Tolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]

Tolkien Gateway:Featured quotes/Nominations

2024-08-28T20:29:38Z

Fezzlewig:

{{shortcut|TG:FQ/N}}Current '''nominations''' for '''[[Tolkien Gateway:Featured quotes|featured quote]]''' status are listed here. Former nominations (successful and unsuccessful) are listed at [[Tolkien Gateway:Featured quotes/Archive]].

In considering a quote, please review the nomination criteria below to judge for yourself whether the quote meets the criteria. If you are satisfied, then create a new section at the bottom of the page. Should the nomination prove successful, the quote could soon be featured on the [[Main Page]].

==Nomination criteria==

Any registered user can nominate a quote for '''featured''' status. It should meet these specific criteria:

:::#Preferably, written/spoken by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] himself, either in his fiction or elsewhere (such as in a [[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien|letter]]);
:::#The quote should be no more than 100 words long, and ideally no shorter than 25 words;
:::#Quotes should be insightful, witty, interesting, powerful, represent some aspect of a story or character, or generally be of interest to a reader;
:::#Featured quotes should reflect the full range of Tolkien's writings and not just, for example, ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

After nomination, a quote should receive three or more positive votes, with more positive than negative; each user being able to cast one vote. Each entry should begin with '''Agree''', '''Disagree''' or '''Undecided''' and be signed by the user, and, if they choose, an explanation of their vote.

==Current nominations==
=== The Hobbit ===

{{blockquote|There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[Over Hill and Under Hill]]" }}

{{blockquote|“Arrow!” said the bowman. “Black arrow! I have saved you to the last. You have never failed me and always I have recovered you. I had you from my father and he from of old. If ever you came from the forges of the true king under the Mountain, go now and speed well!”|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[Fire and Water]]" }}

=== The Fellowship of the Ring ===

{{blockquote|'Proudfeet!' shouted an elderly hobbit from the back of the pavillion. His name, of course, was Proudfoot, and well merited; his feet were large, exceptionally furry, and both were on the table.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[A Long-expected Party]]"}}

{{blockquote|The love of the Elves for their land and their works is deeper than the deeps of the Sea, and their regret is undying and cannot ever wholly be assuaged.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Mirror of Galadriel]]"}}

{{blockquote|Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Shadow of the Past]]"}}
:'''Agree'''. An insightful quote which is used in the film trilogy too (thus also being familiar to users who may not have read the books). --[[User:GondolinFan|GondolinFan]] 18:21, 28 December 2021 (UTC)

:'''Agree'''. --[[User:Pachyderminator|Pachyderminator]] 03:10, 11 April 2022 (UTC)

:'''Agree'''. But we better save this for when we feature Gandalf's article. --[[User:LorenzoCB|LorenzoCB]] ([[User talk:LorenzoCB|talk]]) 16:19, 4 January 2023 (UTC)

:'''Agree'''. --[[User:Hands of a healer|Hands of a healer]] ([[User talk:Hands of a healer|talk]]) 19:37, 30 June 2023 (UTC)

:'''Agree'''. --[[User:Fezzlewig|Fezzlewig]] ([[User talk:Fezzlewig|talk]])
{{blockquote|"You cannot pass," he said. The orcs stood still, and a dead silence fell. "I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass."|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]"}}

{{blockquote|`Here is the heart of Elvendom on earth,' he said, `and here my heart dwells ever, unless there be a light beyond the dark roads that we still must tread,you and I. Come with me! ' And taking Frodo's hand in his, he left the hill of Cerin Amroth and came there never again as living man.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Lothlórien]]"}}

:'''Agree'''. --[[User:Hands of a healer|Hands of a healer]] ([[User talk:Hands of a healer|talk]]) 16:57, 27 December 2023 (UTC)

{{blockquote|And now at last it comes. You will give me the Ring freely! In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Mirror of Galadriel]]"}}

{{blockquote|It is no good trying to escape you. But I'm glad, Sam. I cannot tell you how glad. Come along! It is plain that we were meant to go together. We will go, and may the others find a safe road!|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Breaking of the Fellowship]]"}}

=== The Two Towers ===

{{blockquote|Gondor! Gondor, between the Mountains and the Sea! West Wind blew there; the light upon the Silver Tree Fell like bright rain in gardens of the Kings of old. O proud walls! White towers! O winged crown and throne of gold! O Gondor, Gondor! Shall Men behold the Silver Tree, Or West Wind blow again between the Mountains and the Sea?|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Riders of Rohan]]"}}

{{blockquote|Learn now the lore of Living Creatures! First name the four, the free peoples: Eldest of all, the elf-children; Dwarf the delver, dark are his houses; Ent the earthborn, old as mountains; Man the mortal, master of horses.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[Treebeard]]"}}

{{blockquote|Arise now, arise, Riders of Théoden! Dire deeds awake, dark is it eastward. Let horse be bridled, horn be sounded! Forth Eorlingas!|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The King of the Golden Hall]]"}}

{{blockquote|It was Sam's first view of a battle of Men against Men, and he did not like it much. He was glad that he could not see the dead face. He wondered what the man's name was and where he came from; and if he was really evil of heart, or what lies or threats had led him on the long march from his home; and if he would not really rather have stayed there in peace-all in a flash of thought which was quickly driven from his mind.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit]]"}}

{{blockquote|"For myself," said Faramir, "I would see the White Tree in flower again in the courts of the kings, and the Silver Crown return, and Minas Tirith in peace: Minas Anor again as of old, full of light, high and fair, beautiful as a queen among other queens."|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Window on the West]]"}}

{{blockquote|I wonder if we shall ever be put into songs or tales. We're in one, or course; but I mean: put into words, you know, told by the fireside, or read out of a great big book with red and black letters, years and years afterwards. And people will say: "Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring!" And they'll say: "Yes, that's one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave. wasn't he, dad?" "Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that's saying a lot."|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Stairs of Cirith Ungol]]"}}

=== The Return of The King ===
{{blockquote|"What do you fear, lady?" he asked. "A cage," she said. "To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire."|[[Faramir]] and [[Éowyn]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Passing of the Grey Company]]"}}

{{blockquote|In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}

{{blockquote|And in that very moment, away behind in some courtyard of the city, a cock crowed. Shrill and clear he crowed, recking nothing of wizardry or war, welcoming only the morning that in the sky far above the shadows of death was coming with the dawn. And as if in answer there came from far away another note. Horns, horns horn. In dark Mindolluin's sides they dimly echoed. Great horns of the North wildly blowing. Rohan had come at last.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}

{{blockquote|[[Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden!]] Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!|[[Théoden]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Ride of the Rohirrim]]"}}

{{blockquote|Then Merry heard of all sounds in that hour the strangest. It seemed that Dernhelm laughed, and the clear voice was like the ring of steel. "But no living man am I! You look upon a woman. Éowyn I am, Éomund's daughter. You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him."|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]"}}

{{blockquote|Few other griefs amid the ill chances of this world have more bitterness and shame for a man's heart than to behold the love of a lady so fair and brave that cannot be returned.|[[Aragorn]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Houses of Healing]]"}}

:'''Agree'''. --[[User:Hands of a healer|Hands of a healer]] ([[User talk:Hands of a healer|talk]]) 16:57, 27 December 2023 (UTC)

{{blockquote|It is the way of my people to use light words at such times and say less than they mean. We fear to say too much. It robs us of the right words when a jest is out of place.|[[Merry]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Houses of Healing]]"}}

{{blockquote|Dwarf-coat, elf-cloak, blade of the downfallen West, and spy from the little rat-land of the Shire, nay; do not start! We know it well - here are the marks of a conspiracy. Now, maybe he that bore these things was a creature that you would not grieve to lose, and maybe otherwise: one dear to you, perhaps? If so, take swift counsel with what little wit is left to you. For Sauron does not love spies, and what his fate shall be depends now on your choice.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Black Gate Opens]]"}}

{{blockquote|Wild fantasies arose in his mind; and he saw Samwise the Strong, Hero of the Age, striding with a flaming sword across the darkened land, and armies flocking to his call as he marched to the overthrow of Barad-dûr. And then all the clouds rolled away, and the white sun shone, and at his command the vale of Gorgoroth became a garden of flowers and trees and brought forth fruit. He had only to put on the Ring and claim it for his own, and all this could be.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Tower of Cirith Ungol]]"}}

{{blockquote|In western lands beneath the Sun The flowers may rise in Spring, The trees may bud, the waters run, The merry finches sing. Or there maybe 'tis cloudless night And swaying beeches bear The Elven-stars as jewels white Amid their branching hair.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Tower of Cirith Ungol]]"}}

{{blockquote|There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Land of Shadow]]"}}
:'''Agree'''. --[[User:GondolinFan|GondolinFan]] 18:21, 28 December 2021 (UTC)
:'''Agree'''. --[[User:Pachyderminator|Pachyderminator]] 03:21, 11 April 2022 (UTC)
:'''Agree'''. --[[User:Hands of a healer|Hands of a healer]] ([[User talk:Hands of a healer|talk]]) 16:57, 27 December 2023 (UTC)

{{blockquote|"A great Shadow has departed," said Gandalf, and then he laughed, and the sound was like music, or like water in a parched land; and has he listened the thought came to Sam that he had not heard laughter, the pure sound of merriment, for days upon days without count. It fell upon his ears like the echo of all the joys he had ever known.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Field of Cormallen]]"}}

{{blockquote|But when Aragorn arose all that beheld him gazed in silence, for it seemed to them that he was revealed to them now for the first time. Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near: ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}

{{blockquote|This is your realm, and the heart of the greater realm that shall be. The Third Age of the world is ended, and the new age is begun; and it is your task to order its beginning and to preserve what may be preserved. For though much has been saved, much must now pass away.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}

{{blockquote|It was but a picture in the mind. I do not know what is happening. The reason of my waking mind tells me that great evil has befallen and we stand at the end of days. But my heart says nay; and all my limbs are light, and a hope and joy are come to me that no reason can deny. Éowyn, Éowyn, White Lady of Rohan, in this hour I do not believe that any darkness will endure!|''[[The Return of the King]]'', ''[[The Steward and the King]]''}}

{{blockquote|I am the daughter of Elrond. I shall not go with him now when he departs to the Havens; for mine is the choice of Lúthien, and as she so have I chosen, both the sweet and the bitter.|[[Arwen]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}

{{blockquote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended; over death, over dread, over doom lifted out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}

{{blockquote|The Road goes ever on and on Out from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, Let others follow it who can! Let them a journey new begin, But I at last with weary feet Will turn towards the lighted inn, My evening-rest and sleep to meet.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}

{{blockquote|There is no real going back. Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same; for I shall not be the same. I am wounded with knife, sting, and tooth, and a long burden. Where shall I find rest?|[[Frodo]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Homeward Bound]]"}}

{{blockquote|It is useless to meet revenge with revenge: it will heal nothing.|[[Frodo]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Scouring of the Shire]]"}}

{{blockquote|But Sam turned to Bywater, and so came back up the Hill, as day was ending once more. And he went on, and there was yellow light, and fire within; and the evening meal was ready, and he was expected. And Rose drew him in, and set him in his chair, and put little Elanor upon his lap. He drew a deep breath. "Well, I'm back," he said.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Grey Havens]]"}}

=== The Silmarillion ===
{{blockquote|Last of all Húrin stood alone. Then he cast aside his shield, and wielded an axe two-handed; and it is sung that the axe smoked in the black blood of the troll-guard of Gothmog until it withered, and each time that he slew Húrin cried 'Aurë entuluva! Day shall come again!' Seventy times he uttered that cry; but they took him at last alive.|{{S|20}}}}

{{blockquote|Tears unnumbered ye shall shed; and the Valar will fence Valinor against you, and shut you out, so that not even the echo of your lamentation shall pass over the mountains.
|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Flight of the Noldor]]"}}

{{blockquote|As three great Jewels they were in form. But not until the End, when Fëanor shall return who perished ere the Sun was made, and sits now in the Halls of Awaiting and comes no more among his kin; not until the Sun passes and the Moon falls, shall it be known of what substances they were made. Like the crystal of diamonds it appeared, and yet was more strong than adamant, so that no violence could mar it or break it within the Kingdom of Arda.
|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor]]"}}

{{blockquote|Hope rather that in the end even the least of your desires shall have fruit. The love of Arda was set in your hearts by Ilúvatar, and he does not plant to no purpose.
|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Akallabêth]]"}}

=== Unfinished Tales ===

{{blockquote|When you think of the great Battle of Pelennor, do not forget the Battle of Dale. Think of what might have been. Dragon-fire and savage swords in Eriador! There might be no Queen in Gondor. We might now only hope to return from the victory here to ruin and ash. But that has been averted – because I met Thorin Oakenshield one evening on the edge of spring not far from Bree. A chance-meeting, as we say in Middle-earth.|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Quest of Erebor]]"}}

=== The Lays of Beleriand ===

{{blockquote|Behold! the hope of Elvenland the fire of Fëanor, Light of Morn before the sun and moon were born, thus out of bondage came at last, from iron to mortal hand it passed.|[[The History of Middle-earth]], [[The Lays of Beleriand]]}}

=== The Lay of Leithian ===
{{blockquote|For little price do elven-kings their daughters sell—for gems and rings and things of gold! If such thy will, thy bidding I will now fulfill. On Beren son of Barahir thou hast not looked the last, I fear. Farewell, Tinúviel, starlit maiden! Ere the pale winter pass snowladen, I will return, not thee to buy with any jewel in Elvenesse, but to find my love in loveliness, a flower that grows beneath the sky.|''[[The Lay of Leithian]]''}}

[[Category:Featured| ]]

Tolkien Gateway:Featured articles/Nominations

2023-10-14T16:50:06Z

Fezzlewig:

{{shortcut|TG:FA/N}}Current '''nominations''' for '''featured article''' status are listed here. Former nominations (successful and unsuccessful) are listed at [[Tolkien Gateway:Featured articles/Archive]].

In considering an article, please review the nomination criteria below to judge for yourself whether the article meets the criteria. If you are satisfied, then create a new section at the bottom of the page, titled with the name of the article, with your rationale for nomination. Should the nomination prove successful, the article could soon be featured on the [[Main Page]].

==Nomination criteria==
Any registered user can nominate an article for '''featured''' status. It should be well-written, complete, illustrated, and referenced and meet these specific criteria:

:::#The text is ''entirely'' written by TG editors with correct English spelling, grammar and punctuation;
:::#There are no outstanding [[:Category:Maintenance templates|maintenance templates]] on the article;
:::#The article is well-referenced throughout, leaving the reader under no illusions as to where to source information themselves;
:::#The article conforms to TG's [[Tolkien Gateway:Manual of Style|Standards]], as well as those laid out in the relevant [[Tolkien Gateway:Projects|Project]];
:::#The text is sprinkled with ''relevant'' [[Help:Images|images]] (including captions) of appropriate size - if necessary, including a gallery;
:::#Articles are at least 5,000 bytes long;
:::#Where applicable, contains complete sections of "History", "Portrayal in adaptations", "Other versions of the legendarium", "See also", "Genealogy", "Etymology", "Other names", etc;
:::#Where applicable, ''full use'' has been made of relevant templates, e.g.: [[:Category:Disambiguation and redirection templates|disambiguation]], [[Template:Seealso|see also]], [[Template:Main|main]], [[Template:Navigation|navigation]], [[Template:Pronounce|pronounce]], [[Template:Familytree|familytree]], [[Template:Seq|sequence]];
:::#Where applicable, contains interwiki links;
:::#Preferably no red-links, but no more than half-a-dozen.

After nomination, an article should receive five votes with with no objections within a month or so; each user being able to cast one vote. Each entry should begin with '''Agree''', '''Disagree''' or '''Undecided''' and be signed by the user, and, if they choose, an explanation of their vote.

==Current nominations==
===[[Gandalf]]===
It's a pretty impressive article, and well deserved for my favourite character and such an interesting character.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 07:14, 6 June 2008 (EDT)

* '''Agree'''. If I'm not mistaking, Gandalf has already been FA once. That doesn't mean it can't be again, but it's near the end of the queue. Oh, '''agree''', btw. but the sourcing needs to be a bit better. -- [[User:Ederchil|Ederchil]] 08:01, 6 June 2008 (EDT)

* '''Agree'''. This article is extensive, appears complete, well-referenced, and lavishly illustrated. It is a prime example of what an FA should be.--[[User:Theoden1|Theoden1]] 13:31, 7 June 2008 (EDT)

*'''Agree'''. Yes, quite well done. Excellent, in fact.--Ingwe

* '''Agree'''. Nice long article, good information, plus good introduction into Tolkien. {{unsigned|ZehnWaters}}

*'''Agree''' A Middle Earth without Gandalf, is not a true Middle Eearth at all.--{{User:Breragor/sig}}

*'''Agree'''. After reading it, I have to admit it is the best article we have.--<tt>[[User:Odysseas-spartan-53|Odysseas]]-[[User talk:Odysseas-spartan-53|Spartan]][[Special:Contributions/Odysseas-spartan-53|53]]</tt> 10:50, 23 May 2009 (UTC)

*'''Agree'''. Olorin, Mithrandir, Gandalf, conjurer, istar, mighty maiar, there is so much to be told of my favourite immortal. Elvenshieldmaiden

*'''Agree'''. Exellent Article! Besides, Gandalf is the heart of Tolkien's work. His article deserves to be featured. [[User:Mthomas|mthomas]] 12:30, 7 June 2009 (UTC)

*'''Agree'''. The first thing new users see is the main page, and generally people are most familiar with Gandalf. --Yurpee

*'''Agree'''. A central character in the LoTR trilogy. Everyone knows who he is and he deserves a good moment in the spotlight. -- Naruvir

*'''Disagree''' - I think it's a big cluttered in its structure and severely lacks sources required to make it worthy of the title. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 14:23, 4 January 2011 (UTC)

*'''Agree'''. It definitely deserves to be featured, but I think later, after the revisions are done because of the Hobbit movies coming. {{Unsigned|Lilybell}}

*'''Agree'''. It is a well written article, the main picture is appropriate, and there are very little red links. This article gives a great introduction to Gandalf for someone who is new to Tolkien's works. Plus, the character is just all-around amazing. --[[User:Joszyboom|Joszyboom]]

*'''Agree'''. I think it is an important fact that Gandalf is a Miar, and not just a human with powers. I don't think that many people would know that, but it is important and this will help. -- quark

*'''Agree'''. I remember when I was just getting into Tolkien's works in 6th grade with The Hobbit and had no idea who Gandalf was then I went to LOTR and Gandalf with the "You Shall Not Pass" I was amazed and started to delve deeper but that was my own initiative if this article goes on the home page then any new Tolkien reader would go and read it learning a substantial amount of knowledge. -- Aragorn is Awesome

*'''Agree'''. But, people get so excited about editing his article that they forget the citations...--[[User:Erónèhire|Erónèhire]] 02:33, 10 March 2021 (UTC)

*'''Agree'''. It's a pretty big article and includes all information like detailed history as well as many images.--Shivam 07:38, 9 April 2021 (UTC)

*'''Disagree'''. Needs more references and the matter of his names is a mess. I'd change my vote if this is solved (I hope I can contribute anytime soon). --[[User:LorenzoCB|LorenzoCB]] 11:00, 13 April 2022 (UTC)

===[[Dwalin]]===
As Smaug has been featured for almost nine months now I think it is time to look for a new featured article. Personally I think [[Dwalin]] might be a good choice. It is well-writen, sourced, no maintaince templates and only one red link. Although Dwalin isn't as long as previous featured articles, it covers (almost) all information that can be found in the books. And, with [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]] coming this year people will search for more information about the Hobbit and characters/locations. Therefore it would be good if an article related to The Hobbit will appear on the main page. --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 19:57, 9 March 2012 (UTC)

:+1.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 20:07, 9 March 2012 (UTC)

:Any other opinions? --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 14:53, 21 March 2012 (UTC)

::I don't like the main image.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 15:20, 21 March 2012 (UTC)

:::I kind of agree, but we don't have many other images of him. The only other suitable image seems to be [[:File:New Line Cinema - Dwalin 2.png|this one]]. --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 19:55, 21 March 2012 (UTC)

::::Why not an image from The Hobbit film?--[[User:Erónèhire|Erónèhire]] 02:31, 10 March 2021 (UTC)

===[[Bard]]===
Although Gondolin has only been featured for just over 3 months, I think that the featured article should be updated more often. I feel that [[Bard]] is a great option, because sometimes i think he's underappreciated. He played a big part in The Battle of the Five Armies, and was the King of [[Dale]] for quite some time. --[[User:BrandonEchols|BrandonEchols]] 00:01, 10 April 2023 (UTC)

*'''Agree'''. It's a good article. However, I disagree with updating things more often. I've taken the resolution to update the whole Main Page exactly twice a year, in due dates.--[[User:LorenzoCB|LorenzoCB]] ([[User talk:LorenzoCB|talk]]) 12:07, 11 April 2023 (UTC)

*'''Agree'''. I think it would be a good choice, because he is '''truly''' underappreciated.--[[User:MEGRIMLOCK|MEGRIMLOCK]] ([[User talk:MEGRIMLOCK|talk]]) 13:01, 2 May 2023 (UTC)

*'''Disagree'''. While the article is interesting and while he is an important character in [[The Hobbit]], the article does not fullfill the criteria for nomination yet. It lacked references for the dates of his rule, the dates of his death and his minimum age at the time of his death. In addition, there were errors in the article. I corrected errors and added references, but the article is not finished yet. --[[User:Akhorahil|Akhorahil]] ([[User talk:Akhorahil|talk]]) 15:36, 2 May 2023 (UTC)

:True, I will help work on his page.--[[User:MEGRIMLOCK|MEGRIMLOCK]] ([[User talk:MEGRIMLOCK|talk]]) 16:40, 2 May 2023 (UTC)

=== [[Curufin]] ===
I've been putting some work into the [[Curufin]] page and I think I've got it pretty much exhaustively complete. I'd like to get the thoughts from others though. [[User:Oberiko|Oberiko]] ([[User talk:Oberiko|talk]]) 16:38, 16 September 2023 (UTC)

*'''Agree'''. It is extremely well done. [[User:Fezzlewig|Fezzlewig]] ([[User talk:Fezzlewig|talk]]) 16:49, 14 October 2023 (UTC)

Turgon

2023-08-29T21:25:22Z

Fezzlewig:

{{disambig-two|the King of Gondolin|Steward of Gondor|[[Turgon (Steward of Gondor)]]}}
{{noldor infobox
| name=Turgon
| image=[[File:Antti Autio - Turgon Aran Gondolin.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Turgon Aran Gondolin" by [[Antti Autio]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{respell|toor|gon}}
| othernames=''Turukáno'' ([[Quenya|Q]], [[Father-name|fn]]) [[The Wise]]
| titles=King of Gondolin [[High King of the Noldor]]
| position=
| location=[[Gondolin]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]]
| birth={{YT|1300}}
| brithlocation=[[Tirion]]
| rule={{FA|116}} - {{FA|510|n}} (Gondolin) {{FA|472}} - {{FA|510|n}} (High King)
| death={{FA|510}}
| deathlocation=[[Fall of Gondolin]]
| age=c. 2426<ref group="note">Years of the Sun. Each Year of the Tree is equal to 9.582 Years of the Sun, and the Years of the Trees ended in the year 1500.</ref>
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Fingolfin]]
| parentage=[[Fingolfin]] and [[Anairë]]
| siblings=[[Fingon]], [[Aredhel]] and [[Argon]]
| spouse=[[Elenwë]]
| children=[[Idril|Idril Celebrindal]]
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than all but [[Thingol]]
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Glamdring]]<ref>''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[A Short Rest]]", [[Elrond]] explains that it once belonged to the King of Gondolin</ref>
| steed=
}}

{{quote|And most of all his kin Morgoth feared Turgon; for of old in Valinor his eye had lighted upon him, and whenever he drew near a shadow had fallen on his spirit, foreboding that in some time that yet lay hidden, from Turgon ruin should come to him.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]"}}

'''Turgon''' was an [[Elves|Elven]] king of the [[Noldor]], second son of [[Fingolfin]], brother to [[Fingon]], [[Aredhel]] and [[Argon]]. He was lord of the [[Gondolindrim|Elves of Nevrast]], and later of the Hidden City of [[Gondolin]].

He was often called "''the Wise''" and is described as "tallest of all the [[Children of the World]], save [[Thingol]]"; with a white and gold [[Glamdring|sword]] in an ivory sheath.<ref name=Tuor>{{UT|Tuor}}, "Notes", p. 56, note 31</ref> He sat in a high throne, holding his staff of doom.<ref name=Maeglin>{{S|16}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Marya Filatova - Turukano and Elenwe.jpg|left|150px|thumb|''Turukáno and Elenwe'' by [[Marya Filatova]]]]
===Life in Aman===
Turgon was born in the [[Year of the Trees 1300]], the same year as his cousin [[Finrod]].<ref>{{AA|85|note}}, p. 106</ref> At some point, he married [[Elenwë]] of the [[Vanyar]], and they had a child: [[Idril]].

After the [[Darkening of Valinor]], [[Fëanor]] gave his famous speech in [[Tirion]] and proclaimed his [[Oath of Fëanor|Oath]]. Turgon and his father [[Fingolfin]] spoke against Fëanor, and the Fëanorians almost unsheathed their swords, but [[Finarfin]] intervened and invited the Noldor to ponder the matter. Turgon and his friend Finrod were together against the departure of the Noldor from [[Aman]], but the Noldorin assembly chose [[Exile of the Noldor|Exile]]. So Turgon set out on the journey, and although he was originally against it, he did not come back after the [[Doom of Mandos]] because "Fingon and Turgon were bold and fiery of heart, and loath to abandon any task to which they had put their hands until the bitter end, if bitter it must be". After Fëanor and his [[Sons of Fëanor|sons]] departed using the only ships, abandoning the remaining Noldor, Turgon went with his people across the dangerous [[Helcaraxë]] alongside his father Fingolfin.<ref>{{S|9}}</ref> During the crossing, Turgon's wife Elenwë, and their daughter Idril fell into the bitter waters. Turgon risked his life to save them, but he only could save Idril, and Elenwë was lost. Turgon was always hostile to the [[House of Fëanor]] thereafter.<ref>{{PM|XI4}}, pp. 345-346</ref>

===Building of Gondolin===
Once they arrived in [[Middle-earth]], Turgon and his followers settled at [[Vinyamar]] in [[Nevrast]]. In {{FA|50}}, he and Finrod journeyed together along [[Sirion]], and while they slept near the [[Aelin-uial]], [[Ulmo]] sent both of them a dream to look for a hidden place where they could be safe from the power of [[Morgoth]]. Then, in the following year, Ulmo appeared directly to Turgon and guided him to the vale of [[Tumladen]] in the [[Encircling Mountains]]. Initially, Turgon left Tumladen and returned to Vinyamar, keeping his discovery a secret for many years and planning the construction of a city.<ref>{{S|13}}</ref>
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Turgon and Idril.jpg|thumb|''Turgon and Idril'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
After the [[Dagor Aglareb]], Turgon began to once again feel the restlessness set in his heart by Ulmo, and his thought turned to Tumladen. He secretly moved many of the most skilled Noldor to the valley, and had them build [[Gondolin]]. When it was completed in {{FA|116}},<ref>{{GA|111}}</ref> he abandoned Vinyamar with all his people and led them to Tumladen in secret, hidden by the power of Ulmo. Before leaving, however, he left in Vinyamar a sword, mail and helm for one who would come in the hour of direst need of the Noldor and deliver hope, following Ulmo's prophecy. In his Hidden City, Turgon was King of the [[Gondolindrim]], and all kept working on embellishing Gondolin. He even personally created the two trees [[Glingal and Belthil]] in the image of the [[Two Trees]].<ref>{{S|15}}</ref>

In {{FA|400}},<ref>{{GA|120}}</ref> after the unfortunate events concerning his sister [[Aredhel]], Turgon welcomed his nephew [[Maeglin]], who became a close counsellor.<ref name=Maeglin></ref>

===Doom of the Noldor===
In {{FA|458}} Turgon took in [[Húrin]] and [[Huor]], who were saved by the [[Eagles]]. They forged a strong friendship, but after a year he allowed them to leave the city, although it was against his law.<ref>{{S|18}}</ref> Turgon and the two brothers met again in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]: in the middle of the battle, they rejoiced in their meeting. When Fingon was killed and the battle seemed lost, Huor urged Turgon to leave, prophesying that from both of them a new [[Eärendil|star]] would rise. Thanks to the men of the [[House of Hador]] in the [[Fen of Serech]], the Gondolindrim escaped, but Huor was killed and Húrin captured. Although the battle was still lost, Turgon's unexpected intervention prevented the rout from completely destroying the armies of the Noldor and their allies.<ref name=Nirnaeth>{{S|20}}</ref>

With the death of his brother Fingon, Turgon became the new [[High King of the Noldor]], and he was the most feared of the enemies of [[Morgoth]], as he remained hidden.<ref>{{UT|1}}, p. 18</ref> In those times, [[Círdan]] settled in the [[Mouths of Sirion]], and with his help, Turgon sent seven boats to the [[Aman|West]] to ask help to the Valar, but all of them were wrecked.<ref name=Nirnaeth></ref>
[[File:Catherine Karina Chmiel - Turgon, Idril, and Maeglin together.jpg|thumb|''Turgon, Idril, and Maeglin together'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]
In {{FA|495}},<ref>{{GA|299}}</ref> [[Voronwë]], the only survivor of the shipwrecks, brought into the Hidden City a man: [[Tuor]], son of Huor. The King received him in the [[Tower of the King]], and when Tuor spoke, his cloak fell, revealing the arms Turgon had left in Vinyamar following Ulmo's orders nearly 400 years earlier.<ref name=Tuor></ref> Tuor gave him [[Ulmo's warning]]: the [[Doom of the Noldor]] was approaching, so the [[Gondolindrim]] had to leave their fair city and go down Sirion to the sea. But the King had become proud and loved his kingdom, so he rejected the counsel of the Vala. However, he ordered the blocking up of the [[Seven Gates]], so that no one could enter the city, and the only news that came in was that brought by [[Thorondor]].<ref name=Fall>{{S|23}}</ref>

Some years later, Húrin was released by Morgoth, and he approached the [[Echoriad]] with the hope of returning to Gondolin. Thorondor informed Turgon, but he distrusted Húrin and did not help him. Turgon later regretted it, but it was too late; through Húrin's wanderings, the location of the Hidden City became known to Morgoth.<ref>{{WJ|Hurin}}, pp. 271-272</ref>

Seven years after his coming, Tuor married Idril. Turgon blessed their union, as he held Tuor in great esteem and he had not forgotten the words of Huor in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.<ref name=Fall>{{S|23}}</ref>

Morgoth attacked the city in {{FA|510}}.<ref>{{WJ|Years}}, p. 351</ref> In the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', little is mentioned of the deeds of the chieftains of Gondolin, but much is told in ''[[Turgon#Other versions of the legendarium|The Fall of Gondolin]]'': of the defence of the Tower of the King by the people of his stronghold, until this fell; "and mighty was its fall and the fall of Turgon in its ruin".<ref name=Fall>{{S|23}}</ref>

A group of [[Exiles of Gondolin|Exiles]] survived the [[Fall of Gondolin]] and reached the [[Mouths of Sirion]]. There [[Gil-galad|Ereinion Gil-galad]] was named the next High King of the Noldor. Turgon's grandson [[Eärendil|Eärendil the Blessed]] would later bring salvation to Middle-earth, fulfilling Morgoth's fears about him.

==Etymology==
''Turgon'' is [[Sindarin]], meaning "Ruling Lord" or "Victory Prince",<ref name=Eldarin>{{PE|Eldarin}}, pp. 112-113</ref> probably a combination of ''[[tur]]'' ("master")<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry ''tur''</ref> and ''-gon'' ("lord, prince").<ref name=Feanor>{{PM|Finwe}}, p. 345</ref>

However, in ''[[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]]'', Tolkien translated ''Turgon'' as "Master Shout". There it is explained that the name is the [[Sindarized]] version of his [[Quenya]] [[father-name]], '''''Turukáno''''',<ref name=Feanor></ref> clearly meaning "Victory Commander".<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=http://eldamo.org/content/words/word-136007163.html|articlename=Q. ''Turucáno'' m.|website=Eldamo|accessed=2 June 2020}}</ref>

A rejected Quenya name was ''Turondo'' ("Lord of Stone").<ref name=Eldarin></ref> In the earliest stage of the Elvish [[languages]], the [[Qenya]] name was the same, and the [[Gnomish]] name was also ''Turgon'', which [[Christopher Tolkien]] suggests to be derived from the [[root]] [[TUR|TURU]] ("be strong").<ref>{{LT1|Appendix}}, entry "Tuor"</ref>

== Genealogy ==
<div style="overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; padding: 3px; background: #EEEEEE;">
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| MIR |y| FIN |y| IND | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]''d. {{YT|1495}}''|IND=[[Indis]]''b. {{YT}}''|MIR=[[Míriel]]''d. {{YT|1170}}''}}
{{familytree| | | |!| | | |)|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree| | | FEA | | FDS | | FNG |y| ANA | | IRM | | FIR | | |FEA=[[Fëanor]]''{{YT|1169}} - {{YT|1497|n}}''|FDS=[[Findis]]''b. {{YT}}''|FNG=[[Fingolfin]]''{{YT|1190}} - {{FA|456}}''|ANA=[[Anairë]]''b. {{YT}}''|IRM=[[Írimë]]''b. {{YT}}''|FIR=[[Finarfin]]''b. {{YT|1230}}''}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| FIN | | TUR |y| ELE | | ARE |y| EOL | | ARG|FIN=[[Fingon]]''{{YT|1260}} - {{FA|472}}''|ARE=[[Aredhel]]''{{YT|1362}} - {{FA|400}}''|TUR='''TURGON'''''{{YT|1300}} - {{FA|510}}''|ELE=[[Elenwë]]''d. {{YT|1500}}''|EOL=[[Eöl]]''d. {{FA|400}}''|ARG=[[Argon]]''d. {{FA|1}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | TUO |y| IDR | | | | | | MAE | | | | | ||MAE=[[Maeglin]]''{{FA|320}} - {{FA|510|n}}''|IDR=[[Idril]]''b. {{YT}}''|TUO=[[Tuor]]''b. {{FA|472}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | EAR | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||EAR=[[Eärendil]]''b. {{FA|503}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}
</div>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===The Book of Lost Tales===
{{quote|But I Turgon will not leave my city, and will burn with it.|''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]"}}

Turgon already appears in the earliest stage of the [[legendarium]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]''. He is the son of Finwë Nólemë, lord of the [[Noldoli]] (precursor of both [[Finwë]] and [[Fingolfin]]). Before Turgon (or ''Turondo'' in [[Qenya]]) was born, [[Amnon]] prophesied the fall of Gondolin and the fade of Turgon.<ref>{{LT1|VII}}, pp. 167, 172</ref> Turgon was born soon after the [[Exile of the Noldor|Flight of the Noldoli]] in [[Lake Mithrim]] or near [[Sirion]]. Later he participated in the [[Battle of Unnumbered Tears]], and there his father was isolated and slain by the enemy, and the Orcs cut out Nólemë's heart. But Turgon rescued the body, and the [[scarlet heart]] became his emblem. With terrible wrath, he ran out of the battle, and went to save the women and children of the camps. Then he fled south along Sirion, and aided by its magic waters, he escaped into a secret place away from [[Melko]]. There the Noldoli built the secret city of Gondolin and Turgon became their king.<ref>{{LT1|X}}, pp. 238-242</ref>

Many years later, when [[Tuor#Other versions of the legendarium|Tuor]] came to the city, he found Turgon in the [[Square of the Palace]]. "Then Turgon king of Gondolin robed in white with a belt of gold, and a coronet of garnets upon his head, stood before his doors and spake from the head of the white stairs that led thereto." Tuor was well received, as his coming was prophesied, but [[Ulmo's warning]] was not attended by the king, who answered that he had already sent boats to the West which had never come back. However, Turgon knew that Tuor had the favour of the Valar, and invited him to dwell in Gondolin, even in the royal halls.<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|160-2}}

Many years later, Turgon allowed the wedding of Tuor and his daughter Idril. All the [[Gondothlim]] and the king were overjoyed when [[Eärendel]] was born, except [[Meglin]], the king's nephew and close counsellor.<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|164-5}} One year later, news came about spies of [[Morgoth|Melko]] near [[Tumladin]], and the king remembered the words of Tuor, so he tripled the watch and ordered preparations for war.<ref name=Gondolin>{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|167}} However, more years passed and his fear softened, and the watch was reduced again, as the Gondothlim became confident after Melko withdrew the spies.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|170}}
[[File:Natalie Chen - Turgon King of Gondolin.jpg|thumb|''Turgon King of Gondolin'' by [[:Category:Images by Natalie Chen|Natalie Chen]]]]
During the [[Tarnin Austa]], news came about the armies of Melko approaching the city, so Turgon called a council and all the [[twelve houses of the Gondothlim]] came to his palace. Among them were his personal guard, the [[House of the King]], who wore his emblems: the [[sun]], the [[moon]] and the [[scarlet heart]].<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|172}} In the council, all the lords of Gondolin supported Tuor, who wanted to leave the city to save all the people; but the king was convinced by Meglin and [[Salgant]] alone, because they appealed to the wealth and strength of the city.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|175-6}}

Thus, the [[Fall of Gondolin]] began. Turgon watched most of the battle from [[Tower of the King|his tower]],<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|180}} while his folk was held in reserve in the Square of the Palace, waiting in order to defend him.<ref name=Gondolin></ref>{{rp|183}} Throughout the siege, the king sent the different reserved hosts to help where necessary, until the remnants of all the surviving houses finally gathered in the Square. After [[Ecthelion of the Fountain]] there killed [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]], the king came down in splendour and helped his house to cleanse the square. But the steam of the fountains killed some men, so the king was saved and taken under [[Glingol]] and [[Bansil]]. Then said the king: "''Great is the fall of Gondolin!''", the words of the prophet [[Amnon]]. Seeing he had brought ruin upon his city, he proclaimed he would not fight against [[Doom of the Noldor|Doom]], so he ordered the survivors to follow Tuor and threw down his [[Crown of the Hidden Kingdom|
crown]] at the roots of Glingol. [[Galdor (elf of Gondolin)|Galdor]] picked it up, but Turgon rejected it and climbed to the pinnacle of his tower.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|184-5}}

{{blockquote|There he shouted in a voice like a horn blown among the mountains, and all that were gathered beneath the Trees and the foemen in the mists of the square heard him: "Great is the victory of the Noldoli!" And 'tis said that it was then middle night, and that the Orcs yelled in derision.}}

Now, Tuor wanted to escape from the city to save the women and children, but he could not leave the king, so messengers were sent to convince Turgon to flee. But Turgon refused thrice, saying he would not leave his city and would burn with it. His royal house remained at his side, protecting the tower.<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|185}} Later, Tuor and Idril could see from the [[Gar Ainion]] how the Square of the King was taken by enemies. Dragons crushed the base of the tower and this fell, covered in flames. "Great was the clangour of that terrible fall, and therein passed Turgon King of the Gondothlim". Idril wept for her father, saying "''Sad is the blindness of the wise''"; and Tuor answered "''Sad too is the stubbornness of those we love — yet 'twas a valiant fault''".<ref name=Gondolin/>{{rp|187}}

==Inspiration==
There is a clear correlation between Turgon and the Byzantine Emperor [[:Wikipedia:Constantine XI|Constantine XI]], especially in ''The Book of Lost Tales'' as summarized above. When he was asked to escape during the [[:Wikipedia:Fall of Constantinople|Fall of Constantinople]], Constantine XI pronounced himself in the same terms as Turgon:

{{blockquote|God forbid that I should live as an Emperor without an Empire. As my city falls, I will fall with it. Whosoever wishes to escape, let him save himself if he can, and whoever is ready to face death, let him follow me.<ref>Nicolle, David; Haldon, John; Turnbull, Stephen (Osprey Publishing, 2007). ''The Fall of Constantinople: The Ottoman Conquest of Byzantium'', p. 228</ref>}}

{{References|n}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=noldor
|house=[[House of Fingolfin]] Cadet branch of [[House of Finwë]]
|born={{YT|1300}}
|died={{FA|510}}
}}
{{seq
|pvac=None
|prev=Title established
|list=King of [[Gondolin]]
|dates={{FA|116}} - {{FA|510|n}}
|nvac=None
|next=[[Fall of Gondolin|Kingdom destroyed]]
}}
{{seq
|prev=[[Fingon]]
|list=3rd [[High King of the Noldor]]
|dates={{FA|472}} – {{FA|510|n}}
|next=[[Gil-galad]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{HousesofGondolin}}
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Gnomish names]]
[[Category:Gondolindrim]]
[[Category:House of Fingolfin]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Rulers in Beleriand]]
[[Category:Rulers in the Great Lands]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Turgon (Sohn von Fingolfin)]]
[[fi:Turgon (haltia)]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/turukano]]

Saruman

2023-08-29T20:48:24Z

Fezzlewig:

{{sources}}
{{maiar infobox
| name=Saruman
| image=[[File:John Howe - Saruman.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Saruman" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Curumo, Tarindor'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Curunír 'Lân'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) [[the White]], [[the Wise]], the [[Ring-maker]], of Many Colours, [[Sharkey]]
| titles=[[Lord of Isengard]]
| position=Chief of the [[Heren Istarion]] Head of the [[White Council]]
| location=[[Orthanc]]
| affiliation=[[Aulë]] [[Istari]] (Wizards) [[White Council]] [[Sauron]]
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule={{TA|2759}} - {{TA|3019|n}}
| death=[[3 November]], {{TA|3019}} (existed in [[Middle-earth]] for 2019 years)
| deathlocation=[[Hobbiton]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=White with strands of black<ref name="Voice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=White robes, shimmering with many colours
| weapons=Staff Knife
| steed=
}}

{{quote|[Saruman] is great among the Wise. He is the chief of my order and the head of the Council. His knowledge is deep, but his pride has grown with it, and he takes ill any meddling. The lore of the Elven-rings, great and small, is his province. He has long studied it, seeking the lost secrets of their making...|[[Gandalf]] in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Shadow of the Past]]"}}

'''Saruman the White''' was the first of the order of [[Wizards]] (or ''Istari'') who came to Middle-earth as Emissaries of the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. For a time he was the chief of the [[Wizards|Heren Istarion]], as well as the head of the [[White Council]]. However, through his appreciation of [[Sauron]]'s innate strength, his envy of [[Gandalf]] and his overbearing hubris, the White Wizard fell into mimicry of the [[Dark Lord]] as his capable yet faithless servant, plotting to share in his power or to two-facedly seize the [[One Ring]] first.

Both at Sauron's whim and for his own ambitions, Saruman coordinated assaults from his [[Orthanc]] tower in [[Isengard]] against the realm of [[Rohan]] during the [[War of the Ring]], while sapping the kingdom through his agent [[Gríma]]. However, the corrupted Wizard's legions were vanquished and he was forced to remain a prisoner in his own tower, though not for long. Allowed to leave Orthanc, he travelled to the [[Shire]], which his outlaw pawns had gained control over, and became the hidden local thug lord. Saruman was again defeated by the rallied, oppressed [[Hobbits]] and he himself was backstabbed by Gríma for his mistreatment. His unbodied spirit was denied the [[West]] and fled naked and impotent, a fate not unlike that of Sauron.

== History ==
=== Early history ===
As a [[Maia]], Saruman was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> In his early days in [[Valinor]], he went by the name ''[[Curumo]]''<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, note 6</ref> or ''Tarindor''.<ref name=Cuv/> Like [[Sauron]], he was a powerful Maia of [[Aulë]].<ref>{{S|Vala}}</ref>

After the Valar discovered the primeval [[Elves]] at [[Cuiviénen]], Tarindor was one of the [[Five Guardians]] sent to protect the Elves from the forces of [[Melkor]].<ref name=Cuv>{{NM|P1xiii}}, p. 95</ref> It is unclear how long he remained or if he accompanied the [[Eldar]] on the [[Great Journey]].

=== Return to Middle-earth ===
After the defeat of Morgoth, the Valar grew concerned about the rising power of Sauron in Middle-earth. In [[Valinor]], a council was called by [[Manwë]], where it was decided to send Maiar as emissaries to Middle-earth to help the [[Free Peoples]] challenge Sauron. The council likely met in the middle of the Second Age, shortly after the creation of the [[Rings of Power]]. The council determined that these emissaries (who became known as the [[Istari]] or Wizards) should be "mighty, peers of Sauron, yet [they should] forgo might, and clothe themselves in flesh so as to treat on equality and win the trust of Elves and Men."<ref name=Istari>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>{{rp|393}} Curumo, who was sent to the council by Aulë, volunteered to travel to Middle-earth as an emissary; he was appointed the first Istar and became the chief of their Order.<ref name=Istari />{{rp|389, 394}}

Even before arriving in Middle-earth, Curumo begrudged his peers among the Istari. ''[[Gandalf|Olórin]]'' (later Gandalf), who did not wish to travel to Middle-earth, was commanded by Manwë to go as the third Istar. Saruman's jealousy of Gandalf began here, when [[Varda]] said of Gandalf that he was "not the third". Saruman was charged to take [[Aiwendil]] (later Radagast) with him to please [[Yavanna]], which he did not wish to do, and this led to his contempt for the latter Wizard.<ref name=Istari />{{rp|393}}

In Middle-earth, Curomo became known in [[Sindarin]] as ''[[Curunír]]'' and in [[Westron]] by his most common name, ''Saruman''. Like the other Wizards, his [[fana]] took the appearance of an old man. He had raven hair and was robed in white.<ref name=Istari />{{rp|393}}

Saruman and others of the Istari arrived in Middle-earth on a ship at [[Mithlond]] (the [[Grey Havens]]) in [[Lindon]] around the year 1000 of the [[Third Age]].<ref name=Istari /> At the time of their arrival, their origin, nature, purpose, and true names were a secret to nearly everyone in Middle-earth. Having witnessed their arrival, [[Círdan]] alone knew the truth of their identity and origin. He chose to give [[Narya]], the Red Ring, to Gandalf to aid him in his mission.<ref name="AppTA"/> Círdan told only [[Galadriel]] and [[Elrond]] of the true origins of the Istari.<ref name="SV"/> After a time, Saruman learned of Círdan's gift and begrudged it; this heightened the hidden ill-will that he bore towards Gandalf.<ref name=Istari/>

Shortly after arriving, Saruman travelled into the [[East]] of Middle-earth, as did the two [[Blue Wizards]]. After one and a half millennia he returned to the West, just as Sauron's power was growing again in [[Dol Guldur]].

=== Chief of the White Council ===
[[File:Angus McBride - Saruman.gif|thumb|''Saruman'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
When the [[White Council]] was formed around {{TA|2463}}<ref name="AppTA"/>, Saruman was appointed its leader. Even then, he had begun to sense the resurgence of Sauron and to envy and desire his power, and especially his [[The One Ring|One Ring]]. Coincidentally, in that same year the One Ring was found by the creature [[Gollum]]<ref name="AppTA"/>, drawing the [[Dark Lord]] closer to the conflict that would eventually prove Saruman's undoing.

During this period, Saruman spent years in [[Minas Tirith]] examining its archives. It is possible that there he surmised that a [[Palantíri|''palantír'']] would still be located in [[Orthanc]], the tower of [[Isengard]].<ref>{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref> He offered to make Isengard his home and to command the defences of the West. This was welcomed by King [[Fréaláf]] of [[Rohan]] and [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] of [[Gondor]] alike. In {{TA|2759}}, Saruman was given the [[Key of Orthanc]] in the ring of [[Isengard]] his abode, hoping that he would prove an important ally.<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</ref><Ref name=stew>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> There he became important in the defence of the free lands of the West. In Orthanc he came upon the [[Orthanc-stone]], one of the seven seeing stones, but kept it secret and hidden, particularly from the White Council. He would later betray the Council by concealing his use of it.

In {{TA|2851}}, the White Council met and Gandalf revealed that the evil presence in Dol Guldur was indeed Sauron and that he had returned, and urged an attack there. Saruman however believed that Sauron would be useful in his quest: allowing Sauron to build up his strength, the One Ring would reveal itself, and Saruman hoped to have sufficient strength to seize it first himself until that event. With this strategy in mind, Saruman overruled Gandalf. It soon became clear that Saruman desired to possess [[the One Ring]] himself.<ref name="AppTA">{{App|TA}}</ref>

He soon found that Sauron had more knowledge of the possible location of the One Ring than he expected, and in {{TA|2941}} he finally consented to an [[Attack on Dol Guldur]] against Sauron at which point Sauron retreated to [[Mordor]].
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Dol Guldur'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|2953}}, the [[Wise]] gathered once more to debate about the [[Rings of Power]]. Saruman quieted the Council claiming to have the knowledge that the One Ring was lost forever in the [[Belegaer]]. Following their final meeting (and the death of [[Turgon (Steward of Gondor)|Steward Turgon]]), Saruman took Isengard for his own and fortified it.<Ref name=stew/> Saruman, jealous and afraid of Gandalf, set spies to watch all his movements; thus he discovered the existence of the [[Shire]] and noted Gandalf's interest in it, and started sending agents in [[Bree]] and the [[Southfarthing]].<ref name="AppTA"/> As [[Lord of Isengard]], Saruman began to bring trouble to Rohan by aiding its enemies.<ref name="AppMark">{{App|Mark}}</ref> But the Wise were already suspicious about him; [[Aragorn]] tried to advice Steward [[Ecthelion II]] to not trust Saruman for his help against Sauron.<Ref name=stew/>

Sauron had declared himself openly in Mordor; he established contact with Saruman through the [[Ithil-stone]] his minions had captured from [[Minas Ithil]]. Through his jealousy towards Gandalf and his ever-growing pride and arrogance, and through the use of the ''palantír'', Saruman was ensnared by Sauron. Using either the knowledge of his new ally or lore of lost [[Eregion]], Saruman crafted his own lesser ring and sought to emulate Sauron. His corruption was complete around {{TA|3000}}.<ref name="AppTA"/> The Wizard intended to share in the Dark Lord's power one way or another; he would aid in Sauron's victory to win his approval and become his equal lieutenant, or cheat him and try to supplant him by acquiring the One Ring for himself.

=== War of the Ring ===
At about this time, in an attempt to control [[Rohan]], Saruman bought the allegiance of King [[Théoden]]'s chief advisor, [[Gríma]], who then counselled the ailing king to do nothing about the steady resurgence of Sauron's armies. Saruman and Gríma's treachery would have crippled Rohan's military might and allowed Sauron lordship of the kingdom, had not [[Gandalf]] interfered a year later and revealed to Théoden his right-hand man's true designs, healing the old king and revitalising his political and military rule.

He had sent spies to negotiate the purchase of "[[pipe-weed|leaf]]" from [[the Shire]], in preparation for the war, and also learn of any [[Hobbits]] who had departed recently in hopes of finding out who possessed the One Ring.<ref name="UT10">{{UT|10}}, "Concerning Gandalf, Saruman, and the Shire"</ref>

Saruman did not reveal his true intentions until Gandalf presented him with the discovery and location of the One Ring. On [[10 July]], {{TA|3018}}, Gandalf arrived at Isengard.<ref name="AppGreat">{{App|Great}}</ref> Saruman demanded that Gandalf submit to him or to Sauron. Saruman then stood forth as '''Saruman of Many Colours''', and when Gandalf refused to join his new Lord or tell him of the Ring, he held him captive in Isengard.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Gríma and Saruman.jpg|thumb|left|Saruman commanding his forces from Orthanc as seen in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'' film]]

It must have been during Gandalf's captivity in Orthanc that Saruman began to assemble his following of [[Orcs]], [[Dunlendings]] and [[Uruk-hai]] into a massive army, since Gandalf came to an as yet un-destroyed Isengard. From the pinnacle of the tower Gandalf could see that Saruman was gathering his hordes of Orcs and [[Wolves]] in his pits and forges, both in service and in competition of Sauron.<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref> One can speculate that if matters had developed a little more slowly, his puppet Gríma would have gained full control over Rohan, and the [[Rohirrim]] would have been enslaved or destroyed.

Saruman's plans likely failed because he, like Sauron, was forced to reveal his hand early by Gandalf's subsequent escape, and therefore he had little time to perfect his plans. As Saruman considered himself "unfallen", he honestly believed he had a chance of converting Gandalf to their side, and felt honestly betrayed by Gandalf when he was refused.{{fact}}

Gandalf later escaped, and so Saruman's treachery and professed allegiance to Sauron became known to the rest of the White Council when Gandalf reported this during the subsequent [[Council of Elrond]].

Saruman soon also betrayed his master, Sauron, by lying to the [[Witch-king]] when he arrived at Isengard. Sauron had sent the [[Nazgûl]] searching for [[Bilbo Baggins|Baggins]], who had found the One Ring years before, and the Shire, his home. Saruman pretended to know nothing about the Shire. But the Lord of Minas Morgul and his company did not have the strength to assault the Ring of Isengard. Saruman told them that he believed Gandalf knew the whereabouts of the Ring, and the Nazgûl departed.

In September of {{TA|3018}}, the Nazgûl captured one of his [[the Shire|Shire]] [[Squint-eyed southerner|spies]] who told the [[Witch-king]] everything, betraying Saruman, and exposing the Wizard's double treachery. They also seized some maps and information about the Shire and [[Baggins]].<ref name="UT10" /> Perceived as a turncoat by the Free Peoples and fearing being caught as unfaithful vassal of Mordor, Saruman put all efforts into reassuring Sauron of his commitment or obtaining the One Ring for himself.<ref name="UTHunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

The failure to capture the Ring at [[Emyn Muil]] further ruined Saruman's plans, as he was revealed as a certain traitor to Sauron as well.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|''The Wrath of the Ents'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

Finding himself in a precarious position, Saruman could only hope to acquire the Ring or convince Sauron of his loyalty. Therefore he implemented an aggressive strategy of attacking [[Rohan]], endeavouring to kill the King's son [[Théodred]], sending spies to waylay [[Frodo Baggins]] on his flight from the Shire, and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a company of the Ring might take to Gondor. Ironically, one of these parties captured [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] and transported them to [[Fangorn Forest]] in time to mobilise the [[Ents]]. Gandalf also suspected Saruman had found (and destroyed) the remains of [[Isildur]], who had worn the Ring before it had been lost.

Saruman's Shire network failed to capture Frodo Baggins, Gandalf rallied Rohan to victory, [[Éomer]] stopped his brutal, but only partially successful raiding party, and control of Isengard was lost to the [[Ents]]. Aware he was utterly defeated, Saruman briefly considered repenting for his deeds, but at the last moment could not go through with it. Whether he had hope he could escape, whether he was too proud to surrender to Gandalf, whether he thought his master would pardon him, Saruman refused to leave the confines of his fortress. Saruman made a final attempt to woo Théoden and Gandalf to his cause but failed: his staff was broken and he was expelled from the Order of the Istari.

Left out of the final stages of the War of the Ring and unable to be of any use to Sauron, he eventually managed to convince his captors, the Ents, into letting him leave Isengard, as apparently the magic of his voice still remained.

[[File:Matt Stewart - The Voice of Isengard.jpg|thumb|''The Voice of Isengard'' by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]]]

On their way to northern [[Dunland]], on [[28 August]]<Ref name=chief>{{App|Chief}}</ref> they were confronted by Gandalf, [[Celeborn]], [[Galadriel]] and the Hobbits, but they passed as travelling beggars as Saruman kicked Gríma to move on, and he exclaimed how he hated his lord. Gandalf told Gríma that he was free to leave him but he did not reply. As Saruman was considered powerless, there was little concern for his escape.<ref name=Partings>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> On [[22 September]]<ref name=chief/> they entered to the Shire, which his ally [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]] (undisturbed by events elsewhere) had brought under control. He established himself in [[Hobbiton]] and spent his final days as a small-time thug lord whom his [[ruffians]] called '''''Sharkey''''', imposing a terror regime to avenge himself upon the peaceful Halflings. But even this operation fell apart after Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee]] returned; he was eventually betrayed and killed by his own agent Gríma on [[3 November]], {{TA|3019}}.

Saruman, who was a Maia, had lost his shape with his "death". As a discorporate spirit, he turned westward, but a wind came from the [[West]] and pushed him away. Apparently his spirit was left naked, powerless, and wandering in Middle-earth, not unlike Sauron after the One Ring was destroyed.

== Characteristics ==
[[File:Gregor Roffalski - Curunír.jpg|thumb|''Curunír'' by [[:Category:Images by Gregor Roffalski|Gregor Roffalski]]]]
In appearance, Saruman was as an old man with black hair. At the end of the Third Age, his hair and beard had turned mostly white — he had only black hairs about his lips and ears. He was tall, his face was long, and his eyes were deep and dark. He would appear in a white cloak, a habit he later changed into a cloak that changed colours as he moved.

He was not actually a [[Men|Man]], or even an [[Elves|Elf]] (as Men often suspected), but a [[Maiar|Maia]] clothed in flesh — an [[Istari|Istar]] (see ''Origins'' above). As such, he was immortal and extremely powerful, yet had limits on how far these powers could be used. His two most salient powers were his knowledge and his voice. Saruman was, in a very real way, the junior brother of Sauron both having been Maia of Aulë, Valar of Smithcraft, in the very beginnings of time. The parallels between Sauron and Saruman in both character and actions are many.

=== Powers ===
Knowledge of the "deep arts" (or magic, such as it is in Middle-earth) was of particular interest to Saruman, especially when relating to power such as the [[Rings of Power]] and the far seeing ''[[palantíri]]''. He was also deeply learned in ancient lore regarding powerful kingdoms such as [[Númenor]], [[Gondor]], and [[Moria]].

His voice and speech were extremely convincing, more powerful than mere rhetoric. When he focused this power on a person or a group of people, he could sway their hearts, plant fears and sow lies as he pleased. According to the stature of the listener, this spell could last as long as the speech did, or it could take root in them and last forever. Saruman's voice was so powerful that he was able to convince the [[Witch-king]] that he knew nothing of the One-Ring or the Shire. His voice was not hypnotic, however, rather it was persuasive; and the real danger the voice posed to the listener was not them falling into a trance, but agreeing with it.

Aside from his voice, Saruman has other subtle abilities such as giving great speed and motivation to his orcs at a distance and setting his will against all those in his dominion that might oppose him. Aragorn takes note of this ability while tracking the party of orcs holding Merry and Pippin hostage. Saruman also seems to be able to move around totally unheard by others, as there are numerous examples of him using this ability. Several examples include his sneaking up on [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]'s camp in [[The Riders of Rohan]], his wholly unheard entrance in [[The Voice of Saruman]] and his quiet but sudden appearance to the hobbits in [[The Scouring of the Shire]].

Other powers include knowledge of machinery and chemistry, probably separable from explicit magic (for instance, the "blasting fire" employed by his [[Uruk-hai]] army in the battle of [[Helm's Deep]], was some kind of chemical explosive). Machinery and engines characterised both his fortified [[Isengard]] and his altered [[the Shire|Shire]] arenas of influence. In this, he sought to emulate, or even surpass his ally, [[Sauron]]. This inclination was constitutional in them both from the very beginning.

His science also extended to biological areas. He is believed to have crossbred Men and Orcs, creating a new race of Orcs unafraid of daylight, the dreaded Uruk-hai, a major improvement on Sauron's thralls who hated daylight. His mannish spies in [[Bree]] were said to have Orc blood, giving them heightened senses over ordinary men. He also employed scavenger birds in his service, although this might also be attributed to [[Radagast]] the Brown, ordering them to report to [[Orthanc]], Saruman's stronghold.

Being regarded as more powerful than [[Gandalf]] (at least before Gandalf's "rebirth"), it's fair to assume he would also wield explicit magic similar to Gandalf, such as artificial light, locking spells, creating fire, etc.

Saruman, walking on the same ruinous path as Sauron, attempted to forge for himself a Ring of Power. This he wore during the War of the Ring which he revealed when he called himself "Saruman the [[Ring-maker]]". He had great knowledge and lore of the magic rings created by Sauron and by the Elven-smiths, though at this time the full art of ring-making was lost and known only to Sauron and so Saruman's knowledge of the craft was incomplete. It is assumed that Saruman's Ring was the equivalent of one of the lesser rings in power and any details of this power is not mentioned. It is also assumed that it too lost its power, if it had any, when the One Ring was destroyed, since Saruman's craft of ring-making was still based on Sauron's. When Gandalf was given Narya, the Ring of Fire, Saruman learned of the gift and resented it. This may be another reason why Saruman desired to have a ring of his own.

=== Personality ===
Saruman resembled Gandalf not only in appearance, but originally also somewhat in deportment, but unlike Gandalf, Saruman was proud, even haughty, and in this he was more akin to Sauron. He saw himself as the most powerful of the Istari, expressing clear contempt for Radagast the Brown, patronising tolerance of the Wise and Elves, and sheer disdain for lesser Men. Saruman was no fool (though he saw Radagast as one); he realised Gandalf's power, and eventually came to see him as an equal, and later as a superior, much to his distress. He became jealous of Gandalf, eventually convincing himself that Gandalf was scheming against him, which justified his own scheming against Gandalf and the rest of the White Council, and the Free Peoples of Middle-earth as well. Saruman's ultimate agenda in the end was not very different at all from Sauron's, in that he himself ultimately sought to become a tyrant of Middle-earth; regardless if by his new master's side or (more preferably) on his own - if he attained the One Ring First.

Saruman likely was true to his mission in the beginning, and actually believed in working to stop the return of the Darkness, but his pride and later arrogance (as well as his jealousy towards Gandalf and domination by Sauron) turned him into a traitor to the cause he had once served. Saruman's betrayal was not sudden, but slowly grew over time as Sauron used Saruman's lust for power, admiration of strength and envy as tools of control, until at last Saruman had convinced himself that he could not have taken any other path and that it was too late now to repent. To the last the corrupted Wizard only believed in his own counsel and the deceptive words of the Dark Lord. These false beliefs kept Saruman from taking his last chance at redemption, and because he must have realised this after Gandalf's truly generous terms he only became more bitter and filled with the rage of failure, blaming Gandalf more than anyone else for his downfall.

== Politics ==
=== Men ===
Saruman "went mostly among men". He always sought power, and it lay in the hands of the kingdoms of Men.

No records speak of his earliest journeys into the east; after his return he became a servant of [[Gondor]], receiving the keys to Orthanc from Beren as its warden. When Gondor weakened, he claimed Orthanc for his own without any formal declaration (or objection from Gondor), yet remained nominally an ally of Gondor and of Rohan.

When he turned to treachery, Saruman employed men mainly from [[Dunland]], and agents from other lands, turning old grudges into fuel for new hatred. The Dunlendings were enticed with the old stories that they had once lived in [[Calenardhon]] before the ''Strawheads''. The Dunlendings became his soldiers and it also seems probable that he used some of them to create [[Half-orcs]].

Gríma Wormtongue played a vital role in Saruman's plans: with Saruman's counsel Gríma began to weaken the king, estranging him from his other counsellors and even his own kin, until Gríma had in effect become the leader of Rohan.

=== Elves ===
Saruman was once on good terms with the Elves, and was voted in as the leader of the White Council, a group of Elves and Istari united against Sauron.

Saruman knew that Gandalf had been given the third Elvish ring [[Narya]] by [[Círdan]] the Shipwright. This nurtured his jealousy of Gandalf and his resentment towards the Elves.

Saruman had little use for, or interest in, the Elves, who were declining and their lands were few and secretive; although they wielded marvellous powers and two Rings of Power, they were not useful nor accessible for Saruman's ambitions. Also, they succumbed less easily than other races to manipulation.

Even though Isengard lay very close to [[Lothlórien]], Saruman had very little or no contact with it. Saruman never trusted [[Galadriel]] and he accused her of scheming for Gandalf at his expense.<ref name=Partings/>

=== Orcs ===
Saruman drew his original strength of Orcs from tribes in the [[Misty Mountains]], and perhaps from Moria Orcs. He made use of [[Wargs|Warg]]-mounted Orcs for raids against Rohan.

He also bred [[Orcs of Isengard|Orcs]] in the pits of Isengard, eventually creating crossbreeds of Orcs and Men (probably [[Dunlendings]] or [[Bree-men]]). This programme apparently also involved feeding these greater Orcs Man-flesh as a treat.

His [[Uruk-hai]] legions displayed great discipline and fierce loyalty, in addition to the other improvements such as height, strength, endurance and resistance to sunlight. There also appears to have been middle stages between Men and the Uruk-hai, Men with varying degrees of Orkish appearance such as [[Half-orcs]] and [[Goblin-men]]. These were reported by Pippin and Merry to have been part of Saruman's regular army, but were not Uruk-hai, since the hobbits would have recognised these from their earlier capture.

Saruman's servants called him "[[Sharkey]]" both in Isengard and later in the Shire.

=== Ents/Trees ===
Saruman made contact with the Ents in [[Fangorn Forest]] shortly after he settled in [[Isengard]]. The oldest of the Ents, [[Treebeard]] received him and gave him free access to the forest.

Saruman also consulted with Treebeard, learning much old lore that the Ents would have remembered from ancient times. Saruman did not return this favour, but only listened.

The Ents saw Saruman's treachery early, and became very concerned, primarily with Saruman's Orcs felling trees on the edge of Fangorn for use in the furnaces of Isengard and sometimes for no reason at all.

The Ents also appear to have had a sense of order, how things should be, that Saruman encroached upon. The crossbreeding of Men and Orcs particularly alarmed them, out of proportion to other concerns enemies of Saruman might have had. Also alarming was the pure fact of his treachery — the Istari were supposed to have a special responsibility.

Saruman used the Ents and the Fangorn forest without concern for the consequences. He clearly misjudged the Ents' abilities and will to act. This might not have been as incautious as it seemed, since major contributing factors to the Ent's actions were advice and requests from Gandalf, and concern about the rising power of Sauron (and their wish to support the front-line troops of the war, Rohan and Gondor).

Saruman clearly had the ability to understand the minds of the Ents when he found it useful. He managed to talk Treebeard into setting him free from Orthanc by pushing just the right buttons — Ents dislike the concept of caging up any creature.

=== Hobbits ===
The race of [[Hobbits]] and their lands seemed too insignificant to interest Saruman: until he took notice of Gandalf's special concern for them. Studying Gandalf made him focus gradually more and more on the Hobbits and The Shire. For a period he actually travelled there in secret, mapping out the lands. Gandalf was aware of this, but at this point only amused.

He began smoking pipe-weed (a habit of the Hobbits that Gandalf had picked up), also in secret. His demand for tobacco opened up trading between The Shire and Isengard, and the power his money could wield there and the corruption it could cause began to fascinate him. Some of his agents went in secret, and some were known to Gandalf and the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]].

His anger towards the Hobbits may possibly stem from the attention Gandalf showed them. It certainly strengthened immensely when he discovered that the Hobbits had "conspired" with Gandalf to keep [[the One Ring]] from him.

This, and the sudden urgency caused by the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]' hunt for the Ring-bearer from The Shire to Rivendell, made him increase his activity in the area, leading to a build-up of power that would lead to virtual conquest of The Shire.

He might also later have blamed the ruin of Isengard by the Ents on [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], who clearly catalysed events.

This all came together when Saruman escaped from the Ents and retired to The Shire and his thug regime in place there. It appears he immediately switched the focus of this operation to wanton destruction: pollution, murder, fire, chopping down trees for no reason, a last blow against Hobbits and Gandalf.

At his final utter defeat by [[Battle of Bywater|a Hobbit uprising]], his life was spared even when he tried to assassinate [[Frodo Baggins]]. At this moment he actually conceded a short-lived respect to Frodo.

=== Valar/Maiar/Wizards ===
Saruman was supposedly eager to go to Middle-earth, against Manwë's counsel. After his 'death' he was apparently barred from returning to Valinor, and therefore was denied reincarnation and condemned to waft away and disappear like so much smoke. In his corrupt state, Saruman sought power and the imposing of order in Middle-earth by any means necessary, even if it meant betraying the mission he was entrusted with and throwing in his lot with Sauron.

Sauron, in origin a Maia of Aulë like Saruman, awed and frightened him. During the height of his arrogance Saruman thought he could contend with Sauron, but in the end he found himself meddling with a spirit of far greater power and knowledge than himself. Caught peering into the ''palantír'' he was seduced by Sauron to his allegiance, no longer opposing (and perhaps even desiring) his victory. The Wizard sought to become the quasi-equal lieutenant to Sauron and receive his favor in triumph, yet he was proved to be a duplicitous ally by actively coveting the One Ring. After the Escape of Gandalf, Saruman understood the only paths ahead of him were to: show Sauron his loyalty by crippling Rohan, hoping to at the very least be spared, or claim the Ring first; otherwise he would come to ruin and torment.

Saruman grudgingly brought with him Radagast as a companion from Valinor, at the request of [[Yavanna]], yet still managed to arrive alone, and first. Shortly after, he went into the East with the two [[Blue Wizards]], and later returned alone. There he may have wrought many great works to diminish the influence of the Enemy or searched for lore to help him in his schemes.

Radagast, even though Saruman scorned him, served both Gandalf and Saruman very usefully (and wholly unintentionally, as he admitted "he had just the wit to play the part I set him", that of persuading Gandalf to come to Isengard). Radagast also sent birds to Saruman and Gandalf to report the different happenings in Middle-earth.

Saruman had always been jealous of Gandalf, and knew that he was keeping secrets from him, such as his suspicion about [[The One Ring|Bilbo's Ring]] and [[Narya]], secret. Gandalf also suspected Saruman of plotting to gain the One Ring for himself, and hinted at this at a meeting of the White Council. Gandalf blew nine small smoke rings and one great one that wavered a bit, seeming almost palpable, and yet blew away, symbolising (almost prophetic of) Saruman's failure in achieving the One. In general, Saruman must have viewed Gandalf as his only peer, and as such to be feared and treated with (although not necessarily shown) respect. He always kept a watchful eye open for Gandalf's doings, and actually picked up the habit of smoking pipe-weed by sending out spies tailing Gandalf to the Shire. After revealing his fealty to Mordor and his desire for the Ring, Saruman offered Gandalf the chance to join with Sauron, or perhaps get the One for themselves. Ultimately, certain he Gandalf could be forced to tell of the Ring's whereabouts or that ar least Sauron would prevail, he came to underestimate Gandalf and think little of his interventions.

Nevertheless, Saruman exercised more power than Gandalf, even with the ring Narya, as became clear when he placed Gandalf under arrest at the pinnacle of Orthanc. The text does not make it clear whether Saruman lost power or whether Gandalf gained power, but when Gandalf returned as "Gandalf [[the White]]", he could summon Saruman at his will, forcibly keep him in his presence, and finally break Saruman's staff (with whatever implications that might have had for Saruman's powers).

Despite his apparent disdain for the Grey Pilgrim, Saruman several times came very close to setting aside his pride and to asking Gandalf for pity and help. The closest call came when the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]] (on their way to the Shire) arrived at Isengard while Gandalf still remained in captivity there. Saruman, realising he might have already lost Sauron's trust, actually went to seek Gandalf's pardon, only to find his erstwhile captive missing from the top of Orthanc.

=== Animals ===
Saruman had control over many birds, probably having been taught to tame them by Radagast. Crebain spied for him and brought him news. In addition, the Orcs Saruman took in his armies had amongst them wild [[Wolves]] and even [[Wargs]], a sort of demonic cousin of the former.

== Etymology ==
{{pronounce|Quenya - Curumo.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
''Saruman'' is a [[Mannish]] translation of [[Quenya]] ''[[Curumo]]'', his original name in [[Valinor]] as a Maia; and [[Sindarin]] ''[[Curunír]]'' which is supposedly the same name (with the ending ''[[dîr|-ndîr]]'' "man"). All names mean "Skilled Man" or "Cunning One" (root ''[[curu]]'' "skill").<ref name=RC81>{{HM|RC}}, p. 81</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/quen-eng.htm|articlename=Quettaparma Quenyallo|website=Arda}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[Didier Willis]], ed.|articleurl=http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/sindar/online/sindar/dict-sd-en.html|articlename=Hiswelókë's Sindarin dictionary|website=[http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/ Hiswelókë]}}</ref>

''Saruman'' is derived from [[Old English]]: the root word ''searu'' means "device, design, contrivance, art" and the whole name means "man of skill".<ref name=RC81/>

== Other names ==
His name in [[Sindarin]] was '''''Curunír''''' or '''''Curunír' Lân''''' ("Curunír the White").<ref name=Istari/>

Saruman was also known as '''Curumo''' ([[Quenya|Q]]: "cunning", pron. {{IPA|[ˈkurumo]}}) in [[Valinor]], before he came to [[Middle-earth]] during the [[Third Age]].<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, note 6</ref>

When sent to Cuiviénen with the other [[Five Guardians|Guardians]], he was called '''''Tarindor''''' ("*High/wise-mind(ed)-one").<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, "Notes", p. 102, note 7</ref>

He claimed for himself the title '''[[Ring-maker]]'''.<ref name="FRCouncil"/>

== Other versions of the legendarium ==
In the earlier versions of ''The Lord of the Rings'', Saruman was sketched merely as a fawning servant of Sauron, while the army he musters is not in rivalry of Mordor's but from the beginning in his new master's employ. In other drafts, the treacherous Wizard hands Gandalf over to the evil [[Giants|Giant]] Treebeard or betrays him to the Black Riders. <ref>{{TI|VII}}</ref>

Saruman's older names in these drafts were Sarumond and Saramund,<ref name=rc>{{HM|RC}}, p. xxiii</ref> containing the english term ''mund'' "hand".

== Inspiration ==
Saruman was invented and introduced in the story in order to explain Gandalf's absence in the first part of ''The Lord of the Rings'', replacing Treebeard as the Wizard's captor.<ref name=rc/>

As a scholar, Tolkien would also have been well aware of the name of a similarly-named historic 'head of his order', Jaruman.

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
{{Gallery
|title=Saruman in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Saruman.jpg|Saruman in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|lines=2
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Saruman using Palantír.jpg|[[Christopher Lee]] as Saruman in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:LOTRO-Rise of Isengard-Saruman-1.png|Saruman in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego - Saruman minifigure.jpg|Saruman in [[Lego]] form
}}

=== Films ===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:[[Fraser Kerr]] provided the voice of Saruman. From early on in the production, it was decided that "Saruman" and "Sauron" sounded too much alike, and might confuse viewers. On concept art, Saruman is called '''Ruman''',<ref>[http://www.ralphbakshi.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=5&pos=69 1978 - The Lord of the Rings Gallery] at [http://www.ralphbakshi.com Ralphbakshi.com] (accessed 26 March 2011)</ref> but prior to recording, this was changed to '''Aruman'''. However, during recording, it was again changed, to "Saruman". Because of this late change, several instances of "Aruman" remain in the finished film.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Saruman was played by [[Christopher Lee]]. Saruman's depiction in the series is more akin to the early drafts: he is a more committed vassal of [[Sauron]]; still, he is seemingly not above cheating his master, instructing [[Lurtz]] to bring him the Hobbits carrying "something of great value" (the One Ring). In the films, his corruption by Sauron is directly portrayed to have come about through his use of one of the [[Palantíri]] found in the tower of [[Orthanc]], through which Sauron fueled the lust for power and accompanying arrogance and greed already festering in Saruman's heart. The films did not include the [[Battle of Bywater|Scouring of the Shire]], so Saruman's last appearance was in Isengard, during his encounter with [[Gandalf]] and [[Théoden]]. In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (extended edition)|extended edition of ''The Return of the King'']], [[Gríma]] stabs Saruman in the back, causing him to fall on a spiked wheel below the tower of Orthanc.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Christopher Lee]] reprised his role as Saruman, although the character does not appear in the book.<ref name="TelegraphCasting">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/8311016/Christopher-Lee-will-star-in-the-Hobbit-prequel.html|articlename=Christopher Lee will star in the Hobbit prequel|dated=08-Feb-2011|website=[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ The Telegraph]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref> He appears as part of the [[White Council]] alongside [[Gandalf]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Elrond]]. He is sceptical about the appearance of a [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]] in [[Dol Guldur]]. However, when he participates in the [[attack on Dol Guldur]], he sees for himself that Sauron has indeed returned. After the skirmish, he appears shaken by the display of Sauron's power, but claims he will take it upon himself to keep an eye on the Dark Lord and pretends to care for Lady Galadriel's weakened state.

=== Television ===
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''
:Saruman was played by actor Mikko Kivinen. He appears only in the "Vanha metsä" ("Old Forest") episode.

=== Radio series ===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Saruman is provided by [[Robert Farquharson]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Saruman is provided by [[James Arrington]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Peter Howell]] played Saruman. Because the series follows a chronological timeline rather than the flashbacks of the books, Saruman's betrayal is brought out much sooner than in the book. Excerpts from [[The Hunt for the Ring]] are dramatised to flesh out Gandalf's escape from Isengard, and the Nazgul's pursuit. In the final episode, Saruman's death at the hands of Wormtongue at Bag End is included.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Saruman is played by Manfred Steffen.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Saruman is provided by Andrej Hryc. Saruman appears in all three series (seasons) of this adaptation, with his most prominent appearances in the episodes covering ''The Two Towers''.

=== Games ===
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Though Christopher Lee provided the voice of Saruman for many scenes, the only visual appearance of the Wizard of from re-used movie clips, his voice is played over several Gandalf's actions though.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Saruman is one of the "Hero" units of the Servants of Sauron, the game also depicts his creation of the Uruk-hai.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Saruman is the main "Hero" unit of Isengard faction, the evil campaign follows his despoilment of both Isengard and the Fangorn Forest, war on Rohan and later conquest of the outlying lands.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Saruman is still the main "Hero" unit of Isengard faction, but plays no role in the storyline.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]'':'''
:Through frequently referred to in-game since 2007, Saruman made no visual appearance until 2011 and the ''Rise of Isengard'' expansion. Many quests in the game display the stretch of the White Hand - Saruman's minions are present in Shire as early as {{TA|3018}}, as well as [[Bree-land]], [[Lone-lands]], [[Eregion]], [[Enedwaith]], [[Dunland]], [[Gap of Rohan]], outskirts of the [[Fangorn Forest]] and even [[Moria]].
:In the storyline of ''Rise of Isengard'' Saruman first appears buying the loyalties of the Dunlending clans, bringing with him riches and maintaining a friendly appearance. He also still keeps his affairs in Rohan private, to the point that when a Rohirrim questions the desolation of [[Nan Curunír]] and the presence of Trolls in Isengard, the Wizard manages to use his voice to convince him that it was all for the good cause. At one point, traitorous Dunlendings capture the player and send him to Saruman as a gift - once again the Wizard maintains a friendly and noble appearance, trying to discern the location of The Ring, before the player escapes.
:A major storyline is derived from a single line in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', where Saruman calls himself "Ring-forger". Long having researched the Rings of Power, Saruman sends his minions to pillage what remains of Ring-Forges of Eregion, looking for any knowledge of ancient Elven smiths that have remained here. Using that lore, he constructs a massive Ring-Forge under Isengard, where he creates five lesser rings and a master one to command them. He keeps the master ring to himself and gives the other to his most trusted lieutenants, though none of the mortals are prepared for it and are turned into monstrosities. A large forces of players defeats them one by one, reclaiming lesser rings and later uses those rings to turn upon the master one. In the ensuing fight Saruman's ring is destroyed shortly before the Battle of Hornburg, and with it the lesser ones lose their power.

'''2014: [[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]:'''
:Voiced by [[Roger Jackson]], Saruman appears in this game as a non-playable character. The game's protagonist, Talion, finds various artefacts that reveal that Saruman's spies are active within the borders of [[Mordor]] in the years between ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. It is later revealed that Saruman was controlling Queen Marwen of the [[Nurnen]] to hinder Sauron while bringing about the destruction of the men of [[Nurn]].

{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=maiar
|house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of [[Aulë]]
|born=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
|died=[[3 November]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
|prev=Position established
|pvac=None
|list=Chief of the [[Wizards|Istari]]
|dates=c. {{TA|1000}} - [[5 March]], {{TA|3019|n}}
|next=[[Gandalf]]
}}
{{seq
|prev=Unknown
|list=[[Lord of Isengard|Lord]] of [[Isengard]]
|dates={{TA|2759}} - [[15 August]], {{TA|3019|n}}
|nvac=None
|next=''[[Aragorn|Elessar]] granted Isengard to the [[Ents]]''
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{ainur}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

[[de:Saruman]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/saruman]]
[[fi:Saruman]]

Saruman

2023-08-29T20:46:50Z

Fezzlewig: general

{{sources}}
{{maiar infobox
| name=Saruman
| image=[[File:John Howe - Saruman.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Saruman" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Curumo, Tarindor'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Curunír 'Lân'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) [[the White]], [[the Wise]], the [[Ring-maker]], of Many Colours, [[Sharkey]]
| titles=[[Lord of Isengard]]
| position=Chief of the [[Heren Istarion]] Head of the [[White Council]]
| location=[[Orthanc]]
| affiliation=[[Aulë]] [[Istari]] (Wizards) [[White Council]] [[Sauron]]
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule={{TA|2759}} - {{TA|3019|n}}
| death=[[3 November]], {{TA|3019}} (existed in [[Middle-earth]] for 2019 years)
| deathlocation=[[Hobbiton]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=White with strands of black<ref name="Voice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=White robes, shimmering with many colours
| weapons=Staff Knife
| steed=
}}

{{quote|[Saruman] is great among the Wise. He is the chief of my order and the head of the Council. His knowledge is deep, but his pride has grown with it, and he takes ill any meddling. The lore of the Elven-rings, great and small, is his province. He has long studied it, seeking the lost secrets of their making...|[[Gandalf]] in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Shadow of the Past]]"}}

'''Saruman the White''' was the first of the order of [[Wizards]] (or ''Istari'') who came to Middle-earth as Emissaries of the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. For a time he was the chief of the [[Wizards|Heren Istarion]], as well as the head of the [[White Council]]. However, through his appreciation of [[Sauron]]'s innate strength, his envy of [[Gandalf]] and his overbearing hubris, the White Wizard fell into mimicry of the [[Dark Lord]] as his capable yet faithless servant, plotting to share in his power or to two-facedly seize the [[One Ring]] first.

Both at Sauron's whim and for his own ambitions, Saruman coordinated assaults from his [[Orthanc]] tower in [[Isengard]] against the realm of [[Rohan]] during the [[War of the Ring]], while sapping the kingdom through his agent [[Gríma]]. However, the corrupted Wizard's legions were vanquished and he was forced to remain a prisoner in his own tower, though not for long. Allowed to leave Orthanc, he travelled to the [[Shire]], which his outlaw pawns had gained control over, and became the hidden local thug lord. Saruman was again defeated by the rallied, oppressed [[Hobbits]] and he himself, was backstabbed by Gríma for his mistreatment. His unbodied spirit was denied the [[West]] and fled naked and impotent, a fate not unlike that of Sauron.

== History ==
=== Early history ===
As a [[Maia]], Saruman was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> In his early days in [[Valinor]], he went by the name ''[[Curumo]]''<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, note 6</ref> or ''Tarindor''.<ref name=Cuv/> Like [[Sauron]], he was a powerful Maia of [[Aulë]].<ref>{{S|Vala}}</ref>

After the Valar discovered the primeval [[Elves]] at [[Cuiviénen]], Tarindor was one of the [[Five Guardians]] sent to protect the Elves from the forces of [[Melkor]].<ref name=Cuv>{{NM|P1xiii}}, p. 95</ref> It is unclear how long he remained or if he accompanied the [[Eldar]] on the [[Great Journey]].

=== Return to Middle-earth ===
After the defeat of Morgoth, the Valar grew concerned about the rising power of Sauron in Middle-earth. In [[Valinor]], a council was called by [[Manwë]], where it was decided to send Maiar as emissaries to Middle-earth to help the [[Free Peoples]] challenge Sauron. The council likely met in the middle of the Second Age, shortly after the creation of the [[Rings of Power]]. The council determined that these emissaries (who became known as the [[Istari]] or Wizards) should be "mighty, peers of Sauron, yet [they should] forgo might, and clothe themselves in flesh so as to treat on equality and win the trust of Elves and Men."<ref name=Istari>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>{{rp|393}} Curumo, who was sent to the council by Aulë, volunteered to travel to Middle-earth as an emissary; he was appointed the first Istar and became the chief of their Order.<ref name=Istari />{{rp|389, 394}}

Even before arriving in Middle-earth, Curumo begrudged his peers among the Istari. ''[[Gandalf|Olórin]]'' (later Gandalf), who did not wish to travel to Middle-earth, was commanded by Manwë to go as the third Istar. Saruman's jealousy of Gandalf began here, when [[Varda]] said of Gandalf that he was "not the third". Saruman was charged to take [[Aiwendil]] (later Radagast) with him to please [[Yavanna]], which he did not wish to do, and this led to his contempt for the latter Wizard.<ref name=Istari />{{rp|393}}

In Middle-earth, Curomo became known in [[Sindarin]] as ''[[Curunír]]'' and in [[Westron]] by his most common name, ''Saruman''. Like the other Wizards, his [[fana]] took the appearance of an old man. He had raven hair and was robed in white.<ref name=Istari />{{rp|393}}

Saruman and others of the Istari arrived in Middle-earth on a ship at [[Mithlond]] (the [[Grey Havens]]) in [[Lindon]] around the year 1000 of the [[Third Age]].<ref name=Istari /> At the time of their arrival, their origin, nature, purpose, and true names were a secret to nearly everyone in Middle-earth. Having witnessed their arrival, [[Círdan]] alone knew the truth of their identity and origin. He chose to give [[Narya]], the Red Ring, to Gandalf to aid him in his mission.<ref name="AppTA"/> Círdan told only [[Galadriel]] and [[Elrond]] of the true origins of the Istari.<ref name="SV"/> After a time, Saruman learned of Círdan's gift and begrudged it; this heightened the hidden ill-will that he bore towards Gandalf.<ref name=Istari/>

Shortly after arriving, Saruman travelled into the [[East]] of Middle-earth, as did the two [[Blue Wizards]]. After one and a half millennia he returned to the West, just as Sauron's power was growing again in [[Dol Guldur]].

=== Chief of the White Council ===
[[File:Angus McBride - Saruman.gif|thumb|''Saruman'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
When the [[White Council]] was formed around {{TA|2463}}<ref name="AppTA"/>, Saruman was appointed its leader. Even then, he had begun to sense the resurgence of Sauron and to envy and desire his power, and especially his [[The One Ring|One Ring]]. Coincidentally, in that same year the One Ring was found by the creature [[Gollum]]<ref name="AppTA"/>, drawing the [[Dark Lord]] closer to the conflict that would eventually prove Saruman's undoing.

During this period, Saruman spent years in [[Minas Tirith]] examining its archives. It is possible that there he surmised that a [[Palantíri|''palantír'']] would still be located in [[Orthanc]], the tower of [[Isengard]].<ref>{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref> He offered to make Isengard his home and to command the defences of the West. This was welcomed by King [[Fréaláf]] of [[Rohan]] and [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] of [[Gondor]] alike. In {{TA|2759}}, Saruman was given the [[Key of Orthanc]] in the ring of [[Isengard]] his abode, hoping that he would prove an important ally.<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</ref><Ref name=stew>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> There he became important in the defence of the free lands of the West. In Orthanc he came upon the [[Orthanc-stone]], one of the seven seeing stones, but kept it secret and hidden, particularly from the White Council. He would later betray the Council by concealing his use of it.

In {{TA|2851}}, the White Council met and Gandalf revealed that the evil presence in Dol Guldur was indeed Sauron and that he had returned, and urged an attack there. Saruman however believed that Sauron would be useful in his quest: allowing Sauron to build up his strength, the One Ring would reveal itself, and Saruman hoped to have sufficient strength to seize it first himself until that event. With this strategy in mind, Saruman overruled Gandalf. It soon became clear that Saruman desired to possess [[the One Ring]] himself.<ref name="AppTA">{{App|TA}}</ref>

He soon found that Sauron had more knowledge of the possible location of the One Ring than he expected, and in {{TA|2941}} he finally consented to an [[Attack on Dol Guldur]] against Sauron at which point Sauron retreated to [[Mordor]].
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Dol Guldur'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|2953}}, the [[Wise]] gathered once more to debate about the [[Rings of Power]]. Saruman quieted the Council claiming to have the knowledge that the One Ring was lost forever in the [[Belegaer]]. Following their final meeting (and the death of [[Turgon (Steward of Gondor)|Steward Turgon]]), Saruman took Isengard for his own and fortified it.<Ref name=stew/> Saruman, jealous and afraid of Gandalf, set spies to watch all his movements; thus he discovered the existence of the [[Shire]] and noted Gandalf's interest in it, and started sending agents in [[Bree]] and the [[Southfarthing]].<ref name="AppTA"/> As [[Lord of Isengard]], Saruman began to bring trouble to Rohan by aiding its enemies.<ref name="AppMark">{{App|Mark}}</ref> But the Wise were already suspicious about him; [[Aragorn]] tried to advice Steward [[Ecthelion II]] to not trust Saruman for his help against Sauron.<Ref name=stew/>

Sauron had declared himself openly in Mordor; he established contact with Saruman through the [[Ithil-stone]] his minions had captured from [[Minas Ithil]]. Through his jealousy towards Gandalf and his ever-growing pride and arrogance, and through the use of the ''palantír'', Saruman was ensnared by Sauron. Using either the knowledge of his new ally or lore of lost [[Eregion]], Saruman crafted his own lesser ring and sought to emulate Sauron. His corruption was complete around {{TA|3000}}.<ref name="AppTA"/> The Wizard intended to share in the Dark Lord's power one way or another; he would aid in Sauron's victory to win his approval and become his equal lieutenant, or cheat him and try to supplant him by acquiring the One Ring for himself.

=== War of the Ring ===
At about this time, in an attempt to control [[Rohan]], Saruman bought the allegiance of King [[Théoden]]'s chief advisor, [[Gríma]], who then counselled the ailing king to do nothing about the steady resurgence of Sauron's armies. Saruman and Gríma's treachery would have crippled Rohan's military might and allowed Sauron lordship of the kingdom, had not [[Gandalf]] interfered a year later and revealed to Théoden his right-hand man's true designs, healing the old king and revitalising his political and military rule.

He had sent spies to negotiate the purchase of "[[pipe-weed|leaf]]" from [[the Shire]], in preparation for the war, and also learn of any [[Hobbits]] who had departed recently in hopes of finding out who possessed the One Ring.<ref name="UT10">{{UT|10}}, "Concerning Gandalf, Saruman, and the Shire"</ref>

Saruman did not reveal his true intentions until Gandalf presented him with the discovery and location of the One Ring. On [[10 July]], {{TA|3018}}, Gandalf arrived at Isengard.<ref name="AppGreat">{{App|Great}}</ref> Saruman demanded that Gandalf submit to him or to Sauron. Saruman then stood forth as '''Saruman of Many Colours''', and when Gandalf refused to join his new Lord or tell him of the Ring, he held him captive in Isengard.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Gríma and Saruman.jpg|thumb|left|Saruman commanding his forces from Orthanc as seen in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'' film]]

It must have been during Gandalf's captivity in Orthanc that Saruman began to assemble his following of [[Orcs]], [[Dunlendings]] and [[Uruk-hai]] into a massive army, since Gandalf came to an as yet un-destroyed Isengard. From the pinnacle of the tower Gandalf could see that Saruman was gathering his hordes of Orcs and [[Wolves]] in his pits and forges, both in service and in competition of Sauron.<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref> One can speculate that if matters had developed a little more slowly, his puppet Gríma would have gained full control over Rohan, and the [[Rohirrim]] would have been enslaved or destroyed.

Saruman's plans likely failed because he, like Sauron, was forced to reveal his hand early by Gandalf's subsequent escape, and therefore he had little time to perfect his plans. As Saruman considered himself "unfallen", he honestly believed he had a chance of converting Gandalf to their side, and felt honestly betrayed by Gandalf when he was refused.{{fact}}

Gandalf later escaped, and so Saruman's treachery and professed allegiance to Sauron became known to the rest of the White Council when Gandalf reported this during the subsequent [[Council of Elrond]].

Saruman soon also betrayed his master, Sauron, by lying to the [[Witch-king]] when he arrived at Isengard. Sauron had sent the [[Nazgûl]] searching for [[Bilbo Baggins|Baggins]], who had found the One Ring years before, and the Shire, his home. Saruman pretended to know nothing about the Shire. But the Lord of Minas Morgul and his company did not have the strength to assault the Ring of Isengard. Saruman told them that he believed Gandalf knew the whereabouts of the Ring, and the Nazgûl departed.

In September of {{TA|3018}}, the Nazgûl captured one of his [[the Shire|Shire]] [[Squint-eyed southerner|spies]] who told the [[Witch-king]] everything, betraying Saruman, and exposing the Wizard's double treachery. They also seized some maps and information about the Shire and [[Baggins]].<ref name="UT10" /> Perceived as a turncoat by the Free Peoples and fearing being caught as unfaithful vassal of Mordor, Saruman put all efforts into reassuring Sauron of his commitment or obtaining the One Ring for himself.<ref name="UTHunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

The failure to capture the Ring at [[Emyn Muil]] further ruined Saruman's plans, as he was revealed as a certain traitor to Sauron as well.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|''The Wrath of the Ents'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

Finding himself in a precarious position, Saruman could only hope to acquire the Ring or convince Sauron of his loyalty. Therefore he implemented an aggressive strategy of attacking [[Rohan]], endeavouring to kill the King's son [[Théodred]], sending spies to waylay [[Frodo Baggins]] on his flight from the Shire, and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a company of the Ring might take to Gondor. Ironically, one of these parties captured [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] and transported them to [[Fangorn Forest]] in time to mobilise the [[Ents]]. Gandalf also suspected Saruman had found (and destroyed) the remains of [[Isildur]], who had worn the Ring before it had been lost.

Saruman's Shire network failed to capture Frodo Baggins, Gandalf rallied Rohan to victory, [[Éomer]] stopped his brutal, but only partially successful raiding party, and control of Isengard was lost to the [[Ents]]. Aware he was utterly defeated, Saruman briefly considered repenting for his deeds, but at the last moment could not go through with it. Whether he had hope he could escape, whether he was too proud to surrender to Gandalf, whether he thought his master would pardon him, Saruman refused to leave the confines of his fortress. Saruman made a final attempt to woo Théoden and Gandalf to his cause but failed: his staff was broken and he was expelled from the Order of the Istari.

Left out of the final stages of the War of the Ring and unable to be of any use to Sauron, he eventually managed to convince his captors, the Ents, into letting him leave Isengard, as apparently the magic of his voice still remained.

[[File:Matt Stewart - The Voice of Isengard.jpg|thumb|''The Voice of Isengard'' by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]]]

On their way to northern [[Dunland]], on [[28 August]]<Ref name=chief>{{App|Chief}}</ref> they were confronted by Gandalf, [[Celeborn]], [[Galadriel]] and the Hobbits, but they passed as travelling beggars as Saruman kicked Gríma to move on, and he exclaimed how he hated his lord. Gandalf told Gríma that he was free to leave him but he did not reply. As Saruman was considered powerless, there was little concern for his escape.<ref name=Partings>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> On [[22 September]]<ref name=chief/> they entered to the Shire, which his ally [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]] (undisturbed by events elsewhere) had brought under control. He established himself in [[Hobbiton]] and spent his final days as a small-time thug lord whom his [[ruffians]] called '''''Sharkey''''', imposing a terror regime to avenge himself upon the peaceful Halflings. But even this operation fell apart after Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee]] returned; he was eventually betrayed and killed by his own agent Gríma on [[3 November]], {{TA|3019}}.

Saruman, who was a Maia, had lost his shape with his "death". As a discorporate spirit, he turned westward, but a wind came from the [[West]] and pushed him away. Apparently his spirit was left naked, powerless, and wandering in Middle-earth, not unlike Sauron after the One Ring was destroyed.

== Characteristics ==
[[File:Gregor Roffalski - Curunír.jpg|thumb|''Curunír'' by [[:Category:Images by Gregor Roffalski|Gregor Roffalski]]]]
In appearance, Saruman was as an old man with black hair. At the end of the Third Age, his hair and beard had turned mostly white — he had only black hairs about his lips and ears. He was tall, his face was long, and his eyes were deep and dark. He would appear in a white cloak, a habit he later changed into a cloak that changed colours as he moved.

He was not actually a [[Men|Man]], or even an [[Elves|Elf]] (as Men often suspected), but a [[Maiar|Maia]] clothed in flesh — an [[Istari|Istar]] (see ''Origins'' above). As such, he was immortal and extremely powerful, yet had limits on how far these powers could be used. His two most salient powers were his knowledge and his voice. Saruman was, in a very real way, the junior brother of Sauron both having been Maia of Aulë, Valar of Smithcraft, in the very beginnings of time. The parallels between Sauron and Saruman in both character and actions are many.

=== Powers ===
Knowledge of the "deep arts" (or magic, such as it is in Middle-earth) was of particular interest to Saruman, especially when relating to power such as the [[Rings of Power]] and the far seeing ''[[palantíri]]''. He was also deeply learned in ancient lore regarding powerful kingdoms such as [[Númenor]], [[Gondor]], and [[Moria]].

His voice and speech were extremely convincing, more powerful than mere rhetoric. When he focused this power on a person or a group of people, he could sway their hearts, plant fears and sow lies as he pleased. According to the stature of the listener, this spell could last as long as the speech did, or it could take root in them and last forever. Saruman's voice was so powerful that he was able to convince the [[Witch-king]] that he knew nothing of the One-Ring or the Shire. His voice was not hypnotic, however, rather it was persuasive; and the real danger the voice posed to the listener was not them falling into a trance, but agreeing with it.

Aside from his voice, Saruman has other subtle abilities such as giving great speed and motivation to his orcs at a distance and setting his will against all those in his dominion that might oppose him. Aragorn takes note of this ability while tracking the party of orcs holding Merry and Pippin hostage. Saruman also seems to be able to move around totally unheard by others, as there are numerous examples of him using this ability. Several examples include his sneaking up on [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]'s camp in [[The Riders of Rohan]], his wholly unheard entrance in [[The Voice of Saruman]] and his quiet but sudden appearance to the hobbits in [[The Scouring of the Shire]].

Other powers include knowledge of machinery and chemistry, probably separable from explicit magic (for instance, the "blasting fire" employed by his [[Uruk-hai]] army in the battle of [[Helm's Deep]], was some kind of chemical explosive). Machinery and engines characterised both his fortified [[Isengard]] and his altered [[the Shire|Shire]] arenas of influence. In this, he sought to emulate, or even surpass his ally, [[Sauron]]. This inclination was constitutional in them both from the very beginning.

His science also extended to biological areas. He is believed to have crossbred Men and Orcs, creating a new race of Orcs unafraid of daylight, the dreaded Uruk-hai, a major improvement on Sauron's thralls who hated daylight. His mannish spies in [[Bree]] were said to have Orc blood, giving them heightened senses over ordinary men. He also employed scavenger birds in his service, although this might also be attributed to [[Radagast]] the Brown, ordering them to report to [[Orthanc]], Saruman's stronghold.

Being regarded as more powerful than [[Gandalf]] (at least before Gandalf's "rebirth"), it's fair to assume he would also wield explicit magic similar to Gandalf, such as artificial light, locking spells, creating fire, etc.

Saruman, walking on the same ruinous path as Sauron, attempted to forge for himself a Ring of Power. This he wore during the War of the Ring which he revealed when he called himself "Saruman the [[Ring-maker]]". He had great knowledge and lore of the magic rings created by Sauron and by the Elven-smiths, though at this time the full art of ring-making was lost and known only to Sauron and so Saruman's knowledge of the craft was incomplete. It is assumed that Saruman's Ring was the equivalent of one of the lesser rings in power and any details of this power is not mentioned. It is also assumed that it too lost its power, if it had any, when the One Ring was destroyed, since Saruman's craft of ring-making was still based on Sauron's. When Gandalf was given Narya, the Ring of Fire, Saruman learned of the gift and resented it. This may be another reason why Saruman desired to have a ring of his own.

=== Personality ===
Saruman resembled Gandalf not only in appearance, but originally also somewhat in deportment, but unlike Gandalf, Saruman was proud, even haughty, and in this he was more akin to Sauron. He saw himself as the most powerful of the Istari, expressing clear contempt for Radagast the Brown, patronising tolerance of the Wise and Elves, and sheer disdain for lesser Men. Saruman was no fool (though he saw Radagast as one); he realised Gandalf's power, and eventually came to see him as an equal, and later as a superior, much to his distress. He became jealous of Gandalf, eventually convincing himself that Gandalf was scheming against him, which justified his own scheming against Gandalf and the rest of the White Council, and the Free Peoples of Middle-earth as well. Saruman's ultimate agenda in the end was not very different at all from Sauron's, in that he himself ultimately sought to become a tyrant of Middle-earth; regardless if by his new master's side or (more preferably) on his own - if he attained the One Ring First.

Saruman likely was true to his mission in the beginning, and actually believed in working to stop the return of the Darkness, but his pride and later arrogance (as well as his jealousy towards Gandalf and domination by Sauron) turned him into a traitor to the cause he had once served. Saruman's betrayal was not sudden, but slowly grew over time as Sauron used Saruman's lust for power, admiration of strength and envy as tools of control, until at last Saruman had convinced himself that he could not have taken any other path and that it was too late now to repent. To the last the corrupted Wizard only believed in his own counsel and the deceptive words of the Dark Lord. These false beliefs kept Saruman from taking his last chance at redemption, and because he must have realised this after Gandalf's truly generous terms he only became more bitter and filled with the rage of failure, blaming Gandalf more than anyone else for his downfall.

== Politics ==
=== Men ===
Saruman "went mostly among men". He always sought power, and it lay in the hands of the kingdoms of Men.

No records speak of his earliest journeys into the east; after his return he became a servant of [[Gondor]], receiving the keys to Orthanc from Beren as its warden. When Gondor weakened, he claimed Orthanc for his own without any formal declaration (or objection from Gondor), yet remained nominally an ally of Gondor and of Rohan.

When he turned to treachery, Saruman employed men mainly from [[Dunland]], and agents from other lands, turning old grudges into fuel for new hatred. The Dunlendings were enticed with the old stories that they had once lived in [[Calenardhon]] before the ''Strawheads''. The Dunlendings became his soldiers and it also seems probable that he used some of them to create [[Half-orcs]].

Gríma Wormtongue played a vital role in Saruman's plans: with Saruman's counsel Gríma began to weaken the king, estranging him from his other counsellors and even his own kin, until Gríma had in effect become the leader of Rohan.

=== Elves ===
Saruman was once on good terms with the Elves, and was voted in as the leader of the White Council, a group of Elves and Istari united against Sauron.

Saruman knew that Gandalf had been given the third Elvish ring [[Narya]] by [[Círdan]] the Shipwright. This nurtured his jealousy of Gandalf and his resentment towards the Elves.

Saruman had little use for, or interest in, the Elves, who were declining and their lands were few and secretive; although they wielded marvellous powers and two Rings of Power, they were not useful nor accessible for Saruman's ambitions. Also, they succumbed less easily than other races to manipulation.

Even though Isengard lay very close to [[Lothlórien]], Saruman had very little or no contact with it. Saruman never trusted [[Galadriel]] and he accused her of scheming for Gandalf at his expense.<ref name=Partings/>

=== Orcs ===
Saruman drew his original strength of Orcs from tribes in the [[Misty Mountains]], and perhaps from Moria Orcs. He made use of [[Wargs|Warg]]-mounted Orcs for raids against Rohan.

He also bred [[Orcs of Isengard|Orcs]] in the pits of Isengard, eventually creating crossbreeds of Orcs and Men (probably [[Dunlendings]] or [[Bree-men]]). This programme apparently also involved feeding these greater Orcs Man-flesh as a treat.

His [[Uruk-hai]] legions displayed great discipline and fierce loyalty, in addition to the other improvements such as height, strength, endurance and resistance to sunlight. There also appears to have been middle stages between Men and the Uruk-hai, Men with varying degrees of Orkish appearance such as [[Half-orcs]] and [[Goblin-men]]. These were reported by Pippin and Merry to have been part of Saruman's regular army, but were not Uruk-hai, since the hobbits would have recognised these from their earlier capture.

Saruman's servants called him "[[Sharkey]]" both in Isengard and later in the Shire.

=== Ents/Trees ===
Saruman made contact with the Ents in [[Fangorn Forest]] shortly after he settled in [[Isengard]]. The oldest of the Ents, [[Treebeard]] received him and gave him free access to the forest.

Saruman also consulted with Treebeard, learning much old lore that the Ents would have remembered from ancient times. Saruman did not return this favour, but only listened.

The Ents saw Saruman's treachery early, and became very concerned, primarily with Saruman's Orcs felling trees on the edge of Fangorn for use in the furnaces of Isengard and sometimes for no reason at all.

The Ents also appear to have had a sense of order, how things should be, that Saruman encroached upon. The crossbreeding of Men and Orcs particularly alarmed them, out of proportion to other concerns enemies of Saruman might have had. Also alarming was the pure fact of his treachery — the Istari were supposed to have a special responsibility.

Saruman used the Ents and the Fangorn forest without concern for the consequences. He clearly misjudged the Ents' abilities and will to act. This might not have been as incautious as it seemed, since major contributing factors to the Ent's actions were advice and requests from Gandalf, and concern about the rising power of Sauron (and their wish to support the front-line troops of the war, Rohan and Gondor).

Saruman clearly had the ability to understand the minds of the Ents when he found it useful. He managed to talk Treebeard into setting him free from Orthanc by pushing just the right buttons — Ents dislike the concept of caging up any creature.

=== Hobbits ===
The race of [[Hobbits]] and their lands seemed too insignificant to interest Saruman: until he took notice of Gandalf's special concern for them. Studying Gandalf made him focus gradually more and more on the Hobbits and The Shire. For a period he actually travelled there in secret, mapping out the lands. Gandalf was aware of this, but at this point only amused.

He began smoking pipe-weed (a habit of the Hobbits that Gandalf had picked up), also in secret. His demand for tobacco opened up trading between The Shire and Isengard, and the power his money could wield there and the corruption it could cause began to fascinate him. Some of his agents went in secret, and some were known to Gandalf and the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]].

His anger towards the Hobbits may possibly stem from the attention Gandalf showed them. It certainly strengthened immensely when he discovered that the Hobbits had "conspired" with Gandalf to keep [[the One Ring]] from him.

This, and the sudden urgency caused by the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]' hunt for the Ring-bearer from The Shire to Rivendell, made him increase his activity in the area, leading to a build-up of power that would lead to virtual conquest of The Shire.

He might also later have blamed the ruin of Isengard by the Ents on [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], who clearly catalysed events.

This all came together when Saruman escaped from the Ents and retired to The Shire and his thug regime in place there. It appears he immediately switched the focus of this operation to wanton destruction: pollution, murder, fire, chopping down trees for no reason, a last blow against Hobbits and Gandalf.

At his final utter defeat by [[Battle of Bywater|a Hobbit uprising]], his life was spared even when he tried to assassinate [[Frodo Baggins]]. At this moment he actually conceded a short-lived respect to Frodo.

=== Valar/Maiar/Wizards ===
Saruman was supposedly eager to go to Middle-earth, against Manwë's counsel. After his 'death' he was apparently barred from returning to Valinor, and therefore was denied reincarnation and condemned to waft away and disappear like so much smoke. In his corrupt state, Saruman sought power and the imposing of order in Middle-earth by any means necessary, even if it meant betraying the mission he was entrusted with and throwing in his lot with Sauron.

Sauron, in origin a Maia of Aulë like Saruman, awed and frightened him. During the height of his arrogance Saruman thought he could contend with Sauron, but in the end he found himself meddling with a spirit of far greater power and knowledge than himself. Caught peering into the ''palantír'' he was seduced by Sauron to his allegiance, no longer opposing (and perhaps even desiring) his victory. The Wizard sought to become the quasi-equal lieutenant to Sauron and receive his favor in triumph, yet he was proved to be a duplicitous ally by actively coveting the One Ring. After the Escape of Gandalf, Saruman understood the only paths ahead of him were to: show Sauron his loyalty by crippling Rohan, hoping to at the very least be spared, or claim the Ring first; otherwise he would come to ruin and torment.

Saruman grudgingly brought with him Radagast as a companion from Valinor, at the request of [[Yavanna]], yet still managed to arrive alone, and first. Shortly after, he went into the East with the two [[Blue Wizards]], and later returned alone. There he may have wrought many great works to diminish the influence of the Enemy or searched for lore to help him in his schemes.

Radagast, even though Saruman scorned him, served both Gandalf and Saruman very usefully (and wholly unintentionally, as he admitted "he had just the wit to play the part I set him", that of persuading Gandalf to come to Isengard). Radagast also sent birds to Saruman and Gandalf to report the different happenings in Middle-earth.

Saruman had always been jealous of Gandalf, and knew that he was keeping secrets from him, such as his suspicion about [[The One Ring|Bilbo's Ring]] and [[Narya]], secret. Gandalf also suspected Saruman of plotting to gain the One Ring for himself, and hinted at this at a meeting of the White Council. Gandalf blew nine small smoke rings and one great one that wavered a bit, seeming almost palpable, and yet blew away, symbolising (almost prophetic of) Saruman's failure in achieving the One. In general, Saruman must have viewed Gandalf as his only peer, and as such to be feared and treated with (although not necessarily shown) respect. He always kept a watchful eye open for Gandalf's doings, and actually picked up the habit of smoking pipe-weed by sending out spies tailing Gandalf to the Shire. After revealing his fealty to Mordor and his desire for the Ring, Saruman offered Gandalf the chance to join with Sauron, or perhaps get the One for themselves. Ultimately, certain he Gandalf could be forced to tell of the Ring's whereabouts or that ar least Sauron would prevail, he came to underestimate Gandalf and think little of his interventions.

Nevertheless, Saruman exercised more power than Gandalf, even with the ring Narya, as became clear when he placed Gandalf under arrest at the pinnacle of Orthanc. The text does not make it clear whether Saruman lost power or whether Gandalf gained power, but when Gandalf returned as "Gandalf [[the White]]", he could summon Saruman at his will, forcibly keep him in his presence, and finally break Saruman's staff (with whatever implications that might have had for Saruman's powers).

Despite his apparent disdain for the Grey Pilgrim, Saruman several times came very close to setting aside his pride and to asking Gandalf for pity and help. The closest call came when the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]] (on their way to the Shire) arrived at Isengard while Gandalf still remained in captivity there. Saruman, realising he might have already lost Sauron's trust, actually went to seek Gandalf's pardon, only to find his erstwhile captive missing from the top of Orthanc.

=== Animals ===
Saruman had control over many birds, probably having been taught to tame them by Radagast. Crebain spied for him and brought him news. In addition, the Orcs Saruman took in his armies had amongst them wild [[Wolves]] and even [[Wargs]], a sort of demonic cousin of the former.

== Etymology ==
{{pronounce|Quenya - Curumo.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
''Saruman'' is a [[Mannish]] translation of [[Quenya]] ''[[Curumo]]'', his original name in [[Valinor]] as a Maia; and [[Sindarin]] ''[[Curunír]]'' which is supposedly the same name (with the ending ''[[dîr|-ndîr]]'' "man"). All names mean "Skilled Man" or "Cunning One" (root ''[[curu]]'' "skill").<ref name=RC81>{{HM|RC}}, p. 81</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/quen-eng.htm|articlename=Quettaparma Quenyallo|website=Arda}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[Didier Willis]], ed.|articleurl=http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/sindar/online/sindar/dict-sd-en.html|articlename=Hiswelókë's Sindarin dictionary|website=[http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/ Hiswelókë]}}</ref>

''Saruman'' is derived from [[Old English]]: the root word ''searu'' means "device, design, contrivance, art" and the whole name means "man of skill".<ref name=RC81/>

== Other names ==
His name in [[Sindarin]] was '''''Curunír''''' or '''''Curunír' Lân''''' ("Curunír the White").<ref name=Istari/>

Saruman was also known as '''Curumo''' ([[Quenya|Q]]: "cunning", pron. {{IPA|[ˈkurumo]}}) in [[Valinor]], before he came to [[Middle-earth]] during the [[Third Age]].<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, note 6</ref>

When sent to Cuiviénen with the other [[Five Guardians|Guardians]], he was called '''''Tarindor''''' ("*High/wise-mind(ed)-one").<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, "Notes", p. 102, note 7</ref>

He claimed for himself the title '''[[Ring-maker]]'''.<ref name="FRCouncil"/>

== Other versions of the legendarium ==
In the earlier versions of ''The Lord of the Rings'', Saruman was sketched merely as a fawning servant of Sauron, while the army he musters is not in rivalry of Mordor's but from the beginning in his new master's employ. In other drafts, the treacherous Wizard hands Gandalf over to the evil [[Giants|Giant]] Treebeard or betrays him to the Black Riders. <ref>{{TI|VII}}</ref>

Saruman's older names in these drafts were Sarumond and Saramund,<ref name=rc>{{HM|RC}}, p. xxiii</ref> containing the english term ''mund'' "hand".

== Inspiration ==
Saruman was invented and introduced in the story in order to explain Gandalf's absence in the first part of ''The Lord of the Rings'', replacing Treebeard as the Wizard's captor.<ref name=rc/>

As a scholar, Tolkien would also have been well aware of the name of a similarly-named historic 'head of his order', Jaruman.

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
{{Gallery
|title=Saruman in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Saruman.jpg|Saruman in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|lines=2
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Saruman using Palantír.jpg|[[Christopher Lee]] as Saruman in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:LOTRO-Rise of Isengard-Saruman-1.png|Saruman in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego - Saruman minifigure.jpg|Saruman in [[Lego]] form
}}

=== Films ===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:[[Fraser Kerr]] provided the voice of Saruman. From early on in the production, it was decided that "Saruman" and "Sauron" sounded too much alike, and might confuse viewers. On concept art, Saruman is called '''Ruman''',<ref>[http://www.ralphbakshi.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=5&pos=69 1978 - The Lord of the Rings Gallery] at [http://www.ralphbakshi.com Ralphbakshi.com] (accessed 26 March 2011)</ref> but prior to recording, this was changed to '''Aruman'''. However, during recording, it was again changed, to "Saruman". Because of this late change, several instances of "Aruman" remain in the finished film.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Saruman was played by [[Christopher Lee]]. Saruman's depiction in the series is more akin to the early drafts: he is a more committed vassal of [[Sauron]]; still, he is seemingly not above cheating his master, instructing [[Lurtz]] to bring him the Hobbits carrying "something of great value" (the One Ring). In the films, his corruption by Sauron is directly portrayed to have come about through his use of one of the [[Palantíri]] found in the tower of [[Orthanc]], through which Sauron fueled the lust for power and accompanying arrogance and greed already festering in Saruman's heart. The films did not include the [[Battle of Bywater|Scouring of the Shire]], so Saruman's last appearance was in Isengard, during his encounter with [[Gandalf]] and [[Théoden]]. In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (extended edition)|extended edition of ''The Return of the King'']], [[Gríma]] stabs Saruman in the back, causing him to fall on a spiked wheel below the tower of Orthanc.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Christopher Lee]] reprised his role as Saruman, although the character does not appear in the book.<ref name="TelegraphCasting">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/8311016/Christopher-Lee-will-star-in-the-Hobbit-prequel.html|articlename=Christopher Lee will star in the Hobbit prequel|dated=08-Feb-2011|website=[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ The Telegraph]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref> He appears as part of the [[White Council]] alongside [[Gandalf]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Elrond]]. He is sceptical about the appearance of a [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]] in [[Dol Guldur]]. However, when he participates in the [[attack on Dol Guldur]], he sees for himself that Sauron has indeed returned. After the skirmish, he appears shaken by the display of Sauron's power, but claims he will take it upon himself to keep an eye on the Dark Lord and pretends to care for Lady Galadriel's weakened state.

=== Television ===
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''
:Saruman was played by actor Mikko Kivinen. He appears only in the "Vanha metsä" ("Old Forest") episode.

=== Radio series ===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Saruman is provided by [[Robert Farquharson]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Saruman is provided by [[James Arrington]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Peter Howell]] played Saruman. Because the series follows a chronological timeline rather than the flashbacks of the books, Saruman's betrayal is brought out much sooner than in the book. Excerpts from [[The Hunt for the Ring]] are dramatised to flesh out Gandalf's escape from Isengard, and the Nazgul's pursuit. In the final episode, Saruman's death at the hands of Wormtongue at Bag End is included.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Saruman is played by Manfred Steffen.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Saruman is provided by Andrej Hryc. Saruman appears in all three series (seasons) of this adaptation, with his most prominent appearances in the episodes covering ''The Two Towers''.

=== Games ===
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Though Christopher Lee provided the voice of Saruman for many scenes, the only visual appearance of the Wizard of from re-used movie clips, his voice is played over several Gandalf's actions though.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Saruman is one of the "Hero" units of the Servants of Sauron, the game also depicts his creation of the Uruk-hai.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Saruman is the main "Hero" unit of Isengard faction, the evil campaign follows his despoilment of both Isengard and the Fangorn Forest, war on Rohan and later conquest of the outlying lands.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Saruman is still the main "Hero" unit of Isengard faction, but plays no role in the storyline.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]'':'''
:Through frequently referred to in-game since 2007, Saruman made no visual appearance until 2011 and the ''Rise of Isengard'' expansion. Many quests in the game display the stretch of the White Hand - Saruman's minions are present in Shire as early as {{TA|3018}}, as well as [[Bree-land]], [[Lone-lands]], [[Eregion]], [[Enedwaith]], [[Dunland]], [[Gap of Rohan]], outskirts of the [[Fangorn Forest]] and even [[Moria]].
:In the storyline of ''Rise of Isengard'' Saruman first appears buying the loyalties of the Dunlending clans, bringing with him riches and maintaining a friendly appearance. He also still keeps his affairs in Rohan private, to the point that when a Rohirrim questions the desolation of [[Nan Curunír]] and the presence of Trolls in Isengard, the Wizard manages to use his voice to convince him that it was all for the good cause. At one point, traitorous Dunlendings capture the player and send him to Saruman as a gift - once again the Wizard maintains a friendly and noble appearance, trying to discern the location of The Ring, before the player escapes.
:A major storyline is derived from a single line in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', where Saruman calls himself "Ring-forger". Long having researched the Rings of Power, Saruman sends his minions to pillage what remains of Ring-Forges of Eregion, looking for any knowledge of ancient Elven smiths that have remained here. Using that lore, he constructs a massive Ring-Forge under Isengard, where he creates five lesser rings and a master one to command them. He keeps the master ring to himself and gives the other to his most trusted lieutenants, though none of the mortals are prepared for it and are turned into monstrosities. A large forces of players defeats them one by one, reclaiming lesser rings and later uses those rings to turn upon the master one. In the ensuing fight Saruman's ring is destroyed shortly before the Battle of Hornburg, and with it the lesser ones lose their power.

'''2014: [[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]:'''
:Voiced by [[Roger Jackson]], Saruman appears in this game as a non-playable character. The game's protagonist, Talion, finds various artefacts that reveal that Saruman's spies are active within the borders of [[Mordor]] in the years between ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. It is later revealed that Saruman was controlling Queen Marwen of the [[Nurnen]] to hinder Sauron while bringing about the destruction of the men of [[Nurn]].

{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=maiar
|house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of [[Aulë]]
|born=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
|died=[[3 November]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
|prev=Position established
|pvac=None
|list=Chief of the [[Wizards|Istari]]
|dates=c. {{TA|1000}} - [[5 March]], {{TA|3019|n}}
|next=[[Gandalf]]
}}
{{seq
|prev=Unknown
|list=[[Lord of Isengard|Lord]] of [[Isengard]]
|dates={{TA|2759}} - [[15 August]], {{TA|3019|n}}
|nvac=None
|next=''[[Aragorn|Elessar]] granted Isengard to the [[Ents]]''
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{ainur}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

[[de:Saruman]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/saruman]]
[[fi:Saruman]]

Belegaer

2023-08-29T20:31:05Z

Fezzlewig: added downfall of numenor link

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{location infobox
| name=Belegaer
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Sea.jpg|250px]]
| caption="The Sea" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Alatairë'' ([[Quenya|Q]]), The Great Sea, Sundering Seas, Western Sea
| location=East of [[Aman]], west of [[Middle-earth]]
| type=Ocean
| description=
| regions=[[Bay of Balar]], [[Great Gulf]], [[Forochel]], [[Gulf of Lune]], [[Bay of Belfalas]]
| towns=
| inhabitants=
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=[[War of Wrath]] & [[Downfall of Númenor]]
}}

{{quote|The Sea! Alas! I have not yet beheld it. But deep in the hearts of all my kindred lies the sea-longing, which it is perilous to stir. Alas! for the gulls. No peace shall I have again under beech or under elm.|[[Legolas]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Last Debate]]"}}

'''Belegaer''', the '''Great Sea''', the '''Sundering Seas''', or the '''Western Sea''',<ref>Quite often also "the western sea" in small letters.</ref> was the sea of [[Arda]] that was west of [[Middle-earth]].

==History==
Before the [[Second Age]], Belegaer stretched from the Gap of [[Ilmen]] in the far north, where a bridge made of ice known as the [[Helcaraxë]] connected Middle-earth and [[Aman]], to the far south, where it also connected with Ilmen and froze, although no strait was formed there. Belegaer was narrower in the north than in the south, with its widest part near the equator of Arda.

The full extent of Belegaer after the [[Downfall of Númenor]] is never made clear, but it reached far enough to the north to be ice-covered, and far to the south.

Before the end of the Second Age, the continent of Aman, home of the [[Valar]], formed the western edge of Belegaer. Before the ruin of [[Beleriand]] at the end of the [[First Age]], the sea was narrow and ice-filled in the north, forming the strait of Helcaraxë, the Grinding Ice. It was thus possible to cross from Aman to Middle-earth on foot, though with difficulty, as did [[Fingolfin]] and his people of the [[Noldor]] when [[Exile of the Noldor|fleeing]] [[Valinor]].

After the [[War of Wrath]], Belegaer was widened by the drowning of a large part of Middle-earth, (and possibly parts of Aman). The bridge of ice in the north was removed, removing land access to the western continent. During the [[Downfall of Númenor|Akallabêth]] in the Second Age, the seas were bent and the world was made round. Aman was removed from the world, Belegaer washed "new lands", and only the chosen could find the [[Straight Road]] to Valinor. The new western end of Belegaer is never described in the narrative, although there are indications that [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] refugees reached them in search for Valinor.

==Oceanography==
[[File:Angelo Montanini - Belegaer.jpg|thumb|''Belegaer'' by [[Angelo Montanini]]]]
===Islands===
Belegaer had several islands and island chains:
* [[Tol Eressëa]], the Lonely Isle close to the shore of Aman
* the Twilit Isles or [[Enchanted Isles]] seaward of Tol Eressëa
* [[Númenor]] (Second Age only)
* the Western Isles (after the First Age)
** [[Tol Morwen]]
** [[Tol Fuin]]
** [[Himling]]
* [[Isle of Balar | Balar]], in the Bay of Balar (First Age only)
* [[Tolfalas]], in the Bay of Belfalas
* [[Ened]], in the Firth of Drengist
===Bays and inlets===
Other features of Belegaer:
* Bay of [[Eldamar]]
* [[Bay of Balar]] (First Age only)
* the [[Great Gulf]] (First Age only)
* [[Firth of Drengist]] (First Age only)
* Ice Bay of [[Forochel]] (after First Age)
* [[Gulf of Lune]] (after First Age)
* [[Bay of Belfalas]] (after First Age)

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Belegaer.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Belegaer'' is [[Sindarin]] for "Great Sea", from ''[[Beleg (word)|beleg]]'' ("mighty") + ''[[aer]]'' ("sea").<ref name="SilApp">{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''beleg'', ''eär''</ref> The [[Quenya]] name of Belegaer, never used in primary writing, is '''''Alatairë'''''.<ref name="etym">{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "[[AY]]", see also "[[AYA(R)]]"</ref>

==Comment==
[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]] has noted that "Belegaer was comparable to the Atlantic".<ref>[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'', p. 194</ref>

{{references}}
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[Category:Seas and oceans]]

[[de:Belegaer]]
[[fi:Belegaer]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:eaux:belegaer]]

Mandos

2023-08-28T20:08:55Z

Fezzlewig: added detail that mandos was one of the aratar

{{expansion}}
{{disambig-two|the [[Valar|Vala]]|dwelling|[[Halls of Mandos]]}}
{{valar infobox
| name=Mandos
| image=[[File:Elena Kukanova - Namo Mandos.jpeg|250px]]
| caption="Namo Mandos" by [[Elena Kukanova]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Námo'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Bannos'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Badhron'' ([[Sindarin|S]])
| titles=The Judge The Just
| position=Ruler of the Dead
| location=The [[Halls of Mandos]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Quenya]]
| notablefor=
| siblings=[[Irmo]] and [[Nienna]]
| spouse=[[Vairë]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{Quote|He is the keeper of the [[Halls of Mandos|Houses of the Dead]], and the summoner of the spirits of the slain. He forgets nothing; and he knows all things that shall be, save only those that lie still in the freedom of [[Ilúvatar]]. He is the Doomsman of the [[Valar]].|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Valaquenta]]: Of the Valar"}}

'''Mandos''' was the '''Doomsman of the Valar''' who pronounced judgement in matters of fate. He was the keeper of the slain in his [[Halls of Mandos|Halls]] in the west of [[Valinor]].

His actual, less common name was '''''Námo'''''. He was the "elder brother" of the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Irmo]] (also called ''Lórien''). He is one of the [[Aratar]]. Together, Mandos and Irmo are called the [[Fëanturi]] ([[Quenya|Q]]: "Masters of Spirits"). Their sister is [[Nienna]]. [[Vairë]] the Weaver is his wife.

==Attributes==
He keeps the [[Halls of Mandos]] where he summons the spirits of the slain. For this he is also known as "Mandos" after his dwelling place.<ref name=vala>{{S|IIb}}</ref>

Mandos knows and remembers nearly all things that were and shall be. He serves as the Doomsman of the Valar, he pronounces his judgements at the bidding of [[Manwë]]. However only [[Ilúvatar]] knows with full certainty what the full doom of Arda will be, and he will not reveal it all, even to Mandos or Manwë.<ref name=vala/> Mandos and Manwë have always been allied since their entering into [[Eä]], and together they understand most clearly the [[Vision of Ilúvatar]] more than any of the other Valar.

Mandos is said to be the grimmest of the Valar. However, this in no way implies that Mandos is dark or evil. His grimness is wholly part of his nature, coming (one must assume) from that part of the mind of [[Ilúvatar]] from which he came. Neither is Mandos willful or malevolent in declaring the fates of [[Arda]].

==History==
During one of the early councils of the Valar, the Powers worried that the [[Elves]] would come in darkness. Manwë bid Mandos to speak, and he revealed that the age of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] approached and it was the doom of the [[Elves]] to wake under the [[stars]] and revere [[Varda]]. This prompted Varda to prepare new stars for the [[Awakening of the Elves]].<ref name="Coming">{{S|3}}</ref>

After [[Morgoth|Melkor]] was overthrown in the [[Battle of the Powers]], the Valar debated on whether to summon the [[Elves]] to [[Aman]]. Though some such as [[Ulmo]] felt the Elves should be left to dwell in Middle-earth, the Valar decided to summon the Elves. At this, Mandos broke his silence with the words "So it is doomed".<ref name="Coming"/>

When the unrest of the Noldor began and Fëanor drew sword upon Fingolfin, Mandos was present at the council when Fëanor was interrogated for his actions. Though it was revealed that Melkor had sown the seed of dissent, Mandos would not allow Fëanor's haughty actions to go unpunished. Therefore he banished Fëanor from Tirion for 12 years, only allowing him to return if one should release him. At which point, Fingolfin offered to do so.

But after Melkor slew the Trees of Valinor and stole the Silmarils, Fëanor was overcome with rage and led the [[Noldor]] in rebellion against the Valar. Driven by their Oath, Fëanor's host carried out the [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë|Kinslaying]] at [[Alqualondë]] in the lands of [[Araman]] north of Valinor. For this act Mandos, or one of his servants, pronounced the [[Doom of Mandos]], a warning if they continued in their rebellion. This caused [[Finarfin]] to repent and return to [[Eldamar]].<ref>{{S|Flight}}</ref> The curse of Mandos remained upon all the Noldor, tied to the [[Oath of Fëanor]] and thwarting the Noldor in all the [[Wars of Beleriand]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Lúthien's Lament Before Mandos.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Lúthien's Lament Before Mandos'']]
When [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] died, she sang a song of such extraordinary power and beauty that it moved even the implacable heart of Mandos. Deeming that this matter was beyond him, yet unable to reverse the fates, Mandos sought the counsel of Manwë. In turn, Manwë gave him the response from Ilúvatar. Mandos returned to Lúthien and gave her a choice; to remain in Valinor forever and forget all her griefs, or to return with Beren to Middle-earth as a mortal. Luthien chose the latter, forsaking her immortality. So Beren was returned to a second life and Lúthien was granted a unique fate, to become mortal and return to [[Middle-earth]] with him.

After, when [[Eärendil]] set foot in [[Aman]] and begged the Valar for the forgiveness of the [[Noldor]] and help in their war with [[Morgoth]], he was the one who demanded he be executed for no mortal should set foot in Aman and live. But [[Ulmo]] spoke against him, asking whether he was the son of [[Tuor]] of the [[Edain]] or [[Idril]] of the Noldor. Mandos responded that in either case, since the Noldor are still under the ban, he should not live. Regardless of that, [[Manwë]] answered his prayer and commanded the [[Host of the Valar]] be assembled and wage war on Morgoth. Considering Eärendil's doom, along with [[Elwing]]'s, his wife, he offered them and their children a choice: whether to be counted among [[Elves]] or [[Men]].<ref>{{S|24}}</ref> After the [[War of Wrath]], the exiled Noldor were forgiven and the Curse of Mandos was ended.

==Etymology==
''Námo'' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈnaːmo]}}) in [[Quenya]] means "Judge" or "Ordainer",<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 85</ref> from [[root]] [[NAM]].

''Mandos'' ({{IPA|[ˈmandos]}}) is a [[Quenya]] name meaning "Castle of Custody".<ref>{{MR|P4k}}, p. 350</ref> It derived from the early Elvish ''Mandostŏ''.<ref>{{VT|39a}}, p. 6</ref>

In the previous ''[[Etymologies]]'', ''Mandos'' was translated as "Imprisoner, Binder", derived from [[root]] [[MBAD]]. Note that here, ''Mando'' was envisioned as the actual name of the Vala proper (not his realm). In that conception, the form ''Mand-os'' (from ''Mand-osse'') is a "lengthened" form meaning "''Dread'' Imprisoner".<ref name=Etymologies>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "MBAD-"</ref> The [[Noldorin]] names for ''Mandos'' were '''''Bannos''''' ("Dread Imprisoner"") and '''''Badhor'''''/'''''Badhron''''' ("judge").<ref>{{VT|45a}}, p. 33</ref>

In [[Eriol]]'s [[Old English]] translations, Mandos is referred as ''Nefrea'' "Corpse-ruler" and ''neoaerna hlaford'' "master of the houses of the dead".<ref>{{SM|QA1}}</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| VAI |~| MAN | | NIE | | IRM |~| EST | |VAI=[[Vairë]]|MAN='''MANDOS'''|NIE=[[Nienna]]|IRM=[[Irmo]]|EST=[[Estë]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
[[Christopher Tolkien]] notes that in the early version of the [[Legendarium]] Mandos does exclaim prophecies, but he doesn't function as the "Doomsman of the Valar" as in the later ''[[Silmarillion]]''.<ref name=lt13n>{{LT1|IIIn}}</ref> His wife was [[Nienna#Other versions of the Legendarium|Fui Nienna]] and he had a [[hound]] named [[Gorgumoth]].

In the ''[[Qenya Lexicon]]'' the Vala in [[Qenya]] was called Ve or Vefantur Mandos. In the ''[[Gnomish Lexicon]]'' his [[Gnomish]] names are Bannoth Gwi, Gwi-fanthor and Gwivannoth. His personal name(s) ''Ve''/''Gwi'' are said to derive from a primitive [[root]] VEHE, but no meaning or translation are given.<ref name=ltapp/>

''Mandos'' is the Qenya name of the region and their Halls, also known as ''Ve'' after him. The Gnomish form ''Bannoth'' also refers to the Vala and the region of the souls, but also improperly his Halls (properly ''Gwi'' or ''Ingwi'').<ref name=ltapp>{{LT1|Appendix}}</ref>

An epithet of Mandos was '''''Morimando''''' ("Dark Mando"), being the dark counterpart of Manwë ''Kalamando'' ("Light Mando"). Tolkien notes that in those epithets, the element ''man'' loses its sense as "doom, prison", and is understood as the root referring to "holiness" (root MAN in ''Man''we).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry MBAD</ref>

==Inspiration==
Mandos is comparable to gods of the dead of real world mythologies, like Hades or Hel. The instance of Lúthien singing to him in order to release her beloved, is reminiscent of similar ancient tales, such as Orpheus singing to Hades to release Eurydice, or Hermod who asks Hel to release Baldur.<ref>{{webcite|author=Dawn Felagund|articleurl=http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org/reference/references/pf/namo2.php|articlename=Námo Mandos|website=[http://www.silmarillionwritersguild.org Silmarillion Writers Guild]}}</ref> (The story of Orpheus has been retold in English literature as ''[[Sir Orfeo]]'').

Another similarity shared between Mandos and the two mythological figures, is that they bear the name of their realms. Mandos in the early writings had a hound, [[Gorgumoth]], while Hades was guarded by the monstrous dog Cerberus and Hel by the dog or wolf Garmr.

{{References}}
{{Ainur}}

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[[Category:Aratar]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Qenya names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Valar]]

[[de:Mandos (Person)]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/aratar/mandos]]
[[fi:Námo]]