Middle-earth

Character

Saruman

Also known as Saruman the White, Curunír, Sharkû, Saruman of Many Colours

The chief of the Wizards, whose study of Sauron’s power corrupted him into a would-be rival lord.

Tolkien’s textsSupported by the narratives published in Tolkien’s lifetime.
Race & kind
Wizards & the Istari
Allegiance
Isengard
Titles
Head of the Istari, Master of Orthanc
Gender
Male
Saruman

Overview

Saruman is the great cautionary tale of the story: gifted, learned and trusted, he falls through pride and the desire to master the very evil he studies. His voice alone can nearly unbind a listener’s will.

WizardsMaiarIsengard

Biography

The chief Wizard

Saruman was chosen first of the Istari and was long the head of the White Council. He made Orthanc his seat and studied the Rings deeply.

The turn

Using the palantír of Orthanc, he was ensnared by Sauron and drifted into open treachery, breeding Uruk-hai and despoiling Fangorn.

Fall

He broke the Alliance at Helm’s Deep, was cast out by the Ents, and lost his staff and authority to Gandalf. He fled to the Shire and was murdered by Gríma.

Character

Personality

  • Brilliant
  • Proud
  • Jealous
  • Persuasive
  • Contemptuous of the weak
  • To master the lore of the Rings
  • To rule, or at least choose the winning side

Abilities & limits

Strengths

  • A voice of near-magic persuasion
  • Ring-lore and craft
  • Command of Isengard’s industry

Limitations

  • Pride and envy
  • Has no Ring of his own
  • Underestimates humility and friendship

Deeds

  • Cast down Dol Guldur (in council with others)
  • Betrayed the White Council
  • Bred the Uruk-hai
  • Was overthrown at Isengard

Relationships

Places

In the histories

Artifacts

In adaptation

Adaptation note

  • Peter Jackson gives Saruman a more visually spectacular death at Isengard; the book has him flee to the Shire and be killed there.

Quotations

“We have only to remove those who oppose us.”

— The Fellowship of the Ring, “The Council of Elrond”

Sources

  • The Lord of the Rings · 1954–55

    Three volumes: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King.

  • The Silmarillion · 1977

    Posthumously edited. Contains the Ainulindalë, Valaquenta, Quenta Silmarillion, Akallabêth and Of the Rings of Power.

  • Unfinished Tales · 1980

    Expanded and alternative accounts of the First, Second and Third Ages.

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