Part 5/9:
The turning point in Sauron's perspective occurred when Gandalf successfully rallied the forces against him, particularly during the events surrounding Dol Guldur. Gandalf’s ability to unify the free peoples of Middle-earth caught Sauron off guard and instilled a sense of dread within him. Sauron began to see Gandalf not merely as an obstacle, but as a powerful rival capable of challenging his dominance.