Why did Tolkien say that Gandalf would be a "far worse" Dark Lord than Sauron? | Lord of the Rings

Video Description

Why did Tolkien himself write that Gandalf would be a “far worse” Dark Lord than Sauron? In this video, we explore one of the most fascinating scenarios in Middle-earth — what would happen if Gandalf had claimed the One Ring. Unlike Sauron, who sought domination through fear, Gandalf’s power would come cloaked in wisdom, mercy, and light. Tolkien described this version of Gandalf as the most terrifying of all rulers — a lord who would enslave the world not through terror, but through love twisted into obedience. ------------------------ All content falls under fair use: any copying of copyrighted material done for a limited and “transformative” purpose, such as to comment upon, criticize, or parody a copyrighted work. Such uses can be done without permission from the copyright owner. ------------------------ Credits to the talented artists listed below. If I missed anyone or if you’d like your artwork removed, please contact me at: [email protected] and I’ll update/remove promptly. Dark Gandalf (thumbnail) – TyrWulfsbane, via Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/dm45po/gandalf_the_black Gandalf the Black (also thumbnail) – Steve Airola, https://www.artstation.com/artwork/w625x6 Chronological order: Gandalf with staff – Matt Demino, https://www.instagram.com/mattdemino Sauron with the One Ring – Wizards of the Coast Young Gandalf and Saruman – Unsure artist, via Pinterest https://br.pinterest.com/pin/712342866043758374 Digital art Gandalf – Dakota Randall, https://www.artstation.com/artwork/qAz2YR Morgoth and Sauron – IruLana, https://www.deviantart.com/irulana Aragorn and Gollum – Adam Lane, https://www.artstation.com/adamlane Annatar and Celebrimbor – Kaprriss, https://www.deviantart.com/kaprriss Gandalf travelling – John Howe, https://www.john-howe.com/portfolio/gallery Elrond, Glorfindel and Gandalf – Alystraea, https://www.tumblr.com/alystraea/632244994206564352/elrond-glorfindel-and-gandalf-having-a-little Gandalf the Grey – Viktor Miller-Gausa, https://www.instagram.com/smart_elk Sauron – Shadow of War, Warner Bros. Gandalf the Grey – Fabio Leone, https://www.artstation.com/artwork/9mlQQ #tolkien #gandalf #sauron #middleearth #lotr #lordoftherings