11 měsíci +4

    Here's an idea. What if Gollum didn't fall once he got the ring from Frodo, and instead escaped the mountain?
    Or for that matter, if he simply stole it back at some point during the journey not like he didn't have ample chances.

    • @fr-joey764
      @fr-joey764 Před 7 měsíci

      I think Nazguls/Orcs would have caugh him on day or another, Gollum was too weak even with the One Ring

  • @dougevans9184
    @dougevans9184 Před 6 měsíci +1

    At 9:41 do we think that Gandalf would have had the strength to heal Theoden with Saruman wielding the power of the ring? Ah, maybe because he didn't claim it at that point..

  • @smahlt
    @smahlt Před 4 měsíci

    No idea if you'll see a comment on a video this old, but I have been rereading LotR and came across a part that I think would make for an interesting "what if" theory. Near the end of Fellowship, Aragorn discusses what the Fellowship should do. He acknowledges Boromir will go to Minas Tirith, suggest Merry and Pippin should do the same, doesn't comment on Legolas, and volunteers the rest, including him, to go to Mordor with Frodo. What if the orc attack didn't happen, Boromir did not die, the hobbits didn't get captured, and the fellowship did end up splitting apart the way Aragorn suggested?
    It's an interesting and hugely significant change to the story. The actions of Aragorn and his followers almost single handedly prevent both Rohan and Gondor from being destroyed. One also wonders what Gandalf would do had he not rejoined him.

  • @virusO1OOOOO1
    @virusO1OOOOO1 Před 11 měsíci +2

    Oh man I remeber my brother in law had a sweet surrond system when we all binged LoTRs it was great, I bet Soundscape is going to be a completely different experience!

    • @alongexpectedsoundscape
      @alongexpectedsoundscape Před 11 měsíci +1

      Hearing it through a surround system is quite the experience!!

    • @virusO1OOOOO1
      @virusO1OOOOO1 Před 11 měsíci +2

      @@alongexpectedsoundscape I am excited to bare witness to the newest form of Tolkien appreciation/exaggerations, ALWAYS! 😂
      P.S. Thank you to any and all Soundscape team.💯✌️🙌

  • @youplaywell1165
    @youplaywell1165 Před 11 měsíci

    This is amazing!!
    The best - What if

  • @kevinmoore4845
    @kevinmoore4845 Před 11 měsíci +1

    You can also consider the possibility of Saruman finding the ring on the remains of Isidur in the Gladden Fields. Him slowly mastering the ring until the welders of the three become aware of him. Him leaving the council, then the council declaring war on Saruman when he refuses to destroy the ring.

  • @aronmakan
    @aronmakan Před 11 měsíci +2

    Thanks! Could You Do More "What If" Videos In The Future?

    • @NerdoftheRings
      @NerdoftheRings  Před 11 měsíci +1

      Absolutely! It has been FAR too long since I did a theory video and I'll definitely not wait so long for the next! Thanks for the Super!

  • @doominator4072
    @doominator4072 Před 11 měsíci +1

    I love this theory as I’m a big fan of Saruman and Isengard.

  • @markus-hermannkoch1740
    @markus-hermannkoch1740 Před 7 měsíci

    Nice theory. I would differ in one point: A powerful ring bearer like Saruman would not need to come in proximity to the Nazgul. They would serve him the instance he claims the Ring. Regardless of where they are at the time.

  • @Kay2049
    @Kay2049 Před 11 měsíci

    Great video, is it possible to make a what if Elrond takes the ring pleaseee ?