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Gondor

2015-04-25T04:38:43Z

Mclaren01: /* Reunification Rejected */ 'council' capitalisation

{{kingdom
| image = [[Image:Gondor.jpg|250px]]
| name = Gondor
| meaning = Land of Stone
| type = Monarchy/Stewardship
| hidep=yes
| headofstate = [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]/[[Ruling Steward]]
| executive = [[Council of Gondor]]
| legislative =
| judicial =
| capital = [[Osgiliath]]/[[Minas Tirith]]
| language = [[Westron]]
| location = South of the [[White Mountains]], west of [[Mordor]]
| populace= Mostly [[Men]]
| currency = The [[castar]]
| religious =
| holiday =
| anthem =
| formed = The escape of the [[Faithful]] from the [[Downfall of Númenor]] in {{SA|3319}}
| established = {{SA|3320}}
| reorganized = {{TA|3019}}
| fragmented =
| dissolved =
| restored =
}}{{Pronounce|Gondor.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{quote|Gondor! Gondor, between the Mountains and the Sea! West Wind blew there; light upon the Silver Tree|[[Aragorn]]<ref name="tRoR">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Riders of Rohan]]"</ref>}}</center>

'''Gondor''' was the '''South Kingdom'''<ref name="OtRoP"/> of the [[Númenóreans]] in [[Middle-earth]], established soon after the downfall of [[Númenor]] by [[Isildur]] and his brother [[Anárion]]. Their father [[Elendil]], who ruled the North Kingdom [[Arnor]], held the overlordship of the realm, however. Though it waned in power over time and the line of its Kings failed, Gondor survived to the end of the [[Third Age]], and had an instrumental role in the [[War of the Ring]]. After the defeat of [[Sauron]], Gondor was ruled by [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Heir of Isildur. Gondor was the seat of the [[Dominion of Men]] in the beginning of the [[Fourth Age]], and many of the tales and legends of the earlier [[Ages of the Children of Ilúvatar|Age]]s of Middle-earth come from the lore and history it preserved.

== History ==
=== Early History ===
Before the Downfall of Númenor, the region that would become Gondor was home to many Númenórean colonists, who either mingled with the indigenous [[Middle Men]] if they were friendly, or dispersed them into [[Ras Morthil]], [[Dunland]], and [[Drúadan Forest]]. The land on which Gondor was founded was more fertile than the more northerly areas of Middle-earth, and therefore it already had a fairly large population and settlements, including a well-established haven, [[Pelargir]]<ref name="UTD">{{UT|Druedain}}</ref> founded by the [[Faithful]] Númenóreans in the year {{SA|2350|n}} of the [[Second Age]].

The refugees from [[Númenor]] led by [[Isildur]] and [[Anárion]] were given a warm reception upon their arrival by those [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] colonists. Those north of the river [[Anduin]] accepted Elendil's claim to kingship over them, being a heir of the Faithful [[Lords of Andúnie]]. South of the Great River, however, there were also-newly-exiled [[Black Númenóreans]], descendants of the [[King's Men]] of Númenor, who opposed the Faithful, and therefore did not recognize Elendil's claim. Much of Gondor's early history was marked by conflict with the Black Númenóreans.
[[File:Early gondor.png|thumb|left|The core of Gondor during its founding.]]
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The White Tree.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The White Tree'']]After their arrival and acceptance by the people, Isildur and Anárion put themselves to the task of ordering their realm. Isildur took the area then known as [[Arnen]] (later [[Ithilien]])<ref>{{VT|42a}}, p. 17</ref> and built the tower of [[Minas Ithil]] near Mordor as a threat to the [[Mordor|Black Land]], and within its walls he planted a seedling of the [[Nimloth of Númenor|White Tree]] of Númenor that he had taken before its burning. Anárion raised the tower of [[Minas Anor]] on the other side of Anduin's floodplain as a bulwark against the [[Wild Men]]. In between their cities, the brothers founded [[Osgiliath]], their capital, from which they jointly reigned; these three cities also housed three of the ''[[palantíri]]'', the Seeing Stones that the Faithful had taken with them from Númenor, to maintain contact with Elendil and the other areas under their control.

=== First Conflict with Sauron ===
The Dúnedain were at first unaware that Sauron, who had been taken as a prisoner to Númenor before its destruction, had survived the disastrous Downfall. However, not long after the kingdom's cities were built, the awakening of the fires of [[Orodruin]] signaled his return. At that time, the Men of Gondor first called the mountain ''Amon Amarth'', or Mount Doom. Soon after, Sauron launched an attack on Minas Ithil, which forced Isildur into a retreat. Sauron took the fortress and burned the White Tree that had grown there, but Isildur saved one of its seedlings and took it and his family on a ship down the Anduin. He sailed to the north to confer with Elendil about these events. Anárion remained in Gondor and continued to hold Osgiliath. He also managed to push back Sauron's forces to the mountain range of [[Ephel Dúath]], but Sauron began to gather reinforcements, among whom were a large number of Black Númenóreans, and the Men of Gondor knew that their realm was in great danger of being destroyed unless aid came.

=== The [[War of the Last Alliance]] ===
Elendil reacted to the threat of Sauron by combining forces with [[Gil-galad]] the [[Elves|Elven]]-king to make the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]. Their armies marched southeast from Arnor and Gil-galad's realm of [[Lindon]]. Supported by the forces of Gondor, [[Lórinand]], [[Mirkwood]] and the dwarves of [[Moria]], the Alliance fought a great battle on the plain of [[Dagorlad]] north of Mordor. The armies of Elendil and Gil-galad were victorious, and entered Mordor itself, where they laid a siege on Sauron's Tower of [[Siege of Barad-dûr|Barad-dûr]] for seven years. During this time, Anárion was killed by a rock thrown from the Tower that broke his helm. The siege ended when Sauron himself emerged from Barad-dûr to fight the Alliance. Gil-galad and Elendil attacked and destroyed Sauron, though they themselves were slain the process.<ref name="OtRoP">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

=== Gondor in the Beginning of the [[Third Age]] ===
====Rebuilding====
After the battle, during which the long Second Age came to an end, Isildur built a secret tomb for Elendil on the mountain [[Amon Anwar]].<ref name="CE"/> He also aided Anárion's son [[Meneldil]], who was now King, in reorganizing Gondor. Isildur planted the seedling of the White Tree that he had saved in [[Minas Ithil]], and brought to Minas Anor (later known as Minas Tirith), and it endured for several centuries. After these acts, Isildur left Gondor in the third year of the Third Age with the intent of ruling his father's kingdom of Arnor. He [[Battle of the Gladden Fields|never arrived]].<ref name="Gladden">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]"</ref>

==== Gondor Prospers ====
After the war, Gondor's power and wealth grew steadily (only interrupted by an [[Easterlings|Easterling]] invasion in [[Third Age 492]]). Its power would continue to grow into the 9th century of the Third Age. While the power of Gondor's sister kingdom [[Arnor]] peaked during the 9th century, when it broke into various successor states, Gondor's greatest glory was yet to come.

==== Gondor's Golden Age ====
[[File:Steven White Jr. - Gondor TA1050.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gondor in {{TA|1050}}]]Gondor's power reached its Golden Age under the four "[[Ship-kings]]"<ref name="Gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

The reign of Tarannon was an unhappy one: he married [[Berúthiel]], nefarious and loveless. Unlike her husband, she hated the Sea, its smells and its sounds. Mystery began to surround her as she used her [[cats]] to spy on every one, and paranoia and fear rose. After much ado, Tarannon banished her from Gondor, setting her on an adrift ship with her cats. It was last seen passing [[Umbar]] in the South.<ref name="UTI7">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The Istari]]", note 7</ref>

In the reign of the powerful king Hyarmendacil I Gondor reached the height of its power. During Hyarmendacil's reign Gondor's borders reached their furthest extent. The Kingdom extended east to the [[Sea of Rhûn]], south to the nearest lands of the [[Haradrim]], as far north as [[Mirkwood]] and west towards the borders of [[Arnor]]. Gondor would also enjoy several centuries of peace due to its military might.<ref name="Gondor"/>

[[Rómendacil II]] built on the northern approach to [[Nen Hithoel]] the giant pillars [[Argonath]] to mark the northern border of Gondor following a great defeat over the [[Easterlings]] in {{TA|1248}}.<ref>{{App|B2}}</ref>

=== The Decline of Gondor ===
But after his reign decadence spread under the kings of Gondor and a long period of decline began (although Gondor experienced several revivals). Three great calamities struck Gondor during the second millennium of the Third Age, which are held to be the chief reasons for its decline: the [[Kin-strife]], the [[Great Plague]], and the invasion of the [[Wainriders]] (a tribe of Easterlings), one of series of conflicts in the [[Wainrider/Balchoth War]].

==== The Kin-strife ====
In the 15th century a great civil war named the Kin-strife tore the nation apart. The current King Eldacar was of mixed blood: his mother was of the Northmen. Popular displeasure at this led to the overthrow of King Eldacar by Castamir, the admiral of all of Gondor's naval forces who possessed some royal blood. Eldacar's son was slain, and Eldacar fled north. Castamir was afterward known as [[Castamir|Castamir the Usurper]]. During his ten year rule he proved to be very cruel, and because of his love of his old fleet, he lavished attention on the coastal regions while the interior provinces were ignored and left to rot. Eldacar then returned with an army of his Northmen kinsmen, and they were joined by armies of Gondorians from interior provinces such as Anórien. [[Osgiliath]] was devastated during this conflict, its great bridge destroyed and its ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'' lost. Eldacar slew Castamir and reclaimed his throne, but Castamir's sons and their forces were besieged in Pelargir, the great port of Gondor. They eventually retreated to Umbar, where they joined with the Corsairs, and troubled Gondor for many years, until their descendants died out.

==== The Great Plague ====
In [[Third Age 1636]] the [[Great Plague]] struck and the [[White Tree of Gondor|White Tree]] died. This Plague was no localized event: the Plague swept through all of Middle-earth, reaching the successor states of Arnor and the [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]] in the North. King [[Tarondor (King of Gondor)|Tarondor]] found a sapling of the White Tree, and moved the capital from Osgiliath to [[Minas Anor]], the City of Anárion. During this time, Gondor was so depopulated that the fortifications guarding against the re-entry of evil into Mordor were abandoned. It is believed that had the Haradrim or Easterlings been capable of attacking Gondor at this time, it would have fallen. However, the Plague left Gondor's enemies in no better condition than Gondor itself, and neither side was capable of mounting new offensives.

==== The Invasion of the Wainriders ====
Following the sapping of Gondor's strength by the plague, the Wainrider invasions devastated Gondor, and the conflict lasted for almost a century. The Wainriders destroyed the Northern Army of Gondor, but survivors linked up with the victorious Southern Army of Gondor, led by a general named Eärnil, and they destroyed the Wainriders as they celebrated their victory during the [[Battle of the Camp]], in [[Third Age 1944]].

=== The Line of the Kings Fails ===
==== Reunification Rejected ====
In 1944, Gondor also faced a constitutional crisis when King [[Ondoher]] was slain in a previous battle with both his sons. [[Arvedui]], King of [[Arthedain]], Ondoher's son-in-law, and the victorious general Eärnil, who was a distant blood-relative of Ondoher, claimed the throne. Arvedui's claim lay mainly in the reintroduction of the old Númenórean law of accession, which stated the eldest (remaining) child should succeed the king. If the law was reintroduced, then Arvedui's wife [[Fíriel]], Ondoher's daughter and last remaining child would become [[Ruling Queens of Númenor|Ruling Queen]], making their descendants Kings of both Arnor and Gondor. Arvedui also tried to put weight behind his claim as he was Isildur's heir. The Council of Gondor recognised that the name of Isildur was held in honour in Gondor, but they dictated that the South-Kingdom must be ruled by an Heir of Anárion. Due to his ancestry from Fíriel and Arvedui, more than a millennium later, Aragorn Elessar put forward his claim as the heir of both Isildur and Anárion.

Eärnil lay his claim as being a direct descendant of King [[Telumehtar]] Umbardacil. His claim was also greatly bolstered by the popularity he had gained as the victorious general who saved Gondor from the Wainriders after winning the southern theatre of the war. Steward [[Pelendur]] who was temporarily ruling Gondor as serving as arbiter of succession, intervened in favour of Gondor's victorious general who would rule as [[Eärnil II]].

==== The Last Heir of Anárion ====
During the [[Battle of Fornost]], Eärnil II's heir Eärnur led Gondor's forces to victory over the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], who was actually the Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]. Although Eärnur wished to fight him, Eärnur's horse was terrified and fled the battle against his wishes. By the time he mastered his horse and return, the Witch-king had fled. [[Glorfindel of Rivendell|Glorfindel]] the Elf then prophesied to him that it was better that he not fight the Lord of the Nazgûl because "never by the hand of man shall he fall".

Eärnur later ascended to the throne, ruling from Minas Anor (Tower of the Sun). During this time, the Ringwraiths captured Minas Anor's sister city, Minas Ithil (Tower of the Moon), renaming it Minas Morgul (Tower of Sorcery) and taking it as their lair. Minas Anor was renamed Minas Tirith (Tower of Guard) as a result. The Lord of the Nazgûl repeatedly sent messengers to Minas Tirith challenging Eärnur to single combat, taunting him that he had fled out of cowardice from facing him during the Battle of Fornost. Eventually, King Eärnur was overcome by wrath and rode with a small company of knights to Minas Morgul, to accept the challenge. They were never heard from again. So ended the Line of [[Anárion]].

=== The Stewards of Gondor ===
==== The Ruling Stewards ====
The realm was governed by a long line of hereditary Stewards after the disappearance of [[Eärnur]], son of Eärnil, since there was no proof that the last king was dead, and no claimant had enough support to be accepted as his successor. The line of Anárion was held to have failed, and Gondor was not willing to risk to another Kin-strife, which would surely have destroyed it. Whenever there was a new Steward, he would swear an oath to yield rule of Gondor back to the King, in essence only an heir of Isildur, if he should ever return. In Gondor there was no one who could claim descent from Isildur in direct line, and the northern line of Arnor had effectively disappeared, so this oath was not considered seriously. The line of Stewards ruled as Kings, without having the title.

==== Cirion and Eorl ====
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl'']]
In [[Third Age 2510]], when Steward [[Cirion]] ruled over Gondor, the nation faced one of its greatest perils: an Easterling tribe named the ''[[Balchoth]]'' invaded Gondor with massive force. Gondor's army marched to fight the Balchoth but were cut off from [[Minas Tirith]] and pushed back in the direction of the [[Limlight]].

Messengers were sent to get help from the [[Éothéod]], a tribe which lived in the northern vales of the [[Anduin]], but nobody expected the messengers to reach their destination. When certain peril came upon Gondor, however, the Éothéod turned the tide of the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]]. After the victory the Éothéod were awarded the fields of [[Calenardhon]] north of the [[Ered Nimrais]] from the Gap of Rohan at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains|Hithaeglir]], [[Fangorn Forest]], rivers Limlight to river [[Anduin]], western [[Emyn Muil]] and the [[Mering Stream]], where they established the kingdom of [[Rohan]] with [[Eorl the Young]] as their first king. A perpetual alliance between Gondor and Rohan was established by the oath Eorl swore to Cirion.<ref name="CE"/>

=== [[War of the Ring]]===
[[File:Steven White Jr. - Gondor TA3019.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gondor in {{TA|3019}}]]
In 3019, during the [[War of the Ring]], Gondor was the strongest of the free nations that opposed Sauron, and thus, its defeat was his primary strategic goal in the war.<ref name="MT">{{RK|V1}}</ref> Gondor faced an all out attack on its capital Minas Tirith in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. Although nearly defeated, the Rohirrim once again turned the tide of battle, and helped win the war, though with heavy losses.<ref name="tBotPF">{{RK|Battle}}</ref> The combined army of the West then carried the battle to Sauron at the Battle of the Morannon, a feint to distract Sauron's attention from Frodo Baggins's quest to destroy the One Ring in Mount Doom, thus causing Sauron's destruction and the allies' ultimate victory.

After the second and final defeat of Sauron the Kingship was restored, [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] became king of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor.

[[Faramir]], last heir of the Ruling Stewards, was to retain the office of steward (though not ruling), and was made [[Prince of Ithilien]], which had been reconquered from the forces of Mordor.<ref name="tSatK">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"</ref> Faramir would serve as the King's representative during absence or illness, and became the chief counsellor of the [[Council of Gondor]].<ref name="L244">{{L|244}}</ref>

==Geography==
Initially, Gondor was comprised of the lands to the North and South of the [[White Mountains]], but [[Calenardhon|a large part of the northern territories]] was gifted to the [[Éothéod]] in [[Third Age 2510]].<ref name="CE">{{UT|Cirion}}</ref> Gondor's close proximity to Sauron's land was the catalyst of many battles and skirmishes, but its location also gave the Gondorians more ability to protect the other regions of Middle-earth from the Dark Lord and his servants.<ref name="CoE">{{FR|Council}}</ref>
===Regions===
Gondor was divided between several nearly autonomous regions. These were the following:
* [[Ithilien]], across the [[Anduin]] from Minas Tirith
* [[Anórien]], surrounding [[Minas Tirith]]
* [[Lossarnach]]
* [[Lebennin]]
* [[Belfalas]]
* [[Dor-en-Ernil]], ruled by the [[Prince of Dol Amroth]]
* [[Lamedon]], north of the [[Ringló]]
* [[Anfalas]], or the Langstrand, in the south-west
* [[Ethir Anduin]]

The long cape of [[Andrast]] was not populated.

Additionally, Gondor held or had held the following regions at certain points in its history:
* [[Harondor]] or South Gondor, which was contested between Gondor and [[Harad]]
* [[Calenardhon]], which was given to the Éothéod and became Rohan
* [[Enedwaith]], never really populated by Gondor and soon abandoned
* [[Rhovanion]], which was never fully under the control of Gondor but under Gondorian influence at certain times during the Third Age

===Cities===
Cities in Gondor included:
* [[Calembel]]
* [[Dol Amroth]], a city on the coast of Belfalas
* [[Erech]], fortress of Gondor, abandoned by the end of the Third Age
* [[Linhir]]
* [[Minas Tirith]] (originally named Minas Anor), City of the Kings
* [[Osgiliath]], city and former capital of Gondor on the river Anduin, largely destroyed and abandoned by the end of the Third Age
* [[Pelargir]]
* [[Tarnost]] (debatable)<ref name="t2M">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]], ''[[The War of the Ring]]'', "[[The Second Map]]"</ref>

===Fortresses and outposts===
Additionally, Gondor used the following locations as military strongholds at certain points in its history, many of which Mordor later took:
* The outposts of [[Amon Hen]] and [[Amon Lhaw]] on [[Emyn Muil]] probably had small garrisons
* [[Isengard|Angrenost]], the fortress of Isengard, later granted to [[Saruman]]
* [[Aglarond]], the Gondorian fortress, later known as Helm's Deep
* The [[Towers of the Teeth]], built by the Gondorians to keep watch over Mordor
* The Gondorian fortress guarding the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]
* The castle that came to be called [[Durthang]], the largest fortress in Mordor, originally built to guard the [[Ephel Dúath]]
* [[Minas Ithil]], conquered by [[Mordor]] and renamed [[Minas Morgul]] by the Gondorians
* [[Tharbad]] to the north, held by both Gondor and Arnor but abandoned and later ruined after Gondor retreated from [[Enedwaith]]
* [[Umbar]], a harbour in the south which was contested by the Haradrim and lost and reclaimed several times

==Languages==
As the Gondorians came from Númenor, so came their language: [[Westron]], or the Common Speech, was the main language of the people of Gondor. Though the source of Westron lay in Pelargir,<ref name="AppF">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Appendix F]]'', "Of Men"</ref> the clearest form, without any accent, was spoken in Minas Tirith.<ref name="L193">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 193]] (dated [[2 November|November 2]], [[1956]])</ref> This style was nobler and more antique than other dialects, and this was the Westron the Elves adopted.<ref name="L144">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 144]] (dated [[25 April|April 25]], [[1954]])</ref> In reverence of the mighty lords of Númenor of old, Eldarin was spoken by nobility. Quenya was known to the learned, and Sindarin was used to be polite, especially by those of high [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] blood.<ref name="L347">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 347]] (dated [[17 December|December 17]], [[1972]])</ref> However, especially the Sindarin contained several [[Gondor Sindarin|dialectical differences]].<ref name="CE49">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[Cirion and Eorl]]", note 49</ref>

==Etymology==
In earlier times, it was called the South Kingdom, or ''Hyaralondie'', ''Hyallondie'' and ''Turmen Hyallondiéva'' in Quenya, and ''Arthor na Challonnas'' in Sindarin from the Númenórean point of view: the elements ''[[londie]]'' and ''[[lonnas]]'' mean "harbour, landing".<ref name="PE17">{{PE|17}}</ref>

The name '''Gondor''' was likely adopted from the lesser people's terminology<ref name="L324">{{L|324}}</ref> and translates from [[Sindarin]] as "Stone-land", from the words ''[[gond]]'', "stone", and ''(n)[[dor]]'', "land".<ref name="L324"/> The (generally not used) [[Quenya]] form of the name was ''Ondonóre''.<ref name="VT42">{{VT|42}}</ref> Gondor received its name because of the abundance of stone in the [[Ered Nimrais]], and the usage of it in great stone cities, statues, and monuments, such as Minas Tirith and the Argonath.

In [[Rohan]], it was known as '''Stoningland''' (a modernization of [[Old English]] ''Stāning-(land)''<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 776</ref>),<ref name="tBotPF"/> and [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]] of the [[Drúedain]] also recognized their use of stone.<ref name="RotR">{{RK|Ride}}</ref>
==Inspiration==
The history and civilization of Gondor has been compared to historical elements of the real world.
===Italy===
[[Letter to Jennifer Brookes-Smith (28 July 1955)|Writing in a letter]] about an impending trip in [[1955]], Tolkien identified Gondor as [[Wikipedia:Italy|Italy]].<ref>{{CG|C}}, p. 462</ref>
===Egypt===
[[Tolkien]] himself likened Gondor in a degree to ancient Egypt, in terms of how Gondorians constructed gigantic stone structures, and the [[Crown of Gondor]] being similar to the [[Wikipedia:Pschent|crown of the Pharaohs of Egypt]].<ref>{{L|211}}, p. 281</ref> Notably, some "scholars" claimed that ancient Egypt was a colony of [[Atlantis]],<ref>[[Wikipedia:Ignatius L. Donnelly|Ignatius L. Donnelly]], [http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/4032 Atlantis: The Antediluvian World] (1882), Part V, Chapter II: The Egyptian Colony</ref> much like how Gondor was a survival of Númenor (although it is unknown if Tolkien considered this aspect).
===Byzantine Empire===
In online discussions, many [[Tolkien fandom|Tolkien fans]] have entertained the idea that Gondor is comparable to the [[Wikipedia:Byzantine Empire|Byzantine Empire]],<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.middleearthcenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21307|articlename=Gondor -> Byzantine Empire|dated=|website=[http://www.middleearthcenter.com/ Middle-earth Center]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotrplaza.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=229914|articlename=Is Gondor Constantinople?|dated=|website=Plaza|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.thephora.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12555|articlename=Gondor = Byzantium?|dated=|website=[http://www.thephora.net/forum/index.php The Phora]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref> and Tolkien himself referred to Minas Tirith as a "Byzantine City".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 570</ref> Some of the parallels noted between Gondor and the Byzantine Empire are:<ref>Miryam Librán-Moreno, "'Byzantium, New Rome!': Goths, Langobards, and Byzantium in ''The Lord of the Rings''", in ''[[Tolkien and the Study of His Sources]]'' (edited by [[Jason Fisher]]</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=Tom Simon|articleurl=http://www.bondwine.com/essays/38/gondor.html|articlename=Gondor, Byzantium, and Feudalism|dated=13 March 2010|website=[http://www.bondwine.com/ Bondwine]|accessed=22 September 2012}}</ref>

Gondor is the south-eastern portion of [[Elendil]]'s original kingdom. The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern remnant of the Roman Empire. The [[Wikipedia:Western Roman Empire|Western Roman Empire]] eventually withered and dissolved, like [[Arnor]], while the Byzantine Empire endured, although in declined state. Their geographical role is also comparable as the Byzantine Empire encircled the Mediterranean while Gondor occupied the region around the [[Bay of Belfalas]]; both were threatened by [[Easterlings|eastern]] and [[Haradrim|southern]] adversaries. The Byzantine Empire absorbed several "barbaric" peoples like the Wends and Slavs, much like Gondor did with the [[Northmen]] and other [[Middle Men]].

As a final note, the last Byzantine Emperor, [[Wikipedia:Constantine_XI_Palaiologos#Legacy|Constantine XI]], remained in legend and folklore as the [[Wikipedia:King in the mountain|"Marble King"]] whose messianic ressurection and return would signal the restoration of the Empire. This parallels the fate of [[Earnur]] and Gondor's interregnum period until the "Return of the [[Aragorn|King]]" who [[Reunited Kingdom|restored the Kingdom]]. However unlike the Byzantine Empire, Gondor did not fall.
{{references}}
[[Category:Gondor| ]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

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User talk:Morgan/2015–6

2014-01-21T18:30:46Z

Mclaren01: /* Silmaril and Arkenstone */ new question

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*[[User_talk:Morgan/2011|2011]]
</div>
{{usertalk}}

== Moving articles ==

Re. "Joseph Wright 19??", just to let you know you should be able to untick the box "Leave a redirect behind" when you move something so there is no redirect left behind for me to delete! --{{User:Mith/sig}} 16:37, 2 January 2012 (UTC)

:Good, I'll try think about that in the future (thought it only worked with images)! --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 16:51, 2 January 2012 (UTC)

== [[Sauron]] code ==

Here you are: "<nowiki>{{Transcribed|Sauron Tengwar Quenya mode.png|Sauron|Tengwar, Quenya mode}}</nowiki>". --{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 00:32, 4 January 2012 (UTC)

== Translations ==

I cannot find - but thought we might have - an article that lists translations of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' etc. Something like [[wikipedia:Translations of The Lord of the Rings|this]] (there's also [http://www.elrondslibrary.fr/index.html this website] which is useful). Do we have ''anything'' like this, and if not, should we have it? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 10:27, 19 January 2012 (UTC)

:I've been thinking about that too - it would be good to have. From what I can remember, we only have (in the case of translations of The Hobbit), the list on the main article itself. Is a sub-page a good option in this case, or would a totally separate article be better (like "The Hobbit translations" perhaps "Index:The Hobbit translations")? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 11:03, 19 January 2012 (UTC)

::I should also say that I think some translations merit their own article, like ''[[Hompen]]''.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 11:06, 19 January 2012 (UTC)

:::I don't think it should be an index. "Translations of ''The Hobbit''" and "Translations of ''The Lord of the Rings''" etc. should be fine. I agree that some translations should have their own articles where appropriate.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 12:15, 19 January 2012 (UTC)

::''NOT'' Index. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 13:17, 19 January 2012 (UTC)

==[[Conselho Branco, Sociedade Tolkien]]==
Hi Morgan, 
Could you take a look at [[Conselho Branco, Sociedade Tolkien]] and provide sources, as according to [[User:Stbtolkien]] it includes unreliable and untruthful information. Thank you! --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 16:39, 16 February 2012 (UTC)

:It's a very old article, before we started being careful about sources. I had some source back then, but I can't be bothered to find it. Just tag the page with delete if it's questioned.--18:35, 16 February 2012 (UTC)

::After looking at the [http://www.tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Conselho_Branco,_Sociedade_Tolkien&oldid=116155 history of the article] I see you did add a few sources to the article. Unfortunally it only showed "testa". So I've removed the questioned sentences. --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 19:34, 16 February 2012 (UTC)

:::While attempting to find a source, I found a Googlecatch entry of the old site by accident:
:::*[http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:rP9Bv75cihUJ:www.conselhobranco.com.br/+Conselho+Branco,+Sociedade+Tolkien&cd=1&hl=nl&ct=clnk&gl=nl Site]
:::According to the description the site will be down for an unspecified time. --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 19:53, 16 February 2012 (UTC)

==Vaire==

To Morgan- Thank's for informing me [[User:Vaire|Vaire]]

:You're welcome!--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 20:29, 27 June 2012 (UTC)

I changed it so it's not saying to think about what happened [[User:Vaire|Vaire]] 20:31, 27 June 2012 (UTC)

== The Tolkien Journal ==

Is [http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Tolkien-Journal-Running-Press/dp/076244746X/ref=sr_1_56?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340963899&sr=1-56 this] a new book or a re-release? --{{User:Mith/sig}} 10:11, 29 June 2012 (UTC)

::A new book, is my guess.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 10:59, 29 June 2012 (UTC)

:::It's just all their books are re-releases from the 80s and this one looks old like the others. I can't find any record of it being out before, though (unless it was under a different title). --{{User:Mith/sig}} 12:05, 30 June 2012 (UTC)

== Pal. quote reference. ==

The reference is from page 422 of Unfinished Tales, The Palantiri ch;

''Saruman had no doubt from his investigations gained knowledge of the Stones, things that would attract his attention, and had become convinced that the Orthanc-stone was still intact in its tower.''

- [[User:Mclaren01|Mclaren01]] 8:55, August 8, 2012 (UTC)

:Thanks, Maclaren. I've restored your sentence after checking the reference. For future edits, just let me know if you're uncertain about how to add references using the templates and codes -- I would be glad to offer any kind of help.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 16:12, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

:By the way, I didn't add a page number to the reference since the pagination differs between different editions of ''Unfinished Tales''. Our [[Template:UT|UT template]] is fairly detailed, however, so it shouldn't be any trouble for people to check a reference just pointing to a section in this book.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 16:14, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

== What are you doing? ==

What's your rationale behind applying all of these [[Template:Copyright-unknown]]s? I put that template on the Parma Eldalamberon covers whilst we wait for permission to use them (I contacted Gilson again today by a different e-mail address). I will get round to going through the WhatLinksHere for {{Redlink|[[Template:Fairuse-cover]]}}, so it's not helpful to randomly change the template to [[Template:Copyright-unknown]]. Also why did you apply [[Template:Copyright-unknown]] for covers with a Fairuse template (+ publisher details) on them? Were they wrong?--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 18:18, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

::By the same logic we need to have permission for all covers used on TG. Has anyone contacted HarperCollins etc for permission to use their covers? New Line Cinema? --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 18:22, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

:::There are numerous channels through which you could have communicated your point; talking is better than vandalising. We don't ''need'' permission from every single organisation whose work we use - fairuse is there and we should use it (and not abuse it). My rationale behind contacting the E.L.F. and the Mythopoeic Society (and Mith has sought permission from the Tolkien Society) is simple: they are Tolkien fans like you and I, and they are likely to give us permission. Therefore I'm operating on the principle that if I can contact the copyright holder (in hope of obtaining permission to use their work) then I will. Even if I could contact HarperCollins and New Line Cinema, their lawyers have better things to do than grant (or refuse!) individual requests from organisations like us.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 19:01, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

::::No, ''you'' should have made it clear about extending this rationale to include covers of publications, in a meeting, for example. Changing the status of cover images to "will be deleted" is very frustrating when you have spent a lot of time compiling/scanning such; every Tolkien-related website or blog (scholarly or non-scholarly) I've come across assumes it's fair use to reproduce covers of publications. --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 19:17, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

:::::I had honestly forgotten that [[Template:Copyright-unknown]] included the words "This file will be deleted unless...", and that's why I wish you had told me that this was your grievance in the first place (and let me reiterate that I'm still annoyed that you resorted to vandalism rather than coming to me to discuss it). Let me explain what happened today: I saw that you used {{Redlink|[[Template:Fairuse-cover]]}} on [[:File:Parma Eldalamberon 12.jpg]] and, because Template:Fairuse-cover should not be used on new images, I replaced it [[Template:Copyright-unknown]]. I then decided to tidy up the other ''Parma Eldalamberon'' covers (including giving them their own category) and in the process I added Template:Copyright-unknown to all of them as we will probably get permission soon.

:::::There has been no change in policy; we've used the new system for covers of publications since the new system was first established. I'm perfectly happy to discuss how we handle copyright for publication covers, if that's what you want (although, if this is the case, I wish that we had held it sooner). I'm sorry if my actions have upset or frustrated you, but I suspect that you wouldn't have been so annoyed if you had simply contacted me about it.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 19:45, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

::::::I've emailed you.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 20:01, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

== Noncanon template ==

Would you like me to use my bot to remove all usages of Template:Noncanon?--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 13:40, 26 August 2012 (UTC)

:Hm, I'm not sure. I'm just thinking that there might be articles without references or which don't explain the canonical status.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 13:43, 26 August 2012 (UTC)

::Fair enough.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 13:46, 26 August 2012 (UTC)

== Bombadil sentence ==

And why did you remove the sentence I added? -- [[User:Mclaren01]] 4:56 PM, 26 December 2012 (UTC)

:Hi Mclaren01, you made a great point; but I think we need to include a reference to back up your statement. That way the reader knows where that idea comes from. --[[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]] 07:15, 26 December 2012 (UTC)

::Furthermore it was an [[Wiktionary:incomplete sentence|incomplete sentence]].--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 22:01, 26 December 2012 (UTC)

:::"He might do so, if all the free folk of the world begged him, but he would not understand the need" Gandalf, the Council of Elrond, pg 259 I Wrote the sentence as a summary of this statement by Gandalf about Bombadilo's mentality. If you have a clearer, etc, sentence in mind you can consider that instead. -- [[User:Mclaren01]] 11:03 AM, 28 December 2012 (UTC)

::::Thanks for the clarification, Mclaren. I will take a look at the issue tomorrow.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 00:23, 28 December 2012 (UTC)

:::::Mclaren, this is my conclusion: right now the first part of your addition would already be included in the preceding sentence (that is, Tom not being "fully aware of the struggle of Light and Darkness", equivalent to your "A mindset clear of conceptions of 'Good' and 'Evil'"). The One Ring hasn't been mentioned before in the article, and it would therefore take a major rewrite to include your last part (" he would not understand overtures to keep and conceal the One Ring himself if all the peoples of Middle-earth begged him to") at this point, since the section "War of the Ring" follows.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 23:57, 11 January 2013 (UTC)

== Hobbit in French ==

Hello Morgan. I just see your message on my discussion page. It's a new translation, made by Daniel Lauzon (also translator of the HoMe 3 at 5). I've change the url you've added for another where Daniel Lauzon have answering some questions and enlighted some of his choices. [[User:Druss|Druss]] 13:01, 1 January 2013 (UTC)

== Black Speech ==

Hello there Morgan I was thinkong of bringong more details to the [[Black speech]] page but maybe it shouldn't be there where I put it so we must make a new Headline. However it would be nice if we could have a little bit more information about this language however rude he looked like.

Yours fathiful

--[[User:Glaurung the Golden|Glaurung the Golden]] 13:58, 11 January 2013 (UTC)Glaurung the Golden

:Hi there. I [http://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Black_Speech&action=historysubmit&diff=225496&oldid=225442 tweaked] your contribution and added it to the article.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 23:14, 11 January 2013 (UTC)

Yes thanks mate, i was just thinking to mention the use of ergative in it

--[[User:Glaurung the Golden|Glaurung the Golden]] 17:03, 13 January 2013 (UTC)[[Glaurung the Golden]]

:Well, to me "ergative" is specialized linguistic terminology -- I'm not sure we need to include this on Tolkien Gateway and at the very least not just a quick mention. Fauskanger devotes a whole section of his article to the ergative case in relation to the Black Speech and Hurrian. If you find a good way to explain this in a simple way, it could possibly be included. I don't want to be the sole judge here! :) But IMHO think it suffices with a link to Fauskanger's article, for those wanting more detailed information.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 17:11, 13 January 2013 (UTC)

:Ergative is a grammatical case that is used to explain the subject of transitive verb mostly in ergative-absolutive languages. But, alright if it's too complicated for TG then i will try to make more simple. However Tolkien himself was a philologist :)
We will end this conversation now, don't want to waste your time anymore.

Your's faithiful

--~~[[User:Glaurung the Golden|Glaurung]]

== New users ==

You don't need to add <nowiki>{{user}}</nowiki> to the user page of every new editor. It's only for those who write on talk pages and, therefore, leave a redlink lying around. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 12:12, 19 January 2013 (UTC)

:Ah, thanks for letting me know. I thought the red-linked user name appearing in recent changes also turned up in wanted pages.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 23:33, 19 January 2013 (UTC)

== Total Edits ==

Hi Morgan, I apologize but I'm afraid we're going to have to block your account from future editing. I'm sure you understand....you're just getting too close to my edit total. :) (I will admit, you passed me long ago if we're counting quality contributions) Keep up the great work! --[[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]] 03:55, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

:+1.--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 09:46, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

::Hehe, but I actually fear that quantity rather than quality has been my main contribution to TG! :) --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 16:59, 1 February 2013 (UTC)
==Check==
Hi Morgan. I understand that you own several old and recent editions of LotR. Could you please check out [[Talk:Prisca_Baggins|this matter]] and have a look in Appendix C of your books? I own only one version (pre-50th Anniversary), which is not available to me ATM so I can't cross-check. [[User:Sage|Sage]] 14:19, 1 May 2013 (UTC)

:Hello Sage! Certainly, I will check when I come back home later today.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 14:58, 1 May 2013 (UTC)

== Referencing ==

Hi Morgan!

I'm trying to understand how to include a reference in the article that links back to a source that has already been given. I know I'm supposed to use < ref name=One>And this is source number one</ref> and such, but does this also work with shortcuts such as {S|1}}? If so, how?
--[[User:Shadrak|Shadrak]] 16:56, 23 September 2013 (UTC)

::Hi Shadrak!

::<nowiki><ref name=S1>{{S|1}}</ref></nowiki> 

::<nowiki><ref name=S1/></nowiki>

::The first code line above creates an original reference to ''The Silmarillion'', Chapter 1. The second code line "links back" to the same reference. You can use any name as the reference name, but the name needs to be the same when you link to it.

::Does it make sense? '''You can see an example [[User:Morgan/Sandbox9|here]]'''.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 18:01, 23 September 2013 (UTC)

:::Perfect, thanks!--[[User:Shadrak|Shadrak]] 20:17, 23 September 2013 (UTC)

== Undone edits ==

Hi Morgan! Quick question: I noticed you reverted the edits done to the "Ents" page by user 204.108.96.90. Just to clarify, was that due to the fact that there were no references, or was there something else that was questionable about the edits? I just ask because user 204.108.96.90 happens to be me before I created an account. :O) {{Unsigned|Shadrak}}

:Hello Shadrak! I'll be blunt, and hope you'll see my opinion as constructive criticism. The reason for undoing the edits was a combination of many things: the lack of references was the most important (for example, a statement needing a source is "...created at the request of the Vala Yavanna to protect the trees from other creatures, particularly Dwarves..."). In addition, the edits I reverted carried a speculative, non-encyclopedic tone: for example, "...they are undoubtedly counted among...". Finally, there were a couple of spelling errors ("phisiology" and "Middle-Earth"). As administrators, we tend to be less forgiving when it comes to anonymous edits (for psychological reasons, I guess).--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 15:34, 25 September 2013 (UTC)
::Cool. I didn't take it personally. ;) I just wanna learn to contribute in the most thorough and objective way. Is it ok if I re-post the edits addressing these issues?--[[User:Shadrak|Shadrak]] 19:01, 25 September 2013 (UTC)

:::Naturally! I should also like to point out that I think admins and fellow editors are more willing to "correct" or improve edits when these are done by registered editors -- it's an indication that the editor is serious and willing to participate in discussions.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 19:32, 25 September 2013 (UTC)
::::Excellent. Please check the Ents page later today and let me know if you notice anything else I can improve.--[[User:Shadrak|Shadrak]] 19:42, 25 September 2013 (UTC)

:::::IMHO, the edit you now did works better as an introduction (that is, an introduction shouldn't be too wordy).--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 09:50, 26 September 2013 (UTC)

==Own story==

Excuse me, do you know if there is a website where a person may create their own stories of Middle-earth, thanks.--[[Special:Contributions/50.122.9.252|50.122.9.252]] 22:53, 14 October 2013 (UTC)

:I'd recommend the [http://www.lotrplaza.com/forumdisplay.php?16-Cottage-of-Lost-Play Cottage of Lost Play] at the LotR Fanatics Plaza. If you search on Google, there appears to be many fan fiction websites (like [http://www.tolkienfanfiction.com/ this one]), but I couldn't say if any of them are better or worse.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 09:31, 15 October 2013 (UTC)

== Idril page ==

Dear Morgan,

I was reviewing the page on idril and could not find any information to back up the following claim- "and in the Helcaraxë almost lost her life falling through the ice with several others, but Turgon saved her, though he lost his wife Elenwë." In the Silmarillion it is said that Elenwe lost her life but I find no mention of Idril.

Hope you can help,

Watcher at the Silver Gate

:Thanks for noting this. I've placed a <nowiki>{{fact}}</nowiki> at the statement, to see if someone knows a reference (it might be from the ''History of Middle-earth'').--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 22:29, 20 November 2013 (UTC)

== Signature ==

Pardon me, I used a copy-and-paste then. --[[User:Mclaren01|Mclaren01]] 11:29 PM, 29/12/2013 (UTC).

:No problem. :-) --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 14:45, 29 December 2013 (UTC)

== Tolkien Testament ==

Why Tolkien testament is not included on dates and the administrator of this website deleted all references about that? {{unsigned|Sigurd }}

:Because the article was so below any imaginable standard that cleaning it up (which I tried) left only one very short sentence. --{{User:Ederchil/sig}} 21:43, 13 January 2014 (UTC)

No. I created one exclusive page about this testament and put references about this document. Is so easy to find in Joseph Ratellif blog, in Tolkien's Legendarium book and others. I think that FACT cannot be excluded from a serious encyclopedia. {{User:Sigurd/sig}}

:# Sign your posts.
:# The factuality was not in dispute. --{{User:Ederchil/sig}} 11:31, 14 January 2014 (UTC)

No thanks.
So Why do not put that information?

== Silmaril and Arkenstone ==

If you have a reference to people arguing that Arkenstone is a Silmaril should not have the argument contrary? In the same link there are both arguments. {{unsigned|Sigurd }}

== The Hobbit page edit? ==

Why did you undo my edit? [[User:Mclaren01|Mclaren01]] 5:27 AM, 22/01/2014 (UTC)

The Hobbit

2014-01-19T00:29:25Z

Mclaren01: /* Plot */ expansion

{{Countdown}}{{disambig-more|The Hobbit|[[The Hobbit (disambiguation)]]}}
{{disambig-more|There and Back Again|[[There and Back Again (disambiguation)]]}}
{{book
|title=The Hobbit
|image=[[File:The Hobbit (1937).png|225px]]
|author=[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]
|publisher=[[Allen and Unwin|George Allen & Unwin]]; [[Houghton Mifflin]]
|date=[[21 September]] [[1937]]; [[1938]]
|format=
|pages=
|isbn=
}}
'''''The Hobbit, or There and Back Again''''', better known as '''''The Hobbit''''', is the first of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien]] published books set within [[Arda]]. It was first published on [[21 September]] [[1937]] by [[Allen and Unwin|George Allen & Unwin]] in the United Kingdom, and was subsequently followed by the publication of Tolkien's ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' in [[1954]] and [[1955]].

==Plot==
{{hchapters}}
[[File:Donato Giancola - The Hobbit - Expulsion.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''The Hobbit'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, is smoking in his porchway one day when Gandalf the Wizard visits him. After a lengthy discussion, during which Bilbo uses the phrase "Good Morning" several times, in several different ways, Bilbo, finding himself flustered, invites Gandalf to tea, and goes back inside his hobbit hole with a final "Good Morning". Gandalf scratches a secret mark on Bilbo's front door, which translated means 'Burglar wants a good job, plenty of excitement and reasonable reward'. Thirteen Dwarves ([[Thorin]], [[Óin]], [[Glóin]], [[Dwalin]], [[Balin]], [[Bifur]], [[Kíli]], [[Fíli]], [[Bofur]], [[Dori]], [[Bombur]], [[Nori]], and [[Ori]]) show up and begin excitedly discussing their planned treasure hunt while the hapless Bilbo provides the obligatory hospitality. After the dwarves clean up their mess, a map is produced and Gandalf arranges for Bilbo to get the burglary job—as well as to break the unlucky number 13. The company's quest: kill [[Smaug]], the [[Dragons|dragon]] who seized the [[Lonely Mountain]] (Erebor) from the Dwarves' forefathers, and, using a secret door into the mountain, recapture it, dividing the riches within its halls.

The next morning, after oversleeping and nearly missing the start of the journey, Bilbo goes off with the Dwarves. They are nearly eaten by three [[Trolls]], but Gandalf tricks the trolls into staying up all night whereupon they are turned into stone by the first light of dawn. (The stone trolls appear later in ''The Lord of the Rings''.) In the troll's cave they find some swords. Bilbo acquires [[Sting]], which glows blue in the presence of [[Orcs|Goblins]] (another name for [[Orcs]]).

The party travels to [[Rivendell]] where they enjoy the hospitality of the [[Elves]], then proceed eastwards towards the [[Misty Mountains]]. There they are forced to hide in a cave for shelter after encountering giants hurling rocks down the mountain sides, afterwitch are ambushed by goblins (Orcs), and carried under the mountain. They run away after Gandalf intervenes by slaying the Goblin King & others, and during the escape Bilbo loses the Dwarves. Alone in the dark after running away from the goblins, Bilbo finds a [[The One Ring|ring]] on the floor of a cave passage and puts it into his pocket.

Continuing down, he finds himself at the shore of an underground lake. [[Gollum]] quietly paddles up in his boat, and the two enact the [[Riddle-game]], under the condition that if Bilbo wins, Gollum will show him the way out, but if he loses, Gollum will eat Bilbo. After several [[Riddle-game|Riddles]], which each manages to answer, Bilbo, whilst fiddling in his pocket unable to think of a riddle, asks himself aloud "What have I got in my pocket?" Gollum thinks this is supposed to be the next riddle, and as it doesn't comply with the rules of the riddle game, demands three guesses; in the end he fails to guess the answer. Bilbo demands his reward, but Gollum refuses and paddles off in his boat to an island in the lake, upon which he lives. After searching around for a while asking aloud "where is it? wheres my precious!?" to which Bilbo replies, "I don't know and I don't care, I just want to get out of here", Gollum becomes suspicious, gets in his boat, and starts paddling back across the lake towards Bilbo. Gollum is unable to find the one weapon he could use to betray and kill Bilbo, a magic ring that makes its wearer invisible; driven by rage, Gollum starts to realize the real answer to Bilbo's previous question "What have I got in my pocket?". Bilbo realises his life is in mortal danger and makes his escape down the maze of pitch black tunnels, and Gollum gives chase. Bilbo trips, and finds the ring on his finger. Realising he has no chance to escape his pursuer, he stays where he is and prepares to meet his fate, but Gollum runs right over him. Bilbo realises the ring makes him invisible. He manages to escape past Gollum, who has gone to guard the only exit, and finds his way to the surface where he rejoins the Dwarves.

Descending from the [[Misty Mountains]], they survive an encounter with [[Wargs]] (wild wolf creatures) by climbing trees. Eagles rescue them. Then they meet [[Beorn]], a man who can transform into a bear. They depart, having rested for several days. Gandalf leaves soon on an errand. The party traverses the great forest [[Mirkwood]], eventually running out of supplies. Gandalf had warned them not to leave the path, but they saw fire and heard singing, so, hopeless, they leave the path to beg food from [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]], only to get lost. They are captured by giant spiders, but Bilbo rescues the Dwarves by becoming invisible and killing many spiders with Sting. Elves then capture the Dwarves and imprison them, but Bilbo manages to sneak into the [[Thranduil|Elvenking]]'s palace unnoticed using the ring; he then helps the Dwarves escape in barrels floated down the river.[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Bilbo comes to the Huts of the Raft-elves (II).jpg|thumb|200px|''Bilbo comes to the Huts of the Raft-elves'' by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]]]

After staying for a short period of time at [[Lake-town]], the treasure-seekers proceed to the Lonely Mountain. Finding themselves unable to locate the secret door, the company sit down disconsolate on a cliff. Hearing a thrush knocking on a stone, Bilbo looks up just in time to see the last rays of the Sun of [[Durin's Day]], shining on the cliff wall, to magically reveal the secret door (as was foretold by [[moon-letters]] upon a map that the company was in possession of). Bilbo is sent down to encounter Smaug. The dragon, realising the Company received help from the people of Laketown, sets out to destroy it. However, the thrush that had been knocking on the stone, was no ordinary bird but of an ancient race with whom the men of the lake could communicate, and it had heard Bilbo's report to the dwarves, that Smaug had a bare patch on his belly that could be used to slaughter him, if only you could get close enough. It conveyed this message to one [[Bard|Bard the Bowman]], who seeing the bare patch in the belly of Smaug, despatched the dragon with a single arrow, thus allowing the party of Dwarves to take possession of the treasure.

The citizens of Laketown arrive to make historical claims and demand compensation for the help they had rendered, as well as reparations for the damage Smaug inflicted during his attack. They're joined by the Elves, who also demand a share based on historical claims. The Dwarves refuse all negotiations and in turn summon kin from the north to strengthen their position. Seeing no other way to avert a war, Bilbo uses the ring to steal the prized [[Arkenstone]] from the Dwarves, which he tries to use to broker peace.

Just as [[Thorin]] is refusing a truce and battle is about to begin, the three armies at the Lonely Mountain (Elves, Men and Dwarves) must rally together as they are attacked by [[Orcs|Goblins]] and [[Wargs]] from the Misty Mountains. A bitter battle ensues, named the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. Though suffering heavy losses, Elves, Men and Dwarves prevail. The treasure is apportioned. Bilbo refuses most of the riches, realising he has no way to bring them back home; he nevertheless takes enough with him to make himself a wealthy hobbit and live happily thereafter, unaware of the dangerous nature of his [[The One Ring|ring]].

==Conception==
Tolkien recollects in a 1955 letter to [[W.H. Auden]] (''Letters'', [[Letter 163|no. 163]]) that, in the late 1920s, when he was Professor of [[Old English|Anglo-Saxon]] at [[Pembroke College]], ''The Hobbit'' began when he was marking School Certificate papers, on the back of one of which he wrote the words "In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit". He did not go any further than that at the time, although in the following years he drew up Thrór's map, outlining the geography of the tale. The tale itself he wrote in the early 1930s, and it was eventually published because he lent it to the Reverend Mother of Cherwell Edge when she was sick with the flu; while the Reverend Mother was in possession of the manuscript, it was seen by the 10-year old son of Sir Stanley Unwin, [[Rayner Unwin]], who wrote such an enthusiastic review of the book that it was published by [[Allen and Unwin]].

Tolkien introduced or mentioned characters and places that figured prominently in his legendarium, specifically [[Elrond]] and [[Gondolin]], along with elements from Germanic legend. But the decision that the events of ''The Hobbit'' could belong to the same universe as ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' was made only after successful publication, when the publisher asked for a sequel. Accordingly, ''The Hobbit'' serves both as an introduction to Middle-Earth and as a link between earlier and later events described in ''The Silmarillion'' and ''The Lord of the Rings'', respectively.

Although a fairy tale, the novel is both complex and sophisticated: it contains many names and words derived from Norse mythology, and central plot elements from the ''[[Beowulf]]'' epic, it makes use of [[Old English|Anglo-Saxon]] [[Runes]], information on calendars and moon phases, and detailed geographical descriptions that fit well with the accompanying maps. Near the end, the tale takes on epic proportions.

==Publications and editions==
George Allen & Unwin, Ltd. of London published the [[The Hobbit 1st edition|first edition of ''The Hobbit'']] on [[21 September]] [[1937]]. It was illustrated with many black-and-white drawings by Tolkien himself. The original printing numbered a mere 1,500 copies and sold out by [[15 December]] that same year due to enthusiastic reviews. Houghton Mifflin of Boston and New York prepared an American edition to be released early in 1938 in which four of the illustrations would be colour plates. Allen & Unwin decided to incorporate the colour illustrations into their second printing, released at the end of 1937.<ref>{{webcite|author=Laura Massey|articleurl=http://www.peterharrington.co.uk/blog/2012/01/identifying-collecting-tolkien-first-editions/|articlename=Identifying & Collecting Tolkien First Editions|dated=9 January 2012|website=[http://www.peterharrington.co.uk/ PeterHarrington.co.uk]|accessed=12 January 2012}}</ref> Despite the book's popularity, wartime conditions forced the London publisher to print small runs of the remaining two printings of the first edition.

As remarked above, Tolkien substantially revised ''The Hobbit'''s text describing Bilbo's dealings with Gollum in order to blend the story better into what ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' had become. This revision became the second edition, published in 1951 in both UK and American editions. Slight corrections to the text have appeared in the third (1966) and fourth editions (1978).

New [[English-language editions of The Hobbit|English-language editions of ''The Hobbit'']] spring up often, despite the book's age, with [[English-language editions of The Hobbit|at least fifty editions]] having been published to date. Each comes from a different publisher or bears distinctive cover art, internal art, or substantial changes in format. The text of each generally adheres to the Allen & Unwin edition extant at the time it is published.

===Translations===

''The Hobbit'' has been translated into many languages. Known languages, with the first date of publishing, are:
{|-
|
* '''[[Wikipedia:Armenian language|Armenian]]''': ''Hobit: Kam Gnaln ou Galû'' (1984)<ref name=AHT>{{HM|AH}}, pp. 387-96</ref>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Breton language|Breton]]''': ''An Hobbit, pe eno ha distro'' (2001)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Belarusian language|Belarusian]]''': Хобiт, або Вандроўка туды i назад (2002)<ref>{{webcite|author=Marek Śliwiński|articleurl=http://www.tolkien.com.pl/hobbit/collection/hobbit-belarusian-2002-1st.php|articlename=Hobbit - Belarusian language|website=[http://www.tolkien.com.pl/hobbit/ Babel Hobbits]|accessed=26 August 2012}}</ref>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Bengali language|Bengali]]''': ISBN 9789380151939 (2011, by Santi Chatterjee)<ref>{{webcite|author=Suravi Chatterjee-Woolman|articleurl=http://tolkienlibrary.com/press/1070-Tolkien-in-Bengali.php|articlename=Tolkien translations: Tolkien in Bengali|dated=5 January 2013|website=TL|accessed=25 February 2013}}</ref>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]]''': ''Bilbo Begins, ili, Dotam i obratno'' (1975); ''Khobit: Bilbo Begins, ili, Dotam i obratno'' (1999)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Catalan language|Catalan]]''': ''El Hòbbit, o, Viatge d'anada i tornada'' (1983)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Chinese language|Chinese]]''': ''Sheau Lihshean Jih'' or ''Xiao Airen Lixian Ji'' (1996); new translations in 2000 and 2001<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Croatian language|Croatian]]''': ''Hobit'' (1994)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Czech language|Czech]]''': ''Hobit, aneb, Cesta tam a zase zpátky'' (1979)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Danish language|Danish]]''': ''Hobbitten, eller, Ud og hjem igen'' (1969)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Dutch language|Dutch]]''': ''De hobbit, of Daarheen en weer terug'' (1960, by [[Max Schuchart]]); ''De hobbit, of Daarheen en weer terug'' (1976; revised transl.)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Esperanto|Esperanto]]''': ''[[La hobito]]'' (2000)
* '''[[Wikipedia:Estonian language|Estonian]]''': ''Kääbik, ehk, Sinna ja tagasi'' (1977)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Faroese language|Faroese]]''': ''Hobbin, ella, Út og heim aftur'' (1990)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Finnish language|Finnish]]''': ''Lohikäärmevuori, eli, Erään hoppelin matka sinne ja takaisin'' (1973); ''Hobitti, eli, Sinne ja takaisin'' (1985)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:French language|French]]''': ''Bilbo le Hobbit, ou, Histoire d'un aller et retour'' (1969)<ref name=AHT/>; ''Le Hobbit'' (2012, by Daniel Lauzon)<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://forum.tolkiendil.com/thread-6627.html|articlename=Le Hobbit - nouvelle traduction de Daniel Lauzon|dated=|website=[http://forum.tolkiendil.com Tolkiendil.com]|accessed=31 December 2012}}</ref>
* '''Frisian''' (2009)
* '''[[Wikipedia:Galician language|Galician]]''': ''O Hobbit'' (2000)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:German language|German]]''': ''Kleiner Hobbit und der grosse Zauberer'' (1957, by [[Walter Scherf]]); rev. transl. in 1971 and 1991); ''Der Hobbit, oder, Hin und zurück'' (1997, by [[Wolfgang Krege]])<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Greek language|Greek]]''': ''Khompit'' (1978)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Hebrew language|Hebrew]]''': ''ha-Hobit, o, Le-sham uva-hazarah'' (1976); ''Hobit'' (1977)<ref name=AHT/>; ''ha-Hobit'' (2012)<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.elrondslibrary.fr/T_Hebreu_GB.html|articlename=Hebrew|dated=|website=[http://www.elrondslibrary.fr/ Elrond's Library]|accessed=24 September 2013}}</ref>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Hungarian language|Hungarian]]''': ''A babó'' (1975)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Icelandic language|Icelandic]]''': ''Hobbit'' (1978); ''Hobbitinn, eða, Út og Heim Aftur'' (1997)<ref name=AHT/>
|
* '''[[Wikipedia:Irish language|Ireland]]''': ''An Hobad'' (2012)<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/05/10/56098-some-thoughts-on-the-irish-language-hobbit/|articlename=Some thoughts on the Irish language Hobbit…|dated=10 May 2012|website=TORN|accessed=20 May 2013}}</ref>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Indonesian language|Indonesian]]''': ''Hobbit'' (1977)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Italian language|Italian]]''': ''Lo Hobbit, o, La riconquista del tesoro'' (1973)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Japanese language|Japanese]]''': ''Hobitto no Bôken'' (1965; rev. transl. in 1983); ''Hobitto, Yukite kaerishi Monogatari'' (1997)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Korean language|Korean]]''': [''The Hobbit''] (1997)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Latin|Latin]]''': ''Hobbitus Ille'' (2012)<ref>{{webcite|author=Benedicte Page|articleurl=http://www.thebookseller.com/news/latin-hobbit-harper.html|articlename=Latin Hobbit for Harper|dated=8 May 2012|website=[http://www.thebookseller.com/ TheBookSeller.com]|accessed=26 August 2012}}</ref>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Latvian language|Latvian]]''': ''Hobits, jeb, Turp un atpakal'' (1991)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]]''': ''Hobitas, arba, Ten ir atgal: Apysaka-pasaka'' (1985)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Luxembourgish language|Luxembourgish]]''': ''Den Hobbit'' (2002)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Marathi language|Marathi]]''': [''The Hobbit''] (2011)<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Pieter Collier]]|articleurl=http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/press/1011-Interview-marathi-hobbit-publisher-translator.php|articlename=Interview with Nilesh Pashte and Meena Kinikar about The Hobbit in Marathi|dated=25 September 2011|website=TL|accessed=26 August 2012}}</ref>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Moldavian language|Moldavian]]''': ''Hobbitul'' (1987)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Norwegian language|Norwegian]]''': ''Hobbiten, eller, Fram og tilbake igjen'' (1972); ''Hobbiten, eller, Fram og tilbake igjen'' (1997, by [[Nils Ivar Agøy]])
* '''[[Wikipedia:Persian language|Persian]]''': هابيت يا آنجا و بازگشت
(2004);<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/wiwimod/index.php?page=Persian+Hobbit+2004|articlename=Persian Hobbit 2004|dated=|website=Guide|accessed=26 August 2012}}</ref> (in total, 5 different transl.?)<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.ibna.ir/vdcauino.49nuw1gtk4.html|articlename=Iran to celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien’s birthday|dated=4 January 2011|website=[http://www.ibna.ir/en/ Iran Book News Agency]|accessed=26 August 2012}}</ref>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Polish language|Polish]]''': ''Hobbit, czyli tam i z powrotem'' (1960; rev. transl. 1985); ''Hobbit, albo tam i z powrotem'' (1997);<ref name=AHT/> [''The Hobbit''] (2002){{fact}}
* '''[[Wikipedia:Portuguese language|Portuguese]]''': ''O gnomo'' (1962); ''O Hobbit'' (1976); ''O Hobbit'' (1985); ''O Hobbit'' (1995)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Romanian language|Romanian]]''': [[O poveste cu un hobbit (1975)|''O poveste cu un hobbit'']] (1975); ''Povestea Unui Hobbit'' (1995)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Russian language|Russian]]''': (1976; 9 different translations total)<ref>[[Mark T. Hooker]], ''[[Tolkien Through Russian Eyes]]''</ref>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Serbian language|Serbian]]''': ''Hobit'' (1975)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Slovak language|Slovak]]''': ''Hobbiti'' (1973)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Spanish language|Spanish]]''': ''[[El hobito]]'' (1964); ''El hobbit'' (1982)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Swedish language|Swedish]]''': ''[[Hompen]]'' (1947); ''Bilbo: en hobbits äventyr'' (1962, by [[Britt G. Hallqvist]]);<ref name=AHT/> ''Hobbiten'' (2007, by [[Erik Andersson]]){{fact}}
* '''[[Wikipedia:Thai language|Thai]]''': [''The Hobbit''] (2002)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Turkish language|Turkish]]''': ''Hobbit, Oradaydık ve şimdi buradayız'' (1996); ''Hobbit, Oradaydık ve şimdi buradayız'' (1997)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]]''': ''Hobit, abo, Mandrivka za imlysti hory'' (1985)<ref name=AHT/>
* '''[[Wikipedia:Yiddish language|Yiddish]]''': ''der hobit: oder ahin un vider tsurik '' (2012)<ref>{{webcite|author=[[John D. Rateliff]]|articleurl=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mythsoc/message/24584|articlename=The Yiddish HOBBIT|dated=22 August 2013|website=Mythsoc|accessed=22 August 2013}}</ref>
|}

==Reception==

The first literary review of ''The Hobbit'' was entitled "[[A World for Children]]", written by [[C.S. Lewis]] and published on [[2 October]] [[1937]].<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Åke Bertenstam]]|articleurl=http://www.forodrim.org/bibliography/tolklist.html|articlename=A Chronological Bibliography of Books About Tolkien|dated=|website=[http://www.forodrim.org/index_en.html The Tolkien Society Forodrim]|accessed=7 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{CG|C}}, p. 202</ref>

There have been at least two suggestions of when the first "critical discussion" of ''The Hobbit'' appeared in a book: either Anne Carroll Moore's ''My Roads to Childhood: Views and Reviews of Children's Books'' (Doubleday, 1939) or Helen E. Haines's ''What's in a Novel'' (1942).<ref>{{webcite|author=[[John D. Rateliff]]|articleurl=http://sacnoths.blogspot.se/2013/06/helen-haines.html|articlename=Helen Haines|dated=26 June 2013|website=Sac|accessed=14 September 2013}} (see also comments field)</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[David Bratman]]|articleurl=http://kalimac.livejournal.com/676469.html|articlename=Fantasy: The View from 1942|dated=15 August 2013|website=[http://kalimac.livejournal.com/ Kalimac LiveJournal]|accessed=14 September 2013}}</ref>

==Adaptations==
''The Hobbit'' has been adapted for other media. [[BBC|BBC Radio 4]] broadcast [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' radio drama]], adapted by [[Michael Kilgarriff]], in eight parts (4 hours) from September to November [[1968]], which starred [[Anthony Jackson]] as narrator, [[Paul Daneman]] as Bilbo and [[Heron Carvic]] as Gandalf.

[[Middle-earth]] has been featured in songs notably by [[Enya]] and the [[Brobdingnagian Bards]]. [[Led Zeppelin]]'s songs "Misty Mountain Hop" and "Ramble On" both contain references to Tolkien's mystical world. For ''The Hobbit'' itself, "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins", performed by [[Leonard Nimoy]] as part of his 1968 ''Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy'' album, is the most pertinent because it recounts the book's storyline in its two minutes. The ballad's music video became a minor Internet meme in the early 2000s when ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' movies were released.

In 1974, Argo Records released an audio adaption of the Hobbit, with Nicol Williamson providing the voices for all the characters in the book. It was an abridged adaption, as Williamson re-edited the original script, removing many instances of "he said" and so on, preferring instead to rely on his vocal characteristics to convey who was saying what to whom, feeling that this would keep the audience engrossed in the story rather than slowing the overall pace.

An [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|animated version]] of the story debuted as a television movie in the United States in [[1977]].

A [[The Hobbit (1985 television film)|live action television dramatization]] was broadcast on USSR televsion in [[1985]].

[[David T. Wenzel]]'s [[David T. Wenzel's The Hobbit|graphic format adaptation]] of ''The Hobbit'' was published in [[1989]].

Several computer and video games, both official and unofficial, have been based on the story. One of the first was ''[[The Hobbit (1982 video game)|The Hobbit]]'', a computer game developed in [[1982]] by Beam Software and published by Melbourne House for most computers available at the time, from the more popular computers such as the ZX Spectrum, and the Commodore 64, through to such esoteric computers as the Dragon 32 and Oric computers. By arrangement with publishers, a copy of the novel was included with each game sold.

Vivendi Universal Games published ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|The Hobbit: Prelude to The Lord of the Rings]]'' in 2003 for Windows PCs, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube. It is a hack and slash game produced as a prequel to ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' video games, but also as a softer version of those two games: less brutal, fewer enemies but with an important platform aspect, the game was designed for smaller children. A similar version of this game was also published for the Game Boy Advance.

Filming on [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]] began in 2011, under the direction of [[Peter Jackson]].

==See also==
*[[The Quest of Erebor]]
*[[English-language editions of The Hobbit]]
*[[:Category:Characters in The Hobbit|Characters in The Hobbit]]
*[[The Hobbit/Quotations|''The Hobbit''/Quotations]]

==External links==
* [http://www.hobbit.ca/Library.html collection of edition covers, 1937–2005]
* [http://www.tolkienbooks.net/html/the_hobbit.htm UK editions of The Hobbit]
* [http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/reviews/dutch-de_hobbit.htm Every Dutch edition of The Hobbit]
* [http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/translations/hobbits/index.htm Hobbits around the globe - gallery]

{{References}}

{{title|italics}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hobbit}}
[[Category:Fiction books]]
[[Category:Books by J.R.R. Tolkien]]
[[Category:Publications by title]]

[[de:Der kleine Hobbit]]
[[fa:هابیت (کتاب)]]
[[fi:Hobitti eli Sinne ja takaisin]]
[[fr:tolkien/biblio/bh]]

Talk:Lake-town

2014-01-03T06:29:27Z

Mclaren01: /* Image */ suggestion

* It would be helpful if someone would indicate the reasons that this article needs to be rewritten, so some passerby might have a chance at improving it. [[User:Ainaldo|Ainaldo]]

::Yeah, good point. I think one reason is that the article almost completely lacks references. --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 00:06, 22 January 2011 (UTC)

:As the person who added [[Template:Rewrite]], I reckon I can give 10 reasons:
:#The main text - which is too short - was stolen from Wikipedia and remains unchanged in 5.5 years;
:#Said text appears to have been written by someone incapable of connecting two sentences;
:#It lacks structure;
:#It contains speculation;
:#It lacks sources;
:#The text contains contradiction (for instance the infobox can't decide whether Esgaroth is a city or a town);
:#There are not "Portrayal in Adaptations" or "In Other Versions of the Legendarium" sections;
:#The text makes almost no mention of the events in ''The Hobbit'' as they receive a cursory mention in the last paragraph;
:#The Language section contains a redlink and information not relevant to this article;
:#The article contains just one date which doesn't conform to our standards (i.e. "[[Third Age]] {{TA|2941|n}} or {{TA|2941}}").
:I think there's more than enough wrong with this article! --{{User:Mith/sig}} 01:01, 22 January 2011 (UTC)
:::Ta-da! [[User:Sage|Sage]] 17:47, 26 January 2011 (UTC)

== Esgaroth or Lake-town? ==

'''Esgaroth''' is used 10 times in ''[[The Hobbit]]'', whereas '''Lake-town''' is used 16 times. Should we move this to '''Lake-town'''?--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 11:21, 17 November 2011 (UTC)

:+1. Another one I thought I had done! --{{User:Mith/sig}} 13:19, 17 November 2011 (UTC)

::+1 --{{User:Ederchil/sig}} 13:39, 17 November 2011 (UTC)

==Esgaroth in BFME 2==
Could anyone who has played this game confirm that Esgaroth is featured as a level? I searched on google to no greater avail, only found some fan-made mods and maps.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 07:00, 8 May 2013 (UTC)

:It's been a while since I played it (don't have it installed so can't check), but there's definitely a Lake-town map in BFMEII. I think it's also part of the good campaign. --{{User:Ederchil/sig}} 10:10, 8 May 2013 (UTC)

::Aye, it's part of the good campaign and playable in skirmish mode. I also believe it is in the "War of the Ring"-mode but I'm not sure. --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 18:29, 9 May 2013 (UTC)

:::Thanks, guys!--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 19:53 PM, 11 May 2013 (UTC)

== Image ==
I suggest we add a new picture of Lake-Town to the page form the 2nd Hobbit movie, such as this one; http://static2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130706065621/lotr/images/thumb/a/ac/LakeTown.jpg/1000px-LakeTown.jpg

- [[User:Mclaren01|Mclaren01]] 09:36, 29/11/2013 (UTC)

:Not as the main image. Of course something of that nature can go in the adaptations section. --{{User:Ederchil/sig}} 11:09, 29 December 2013 (UTC)

Yeah, sure!

--[[User:Mclaren01|Mclaren01]] 10:21 PM, 29/12/2013

Do you want to do it, [[User:Ederchil|Ederchil]]? -- [[User:Mclaren01|Mclaren01]] 05:25 PM, 03/01/2014 (UTC)

User talk:Morgan/2015–6

2013-12-29T12:33:06Z

Mclaren01: /* Idril page */ Signature topic add

Talk:Lake-town

2013-12-29T11:25:37Z

Mclaren01: response to response

Talk:Lake-town

2013-12-29T10:40:54Z

Mclaren01: Picture suggestion

* It would be helpful if someone would indicate the reasons that this article needs to be rewritten, so some passerby might have a chance at improving it. [[User:Ainaldo|Ainaldo]]

::Yeah, good point. I think one reason is that the article almost completely lacks references. --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 00:06, 22 January 2011 (UTC)

:As the person who added [[Template:Rewrite]], I reckon I can give 10 reasons:
:#The main text - which is too short - was stolen from Wikipedia and remains unchanged in 5.5 years;
:#Said text appears to have been written by someone incapable of connecting two sentences;
:#It lacks structure;
:#It contains speculation;
:#It lacks sources;
:#The text contains contradiction (for instance the infobox can't decide whether Esgaroth is a city or a town);
:#There are not "Portrayal in Adaptations" or "In Other Versions of the Legendarium" sections;
:#The text makes almost no mention of the events in ''The Hobbit'' as they receive a cursory mention in the last paragraph;
:#The Language section contains a redlink and information not relevant to this article;
:#The article contains just one date which doesn't conform to our standards (i.e. "[[Third Age]] {{TA|2941|n}} or {{TA|2941}}").
:I think there's more than enough wrong with this article! --{{User:Mith/sig}} 01:01, 22 January 2011 (UTC)
:::Ta-da! [[User:Sage|Sage]] 17:47, 26 January 2011 (UTC)

== Esgaroth or Lake-town? ==

'''Esgaroth''' is used 10 times in ''[[The Hobbit]]'', whereas '''Lake-town''' is used 16 times. Should we move this to '''Lake-town'''?--{{User:KingAragorn/sig}} 11:21, 17 November 2011 (UTC)

:+1. Another one I thought I had done! --{{User:Mith/sig}} 13:19, 17 November 2011 (UTC)

::+1 --{{User:Ederchil/sig}} 13:39, 17 November 2011 (UTC)

==Esgaroth in BFME 2==
Could anyone who has played this game confirm that Esgaroth is featured as a level? I searched on google to no greater avail, only found some fan-made mods and maps.--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 07:00, 8 May 2013 (UTC)

:It's been a while since I played it (don't have it installed so can't check), but there's definitely a Lake-town map in BFMEII. I think it's also part of the good campaign. --{{User:Ederchil/sig}} 10:10, 8 May 2013 (UTC)

::Aye, it's part of the good campaign and playable in skirmish mode. I also believe it is in the "War of the Ring"-mode but I'm not sure. --[[User:Amroth|Amroth]] 18:29, 9 May 2013 (UTC)

:::Thanks, guys!--[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 19:53, 11 May 2013 (UTC)

I suggest we add a new picture of Lake-Town to the page form the 2nd Hobbit movie, such as this one; http://static2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130706065621/lotr/images/thumb/a/ac/LakeTown.jpg/1000px-LakeTown.jpg

- [[User:Mclaren01|Mclaren01]] 09:36, 29/11/2013 (UTC)

Thain

2013-09-02T09:00:16Z

Mclaren01: /* History */ spelling correction on 'counselor'

[[File:Gregor Roffalski - Thain Peregrin I.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Pippin Took as Thain Peregrin Took I]]
The '''Thain''' was an office of great respect in [[the Shire]]. The Thain was master of the [[Shire-moot]] and captain of the [[Shire-muster]] and [[Hobbitry-at-arms]].<ref name="Order">{{FR|Ordering}}</ref>

==History==
For nearly four hundred years after its foundation, the Shire had been part of the lands of [[Arthedain]], and under the rule of that land's [[Kings of Arthedain|King]]. Ultimately, Arthedain fell to the forces of [[Angmar]], and its last King, [[Arvedui]], was lost in {{TA|1975}},<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> leaving the [[Shire-hobbits]] without a ruler. They remedied this by choosing a new leader from among themselves, [[Bucca of the Marish]], who was given the title ''thain'', a word simply meaning "chief" in [[Hobbitish|their dialect]].

In origin a military office, Thainship passed strictly through the male line.<ref name=Letter>{{L|214}}</ref>

Bucca and his descendants, a family known as the [[Oldbucks]], served as Shire-thain for twelve generations. The twelfth Thain, one [[Gorhendad Oldbuck]], left the Shire and crossed the River [[Brandywine]] to found [[Buckland]].<ref name="Conspiracy">{{FR|I5}}</ref> With his departure, the Thainship passed to a new line, the [[Took Family|Tooks]], and specifically to [[Isumbras Took I]].<ref name="Order"/>; thenceforth, the thain would be sometimes called simply "the Took".<ref name="Order"/>

As a rule, the Thain was also the head of the Took clan and the [[Great Smials]], but the two offices were not identical; one example illustrating the difference was the case of Thain Ferumbras III: He inherited the Thainship from his father, Fortinbras II, but his mother [[Lalia Clayhanger]] remained the head of the Tooks.<ref name=Letter/>

From Isumbras I, the line of the Took Shire-thains continued unbroken to the time of the [[War of the Ring]] and beyond with Peregrin I when thainship became also a Counselor office of the [[Reunited Kingdom|North Kingdom]].<ref name="Later">{{App|Later}}</ref>

The last recorded Thain was his son, [[Faramir Took I]], the thirty-fourth to hold the title of Shire-thain.<ref name="Later"/> The fact that both he and his father [[Peregrin Took]] are recorded as the first of that name shows that there must have been more Thains after this time, and the office clearly lasted well into the [[Fourth Age]].

==Line of Thains==
{{cleanup}}
It is known that there were at least thirty-three Shire-thains, from Bucca, who became Thain in [[Third Age 1979]], to Faramir I, who took on the title in [[Fourth Age 63]], more than a thousand years later.

* '''I''' [[Bucca of the Marish]] (Thain from Third Age 1979)<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> - The first Thain was given the title in 1979 (379 by the [[Shire-reckoning]]) in a time when the northern lands were recovering from a devastating war in which the old kingdom of Arthedain had come to an end. He was succeeded by Thains of the Oldbuck line.
* '''II-XI''' Ten Thains of the Oldbuck line (Thains for about 300 years to [[Third Age 2340]])<ref name="TA"/> - Bucca was followed by Thains whose names are not recorded, but who took the surname ''Oldbuck'' in honour of their ancestor.
* '''XII''' [[Gorhendad Oldbuck]] (Thain to [[Third Age 2340]])<ref name="TA"/> - The line of the Oldbucks came to an end with Gorhendad, who crossed the River Brandywine and founded Buckland, changing his name to Brandybuck.<ref name="Conspiracy"/> The Thainship passed from him to the Took family, and Gorhendad was succeeded by the first Thain of the Took line.
* '''XIII''' [[Isumbras Took I|Isumbras I]] (Thain from [[Third Age 2340]])<ref name="TA"/> - The thirteenth Thain in line from Bucca, and the first of the Took line. Isumbras' descendants would hold the Thainship for the rest of the recorded history of the Shire.
* '''XIV-XXI''' Eight Thains of the Took line (Thains for about two hundred years to [[Third Age 2683]]) - The eight Tooks to hold the Thainship after Isumbras I are nowhere named, but we can infer some of their identities from the names of later holders of the office. Among these eight must have been [[Isengrim I]], [[Ferumbras I]], [[Paladin I]] and [[Isumbras II]], but no records of their Thainships are known.
* '''XXII''' [[Isengrim Took II|Isengrim II]] (Thain for 39 years to [[Third Age 2722]])<ref name="Took">{{App|Took}}</ref> - The twenty-second Thain, and tenth of the Took line. He began the excavation of [[Great Smials]], which would become the seat of the Thains in the [[Tookland]]. He became Thain soon after the first [[pipe-weed]] was introduced into the Shire by [[Tobold Hornblower]].<ref name="TA"/> He was succeeded by his son.
* '''XXIII''' [[Isumbras Took III|Isumbras III]] (Thain for 32 years to [[Third Age 2759]])<ref name="Took"/> - His younger son was [[Bandobras Took]], the famous "Bullroarer". In Isumbras' time the Shire was greatly troubled by [[Orcs]], and Bandobras defeated a band of them at the [[Battle of Greenfields]] during his Thainship. Bandobras, though, was Isumbras' younger son - the Thainship passed instead to his older brother.
* '''XXIV''' [[Ferumbras Took II|Ferumbras II]] (Thain for 42 years to [[Third Age 2801]])<ref name="Took"/> - He was succeeded by his son.
* '''XXV''' [[Fortinbras Took I|Fortinbras I]] (Thain for 47 years to [[Third Age 2848]])<ref name="Took"/> - At the beginning of his Thainship, the Shire would have seen much activity as Dwarves of [[Durin's Folk]] travelled westward to settle in the [[Blue Mountains]]. He was succeeded by his son.
* '''XXVI''' [[Gerontius Took|Gerontius]] (Thain for 72 years to [[Third Age 2920]])<ref name="Took"/> - The famous Old Took, who held the office of Thain for a total of seventy-two of his one hundred and thirty years, and had a total of twelve children. During his Thainship, the Shire suffered the dreadful privations of the [[Fell Winter]], and invasions of White Wolves. He was succeeded by the eldest of his many sons.
* '''XXVII''' [[Isengrim Took III|Isengrim III]] (Thain for 10 years to [[Third Age 2930]])<ref name="Took"/> - Due to the Old Took's many years in office, his eldest son Isengrim was no less than eighty-eight years old when he inherited the Thainship. He held it for just ten years and died without leaving an heir. He was succeeded by his younger brother.
* '''XXVIII''' [[Isumbras Took IV|Isumbras IV]] (Thain for 9 years to [[Third Age 2939]])<ref name="Took"/> - Like his brother Isengrim, Isumbras came old to the Thainship, being ninety-two when he took office. After his short time as the Shire-thain, he was succeeded by his son.
* '''XXIX''' [[Fortinbras Took II|Fortinbras II]] (Thain for 41 years to [[Third Age 2980]])<ref name="Took"/> - Early in his time as Thain there was a sensation in [[Hobbiton]], due to the mysterious disappearance into the Wild - and later reappearance - of one [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[Bag End]]. Fortinbras was succeeded by his son.
* '''XXX''' [[Ferumbras Took III|Ferumbras III]] (Thain for 35 years to [[Third Age 3015]])<ref name="Took"/> - He was Thain at the time of Bilbo Baggins' famous farewell feast and Birthday Party, which indeed he attended. He never married, and so left no heir. The descent of the Thainship passed to the line of Gerontius' fourth son [[Hildigrim Took|Hildigrim]], and specifically to Hildigrim's grandson.
* '''XXXI''' [[Paladin Took II|Paladin II]] (Thain for 19 years to [[Fourth Age 13]])<ref name="Later"/> - Born in the time that his great uncle Isumbras IV was Thain, Paladin took up a farming life at [[Whitwell]] in the Tookland.<ref>{{RK|V1}}</ref> He was Thain during the War of the Ring, and held the Tookland against the [[Ruffians|ruffians]] who invaded the Shire at that time. He was succeeded by his fourth child, but eldest son.
* '''XXXII''' [[Peregrin Took|Peregrin I]] (Thain for 50 years to [[Fourth Age 63]]<ref name="Later"/>) - Peregrin Took of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] inherited the Thainship some thirteen years after his return from adventuring in the south, and held the title into his old age, serving also as Counselor of the North Kingdom. At the age of ninety-four, he gave up the office and rode away once again into the countries of the south with his friend [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]; they were never seen in the Shire again.<ref name="Later"/> He was succeeded by his son.
* '''XXXIII''' [[Faramir Took I|Faramir I]] (Thain from Fourth Age 63)<ref name="Later"/> - Named for [[Faramir]] the [[Prince of Ithilien]], little is known of Thain Faramir, except that he married [[Samwise Gamgee]]'s daughter [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]] in Fourth Age 41.<ref name="Later"/> Doubtless he was succeeded by further generations of Shire-thains, but of them we have no record.

==Etymology==
Thain is a [[Hobbitish]], alternative (invented by Tolkien) spelling of the [[wikipedia:Early Modern English|Early Modern English]] word ''[[wikipedia:Thegn|thane]]''. Both words derive from [[Old English]] ''þegn''.

A Thane in Anglo-Saxon England was a lord holding lands from the king in his own jurisdiction, much like the thain of the Hobbits who kept the Shire instead of the King of Arnor. The title of thane was more or less equivalent to a baron.
==Note==

{{References}}

[[Category:Hobbitish Titles]]

[[de:Thain]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hobbits/thain]]
[[fi:Thain]]

Saruman

2013-01-01T10:02:21Z

Mclaren01: /* Elves */ corrected an incoherent sentence and worded it to match last sentence of the third paragraph.

{{sources}}{{Maiar infobox
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Saruman.jpg|250px]]
| name=Saruman
| othernames=Curumo, Curunír, the White, Ring-maker, Of many colours, Sharkey
| coming=Unknown; sent to [[Middle-earth]] around {{TA|1000}}
| death={{TA|3019}}
| duty=Wizard
| robes=White
| gender=Male
| hair=White with strands of black<ref name="Voice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>
| appearance= Tall, long faced with deep eyes
}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Curumo.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{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]], ''[[The Shadow of the Past]]''}}
'''Saruman the White''' ([[Third Age]] c. 1000 – 3019, existed in [[Middle-earth]] for 2019 years) was the first of the order of [[Wizards]] (or [[Istari]]) who came to Middle-earth as Emissaries of the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. He was the leader of the [[White Council]]. In [[Sindarin]] his name was '''Curunír''', which meant "Man of Skill".

==History==
===Origins===
The [[Ainur]] existed before [[Arda]] was created. [[Maiar]] were angelic creatures of lower order than the [[Valar]]. [[Curumo]] and [[Mairon]] were powerful Maiar of [[Aulë]], until the later fell and became [[Sauron]].<ref>{{S|Vala}}</ref>

In [[Valinor]], a council was called by [[Manwë]]. This was likely in the middle of the Second Age, shortly after the creation of the [[Rings of Power]]. It was decided to send five [[Wizards|emissaries]] to Middle-earth. These should be "mighty, peers of Sauron, yet forgo might, and clothe themselves in flesh" — Istari, or Wizards. One of those who went was '''''[[Curumo]]''''' (later in [[Sindarin]] ''[[Curunír]]'', or in [[Westron]] ''Saruman'').<ref name=Istari>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

Saruman was one of those who volunteered, whereas the last one, ''[[Gandalf|Olórin]]'', (later Gandalf) was commanded by Manwë to go. Saruman's jealousy of Gandalf began even here, when [[Varda]] said of Gandalf, who went as the third Istar that he was "not the third". Saruman was charged to take [[Aiwendil]] with him to please [[Yavanna]], which he did not wish to do, and this led to contempt for the latter Wizard.<ref name=Istari/>

===Arrival in Middle-earth===
[[File:Tristan Wang - The Five.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tristan Wang]] - The Five]]
Saruman arrived alone in a ship at [[Mithlond]] (the [[Grey Havens]]) in the west of [[Eriador]] around the year 1000 of the [[Third Age]]<ref name="AppTA"/>, and only [[Círdan]] knew his identity and his origin.

He went 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]].

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.

===Chief of the White Council===
[[File:Angus McBride - Saruman.gif|thumb|[[Angus McBride]] - Saruman]]
When [[Saruman]] returned from his travels into the east of [[Middle-earth]], he spent years in [[Minas Tirith]] examining its archives. It is possible that there he surmised that a [[palantír]] would still be located in [[Orthanc]].<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 keys of Orthanc in the ring of [[Isengard]] his abode, hoping that he would prove in important ally.<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</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|2850}} Gandalf entered [[Dol Guldur]] and confirmed that the evil presence in Dol Guldur was indeed Sauron and that he had returned. In {{TA|2851}}, the White Council met and Saruman overruled Gandalf when he urged an attack on Dol Guldur. It soon became clear that Saurman desired to possess [[the One Ring]] himself.<ref name="AppTA">{{App|TA}}</ref> Saruman's real strategy behind forestalling the Council's attempt at Dol Guldur focused on permitting Sauron to continue building up his strength, so that the One Ring would reveal itself. At that point Saruman hoped to have sufficient strength to seize it first himself. 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 against Sauron at Dol Guldur (at which point Sauron retreats to [[Mordor]] and the [[Battle of Five Armies]] takes place).
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|The White Council attacks Dol Guldur in 2941]]
In {{TA|2953}}, following the last meeting, Saruman took Isengard for his own and fortified it.<ref name="AppTA"/> As Lord of Isengard, Saruman began to bring trouble to Rohan by aiding its enemies.<ref name="AppMark">{{App|Mark}}</ref> Saruman's corruption was complete when, in ''circa'' {{TA|3000}}, he used the [[Orthanc-stone|palantír of Orthanc]] and was enticed by [[Sauron]].<ref name="AppTA"/>

Either at this time or shortly before Saruman's studies of ring-lore paid off, and he seems to have emulated part of the skill of the [[Noldor]] of [[Eregion]] and created his own Ring. He probably used this to enhance his skills, and became an even greater enchanter with the power of his voice. It however seems unlikely that his Ring was as powerful as one of the Three Rings of the Elves, let alone the One Ring.

Sauron abandoned Dol Guldur, arose again, and took up his reign in [[Mordor]], declaring himself openly. In Mordor, he established contact with Saruman through the palantír captured from [[Minas Ithil]] (later [[Minas Morgul]]). Through his jealousy towards Gandalf and his ever-growing pride and arrogance, and through the use of the palantír, wrestling in thought with the Enemy, Saruman became a servant of Sauron's will (although unintentionally, as his hopes were to gain 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, had not [[Gandalf]] interfered a year later and revealed to Théoden his right-hand man's true designs, healing the old king and revitalizing his political and military rule.

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 and Sauron or fail. Saruman then stood forth as '''Saruman of Many Colours''', and when Gandalf refused to join with him, he held him captive in Isengard.
[[File:Grima and Saruman.jpg|thumb|left|Saruman commanding his forces from Orthanc]]
It must have been during Gandalf's captivity in Orthanc that Saruman began to build his army of [[Orcs]], [[Dunlendings]], and [[Uruk-hai]], since Gandalf came to an as yet undestroyed Isengard. From the pinnacle of the tower Gandalf could see that Saruman was gathering an army of [[orcs]] and [[wolves]] in his pits and forges.<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 his side, and felt honestly betrayed by Gandalf when he was refused.

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

Saruman soon also betrayed his new 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 Morgul and his company did not have the strength to assault the Ring of Isengard. He departed after Saruman told them that he believed Gandalf knew the whereabouts of the Ring. The Nazgûl later captured one of his [[the Shire|Shire]] spies and Gríma on his way to Orthanc, seizing some maps and information about the Shire and exposing Saruman's double treachery. Caught now between both sides as a known traitor to both, Saruman put all efforts into obtaining [[the One Ring]] for himself.<ref name="UTHunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

The failure to capture the Ring at Emyn Arnen further ruined Saruman's plans, as he was revealed as a traitor to Mordor now as well.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - The Wrath of the Ents]]
Saruman implemented a 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 mobilize the [[Ents]]. Gandalf also suspected Saruman had found (and destroyed) the remains of [[Isildur]], who had worn the Ring before it had been lost.
[[File:Carl Lundgren - The Defiance of Saruman.jpg|thumb|left|[[Carl Lundgren]] - The Defiance of Saruman]]
Saruman's Shire network failed to capture Frodo Baggins, Gandalf rallied Rohan to victory, [[Éomer]] stopped his 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. He must have still had some hope he could somehow escape, and even that infinitely small chance was better than his certain humiliation at the hands of those he had tried to destroy. Saruman still made a final attempt to woo Théoden and Gandalf to his cause but failed: his staff was broken and he was dismissed from the order of the Istari.

Left out of the final stages of the War of the Ring, he eventually managed to convince his captors, the Ents, into letting him leave Isengard, proving that the magic of his voice still remained.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Saruman is Overtaken.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - Saruman is Overtaken]]On their way, they were confronted by Gandalf, [[Celeborn]], [[Galadriel]] and the Hobbits on their way to northern [[Dunland]]. They found them as traveling beggars and Saruman kicked Gríma to move on, as he exclaimed how he hated his master. Galadriel told Gríma that he was free to leave him but he did not reply.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He then went to the Shire, which his agent [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]] (undisturbed by events elsewhere) had brought under control. Spending his final days as a small-time thug lord in [[Hobbiton]] known as '''''Sharkey''''', he was eventually betrayed and killed by his own servant Gríma on [[3 November]], {{TA|3019}}, when even this operation fell apart after Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee]] returned.

Saruman, as a Maia, did not truly die, but his spirit lost its shape (much like Sauron's after the [[Akallabêth|Downfall of Númenor]] and after his defeat by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]]). As a discorporated spirit, he should have been called to [[Mandos]], but the tale implies that he was barred from returning. We may speculate that his spirit was left naked, powerless and wandering in Middle-earth (perhaps like Sauron's after the One Ring was destroyed).

==Characteristics==
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'' below). 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.

=== 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.

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 probably some kind of explosive). Machinery and engines characterized both his fortified [[Isengard]] and his altered [[the Shire|Shire]]. In this, he probably sought to emulate [[Sauron]].

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 Uruk-hai. His mannish spies in [[Bree]] were said to have Orc blood. He also employed 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, in his desire to imitate Sauron, attemped 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 the 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 character, but unlike Gandalf, Saruman was proud. He saw himself as the most powerful of the Istari, expressing clear contempt for Radagast the Brown. Saruman was no fool (though he saw Radagast as one); he realized 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.

Saruman likely was true to his mission in the beginning, and actually believed in working to stop Sauron, but his pride and later arrogance (as well as his jealousy towards the Grey Wanderer) turned him into a traitor to the cause he had once served. Saruman's betrayal was not sudden, but slowly grew over time, until at last he had convinced himself that he could not have taken any other path, and that it was too late now to repent. This false belief kept him from taking his last chance at redemption, and because he must have realized this he only became more bitter, blaming Gandalf more than anyone else for his own downfall. In fact he only had himself to blame, but he refused to believe this.

==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), 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 council Gríma began to weaken the king, estranging him from his other councilors 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>{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

===Orcs===
Saruman probably 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.

He also bred Orcs in Isengard, eventually creating crossbreeds of Orcs and Men (probably [[Dunland|Dunlendings]]). This programme apparently also involved feeding these Orcs Man-flesh.

His [[Uruk-hai]] army 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. 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 recognized these from their earlier capture.

Saruman's servants called him "Sharkey" both in Isengard and later in The Shire. This was probably an adaptation of the [[Black Speech]] word ''sharku'' which meant "old man". Saruman was not aware of this meaning (which is remarkable, since Gandalf knew this language). Perhaps he took it as a distortion of his own name by the Orcs. This indicates that the Orcs took their leader less seriously than they might have given him the impression of (similar to how the Mordor Orcs overheard by Sam and Frodo tended to disrespect their authorities).

===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—or 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. Sauron, in origin a Maia of Aulë like Saruman, amazed and frightened him. During the height of his arrogance Saruman thought to supplant Sauron as the Dark Lord, but in the end he found himself meddling with a spirit of far greater power than himself.

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 may have wrought many great works to diminish the influence of the Enemy.

Radagast, even though Saruman scorned him, served 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 suspiction 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, symbolizing (almost prophetic of) Saruman's failure in achieving the One for himself.

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.

When matters came to a head, Saruman sought to make Gandalf an ally in his plans. This was probably not just out of practical politics, but also of respect and a sense of companionship and shared destiny. And possibly out of hope, being daunted by the proposition of becoming Sauron's servant alone.

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).

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, realizing his predicament, 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 through Radagast. These spied for him and brought him news. In addition, the Orcs Saruman took in his armies had amongst them [[Wargs]], a sort of intelligent demon-wolf.

==Etymology==
The name ''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" (root ''[[curu]]'' "skill").<ref name=RC81>{{HM|RC}}, p. 81</ref>{{fact}}

''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/>

His name among the Elves was ''Curunír Lân'' (lenited ''[[glân]]'' "white").{{fact}}

==Inspiration==
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==
[[File:Saruman from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|thumb|right|Saruman from Ralph Bakshi's ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' (1978)]]
'''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]].

'''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.

'''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.
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Saruman using Palantír.jpg|thumb|[[Christopher Lee]] as Saruman in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]]]
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Saruman was played by [[Christopher Lee]]. The film did not depict Saruman's adoption of the title "Saruman of Many Colours". The film also did not include the [[Scouring of the Shire]], but Saruman's last appearance was in Isengard, showing 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.

'''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]]'':'''
[[File:LOTRO-Rise of Isengard-Saruman-1.png|thumb|200px|Saruman in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'']]
: 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 Curunir]] 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.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Christopher Lee]] will reprise his role as Saruman.<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>

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Saruman|Images of Saruman]]

{{References}}

{{Ainur}}

[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

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

User talk:Morgan/2015–6

2012-12-28T00:16:27Z

Mclaren01: /* Bombadil sentence */ spelling, pah

User talk:Morgan/2015–6

2012-12-28T00:05:48Z

Mclaren01: /* Bombadil sentence */ reply

User talk:Morgan/2015–6

2012-12-26T05:59:27Z

Mclaren01: /* Noncanon template */ New question

Tom Bombadil

2012-12-25T16:57:17Z

Mclaren01: /* Origins */ added last sentence about mindset & Council of Elrond reference on Bombadil's likely response to contact

{{disambig-more|Tom|[[Tom (disambiguation)]]}}<center>{{quote|Eldest, that's what I am... Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn... he knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless – before the Dark Lord came from Outside.|Tom Bombadil, ''[[In the House of Tom Bombadil]]''.}}</center>
[[Image:Brothers Hildebrandt - Tom Bombadil.jpg|thumb|250px|''Tom Bombadil'' by [[Brothers Hildebrandt]].]]
'''Tom Bombadil''' was an enigmatic figure that lived throughout the history of [[Arda]]. Living in the depths of the [[Old Forest]], he seemed to possess unequaled power in the land around his dwelling. Although seemingly benevolent, he was not allied to the [[Free peoples]].

His existence passed into Hobbit lore and was referenced in poems such as ''[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]''.

==History==
===Origins===
[[Image:John Howe - Tom Bombadil.jpg|thumb|left|''Tom Bombadil'' by [[John Howe]].]]
{{quote|He is a strange creature.|[[Elrond]], ''[[The Council of Elrond]]''}}
The origins and [[Tom Bombadil/Nature|nature of Tom Bombadil]] are unknown; however, he already existed when the [[Morgoth|Dark Lord]] came to [[Arda]],<ref name="house">{{FR|Bombadil}}</ref> signifying he was alive even before the coming of the [[Valar]].

His role and nature in the [[Elder Days]] is unknown, but he must have witnessed most of the major events and battles. He also witnessed the reducing of the great forests that covered all [[Middle-earth]], and perhaps of his powers.<ref name="CoE"/>

The level of his interactions with the outside world is also unclear; however, he seemed to have a name among many peoples and perhaps became a folkloric figure in the traditions and legends of Elves, Dwarves and Men.<ref name="CoE"/><ref name="Adv">{{AB|Preface}}</ref>

During the [[Third Age]], Tom Bombadil lived in a little house by the river [[Withywindle]] in the [[Old Forest]], together with his lovely wife [[Goldberry]]. He had contact with the [[Bucklanders]]<ref name="Adv"/> and [[Farmer Maggot]], and perhaps it was this to which he owed his jolly and whimsical attitude.

However, since he was merry and benevolent, some of the Free Peoples considered him a potential ally (for example, [[Elrond]] and [[Erestor]] considered that he should be present at the [[Council of Elrond]]). However, according to [[Gandalf]], Tom Bombadil was perhaps not fully aware of the struggle of Light and Darkness and could not prove useful to their causes.<ref name="CoE"/>. A mindset clear of conceptions of 'Good' and 'Evil', therefore he would not understand overtures to keep and conceal the One Ring himself if all the peoples of Middle-earth begged him to.

===War of the Ring===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Willow Man is Tamed.jpg|thumb|Bombadil rescues the hobbits from the [[Old Man Willow]].]]
On [[26 September]], {{TA|3018}}, he encountered [[travellers|four hobbits]] while he was searching for water-lilies for his wife. Two of those Hobbits, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], had been captured by [[Old Man Willow]]. Tom, who was the master of the Old Forest, rescued them, and took all four of them to his house.<ref name="OldF">{{FR|Forest}}</ref>

The four hobbits stayed two nights, and he told them many tales and songs. Apparently, [[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]] had been to Tom's house, as he knew the hobbits were fleeing [[the Shire]]. With cunning questions, he made [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] tell him of the [[The One Ring|Ring]]. When Tom tried it on nothing happened but he then took it off and flipped it in the air and made the ring itself disappear showing that indeed within his realm Tom was master. However, when Frodo put the ring on Tom could still see him. He bade the Hobbit to come back and sit down; his hand was fairer without the ring.

The following morning, Tom warned his guests of the [[Barrow-downs]], and advised them to pass any barrow on the western side. He also taught them a song, should they come to peril.<ref name="house"/>

And they did come to peril. Tom chased off a [[Barrow-wights|wight]] with song, and broke the spells on the barrow in which the four hobbits were captured. While he sent the Hobbits into calm down, he went for provisions. He also brought the ponies that had belonged to Merry. After that, he broke the spells of the barrow. From the barrow's mighty hoard, he took a brooch for Goldberry, and gave a [[Daggers of Westernesse|dagger]] to each of the hobbits. He then advised them to make for ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' in [[Bree]].<ref>{{FR|Barrow}}</ref>

The peril of the hobbits was not over; an attack on their lives was carried out, and their ponies were set loose. The ponies apparently remembered the care they were given in the house of Tom Bombadil, and returned to stay beside Tom's own pony, [[Fatty Lumpkin]]. He returned them to [[Barliman Butterbur]], the proprietor of ''The Prancing Pony''. Since he had paid eighteen pence as compensation for the loss, he was now the owner of five fine ponies.<ref>{{FR|Knife}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
Tom Bombadil was inspired primarily from a doll Tolkien's son, Michael, toyed with; it also may have been inspired by the character Väinämöinen (spelt 'Wainamoinen' in English) in the Finnish national epic [[Kalevala]], or Father [[Francis Xavier Morgan]] at the [[Birmingham Oratory]]:
{{quote|... Father Francis Xavier Morgan, then aged forty-three, who shortly after the Tolkiens moved into the district [Edgbaston] took over the duties of parish priest and came to call. In him Mabel soon found not only a sympathetic priest but a valuable friend. Half Welsh and half Anglo-Spanish (his mother’s family were prominent in the sherry trade), Francis Morgan was '''not a man of great intellect, but he had an immense fund of kindness and humour and a flamboyance''' that was often attributed to his Spanish connections. Indeed '''he was a very noisy man, loud and affectionate, embarrassing to small children at first but hugely lovable when they got to know him.'''|[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]}}

[[Paula Marmor]] notes that ''bobadil'' is an archaic word meaning "braggart", as seen in the character "Captain Bobadill" in the English play ''[[Wikipedia:Every Man in His Humour|Every Man in His Humour]]''. Because of its Bucklandish form, ''[[An Introduction to Elvish]]'' lists the name Bombadil under the "[[Celtic]]-sounding names".

However, it is said that the word derives from '''[[Wikipedia:Boabdil|Boabdil]]''', the Spaniard name of [[Wikipedia:Muhammad XII of Granada|'''Abu Abdillah''' Muhammad XII]], the last Moorish ruler of Granada.<ref>[[Jim Allan]], ''[[An Introduction to Elvish]]'', Giving of Names</ref>

==Etymology and other names==
Tom Bombadil went by many names:
* To the [[Elves]] and [[Dúnedain]], he was known as '''''[[Iarwain]] [[penadar|Ben-adar]]''''', which translated to "oldest and fatherless".<ref name="CoE">{{FR|Council}}</ref> Iarwain literally means "Old-young"<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'' p. 128; quoting an unpublished letter by Tolkien</ref>
* To [[Men]] of the [[Vales of Anduin]] and [[Rohan]], he was known as '''''Orald'''''.<ref name="CoE"/> This is an [[Old English]] word meaning "very ancient.<ref name="nomen">{{HM|N}}, p, 761</ref>
* The Dwarves knew him as '''''Forn'''''. This too is a reference to his age: it is [[North Germanic languages|Old Norse]] for "(belonging to) ancient (days)".<ref name="nomen"/> In some imprints of ''[[The History of Middle-earth Index]]'', this name was accidentally spelled with a "P" as the first letter.<ref>{{HM|IX}}, "Tom Bombadil (VII)", p. 435</ref>
* ''Tom Bombadil'' is said to be a [[Buckland|Bucklandish]] name, added by Hobbit chroniclers to his many older ones. It is, like many names of the Bucklanders, untranslatable.<ref name="Adv"/>

==Portrayal in Adaptions==

Because he is left out of the three major adaptations ([[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|Ralph Bakshi]], [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC's 1981 series]] and [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Peter Jackson's]]), Tom Bombadil's main role (providing the [[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blades]]) is omitted. He does have several appearances in other adaptations, though.

<center><gallery>
File:WiMe-Bombadil-1-.png|<center>''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
Image:Tom Bombadil viv lotr.JPG|<center>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
Image:BFME2 - Tom Bombadil 03.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''
Image:Tom Bombadil LOTRO.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
</gallery></center>

'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1956 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Norman Shelley]] voiced Bombadil, and Tolkien thought his portrayal "dreadful". [[Goldberry]] was portrayed as his daughter, rather than his wife<ref>{{L|175}}</ref>.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:In this series, Tom was voiced by [[Bernard Mayes]]. Like Norman Shelley before him, he also voiced [[Gandalf]].

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Tom Bombadil can be found outside his house in the Old Forest.

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:When he adapted the 1981 [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|radio series]], [[Brian Sibley]] deeply regretted cutting Bombadil from the radio series.<ref>[[Brian Sibley]], ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On]''</ref> When he made ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'' into a radio series, he decided to change the section "[[The Adventures of Tom Bombadil]]". Rather than several (unadaptable) Hobbitish poems, Sibley adapted the chapters from ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. Bombadil is voiced by [[Ian Hogg]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Daran Norris]] portrayed Bombadil with a Scottish accent. His role is much like that in the book, and as one of the few characters in this video game, he keeps most of his songs.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (extended edition)|extended edition]], some of Bombadil's poems are transferred to [[Treebeard]], and so is his encounter with [[Old Man Willow]].

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Bombadil is a summonable power. Once summoned, he can plow through enemy lines. His most powerful weapon is a "Sonic Song". As soon as [[Electronic Arts|EA]] secured the rights to the books, it was decided that Tom Bombadil should be in it; his appearance is kept close to his description in the book.<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/battleformiddleearth2/news.html?sid=6139678 The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II Q&A - Enter Tom Bombadil], [http://www.gamespot.com/ GameSpot.com]</ref>

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Tom can be found either inside or outside his house in the Old Forest. He helps the player track down crebain scouts possessing important information, and later arrives to rescue the player from the Barrow-Downs when (s)he gets himself in more than (s)he is prepared for, much like the Hobbits in the Book.

===Collectibles===
In [[April]] [[2008]], [[Gentle Giant]] released the Tom Bombadil Mini Bust.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Tom Bombadil|Images of Tom Bombadil]]
*[[Tom Bombadil/Nature||The Nature of Tom Bombadil]]

{{references}}
== External Links ==
* [http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/t/tombombadil.html Entry in the Encyclopedia of Arda] (a concise overview of the discussion)
* [http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/4786/76065 Count, Count, Weigh, Divide] discusses Tom Bombadil's moral aspects at length

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[de:Tom Bombadil]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/tom_bombadil]]
[[fi:Tom Bombadil]]

User talk:Mclaren01

2012-08-01T17:20:37Z

Mclaren01: update

'''==Welcome to Mclaren01's Talk Page=='''

My inner sanctum where we shall address the matters of Middle-earth and its presentation to the world.

Saruman

2012-08-01T16:22:05Z

Mclaren01: /* Chief of the White Council */ added last sentence of first paragraph

{{sources}}{{Maiar infobox
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Saruman.jpg|250px]]
| name=Saruman
| othernames=Curumo, Curunír, the White, Ring-maker, Of many colours, Sharkey
| coming=Unknown; sent to [[Middle-earth]] around {{TA|1000}}
| death={{TA|3019}}
| duty=Wizard
| robes=White
| gender=Male
| hair= Black, gradually turning white
| appearance= Tall, long faced with deep eyes
}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Curumo.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{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]], ''[[The Shadow of the Past]]''}}
'''Saruman the White''' ([[Third Age]] c. 1000 – 3019, existed in [[Middle-earth]] for 2019 years) was the first of the order of [[Wizards]] (or [[Istari]]) who came to Middle-earth as Emissaries of the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. He was the leader of the [[White Council]]. In [[Sindarin]] his name was '''Curunír''', which meant "Man of Skill".

==History==
===Origins===
In [[Valinor]], a council was called by [[Manwë]]. This was likely in the middle of the Second Age, shortly after the creation of the [[Rings of Power]]. It was decided to send five [[Wizards|emissaries]] to Middle Earth. These should be "mighty, peers of [[Sauron]], yet forgo might, and clothe themselves in flesh" — Istari, or Wizards.

One of those who went was '''''[[Curumo]]''''' (later in [[Sindarin]] ''[[Curunír]]'', or in [[Westron]] ''Saruman''), a powerful [[Maia]] of [[Aulë]] (just as Sauron was). Maiar were angelic creatures of the same people as the Valar, only of lower order. Together, they were the [[Ainur]], and existed before the [[Arda]], the world, was created.

Saruman was one of those who volunteered, whereas the last one, ''[[Gandalf|Olórin]]'', (later Gandalf) was commanded by Manwë to go. Saruman's jealousy of Gandalf began even here, when [[Varda]] said of Gandalf, who went as the third Istar that he was "not the third". Saruman was charged to take [[Aiwendil]] with him to please [[Yavanna]], which he did not wish to do and led to contempt for the latter Wizard.

===Arrival in Middle-earth===
[[File:Tristan Wang - The Five.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tristan Wang]] - The Five]]
Saruman arrived alone in a ship at [[Mithlond]] (the [[Grey Havens]]) in the west of [[Eriador]] around the year 1000 of the [[Third Age]], and only [[Círdan]] knew his identity and his origin.

He went 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]].

When the [[White Council]] was formed around {{TA|2463}}, 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]], drawing the [[Dark Lord]] closer to the conflict that would eventually prove Saruman's undoing.

===Chief of the White Council===
[[File:Angus McBride - Saruman.gif|thumb|[[Angus McBride]] - Saruman]]
In {{TA|2759}}, [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] of [[Gondor]], granted Saruman permission to make the [[Orthanc|Tower of Orthanc]] in the ring of [[Isengard]] his abode, hoping that he would prove in important ally. There he became important in the defence of the free lands of the West. In Orthanc he came upon a [[palantír]], [[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. It is possible he surmised the stone would still be located in Orthanc, after spending years in Minas Tirith as his first abode while examining its archives.

In {{TA|2850}} Gandalf entered [[Dol Guldur]] and confirmed that the evil presence there was indeed Sauron returned. By Saruman's advice, the White Council decided against attacking Dol Guldur. At this council-meeting Gandalf (for the first time) revealed that he suspected that Saruman desired to possess the One Ring.

Saruman's real strategy behind forestalling the Council's attempt at Dol Guldur focused on permitting Sauron to continue building up his strength, so that the One Ring would reveal itself. At that point Saruman hoped to have sufficient strength to seize it first himself. 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 against Sauron at Dol Guldur (at which point Sauron retreats to [[Mordor]] and the [[Battle of Five Armies]] takes place).
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|The White Council attacks Dol Guldur in 2941]]
Either at this time or shortly before Saruman's studies of ring-lore paid off, and he seems to have emulated part of the skill of the [[Noldor]] of [[Eregion]] and created his own Ring. He probably used this to enhance his skills, and became an even greater enchanter with the power of his voice. It however seems unlikely that his Ring was as powerful as one of the Three Rings of the Elves, let alone the One Ring.

Sauron abandoned Dol Guldur, arose again, and took up his reign in [[Mordor]], declaring himself openly. In Mordor, he established contact with Saruman through the palantír captured from [[Minas Ithil]] (later [[Minas Morgul]]). Through his jealousy towards Gandalf and his ever-growing pride and arrogance, and through the use of the palantír, wrestling in thought with the Enemy, Saruman became a servant of Sauron's will (although unintentionally, as his hopes were to gain 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, had not [[Gandalf]] interfered a year later and revealed to Théoden his right-hand man's true designs, healing the old king and revitalizing his political and military rule.

Saruman did not reveal his true intentions until Gandalf presented him with the discovery and location of the One Ring. He then revealed his contact with Sauron and belief that they must join the Dark Lord or fail. Saruman then stood forth as '''Saruman of Many Colours''', and when Gandalf refused to join with him, he held him captive in Isengard.
[[File:Grima and Saruman.jpg|thumb|left|Saruman commanding his forces from Orthanc]]
It must have been during Gandalf's captivity in Orthanc that Saruman began to build his army of [[Orcs]], [[Dunlendings]], and [[Uruk-hai]], since Gandalf came to an as yet undestroyed Isengard. 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 his side, and felt honestly betrayed by Gandalf when he was refused. The failure to capture the Ring at Emyn Arnen further ruined Saruman's plans, as he was revealed as a traitor to Mordor now as well.

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

Saruman soon also betrayed his new 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 Nazgûl later captured one of his [[the Shire|Shire]] spies and Gríma on his way to Orthanc, seizing some maps and information about the Shire and exposing Saruman's double treachery. Caught now between both sides as a known traitor to both, Saruman put all efforts into obtaining [[the One Ring]] for himself.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - The Wrath of the Ents]]
Saruman implemented a 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 mobilize the [[Ents]]. Gandalf also suspected Saruman had found (and destroyed) the remains of [[Isildur]], who had worn the Ring before it had been lost.
[[File:Carl Lundgren - The Defiance of Saruman.jpg|thumb|left|[[Carl Lundgren]] - The Defiance of Saruman]]
Saruman's Shire network failed to capture Frodo Baggins, Gandalf rallied Rohan to victory, [[Éomer]] stopped his 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. He must have still had some hope he could somehow escape, and even that infinitely small chance was better than his certain humiliation at the hands of those he had tried to destroy. Saruman still made a final attempt to woo Théoden and Gandalf to his cause but failed: his staff was broken and he was dismissed from the order of the Istari.

Left out of the final stages of the War of the Ring, he eventually managed to convince his captors, the Ents, into letting him leave Isengard, proving that the magic of his voice still remained.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Saruman is Overtaken.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - Saruman is Overtaken]]On their way, they were confronted by Gandalf, [[Celeborn]], [[Galadriel]] and the Hobbits on their way to northern [[Dunland]]. They found them as traveling beggars and Saruman kicked Gríma to move on, as he exclaimed how he hated his master. Galadriel told Gríma that he was free to leave him but he did not reply.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He then went to the Shire, which his agent [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]] (undisturbed by events elsewhere) had brought under control. Spending his final days as a small-time thug lord in [[Hobbiton]] known as '''''Sharkey''''', he was eventually betrayed and killed by his own servant Gríma on [[3 November]], {{TA|3019}}, when even this operation fell apart after Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee]] returned.

Saruman, as a Maia, did not truly die, but his spirit lost its shape (much like Sauron's after the [[Akallabêth|Downfall of Númenor]] and after his defeat by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]]). As a discorporated spirit, he should have been called to [[Mandos]], but the tale implies that he was barred from returning. We may speculate that his spirit was left naked, powerless and wandering in Middle-earth (perhaps like Sauron's after the One Ring was destroyed).

==Characteristics==
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'' below). 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.

=== 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.

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 probably some kind of explosive). Machinery and engines characterized both his fortified [[Isengard]] and his altered [[the Shire|Shire]]. In this, he probably sought to emulate [[Sauron]].

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 Uruk-hai. His mannish spies in [[Bree]] were said to have Orc blood. He also employed 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, in his desire to imitate Sauron, attemped 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 the 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 of 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 character, but unlike Gandalf, Saruman was proud. He saw himself as the most powerful of the Istari, expressing clear contempt for Radagast the Brown. Saruman was no fool (though he saw Radagast as one); he realized 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.

Saruman likely was true to his mission in the beginning, and actually believed in working to stop Sauron, but his pride and later arrogance (as well as his jealousy towards the Grey Wanderer) turned him into a traitor to the cause he had once served. Saruman's betrayal was not sudden, but slowly grew over time, until at last he had convinced himself that he could not have taken any other path, and that it was too late now to repent. This false belief kept him from taking his last chance at redemption, and because he must have realized this he only became more bitter, blaming Gandalf more than anyone else for his own downfall. In fact he only had himself to blame, but he refused to believe this.

==Politics==

===Men===
Tolkien writes of Saruman that "he went mostly among men". He always sought power, and in the Third Age the greatest power lay in the hands of the kingdoms of Men.

No records speak of his earliest journeys into the east of Middle-earth, but when he returned, he actually became for a while a servant of Gondor, receiving the keys to Orthanc from [[Beren]] ([[Steward of Gondor]]), as its warden.

Saruman later claimed Orthanc for his own, without any formal declaration (or real objection from a weakened Gondor). Still, he nominally remained an ally of Gondor and of Rohan. Throughout this time he also made long studies of scrolls and books in Minas Tirith.

When he turned to treachery, Saruman still employed men in his schemes, mainly from [[Dunland]], but also selected agents from other lands. Saruman was a master of deceit, and could easily turn old grudges into fuel for new hatred.

The Dunlendings found employment in his armies, and it also seems probable that he used some of these men in his crossbreeding programme to create Half-Orcs. The Dunlendings were enticed with the old stories that they had once lived in the plains of Rohan before the ''Strawheads'' had come from the north, and that their leader [[Freca]], a man with claims to the throne of Rohan, had been killed by [[Helm|Helm Hammerhand]].

Gríma Wormtongue played a vital role in Saruman's plans: a counsellor of the ageing king Théoden, he secretly desired the king's niece, [[Éowyn]], but she was repulsed by him and scorned his advances. It is not clear if Wormtongue approached Saruman or vice versa, but it is certain that with Saruman's council Gríma began to weaken the king, estranging him from his other councilors 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.

However, 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.

The Elves also declined during the period of Saruman's activity in the west of Middle-earth. Their lands were few and secretive, and although they wielded in some senses marvellous power, they were not in the habit of projecting it in the manner Saruman found useful or interesting. Also, they succumbed less easily than other races to manipulation.

Even though his stronghold of Isengard lay very close to the Elven Kingdom of [[Lothlórien]], Saruman had very little or no contact with it. Indeed, after his treachery and ruin, Saruman stated clearly that he had never trusted [[Galadriel]] and that he suspected her of scheming for Gandalf at his expense.

In summary, Saruman had little use for, or interest in, the Elves.

===Istari/[[Wizards]]===
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 ([[Alatar]] and [[Pallando]]), and later returned alone. The Ithryn Luin (as the Elves called them) went with Saruman into the East, and there may have wrought many great works to diminish the influence of the Enemy. Of their fate little is known.

Radagast, even though Saruman scorned him (when he tried to convert Gandalf to his cause), served Saruman very usefully (and wholly unintentionally). Not only in the sense explained to Gandalf, "he had just the wit to play the part I set him"—that of persuading Gandalf to come to Isengard, but also because Radagast, at the request of Saruman (and Gandalf), sent birds to Saruman at Orthanc and to Gandalf to report the different happenings in Middle-earth (in this way Saruman gained valuable insight and Gandalf was able to escape from the pinnacle of Orthanc). Radagast, honest and noble, true to his mission as set by Yavanna, played a very valuable role in the fight against Sauron through the use of the birds and beasts of Middle-earth (i.e. the aid of the Eagles).

Saruman had always been jealous of Gandalf, and suspected him of keeping secrets from him—not unfounded suspicions, since Gandalf did indeed keep his knowledge (or early on, suspicion) about [[The One Ring|Bilbo's Ring]] hidden. Gandalf also kept his own ring (the third of the Elvish rings) Narya secret.

Gandalf also suspected Saruman of plotting to gain the One Ring for himself, and hinted at this in a powerful scene 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, symbolizing (almost prophetic of) Saruman's failure in achieving the One for himself.

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.

When matters came to a head, Saruman sought to make Gandalf an ally in his plans. This was probably not just out of practical politics, but also of respect and a sense of companionship and shared destiny. And possibly out of hope, being daunted by the proposition of becoming Sauron's servant alone.

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).

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, realizing his predicament, actually went to seek Gandalf's pardon, only to find his erstwhile captive missing from the top of Orthanc.

===Orcs===
Saruman probably 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 of the same kind that Bilbo and the dwarves fled from after they had been captured at the [[High Pass]] near [[Rivendell]].

He also bred Orcs in Isengard, eventually creating crossbreeds of Orcs and Men (probably [[Dunland|Dunlendings]]). This programme apparently also involved feeding these Orcs Man-flesh.

His [[Uruk-hai]] army 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. 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 recognized these from their earlier capture.

Saruman's servants called him "Sharkey" both in Isengard and later in The Shire. This was probably an adaptation of the [[Black Speech]] word ''sharku'' which meant "old man". Saruman was not aware of this meaning (which is remarkable, since Gandalf knew this language). Perhaps he took it as a distortion of his own name by the Orcs. This indicates that the Orcs took their leader less seriously than they might have given him the impression of (similar to how the Mordor Orcs overheard by Sam and Frodo tended to disrespect their authorities).

===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—or 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.

His secret interest in Gandalf's doings 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]] (who accepted them, but were suspicious).

His anger towards the Hobbits may possibly stem from the attention Gandalf showed them (and not himself, or his projects). It certainly strengthened immensely when he discovered that the Hobbits (to his mind) 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 by the closing of the [[War of the Ring]] lead to virtual conquest of The Shire.

He might also later have blamed the ruin of Isengard at the hands (or branches, really) of the Ents on [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], who clearly catalysed events.

This all came together after Sauron's fall, 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. He may have felt this would also allow him to deal a last blow to 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 respect to Frodo, but it was (literally) short-lived.

===Valar/Maiar===
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. Sauron, in origin a Maia of Aulë like Saruman, amazed and frightened him. During the height of his arrogance Saruman thought to supplant Sauron as the Dark Lord, but in the end he found himself meddling with a spirit of far greater power than himself.

== Animals==
Saruman had control over many birds, probably through Radagast. These spied for him and brought him news. In addition, the Orcs Saruman took in his armies had amongst them [[Wargs]], a sort of intelligent demon-wolf.

==Etymology==
The name ''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" (root ''[[curu]]'' "skill").<ref name=RC81>{{HM|RC}}, p. 81</ref>{{fact}}

''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/>

His name among the Elves was ''Curunír Lân'' (lenited ''[[glân]]'' "white").{{fact}}

==Inspiration==
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==
[[Image:Saruman from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|thumb|right|Saruman from Ralph Bakshi's ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' (1978)]]
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The voice of Saruman is provided by [[Robert Farquharson]].

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[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.

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

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[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.
[[Image:Saruman with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|thumb|[[Christopher Lee]] as Saruman in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'']]
'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:Saruman was played by [[Christopher Lee]]. The film did not depict Saruman's adoption of the title "Saruman of Many Colours". The film also did not include the [[Scouring of the Shire]], but Saruman's last appearance was in Isengard, showing his encounter with Gandalf and Théoden. In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Special Extended DVD 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.

'''2003: ''[[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]]'':'''
[[File:LOTRO-Rise of Isengard-Saruman-1.png|thumb|200px|Saruman in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'']]
: 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, brining with him riches and maintaining a friendly appearance. He also still keeps his affairs in Rohan private, to the point that when a Rohirrim question the desolation of [[Nan Curunir]] and the presence of Trolls in Isengard, the Wizard manages to use his voice to convince him that is was all for the good cause. At one point, traitorous Dunlendings capture 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.

'''2012-3: ''[[The Hobbit films]]'':'''
:[[Christopher Lee]] will reprise his role as Saruman.<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>

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Saruman|Images of Saruman]]

{{References}}

{{Ainur}}

[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

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

User:Mclaren01

2012-08-01T16:18:27Z

Mclaren01: Page creation

'''Mclaren01 page'''

==Priorities==

Atm just starting with small expansions to pages of interest. Like adding some sentences for paragraphs.