J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth is home to a lot of various and diverse races—from wizards to Hobbits, Dwarves to Men, Orcs to Elves, a lot of stories have been crafted to elaborately develop Tolkien’s world. The books and its film counterparts have enticed fans the world over with characters that not only we’ve come to know and love, but also those with which evil doings we’ve learned to hate. While Sauron could be safely said to be the ultimate antagonist in the Lord of the Rings, Saruman, the very cunning and manipulative wizard, is not so far, if not equal to him, when it comes to dreadful antics. In actuality, Saruman was supposed to belong to the force of the good guys, just like Gandalf, his fellow sorcerer. However, he was eventually corrupted by an in status or desire for power. He then connived with Sauron, the Dark Lord, to conquer the whole of Middle Earth by making use of the great potential and unlimited abilities of the One Ring [1].
While some people suppose that his turn for the worse was inflicted on him because using too much Palantiri of seeing stones, others believe that Saruman was just scheming to try and take down Sauron and be the ultimate bad guy in his own contorted way. Whatever the case may be, Saruman is undeniably one of the most complicated and interesting characters the whole of Tolkien’s franchise. With Sauron being an amorphous and celestial baddie, for the most part, Saruman mainly brings about a story that is more humanized when it comes to evil antics. However, Saruman’s film actor Sir Christopher Lee would always point out that conventionally, he wasn’t really an evil man. A lot of fans might wonder why that could be the case, especially those who are new to Tolkien’s world and only had knowledge of Middle Earth based on the movies. In this article, we’ll dig deeper into the Lord of the Ring’s most evil wizard, Saruman.
While some people suppose that his turn for the worse was inflicted on him because using too much Palantiri of seeing stones, others believe that Saruman was just scheming to try and take down Sauron and be the ultimate bad guy in his own contorted way. Whatever the case may be, Saruman is undeniably one of the most complicated and interesting characters the whole of Tolkien’s franchise. With Sauron being an amorphous and celestial baddie, for the most part, Saruman mainly brings about a story that is more humanized when it comes to evil antics. However, Saruman’s film actor Sir Christopher Lee would always point out that conventionally, he wasn’t really an evil man. A lot of fans might wonder why that could be the case, especially those who are new to Tolkien’s world and only had knowledge of Middle Earth based on the movies. In this article, we’ll dig deeper into the Lord of the Ring’s most evil wizard, Saruman.
Saruman the White
Also recognized as Saruman the White as well as Sharkey later on, Saruman was a Wizard (Source: ). He existed in the Middle Earth throughout its Third Age. He was primarily the White Council’s leader whose job is to stop Sauron from conquering Middle Earth. Sauron had a thorough dark magic knowledge. This knowledge, later on, drove him to develop a desire to possess the One Ring. Sauron beloved that he could acquire the Ring for his own self or either become Sauron’s only servant. With this, he connived Mordor in Isengard during the War of the Ring [2]. However, he failed and got defeated. With a constant curiosity, he studied Sauron’s art to such great lengths. Initially, he thought that this was necessary to aid him and his fellow Wizards better at opposing him.
Soon enough, he became enticed by the Dark Lord’s—most notably the Ring. He then turned his back on his quest, and using the seeing stones, he looked into the Middle Earth’s future under the Sauron’s control or him. Saruman pretended to keep his loyalty to the adversary while he was yearning for the Ring. However, his plans lay wasted because he was defeated both during the Battle of Isengard, as well as the Battle of the Hornburg [3]. Before Saruman’s descent, he was the leader of all the Wizards, as well as the White Council. The White Council was an alliance aimed at stopping Sauron.
It was said that he had a thorough and in-depth skill and knowledge about when it comes to Sauron’s magic and devices. However, later on, all these studies were able to corrupt him. His insatiable desire for power eventually drove him to his ruin. Saruman, in actuality, wasn’t genuinely loyal to his Dark Lord master. Although that is his intention, he just fell further into the influence of Sauron. He then explored the lore of the One Ring and betrayed the Valar. It is important to note that Saruman is among the few personalities within Middle Earth that had a morally grey character. This means that he neither serves the evil wholeheartedly not was he an emissary of the good. Furthermore, it was his counsel that he only trusts. In short, he had his very own goals, plans, and he executes for himself alone.
Soon enough, he became enticed by the Dark Lord’s—most notably the Ring. He then turned his back on his quest, and using the seeing stones, he looked into the Middle Earth’s future under the Sauron’s control or him. Saruman pretended to keep his loyalty to the adversary while he was yearning for the Ring. However, his plans lay wasted because he was defeated both during the Battle of Isengard, as well as the Battle of the Hornburg [3]. Before Saruman’s descent, he was the leader of all the Wizards, as well as the White Council. The White Council was an alliance aimed at stopping Sauron.
It was said that he had a thorough and in-depth skill and knowledge about when it comes to Sauron’s magic and devices. However, later on, all these studies were able to corrupt him. His insatiable desire for power eventually drove him to his ruin. Saruman, in actuality, wasn’t genuinely loyal to his Dark Lord master. Although that is his intention, he just fell further into the influence of Sauron. He then explored the lore of the One Ring and betrayed the Valar. It is important to note that Saruman is among the few personalities within Middle Earth that had a morally grey character. This means that he neither serves the evil wholeheartedly not was he an emissary of the good. Furthermore, it was his counsel that he only trusts. In short, he had his very own goals, plans, and he executes for himself alone.
In the Years of the Lamps
Just like Sauron, Saruman was once a Maia serving AulĂ« the Smith. He was named Curomo, which means, the skillful one. In the Elvish language Sindarin, he was called CurunĂr. A short while after Sauron was vanquished because of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, an assembly was called upon by ManwĂ«. This took place in the home of the Valar called Valinor. Although Sauron was technically overthrown and defeated in the battle, it turns out that the Dark Lord wasn’t entirely subdued. Later on, for the second time, Sauron began to cast his shadow over Middle Earth. The council then resolved to dispatch five envoys towards Middle Earth. They were emissaries who were powerful equals of Sauron, and yet they renounced their might and went to Middle Earth clothed in flesh, and they aim to aid the Elves and Men to join forces and defeat Sauron. However powerful they may be, these wizards sent from Valinor were prohibited from being like Sauron as well as matching him in fear and power. Valinor then sent five wizards, namely: Gandalf or OlĂłrin, Radagast or Aiwendil, Pallando, and Alatar, known as the Blue Wizards. Finally, they designated Saruman or Curumo as the group’s leader.
Third Age
The wizards sent from Valinor came to Grey Havens located on the west part of Eriador sometime in the 1000th year. CĂrdan the Shipwright, the haven’s keeper, was the only one who is aware of the origin and identity of Saruman. Later on, Saruman found out that CĂrdan handed the Red Ring called Narya over time Gandalf. CĂrdan gave him this ring when they first arrived in Middle Earth. In actuality, CĂrdan identified Gandalf for being the greatest and wisest among the Wizards—although Saruman was the leader of the group. This event started Saruman’s envy towards Gandalf. He had this lingering thought that Gandalf would eventually kick him out as the Wizards’ chief. Saruman, together with the Blue Wizards, journeyed to the eastern Middle Earth. They went back west 2,500 years later. By this time, the power of Sauron was starting to grow once more in Dol Guldur.
The White Council
The White Council was established sometime the 2463rd year of the Third Age. This council was aimed at countering and opposing Sauron. Although the Lady Galadriel wished for Gandalf to be the leader of the White Council, Saruman was designated as the chief. Because of his pride, Saruman rejected on departing his position as a leader. Gandalf, however, refused to take the job. It is important to note that by this time, Saruman was already starting to perceive the revival of Sauron’s forces. He then began to be jealous of it and covet his power. Saruman began to have a yearning desire to possess the One Ring and keeping it for himself. In that year, Sméagol, the Halfling, who was called Gollum later on, also took the One Ring.
He vanished with it within the Misty Mountains. This went on for centuries. Throughout the meetings of the Council, the White Wizard began to take notice of the attention and concern of Gandalf towards The Shire, as well as the Hobbits. Saruman then grew suspicious about Gandalf and believed that all the things that he was doing were some part of an elaborate scheme towards his own advancement. He then started to keep his eyes peeled towards Gandalf.
However, he put a stop to this because he came to a realization that some of The Shire’s inhabitants were able to notice him. He began to visit The Shire for several reasons. One of them was to acquire some Pipeweed from the Hobbits in the Shire. This was because while he was discreetly imitating Gandalf, he too had started to smoke. He became wary of him. He even sent emissaries to gather information on The Shire. Saruman initially went to The Shire covertly.
He vanished with it within the Misty Mountains. This went on for centuries. Throughout the meetings of the Council, the White Wizard began to take notice of the attention and concern of Gandalf towards The Shire, as well as the Hobbits. Saruman then grew suspicious about Gandalf and believed that all the things that he was doing were some part of an elaborate scheme towards his own advancement. He then started to keep his eyes peeled towards Gandalf.
However, he put a stop to this because he came to a realization that some of The Shire’s inhabitants were able to notice him. He began to visit The Shire for several reasons. One of them was to acquire some Pipeweed from the Hobbits in the Shire. This was because while he was discreetly imitating Gandalf, he too had started to smoke. He became wary of him. He even sent emissaries to gather information on The Shire. Saruman initially went to The Shire covertly.
At Isengard
With the permission of Beren, the Steward of Gondor, Saruman stayed at Isengard in TA 2759. He remained at Isengard to serve as the Tower’s warden as well as Steward’s delegate. It is importantly noted that at this time, the Isengard stronghold has been deserted by Gondor. In that place, Saruman had become an essential personality when it came to the informal or unofficial coalition that is aimed at protecting Middle Earth’s west. Moreover, in Orthanc, which was located within the Isengard Tower, Saruman was able to discover a PalantĂrĂ or commonly known as seeing stones. In the 2850th year of the Third Age, Gandalf went to Dol Guldur. He was then able to verify that the malevolent presence they were able to sense was, in fact, Sauron.
Heeding the counsel of Saruman, the White Council didn’t pull a strike against Dol Guldur. Later on, Gandalf would look back at this meeting and note that this was when he started to be dubious about Saruman’s yearning to have the One Ring for himself. Initially, the real objective of Saruman was to allow Sauron to shape him up and make himself stronger. This was so the Ring would then unravel itself. Later on, Saruman found out that the Dark Lord had even more awareness concerning the One Ring’s location—more knowledge than he anticipated. Finally, in the 2941st year of the Third Age, Saruman concurred in Dol Guldur’s attack. They emerged victorious from the onslaught, and due to Saruman’s facilitation, they were able to drive successfully out of the stronghold. However, a decade after he left Dol Guldur behind, Sauron came back to Mordor as well as openly announced himself.
By using the PalantĂr, which was seized from Minas Ithil, now recognized as Minas Morgul, Sauron created a connection and made contact with Saruman. Saruman struggled to fight back the Dark Lord’s will, and then he was lured into becoming Sauron’s servant. Saruman, the White Council’s chief aimed to opposed Sauron, no longer resisted the Dark Lord. He, on the other hand, yearned for his victory. However, Saruman held his fancy for the magnificent Ring of power. To uphold the false front of his loyalty to Sauron while at the same time trying to locate the Ring, Saruman congregated a mighty and massive army comprised of Wolves, wicked Men, Half-Orcs, Orcs, as well as Uruk-hai in Isengard to prepare for the war. What he wasn’t conscious of was that his new master already knows about his thoughts and his scheme, but Sauron wasn’t able to fully dominate Saruman.
When Gandalf informed the White Wizard that he was able to discover that the One Ring was located, Saruman then demonstrated that he was yearning for it. He also told Gandalf that he was in servitude to the Dark Lord. Moreover, it was then that Saruman discarded the Saruman the White title. He revealed that henceforward, he wouldn’t have any allegiance with the bearer of the Ring nor the White Council. After that, he tried to convince Gandalf to get his aid. He, however, failed to do this. Denying Saruman of any help for his new venture, he imprisoned Gandalf in the Tower of Isengard. Later on, the Windlord, Gwaihir, helped Gandalf. Gwaihir was among the largest Eagles in Middle Earth. Gandalf managed to escape Isengard and later on informed the remaining White Council members about Saruman’s unfaithfulness and deception.
Heeding the counsel of Saruman, the White Council didn’t pull a strike against Dol Guldur. Later on, Gandalf would look back at this meeting and note that this was when he started to be dubious about Saruman’s yearning to have the One Ring for himself. Initially, the real objective of Saruman was to allow Sauron to shape him up and make himself stronger. This was so the Ring would then unravel itself. Later on, Saruman found out that the Dark Lord had even more awareness concerning the One Ring’s location—more knowledge than he anticipated. Finally, in the 2941st year of the Third Age, Saruman concurred in Dol Guldur’s attack. They emerged victorious from the onslaught, and due to Saruman’s facilitation, they were able to drive successfully out of the stronghold. However, a decade after he left Dol Guldur behind, Sauron came back to Mordor as well as openly announced himself.
By using the PalantĂr, which was seized from Minas Ithil, now recognized as Minas Morgul, Sauron created a connection and made contact with Saruman. Saruman struggled to fight back the Dark Lord’s will, and then he was lured into becoming Sauron’s servant. Saruman, the White Council’s chief aimed to opposed Sauron, no longer resisted the Dark Lord. He, on the other hand, yearned for his victory. However, Saruman held his fancy for the magnificent Ring of power. To uphold the false front of his loyalty to Sauron while at the same time trying to locate the Ring, Saruman congregated a mighty and massive army comprised of Wolves, wicked Men, Half-Orcs, Orcs, as well as Uruk-hai in Isengard to prepare for the war. What he wasn’t conscious of was that his new master already knows about his thoughts and his scheme, but Sauron wasn’t able to fully dominate Saruman.
When Gandalf informed the White Wizard that he was able to discover that the One Ring was located, Saruman then demonstrated that he was yearning for it. He also told Gandalf that he was in servitude to the Dark Lord. Moreover, it was then that Saruman discarded the Saruman the White title. He revealed that henceforward, he wouldn’t have any allegiance with the bearer of the Ring nor the White Council. After that, he tried to convince Gandalf to get his aid. He, however, failed to do this. Denying Saruman of any help for his new venture, he imprisoned Gandalf in the Tower of Isengard. Later on, the Windlord, Gwaihir, helped Gandalf. Gwaihir was among the largest Eagles in Middle Earth. Gandalf managed to escape Isengard and later on informed the remaining White Council members about Saruman’s unfaithfulness and deception.
Saruman’s Fall
On one narrative, the Nazgûl or Ringwraiths discovered that Gandalf escaped after the second day from when it happened. Saruman then utilized his “voice” so he can convince the Nazgûl’s Lord that he was unaware of where the One Ring was located and that Gandalf had knowledge about it. He informed them that they should scour the area nearby to look for him. When the Nazgûl found out about this, they then returned to the central passageway and sought Gandalf. But instead of finding the wizard, they came across Grima Wormtounge.
By that time, Grima was just en route to inform the White Wizard that Gandalf reportedly went to Edoras. Grima Wormtounge then exposed that Saruman was concealing the information that he had about the Shire from the Council. This only goes to show that Saruman’s commitment to the Dark Lord was as real as he exhibited utterly. On another narrative, Gandalf’s escape was only found out by Saruman only when the Ringwraiths came back to Isengard. As stated by this account, Saruman was just en-route to Gandalf to plead for his aid as well as forgiveness—only to discover that he indeed managed to escape. To prevent imminent peril and tempted by the prospect of possessing the One Ring or being the Dark Lord’s only servant, he faked that the Grey Wizard was still within the Isengard tower. He told them that he was still imprisoned and that he was able to force out some information about where the Shire was located.
The Ringwraiths then found out later on that Saruman, in actuality, knew more information than what he had indicated. The Nazgûl then came across one of Saruman’s spies that he planted in Eriador while they were en-route towards the Shire. They later acquired some elaborate maps for the Shire that were crafted by Saruman. After this, they commanded the informant to return toward the Shire. Moreover, they cautioned him that he’s in service of Mordor. When Saruman was convinced that he wouldn’t get any mercy from a deceitful assumption, and he already missed his chance of ascending in favor of the Dark Lord, he then started to scheme. He placed all his endeavors at trying to acquire the One Ring all for himself.
While some of Saruman’s efforts were left in the dark, undiscovered, part and parcel of his efforts were sending informants like Bill Ferny to ambush Frodo Baggins while he tried to left the Shire. He also orchestrated the outright attack on Rohan with the Orcs. Additionally, he sent Uruk-hai raiding parties together with the Orcs towards the passages that the Fellowship of the Ring would most likely take—from Rohan through Mordor, that is. One of the raiding groups was able to seize Merry and Pippin as well as managed to slay Boromir using several arrows that had black feathers while trying to protect the Hobbits. This event drove Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn to find the captured Hobbits. Furthermore, these series of events led eventually towards the Battle of Helm’s Deep and the Destruction of Isengard through the Ents led by Treebeard. This domino effect of events that transpired caused Sauron to lose one of his greatest and vigorous servants as well as the conclusion of Saruman’s regime of terror
North of Middle Earth.
By that time, Grima was just en route to inform the White Wizard that Gandalf reportedly went to Edoras. Grima Wormtounge then exposed that Saruman was concealing the information that he had about the Shire from the Council. This only goes to show that Saruman’s commitment to the Dark Lord was as real as he exhibited utterly. On another narrative, Gandalf’s escape was only found out by Saruman only when the Ringwraiths came back to Isengard. As stated by this account, Saruman was just en-route to Gandalf to plead for his aid as well as forgiveness—only to discover that he indeed managed to escape. To prevent imminent peril and tempted by the prospect of possessing the One Ring or being the Dark Lord’s only servant, he faked that the Grey Wizard was still within the Isengard tower. He told them that he was still imprisoned and that he was able to force out some information about where the Shire was located.
The Ringwraiths then found out later on that Saruman, in actuality, knew more information than what he had indicated. The Nazgûl then came across one of Saruman’s spies that he planted in Eriador while they were en-route towards the Shire. They later acquired some elaborate maps for the Shire that were crafted by Saruman. After this, they commanded the informant to return toward the Shire. Moreover, they cautioned him that he’s in service of Mordor. When Saruman was convinced that he wouldn’t get any mercy from a deceitful assumption, and he already missed his chance of ascending in favor of the Dark Lord, he then started to scheme. He placed all his endeavors at trying to acquire the One Ring all for himself.
While some of Saruman’s efforts were left in the dark, undiscovered, part and parcel of his efforts were sending informants like Bill Ferny to ambush Frodo Baggins while he tried to left the Shire. He also orchestrated the outright attack on Rohan with the Orcs. Additionally, he sent Uruk-hai raiding parties together with the Orcs towards the passages that the Fellowship of the Ring would most likely take—from Rohan through Mordor, that is. One of the raiding groups was able to seize Merry and Pippin as well as managed to slay Boromir using several arrows that had black feathers while trying to protect the Hobbits. This event drove Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn to find the captured Hobbits. Furthermore, these series of events led eventually towards the Battle of Helm’s Deep and the Destruction of Isengard through the Ents led by Treebeard. This domino effect of events that transpired caused Sauron to lose one of his greatest and vigorous servants as well as the conclusion of Saruman’s regime of terror
End of Saruman’s Power
After Treebeard’s Ents devastated Isengard, Saruman was able to find himself locked up in Orthanc. By this time, his servants were either killed or have already fled. When ThĂ©oden arrived, Aragorn, Gandalf, as well as the surviving associates of the Fellowship of the Ring, Saruman made his last-ditch effort to twist and corrupt Gandalf and ThĂ©oden and make them turn to evil. He failed, however, and was then offered by Gandalf an opportunity to redeem himself. The conditions of this redemption included giving up his staff, as well as voluntarily submitting the Keys of Orthanc. Saruman contemplated about this. Ultimately, he gave up this opportunity at redeeming himself as his hate, fear, envy, and anger engulfed him. By that time, Gandalf came back after his death to replace Saruman. He became the chief of the Wizards, removed the former White Wizard from the council, and finally took on a new name—Gandalf the White. Lastly, Gandalf destroyed Saruman’s staff. The former White Wizard likewise lost the PalantĂr or the seeing stones of Orthanc at the time when GrĂma Wormtounge tossed it off from one of Orthanc’s balconies. He did that because he just couldn’t make up his mind about who he despised more—Gandalf or Saruman.
Last Fall of Sauron
This narrative wasn’t included in the War of the Ring’s last stages. After voluntarily submitting the Keys of Orthanc, the former White Wizard was able to convince the Ents, who held him confined, to allow him to depart Isengard. After this, Saruman traveled towards the Shire. By then, Lotho Sackville-Baggins, his cohort, was able to seize power over the place. Saruman exhausted his last days by being a two-bit master criminal in Hobbiton. He was known there as Sharkey, which was derived after the Orkish word sharkĂ» that translates to the old man. He remained as a small-time crook up until he got defeated during the Battle of Bywater. Frodo met Saruman after the battle and banished him from his hometown. However, prior to his departure, Saruman was slain by Grima Wormtounge. Using a dagger, GrĂma severed his throat—precisely on Bag End’s doorstep.
Saruman’s Legacy
After Saruman left Orthanc, the now King Elessar came to the tower to put that realm back in order. Inside the tower of Isengard, King Elessar and his men came upon various riches that Saruman had managed to deceive from King Théoden. They also found a concealed closet that they needed the help of Gimli to open it up. Inside it was the very first Elendilmir. This jewel, which was made of mithril, was thought to have been forever lost when Isildur was annihilated in the Gladden Fields [4]. They also discovered a chain that was made of gold. This chain was allegedly once used to carry the One Ring.
Saruman’s Fate
Saruman didn’t precisely die. This was because he is a Maia. Just like what happened to Sauron when the Downfall of Númenor concluded, his spirit departed from his physique. Being an ethereal being, Sauron was supposed to be called back into the Halls of Mandos [5]. However, the narrative suggests that he outlawed and was prohibited from entering. J.R.R. Tolkien pointed out that Saruman’s spirit then remained lost, stripped, and without any kind of power. He was never again to reappear on Middle Earth.
Names of Saruman
In Valinor, he was called Curumo, which has a Quenya equivalent of Saruman. In the Elvish language, Sindarin, his name equivalent was CuruĹ„ir, meaning man of skill. Being the chief of the Wizards, CurunĂr was the first name that was provided to him. The Wizards, also called the Istari, were sent towards Middle Earth to aid both Elves and Men go against Sauron’s malevolence. Approximately during the period of War of the Ring before the end of the Third Age, the name CurunĂr was not familiar to most. This was because this particular name was seldom used except for the Elvish leaders, namely CĂrdan at the Grey Havens, Galadriel, and Celeborn in LothlĂłr, and Elrond in Rivendell. The most known name of the Wizard, Saruman, was typically used by most men in the Middle Earth, Men in Rohan, and of course, Gandalf. When he took over the Shire after he failed in the War of the Ring, Saruman’s Uruk-hai servants gave him the name Sharku, which means Old Man in the Black Speech. Furthermore, the Shire’s Ruffians called him Sharkey, which is a form of the name Sharku.
Abilities and Powers of Saruman
Before Gandalf rose to the position as the White Council’s chief, Saruman’s position gave him a repository to a wide range of powers. It was then that his forces were at its absolute peak that he was indeed so mighty powerful as a Wizard. Although Gandalf was eventually able to defeat him, he succeeded in keeping Gandalf captive. Gandalf, who can be said to be his fiercest competitor, characterized Saruman as someone who possesses immense knowledge, abilities, and that he was indeed very clever. Saruman had the altitude of raising his personal Uruk-hai. It also didn’t matter if they are birds to prevent being identified or used two legs for walking—Saruman just had one too many spies.
Moreover, Saruman was an erudite Wizard when it comes to mechanics as well as Ringlore. His in-depth know-how for such matters allowed him to build enormous hearths as well as explosive devices that are so potent, it could easily rupture the Helm’s Deep’s walls as well as disintegrate Ents. Woefully, it was the same immense awareness about the Rings of Power, which eventually became a part of the reasons for his downfall. This was because he had become utterly obsessed about the ring's powers—most notably, the One Ring.
Saruman also knew very well about all sorts of magic. An example of this was when he bestowed enormous strength and speed to his Orc army, who were then able to capture Pippin and Merry while at the same time impeding Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn. Undoubtedly, his best power is speech. This was the only power that Saruman had managed to keep after his downfall. Saruman is well-noted for his capacity to bend just about any mind to his desires—with the exception of the strongest ones, by a simple means of talking to them.
In actuality, Gandalf still had to be very wary around Saruman even after the downfall of Isengard. Saruman could indeed capture just about anyone using the influence of his speech. It was important to note that only a few could resist falling into his will. When Gandalf faced Saruman, he didn’t fall into his trap. By the time that Saruman tried to bewitch some members of the company using his voice, he soon realized that he was not able to make everyone bend to his will at one time, so he took the others away from his scheme. In this circumstance, it was known that Gandalf was the only one who remained unmoved. As noted by Aragorn during this situation, only a few members than Lady Galadriel, Lord Elrond, as well as Gandalf could withstand Saruman’s voice. This power of persuasion was later utilized by the former White Wizard to flee Orthanc by talking to Treebeard to release him.
Moreover, Saruman was an erudite Wizard when it comes to mechanics as well as Ringlore. His in-depth know-how for such matters allowed him to build enormous hearths as well as explosive devices that are so potent, it could easily rupture the Helm’s Deep’s walls as well as disintegrate Ents. Woefully, it was the same immense awareness about the Rings of Power, which eventually became a part of the reasons for his downfall. This was because he had become utterly obsessed about the ring's powers—most notably, the One Ring.
Saruman also knew very well about all sorts of magic. An example of this was when he bestowed enormous strength and speed to his Orc army, who were then able to capture Pippin and Merry while at the same time impeding Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn. Undoubtedly, his best power is speech. This was the only power that Saruman had managed to keep after his downfall. Saruman is well-noted for his capacity to bend just about any mind to his desires—with the exception of the strongest ones, by a simple means of talking to them.
In actuality, Gandalf still had to be very wary around Saruman even after the downfall of Isengard. Saruman could indeed capture just about anyone using the influence of his speech. It was important to note that only a few could resist falling into his will. When Gandalf faced Saruman, he didn’t fall into his trap. By the time that Saruman tried to bewitch some members of the company using his voice, he soon realized that he was not able to make everyone bend to his will at one time, so he took the others away from his scheme. In this circumstance, it was known that Gandalf was the only one who remained unmoved. As noted by Aragorn during this situation, only a few members than Lady Galadriel, Lord Elrond, as well as Gandalf could withstand Saruman’s voice. This power of persuasion was later utilized by the former White Wizard to flee Orthanc by talking to Treebeard to release him.
Appearances
In the novels, the storyline of Saruman the White could be followed through The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King [6], the Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, as well as The History of Middle Earth. When it comes to the big screen, Saruman appeared in five installments, namely, An Unexpected Journey, The Battle of the Five Armies, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and lastly, at the extended version of The Return of the King.
Portrayed in Adaptations
Lord of The Rings Trilogy
In all the three movies, the White Wizard is portrayed nonetheless by the actor Sir Christopher Lee. He is the vice antagonist during The Fellowship of the Ring and the main adversary during The Two Towers. In these films, his faith and loyalty to the Dark Lord Sauron were genuine, unlike its book counterparts. He is shown as the ultimate puppet or right-hand man of Sauron. The films also dropped his designation of “Saruman of Many Colors” and only referred to him as Saruman the White. Additionally, it's important to remember that Sir Christopher Lee was the only actor on the cast who have ever met the creator J.R.R. Tolkien. During the start of The Fellowship of the Ring, he unveils that he had ultimately been subjugated by Sauron’s will, as well as his selfish obsession for power. He held Gandalf captive in Orthanc when the Grey Wizard declines to join him in Mordor. Moreover, as per the directive of his Dark Lord master, Saruman puts together a massive band of Orcs to be able to establish an army that is deserving of Mordor.
He also built machines made of wood as well as dams. Saruman also enhanced Isengard’s walls, bred Uruk-hai, as well as forging arms. After which, once again, Saruman faces Gandalf on top of the Orthanc tower as he tried to persuade him to give into Sauron’s will. The Grey Wizard, however, managed to escape. Using Crebain, Saruman monitored the Fellowship and bestowed upon them an enormous snow avalanche as well as massive falling rocks. He did this to prevent the Fellowship who was then at Caradhas. Towards the end of the movie, Saruman’s Uruk-hai tool strikes at the Fellowship, eventually seizing Pippin and Merry, and slaying Boromir. Saruman drives the conquest of his Dark Lord master in Western Middle Earth in The Two Towers installment. The White Wizard joined forces with the Dunleadings. These Dunleadings, combined with Saruman’s army of Orcs to set the Westfold afire.
They were also able to gather 10,000 members of the army of Uruk-hai aimed at destroying Rohan. His servant, Grima Wormtounge, assisted him through his conquest, and it was portrayed in the film that he was able to possess the King of Rohan, ThĂ©oden. On the film’s culmination, the White Wizard’s army was vanquished at Helm’s Deep and the Ents were able to take control of Isengard as well. The Return of the King's theatrical edition didn’t include Saruman. In this narrative, it was suggested by Treebeard that the wizard had lost his power. In the film’s extended version, Merry, Pippin, Gimli, ThĂ©oden, Aragorn, and Gandalf face Saruman at the start of the picture. It was shown that as Gandalf desires to question Saruman, GrĂma Wormtongue stabs him, and he falls to his demise right at the peak of the Orthanc tower, dropping the Palantir stones during the process. In the books, Saruman comes upon his death in the Scouring of the Shire. This narrative was, however, completely removed from the big screen adaptations as it was considered anticlimactic by Peter Jackson.
In Peter Jackson’s film trilogy, Saruman was expressly depicted as someone who can raise snowstorms one Caradhras that dampened the efforts of the Fellowship to go through the mountains. The book, on the other hand, didn’t mention that at all. Gandalf and Aragorn simply thought that the snowstorm was primary due to natural forces, which could aptly be anticipated in Caradhas. Boromir thought otherwise and mentioned that it could be the work of evil. In the prolonged version of the movie, Saruman was also shown to launch a fireball aimed at Gandalf and the others just before he perished. His staff is a copy of the Orthanc tower in the movie trilogy. It had a crystal that is white and was set in the middle of the spires. His staff was also utilized in place of a walking stick as a totem of his power. He used this staff to go against Gandalf. In the extended version of The Return of the King, Gandalf destroys this staff with ease.
He also built machines made of wood as well as dams. Saruman also enhanced Isengard’s walls, bred Uruk-hai, as well as forging arms. After which, once again, Saruman faces Gandalf on top of the Orthanc tower as he tried to persuade him to give into Sauron’s will. The Grey Wizard, however, managed to escape. Using Crebain, Saruman monitored the Fellowship and bestowed upon them an enormous snow avalanche as well as massive falling rocks. He did this to prevent the Fellowship who was then at Caradhas. Towards the end of the movie, Saruman’s Uruk-hai tool strikes at the Fellowship, eventually seizing Pippin and Merry, and slaying Boromir. Saruman drives the conquest of his Dark Lord master in Western Middle Earth in The Two Towers installment. The White Wizard joined forces with the Dunleadings. These Dunleadings, combined with Saruman’s army of Orcs to set the Westfold afire.
They were also able to gather 10,000 members of the army of Uruk-hai aimed at destroying Rohan. His servant, Grima Wormtounge, assisted him through his conquest, and it was portrayed in the film that he was able to possess the King of Rohan, ThĂ©oden. On the film’s culmination, the White Wizard’s army was vanquished at Helm’s Deep and the Ents were able to take control of Isengard as well. The Return of the King's theatrical edition didn’t include Saruman. In this narrative, it was suggested by Treebeard that the wizard had lost his power. In the film’s extended version, Merry, Pippin, Gimli, ThĂ©oden, Aragorn, and Gandalf face Saruman at the start of the picture. It was shown that as Gandalf desires to question Saruman, GrĂma Wormtongue stabs him, and he falls to his demise right at the peak of the Orthanc tower, dropping the Palantir stones during the process. In the books, Saruman comes upon his death in the Scouring of the Shire. This narrative was, however, completely removed from the big screen adaptations as it was considered anticlimactic by Peter Jackson.
In Peter Jackson’s film trilogy, Saruman was expressly depicted as someone who can raise snowstorms one Caradhras that dampened the efforts of the Fellowship to go through the mountains. The book, on the other hand, didn’t mention that at all. Gandalf and Aragorn simply thought that the snowstorm was primary due to natural forces, which could aptly be anticipated in Caradhas. Boromir thought otherwise and mentioned that it could be the work of evil. In the prolonged version of the movie, Saruman was also shown to launch a fireball aimed at Gandalf and the others just before he perished. His staff is a copy of the Orthanc tower in the movie trilogy. It had a crystal that is white and was set in the middle of the spires. His staff was also utilized in place of a walking stick as a totem of his power. He used this staff to go against Gandalf. In the extended version of The Return of the King, Gandalf destroys this staff with ease.
The Hobbit Film Trilogy
Saruman was once again portrayed by Sir Christopher Lee in the Hobbit trilogy. While he primarily showed his interest in lending his voice to the massive dragon Smaug, Benedict Cumberbatch emend up taking this role. Sit Christopher Lee, in jest, humored Peter Jackson and asked him if he was still in the film. This jest reverts back to when Saruman or Christopher Lee’s death narrative was omitted from The Return of the King’s theatrical edition. During that time, Sir Christopher Lee had a rift with Peter Jackson. The two, however, managed to patch this up after quite some time.
In The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Saruman was first shown when he came to Rivendell to meet with the White Council. He went against Gandalf’s actions of going on a mission to take back the Lonely Mountain. He further told Gandalf that he was looking for distress where no trouble exists in the first place. He was dubious about the details that Gandalf provided him regarding the Necromancer. When he finds out that the information originated from Radagast the Brown, he further dismissed it. It was because Saruman thought of the Brown Wizard as a lunatic who was a disgrace to the Istari. This was because of his mushroom consumption. Moreover, when Saruman was given the blade of the Morgul, he stated that it couldn’t be proved that it indeed was the Witch-king of Angmar’s. He further shakes off all the concerns that Gandalf brought to his attention.
On the other hand, he stated that he couldn’t stop the Dwarves’ conquest from taking back Erebor. At this point, he wasn’t aware that the Dwarves already departed Rivendell. After being called upon by Lady Galadriel, Saruman, together with Elrond, came to Dol Guldur. They were to save Gandalf. He shows up as Gandalf and Galadriel were besieged by Nazgûls. He then asked if Galadriel needed help. At this point, two of the Nazgûl faced him. Thus, together with Lord Elrond, they started to fight the Nine Nazgûl. In the end, the four White Council members were able to overcome the Nazgul. Right after Gandalf escapes with Radagast, Sauron shows up with the remaining White Council members, and the Nazgûl started to return.
He reduces himself to battle their adversaries further, but he was, however, immobilized and enthralled by the power of Sauron. At that moment, Galadriel transforms into an ethereal form that is so appalling and starts to battle Sauron’s will, which Saruman didn’t notice because he was still amazed by the Dark Lord’s power. The Lady Galadriel ultimately defeated him and banished the Dark Lord from Dol Guldur. Doing this had spent all of Lady Galadriel’s powers, and she then asked Elrond for them to rerun to Lothlórien. Saruman then asked to be left behind to go in search of the One Ring since, without this, the Dark Lord won’t be able to recover his complete strength. Most likely, this was the point wherein Saruman begins to fall deeper into evil.
In The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Saruman was first shown when he came to Rivendell to meet with the White Council. He went against Gandalf’s actions of going on a mission to take back the Lonely Mountain. He further told Gandalf that he was looking for distress where no trouble exists in the first place. He was dubious about the details that Gandalf provided him regarding the Necromancer. When he finds out that the information originated from Radagast the Brown, he further dismissed it. It was because Saruman thought of the Brown Wizard as a lunatic who was a disgrace to the Istari. This was because of his mushroom consumption. Moreover, when Saruman was given the blade of the Morgul, he stated that it couldn’t be proved that it indeed was the Witch-king of Angmar’s. He further shakes off all the concerns that Gandalf brought to his attention.
On the other hand, he stated that he couldn’t stop the Dwarves’ conquest from taking back Erebor. At this point, he wasn’t aware that the Dwarves already departed Rivendell. After being called upon by Lady Galadriel, Saruman, together with Elrond, came to Dol Guldur. They were to save Gandalf. He shows up as Gandalf and Galadriel were besieged by Nazgûls. He then asked if Galadriel needed help. At this point, two of the Nazgûl faced him. Thus, together with Lord Elrond, they started to fight the Nine Nazgûl. In the end, the four White Council members were able to overcome the Nazgul. Right after Gandalf escapes with Radagast, Sauron shows up with the remaining White Council members, and the Nazgûl started to return.
He reduces himself to battle their adversaries further, but he was, however, immobilized and enthralled by the power of Sauron. At that moment, Galadriel transforms into an ethereal form that is so appalling and starts to battle Sauron’s will, which Saruman didn’t notice because he was still amazed by the Dark Lord’s power. The Lady Galadriel ultimately defeated him and banished the Dark Lord from Dol Guldur. Doing this had spent all of Lady Galadriel’s powers, and she then asked Elrond for them to rerun to Lothlórien. Saruman then asked to be left behind to go in search of the One Ring since, without this, the Dark Lord won’t be able to recover his complete strength. Most likely, this was the point wherein Saruman begins to fall deeper into evil.
Ralph Bakshi's Version
In the movie The Lord of the Rings by Ralph Bakshi in 1978, Saruman was voiced by Fraser Kerr. In this narrative, they renamed the White Wizard as Aruman because they thought that Saruman and the Dark Lord’s names sounded too similar. Thus, this could cause confusion within the audience. While this choice was later on reverted, there were still some citations of Aruman on the completed film.
Radio Counterpart
In BBC Radio’s The Lord of the Rings series in 1981, Peter Howell played the role of Saruman.
Video Game Adaptations
The Battle for Middle Earth
This campaign starts with the betrayal of Isengard. Moreover, it goes on with the conquest of Saruman to take over Rohan. In this game, Saruman possesses powers such as a basic blast power of wizards, fireballs, as well as speechcraft.
The Lord of the Rings: Conquest
Included in the first missions of this game is to overthrow Saruman, as well as his forces of evil from Isengard. Far along in the game, a player can control Gandalf and must slay Saruman in the Orthanc tower to succeed in the Good Campaign. On the other hand, in the Evil Campaign, the Dark Lord gets to acquire the One Ring. The objectives included were for Saruman to be a frontline of the forces of evil and destroy the white tree, slay Aragorn, as well as destroy Rivendell.
The Lord of the Rings Online
In this game, Saruman appears within the Orthanc Tower throughout the Epic Quest. He also appears in scenes within the Tower. He also appears in Avardin in the village of the Dunleadings.
Lego: The Lord of the Rings
Saruman is a character that can be played in this game. He also has unique abilities. His staff can make specific Lego objects hover, light the dark places, launch bolts of energy, as well as build up a magic barrier.
