Part 4/9:
Sauron's understanding of the other wizards, including Gandalf and Saruman, was rooted in his own self-interest and misconceptions. He assumed they were sent by the Valar to regain influence in Middle-earth, just like he sought to enact his dominion. However, Sauron's alliance with Saruman further skewed his perception, reinforcing the idea that the wizards would ultimately act in self-interest — a notion that was fundamentally incorrect.