It's hard to think of a more iconic, definitive example of modern fantasy than The Lord of the Rings. Much of its appeal comes from the fantastical nature of both its environments and those inhabiting them. At the crux of this saga's majestic elements are two major wizards - Gandalf and Saruman.
These two sorcerers prove similarly powerful and influential, though in vastly different ways. Being at odds with each other and essentially mirror images of one another, their prominence largely impacts the fate of Middle-Earth. As such, one can't help but be curious as to which wizard reigns supreme as a whole.
Gandalf: Defeating The Balrog
As the Grey Wizard put it in Moria, the Balrog is a demon of the ancient world holding a power far greater than any of the Fellowship. Even the legendary Mithrandir himself struggles quite a bit in slaying this monstrous foe - "technically" meeting his end before being sent back.
Still, at the end of the day, Gandalf did end up defeating this monstrosity; a beast who dwarfed him and laid waste to Moria simply by plowing through it. Meanwhile, Saruman was ended at the hands of a mere mortal man, Grima Wormtongue.
Saruman: Was Able To Summon His Own Army
Much like a video game player commanding troops in a real-time strategy game, a corrupted Saruman was able to summon and lead an entire army of Orcs in a short period of time. Not only this, but his thousands of Orc troops take the form of the stronger, more intimidating "Uruk-hai."
As Gimli notes in The Two Towers, "their armor is thick; their shields broad." And despite the solid defenses of Helms Deep, these Orc elites prove to be worthy opponents for both men and Elves.
While Gandalf was venturing through Middle-Earth struggling to gather forces to his cause, Saruman scarcely had to leave his tower to raise over ten thousand of his very own soldiers.
Gandalf: Able To Wipe Saruman's Spell From King Théoden
One can certainly point to the impressive, intimidating nature of Saruman's range of powers - including his ability to corrupt and hinder the minds of people. Case in point? King Théoden; whose was rendered nearly impotent thanks to a mere spell from Saruman.
Yet, this makes it all the more impressive that a quick visit and "exorcism" from Gandalf was all that it took to wipe away this corruption. A few minutes of spell-casting from Gandalf proved sufficient in not only freeing the mind of Théoden, but also propelling Saruman backward in his tower.
Saruman: Can Influence The Weather And Conjure Storms
Aside from Saruman's ability to birth an army of super-Orcs with his industrial machine, he also proves to be quite a "force of nature" too.
During an intense scene of Fellowship, Saruman is seen conjuring an ominous snowstorm to stop the heroes from ing through Caradhras. This quickly turns into a death storm that threatens to bury the Fellowship. And the fact that Gandalf's efforts to counter it comes up empty would seem to show Saruman has the upper hand when it comes to influencing the weather.
Gandalf: His Ressurection And Return As A White Wizard
As it's indicated in J. R. R. Tolkien's novels, Saruman has ample experience as a White Wizard, taking this prominent form for centuries and heading the White Council. Yet, between the source material and Jackson's film trilogy, it's pretty clear that Gandalf's leap in power from "Grey" to "White" wizard was vast compared to any transformation from Saruman.
His experience with death and resurrection would seem to have augmented him with more power, influence, and wisdom, compared to a corrupted Saruman.
Saruman: His Alliance With Sauron
It's tough to understate the influence involved in teaming up with perhaps the most prominent figure in Middle-Earth and creator of the One Ring itself. Even absent physical form, Sauron is able to pull strings to summon a massive army and corrupt individuals, all while watching over Mordor.
With such a major alliance, Saruman, by association, is able to exert power over Middle-Earth and remain mostly untouchable - at least for a time.
Gandalf: His Independence As A Wizard
Still, Isengard's pact with Mordor does come with one inherent flaw - the once-influential wizard is essentially beholden to this dark lord. Even in the early-goings of Jackson's trilogy, Saruman is commanded to "build an army worthy of Mordor." And what good is power if it cannot be freely wielded?
Even though Gandalf may not have a subservient, self-crafted army at his command, he does have the luxury of being able to do as he pleases. He essentially answers to nobody, only answering calls for aid out of the goodness of his heart and the desire to see Middle-Earth be rid of evil. He even ends up taking command of the forces of Gondor during the battle for Minas Tirith.
Saruman: His Access To A Palantir
Gandalf can certainly travel about swiftly and use his wizardly intuition, but he doesn't have the luxury of accessing a Palantir - at least for much of the trilogy. This is a sort of Middle-Earth version of a TV, communication device, or wi-fi. It allows for visions and communication amongst the vast stretches of the lands.
Saruman does possess one of these assets, and it's how he's able to conspire with his ally in Mordor during the trilogy. It gives him knowledge, insight, and general awareness of Middle-Earth happenings which Gandalf simply can't obtain.
Gandalf: His Vast Influence In Middle-Earth
Even with the element of magic in Middle-Earth, one can really only be as powerful and influential as people believe they are - much like the real world.
Saruman may have the command of Orc hordes, but Gandalf's influence extends far beyond summoned Uruk-Hai. Both the books and films illustrate this wizard is beloved and ed by various races, rulers, and prominent figures all across Middle-Earth.
This comes in handy while the enemy starts plotting their takeover of the lands, as Gandalf utilizes key alliances with the Elves along with Rohan and Gondor. He's able to help assemble and hold together the Fellowship which ultimately defeats Sauron, and commands thousands of soldiers in battle.
Saruman: Defeating Gandalf At The Tower Of Orthanc
It's tough to argue the merits of a direct one-on-one fight when it comes to comparing strength. And as it happens, there is such a face-off in the early goings of Fellowship.
During a fight of physical and magical prowess in the Tower of Orthanc, Saruman ultimately comes out on top, after whipping Gandalf around like a ragdoll and securing his staff. Granted, Gandalf is still in his "Grey" form at this stage in the saga, but it still helps show where these two wizards stand in power relative to each other.
