Part 4/7:
The pivotal moment of Saruman’s corruption is subtly linked to the Elvish ring, Narya. The initial encounter he had with the elves, particularly Celebrimbor, left him embittered when he noticed that Gandalf received the ring instead of him. This act was seen by Saruman as a slight, feeding his underlying frustrations and arrogance.
As time passed, Saruman's pride continued to swell, culminating in his resentment during the formation of the White Council, where others, including Galadriel, favored Gandalf's leadership over his own. This dynamic exacerbated his sense of betrayal and desire for control, steering him further and further from his original mission.