Saruman

Saruman

Saruman was a male literary character who features in The Lord of the Rings.

Biography

Saruman the White was the first of the Istari (Wizards) sent to guide the Free Peoples in the struggle against the Shadow. Coming to Middle-Earth as an emissary of the Valar near the beginning of the Third Age, he made his home in the tower of Orthanc deep in the valley of Isengard.

For many years, he led the White Council, and he himself was their chief expert inRinglore. Unlike the other four Istari, Saruman desired power at any cost, and became enamored with the devices of the Dark Lord Sauron, especially the One Ring. To this end, he allowed the latter to build up his strength, certain the Ring would reveal itself in its master's vicinity. When he feared the spies of Sauron might have discerned its location, Saruman agreed to an attack upon Dol Guldur, driving the Enemy out of the fortress and into the East. Eventually, Saruman dared look into the palantir and Sauron, who was aware of him, peered into his mind.

Sauron used his pride, envy for Gandalf and admiration as tools of control. Convinced he could not have taken any other path, Saruman pledged his loyalty to the Dark Lord. As such he sought the victory of his new master, or no longer opposed his dominion. Saruman's strategy was two-fold: either gain the One Ring for himself and rule Middle-earth, or allow Sauron to recover it and be his most-trusted servant when he claimed victory. Not even Gandalf was aware of the alliance, but hinted he knew Saruman coveted the Ring and might have warned the White Council of him. Saruman secretly began to aid the enemies of the neighbouring kingdom of Rohan and coerced royal advisor Grima Wormtongue to his side.

Gandalf journeyed to Isengard seeking Saruman's counsel, and told Saruman that the Ring was in the Shire. Saruman revealed his true intentions and offered him a choice: to submit to Sauron or become the rulers of Middle-earth. Gandalf refused, and was soon imprisoned by Saruman atop Orthanc. Saruman then began to turn Isengard into a war camp, summoning Orcs and Wolves, marshalling the Dunlendings, breeding elite Uruk-Hai, and destroying the trees of Isengard. Through Grima Wormtongue, he persuaded King Theoden not to take any action against the resurgence of Sauron's armies. He also sent his agents after the Fellowship of the Ring to capture the hobbits and bring him the One Ring.

They succeeded in capturing Merry and Pippen, but they escaped and helped rally the Ents against Isengard. Realising his terrible predicament if he failed to deceive Sauron, Saruman committed most of his forces to grievous attacks against the Rohirrim at the Fords of Isen and the fortress of Helm' Deep. While his army was vanquished, the Ents assaulted and occupied Isengard, trapping Saruman in Orthanc. Gandalf the White soon arrived, leading the armies of Rohan, and confronted Saruman, offering him a chance to repent. Arrogant as ever Saruman refused, so Gandalf banished him from the Council and broke his staff, stripping him of his power. In a fit of rage, Grima threw Saruman's Palantir out a window - not sure whichever Wizard he hated more - where it was claimed by Aragorn.

After the defeat of Sauron, the Ents released Saruman, and he and Grima journeyed to the Shire, where allies he had there allowed him to take over. He was known among the hobbits there as "Sharkey" (derived from an orcish word meaning 'Old Man') and holding them responsible for his precarious position, Saruman imposed a terror regime in the land by means of ruffians and half-orcs. The four hobbits returned and managed to drive Saruman out. But after lashing out at Grima, the servant (after enduring abuse and torture) attacked Saruman and cut his throat. Saruman's spirit rose from his body and looked towards Valinor, but was rejected and his spirit scattered on the wind.

Notes

• Saruman was created by J. R. R. Tolkien where he featured in the Middle-earth universe.

Appearances

• The Lord of the Rings:

External Links

• Wikipedia Entry

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