Tolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]

David T. Wenzel

2026-06-06T05:15:31Z

Ttenchantr:

[[File:David T. Wenzel - David Wenzel.jpg|frame|David Wenzel self-portrait]]

'''David Thorn Wenzel''' is an American illustrator of comics and children's books. He is best known, perhaps, for his graphic novel visualization of ''[[The Hobbit (comic book)|The Hobbit]]''.

==History==

Wenzel was born in upstate New York in [[1950]]. In his junior year ([[1971]]), he held a Tolkien art exhibition ("a hobbit exhibition") in Joeseloff Gallery. He graduated from the Hartford Art School.<ref>"About David Wenzel" in ''[[Middle Earth: The World of Tolkien Illustrated]]'', p.63.</ref>

On [[18 May]] [[2025]], Wenzel stated in an Instagram post that the expanded edition of the Hobbit graphic novel includes "40 new paintings for the story and a back section with additional artwork and notes on" his creative process.<ref>{{webcite|author=David Thorn Wenzel|articleurl=https://www.instagram.com/dtwenzel/p/DJzYrHep93z/?img_index=1|articlename=Very excited to share the newest edition of The Hobbit graphic novel in the book stores this September. This hardcover edition has 40 new paintings for the story and a back section with additional artwork and notes on my creation process. The gold type and embossed cover are a nice touch the publishers added.|dated=18 May 2025|website=[https://www.instagram.com/ Instagram]|accessed=15 July 2025}}</ref>

==Bibliography==

*[[1977]]: ''[[Middle Earth: The World of Tolkien Illustrated]]'' with ([[Lin Carter]])
*[[1989]]: ''[[The Hobbit (comic book)|The Hobbit]]''

==See also==

*[[:Category:Images by David T. Wenzel|Images by David T. Wenzel]]

==External links==
*[http://www.davidwenzel.com/hobbit.html# David T. Wenzel's official website]
*[http://news.mymiddleearth.com/2012/09/05/presenting-david-t-wenzel/ Interview with David T. Wenzel]
*{{WP|David Wenzel}}

{{references}}
{{IllustratorsHobbit}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wenzel, David T.}}
[[Category:American people]]
[[Category:Artists]]
[[Category:People by name]]

Nísimaldar

2023-08-31T18:26:14Z

Ttenchantr:

{{location infobox
| name=Nísimaldar
| image=[[File:Matěj Čadil - Nísimaldar.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Nísimaldar" by Matěj Čadil
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=Coastal region surrounding [[Eldalondë]] in [[Númenor]]
| type=Region
| description=A region filled with fragrant trees brought from [[Eressëa]]
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Númenóreans]]
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=
}}
'''Nísimaldar''' was the country around the haven of [[Eldalondë]] on [[Númenor|Númenor's]] western coast.<ref>{{UT|NMap}}</ref> It was the only place in Númenor where the [[mallorn]] trees brought from [[Tol Eressëa]] grew, and it was from the stock of these that the [[Golden Wood]] of [[Lothlórien|Lórien]] came. Many other trees grew in this land, all of them gifts from the Eldar.<ref name="Numenor">{{UT|Numenor}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The name means '[[Fragrant Trees]]', and it was so called because of the great variety of rare and beautiful [[trees]] that grew there.<ref name="Numenor"/>

{{references}}
{{numenor}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nisimaldar}}
[[Category:Andustar]]
[[Category:Nísimaldar| ]]
[[Category:Quenya locations]]
[[de:Nísimaldar]]
[[fi:Nísimaldar]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/regions/numenor/nisimaldar]]

Sauron

2018-04-23T23:27:01Z

Ttenchantr: /* Radio series */

{{Countdown}}
{{evil infobox
| name=Sauron
| image=[[File:Alaïs - Annatar.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Annatar" by [[:Category:Images by Alaïs|Alaïs]]
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Annatar]]<ref name="SRings"/> The Dark Lord Lord Of Earth<ref name="SIndex"/> Gorthaur the Cruel<ref name="SVala">{{S|Vala}}</ref> Mairon<ref name="PE17.1"/> Necromancer<ref name="SIndex"/> The Shadow The Enemy The Terrible'''Zigûr''' ([[Adûnaic|A]])<ref>{{HM|SD}}, "The Drowning of Anadûnê"</ref>
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] [[Utumno]] [[Angband]] [[Númenor]] [[Dol Guldur]] [[Mordor]]
| affiliation=[[Morgoth]]
| language=[[Black Speech]]
| birth=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}} (Physical death)
| deathlocation=[[Barad-dûr]]
| age=
| notablefor=Lieutenant to [[Morgoth]] Deceived the [[Elves]] into forging the [[Rings of Power]]; Created [[the One Ring]]; Brought about the [[Downfall of Númenor]]; Nearly conquered the whole of [[Middle-earth]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| race=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| gender=Male
| height=''[[Sauron#Appearance|See below]]''
| hair=''[[Sauron#Appearance|See below]]''
| eyes=
| clothing=''[[Sauron#Appearance|See below]]''
| weapons=[[The One Ring]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|Sauron [...] was only less evil than his [[Morgoth|master]] in that for long he served another and not himself.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="SVala"/>}}</center>

'''Sauron''' ([[Quenya]], pronounced {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}}) was the greatest and most trusted servant of [[Morgoth]] before and during the [[First Age]]. Originally a [[Maiar|Maia]] of [[Aulë]] named "Mairon", he was ensnared by Melkor and as "Gorthaur" he became Morgoth's lieutenant in his [[Wars of Beleriand]]. From his base of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], Sauron was directly responsible for the death of [[Barahir]] and later the [[Noldor]]in king [[Finrod]] during the [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. He demonstrated the ability to take the form of a wolf, a serpent, and a vampire.

After the downfall of his master, he continually strove to conquer [[Middle-earth]] throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages. In the Second Age, under the guise of '''Annatar''', he deceived the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]], who under his guidance had created the [[Rings of Power]], whilst he secretly forged [[the One Ring]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Thus Sauron became "'''[[Lord of the Ring|The Lord of the Rings]]'''". His influence corrupted the [[Númenóreans]] - leading to the destruction of [[Númenor]] - which led to [[Elendil]] founding the Realms in Exile of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Elves and the [[Dúnedain]], the descendants of the Númenóreans, formed the [[Last Alliance]] and, in {{SA|3441}}, Elendil and Elven [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] died destroying Sauron's body. Following Sauron's defeat, Elendil's son [[Isildur]] took the One Ring.

In the Third Age, Sauron returned to Middle-earth and, as the '''Necromancer''', took the hill of [[Amon Lanc]] as his fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]; his chief servant, the [[Witch-king]], formed the realm of [[Angmar]] in the north of [[Eriador]]. Following an attack by the [[White Council]] in {{TA|2941}}, Sauron returned to his fortress of [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]]. By {{TA|3018}} [[Frodo Baggins]] was in possession of the Ring, and he was led by [[Gandalf]] as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Whilst Sauron waged the [[War of the Ring]] against the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]] and now [[Gollum]] (who had lost the Ring to Frodo's uncle [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]) reached Mount Doom. On [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}, they reached Mount Doom and the Ring was destroyed. The breaking of the Ring caused Sauron's ultimate fall and resulted in the start of the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]].

==History==
===Origin===
As one of the [[Maiar]], Sauron was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of Time, he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|Vala}}</ref> Here he became one of the Maiar of [[Aulë]],<ref name="SVala"/> and was known as '''''Mairon'''''.<ref name="PE17.1">{{PE|17}}, p. 183</ref> However, he was soon ensnared by [[Morgoth|Melkor]] and became his greatest and most trusted servant.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> Thus he came to be known as '''''Gorthaur''''' by the [[Sindar]] of [[Beleriand]] and '''''Sauron''''' by others.<ref name="SIndex">{{S|Index}}</ref>

===Years of the Trees===
After [[Morgoth|Melkor]] made his great fortress of [[Angband]] in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]], he appointed Sauron to be its commander.<ref name="SCaptivity">{{S|Captivity}}</ref> When the [[Valar]] captured Melkor at the [[Siege of Utumno]], they stormed and searched Utumno and Angband; they, however, failed to find Sauron.<ref name="SCaptivity"/>

===First Age===
[[File:Maureval - Mairon.jpg|thumb|right|Maureval - ''Mairon'']]
{{Blockquote|Sauron was become now a sorcerer of dreadful power, master of shadows and of phantoms, foul in wisdom, cruel in strength, misshaping what he touched, twisting what he ruled, lord of werewolves; his dominion was torment.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="SFingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>}}
With the unchaining of Morgoth and his subsequent destruction of the [[Two Trees|Two Trees of Valinor]], the [[Sun]] first rose and ushered in the awakening of [[Men]]. Leaving Sauron in command of the war, Morgoth left Angband in secret to find the second-born kindred of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and to corrupt them to his will.<ref name="SWest">{{S|West}}</ref>

After the fall of [[Fingolfin]], Sauron launched an attack on [[Tol Sirion]]. Utter fear descended upon [[Orodreth]] and those who defended the isle. Sauron assailed [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] and turned it into a watch tower for Morgoth. Therein Sauron sat and Tol Sirion the fair became [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], the Isle of Werewolves.<ref name="SFingolfin"/>

Upon hearing of the deeds of [[Barahir]] and his companions, Morgoth ordered Sauron to find and kill them. [[Gorlim]], one of Barahir's companions, was captured and brought before Sauron. There Sauron promised that he would free Gorlim and his wife [[Eilinel]] in return for information. Under the terror of Sauron's eyes, Gorlim revealed everything he knew and thus the hiding place of Barahir was betrayed to the enemy. Subsequently, Sauron revealed Eilinel was dead and had Gorlim put to death.<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>

[[Beren]], son of [[Barahir]], promised to avenge his father's death. He wandered [[Dorthonion]] as an outlaw and achieved great deeds that were heard far and wide. Thus Morgoth set a high price on his head and Sauron, commanding a great army of [[werewolves]] and [[fell beasts]], sought for Beren.<ref name="Beren"/>

Later, [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]], Beren, and their ten companions left [[Nargothrond]] in search of the [[Silmarils]]. Despite their being disguised as Orcs, Sauron espied them as they entered into the vale between [[Ered Wethrin]] and [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] and was suspicious as Orcs passing were supposed to report to him. He had them captured and they were brought to him. There Finrod and Sauron fought in songs of power; the strength of both was great, but Sauron was more powerful. He then stripped them of their Orc disguise but failed to discern who they were. He had them thrown into a dark pit where one by one they were devoured by a werewolf. Withstanding this horror, they refused to betray one another.<ref name="Beren"/>

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Huan Subdues Sauron.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Huan Subdues Sauron'']]
When all of their companions were dead, Finrod and Beren were the last who remained alive in Sauron's pit. When a werewolf went to attack Beren, Finrod Felegund used all his power to defeat it. In this he was successful. However, he was critically wounded and soon passed away. In that dark moment, [[Lúthien]] came to the bridge of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and sang. From his tower of Minas Tirith, Sauron saw Lúthien and knew that it was the famous daughter of [[Melian]] and [[Thingol]]. He desired to capture her and hand her over to Morgoth. Therefore he sent a wolf to the bridge, but it was quickly and silently slain by [[Huan]]. He sent many more and each one Huan killed. Finally, he sent [[Draugluin]], sire of the werewolves of Angband. The fight between Huan and Draugluin was fierce. Eventually Draugluin fled and, before dying, he told his master that Huan was there. Therefore Sauron took the form of a werewolf, the greatest the world had ever seen, and went towards the bridge. So great was the terror of his approach that even Huan momentarily recoiled. Sauron leaped to attack Lúthien, but she drew her magic veil over his eyes afflicting him with fatigue and blindness, then Huan sprang upon Sauron and there they fought. The force of Sauron's malice alone left Lúthien weak and nearly unconscious, and the fighting was brutal and prolonged; however, he could not subdue the hound of [[Valinor]]. He was trapped within Huan's jaws and could not break free, even when he took the form of a serpent and finally his own shape. Rather than leave his physical form, he yielded to Lúthien, giving her control of the isle in return for his release. He then took the form of a vampire and fled to [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]], filling the forest with horror.<ref name="Beren"/>

After the [[War of Wrath]], with the downfall of [[Morgoth]] and the destruction of [[Thangorodrim]], Sauron adopted a fair form and repented his evil deeds in fear of the wrath of the Valar. [[Eönwë]] then ordered Sauron to return to [[Valinor]] in order to receive the judgement of Manwë. Sauron was not willing to suffer such humiliation and so he fled and hid himself in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="SRings"/>

===Second Age===
[[File:Angel Falto - Annatar.jpg|thumb|right|Angel Falto - ''Annatar'']]

Although Sauron long knew that [[Men]] were easier to sway, he sought to bring the [[Elves]] into his service, as they were far more powerful. So after about a thousand years after the [[War of Wrath]], Sauron decided that the [[Valar]] had forgotten about [[Middle-earth]] and he once again turned to evil.<ref name="silm-rop">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

After lying hidden and increasing his power in secret, Sauron put on a fair visage, calling himself '''Annatar''', the Lord of Gifts, and in {{SA|1200}} he befriended the [[Elvish]] smiths of Eregion, counselling them in arts and magic.<ref name="lotr-toy">{{App|B}}</ref> He was never welcome in [[Lindon]] as [[Elrond]] and [[Gil-galad]] did not trust him and refused to treat with him (which included [[Galadriel]] too), although they never realised who he truly was. Elsewhere he was gladly received, especially in [[Eregion]] where the [[Elvish]] smiths learned much from him as their thirst for knowledge was great.<ref name="lotr-coe">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

Under Sauron's tutelage the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], under the leadership of Celebrimbor, grandson of [[Fëanor]], became more skilled than anyone else, save for Fëanor himself. In the year {{SA|1500}}, when they reached the very height of their power, the Elves began the forging of the [[Rings of Power]], but Sauron knew all their secrets and in {{SA|1600}} - ten years after the completion of the Rings of Power - Sauron created [[The One Ring]] to control the bearers of the other Rings.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> For this he invested most of his own power into the Ring as he forged it.

But the Elves were not so easily ensnared, and as soon as Sauron put on the One Ring they and Celebrimbor were aware of him, and realised they were betrayed.<ref name="lotr-coe" /> They hid their Rings from Sauron and did not use them. Sauron demanded that the other Rings be given to him, for they would not have been made without his knowledge. The Elves refused, and the War was inevitable.<ref name="silm-rop" />

In this time Sauron became known as the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]]. He raised [[Barad-dûr]], the Dark Tower, near Mount Doom; constructed the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor to prevent invasion; and raised massive armies of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and Men, chiefly [[Easterlings]] and [[Southrons]]. Sauron's power reached its zenith 700 years after Mordor's creation, in the 17th century of the Second Age.

The [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] was a bloody conflict which destroyed Eregion and devastated much of Eriador. Celebrimbor was slain and his body impaled on a spike paraded at the head of Sauron's legions. The Elves were pushed back almost to the Blue Mountains, while their Dwarf allies (who had also rejected Sauron) retreated behind the walls of [[Moria]] where Sauron could not assail them. Sauron was master of almost all of Middle-earth beyond the coasts, but the [[Númenóreans]], the powerful Men descended from the line of Beren and Lúthien, who lived on the island of Númenor in the sea between Middle-earth and Valinor, responded to the Elves' call for aid and sent a relief force. The combined armies rallied and were able to defeat Sauron's armies in Eriador after heavy fighting, and the Dark Lord fled back to Mordor with little more than his own bodyguard and a handful of orcs.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Forging of the One.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Forging of the One'']]
As the Elves had failed him, he had decided to distribute the Rings of Power to Men and Dwarves. The Dwarves also failed him, as they proved too hardy and resistant to their corruptive power; however the nine Men were corrupted and eventually faded, being turned into the [[Nazgûl]] (Ringwraiths), his chief servants.

Nonetheless, while Sauron's subsequent power never quite matched the height it had during the War with the elves, many of his most powerful enemies' homelands had been devastated. ''Relative'' to his enemies, Sauron's empire was actually in a stronger position than it used to be. His empire continued to expand to dominate barbarian Men to the far south and east. Throughout this, Sauron remained faithful in his old allegiance, building temples to the worship of Morgoth, where human sacrifice was practised. Because of this, towards the end of the Second Age, Sauron assumed the titles of '''Lord of the Earth''' and '''King of Men'''.

This offended the arrogant [[Númenóreans]] who had already started to fall under the [[Shadow]]. The proud Númenóreans came to Middle-earth with great force of arms, and Sauron's forces fled. Realising he could not defeat the Numenoreans with military strength, Sauron allowed himself to be taken as a hostage to Númenor by King [[Ar-Pharazôn]]. There, he quickly grew from captive to adviser and was known as '''Tar-Mairon'''; he converted many Númenóreans to the worship of Morgoth, becoming High Priest of the [[Cult of Melkor]]. He had the [[White Tree]] cut down and in its place raised a great temple in which he performed human sacrifices, persecuting those who were still [[Faithful]]. Finally, he convinced the king to rebel against the Valar and attack Valinor itself, claiming they would gain immortality. [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], the supreme god, then directly intervened: Númenor was drowned under the sea, and the great navy of Númenor was destroyed.

Sauron was on Númenor in the Temple of Melkor and was caught in the ensuing [[Drowning of Númenor|flood]]. However his spirit survived, although severely weakened by the destruction, and (presumably carrying the One Ring) fled back to Middle-earth.

Sauron's spirit returned to Mordor, where he slowly rebuilt his strength during the time known as the [[Dark Years]], and he was unable to assume a fair shape. From this point on he started to rule through terror and force

Meanwhile, a few faithful Númenóreans, led by [[Elendil]], were saved from the flood, and they founded [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in Middle-earth. Sauron still considered them his hated enemies and he launched a pre-emptive attack on Gondor in {{SA|3429}}. These Men, led by Elendil and his sons, formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] with the Elves of [[Lindon]] under the Elven-king [[Gil-galad]], and together they fought Sauron in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. The Alliance advanced against Mordor and defeated Sauron's forces in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] and finally laid siege before [[Barad-dûr]].

The siege lasted for seven years until {{SA|3441}}, when Sauron left his fortress engaging in direct combat. Elendil and Gil-galad fought Sauron and vanquished him, but both were killed. [[Isildur]], son of Elendil, cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and claimed it. Later, the Ring betrayed him and was lost for more than two thousand years. After his defeat in the War of the Last Alliance, Sauron had lost his ability to form a physical body for a great while.

===Third Age===
Sauron's defeat released his subjects, like the [[Easterlings]], from his tyranny, but they fell into chaos. Their tribes and kingdoms battled against each other and some withdrew to the hated west.<ref>{{UT|6b}}</ref> Weakened by his defeat and the loss of the One Ring, it is thought that he fled to the far east to regain his power and strength before returning.

It was not until c. {{TA|1000}} that Sauron could again begin to take shape. Worried by this prospect, the [[Valar]] sent five [[Maiar]] from the West to assist the peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>
====Sauron's Return====
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] - ''Sauron'' (unfinished sketch)]]
In {{TA|1050|n}} his power was enough that he began again to throw a shadow across portions of [[Middle-earth]]. Around this time he first began to inhabit southern [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]], choosing the hill of [[Amon Lanc]] as a place to build the fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]. At first, [[the Wise]] thought that it was one of the [[Nazgûl]] who had returned and taken up residence in southern Greenwood.

In the following centuries, his subjects in [[Angmar]], the [[East]] and the South once more concentrated against the Realms of his ancient enemies. Kings [[Araphant]] of [[Arnor]] and [[Ondoher]] of [[Gondor]] realised that a single force was co-ordinating the attacks on both of their kingdoms and that they should work together to combat this evil. However Angmar was successful in destroying Arnor; When Angmar was also destroyed, by [[Gondor]] and the Elves, the Nazgûl gathered back in Mordor and subsequently captured [[Minas Ithil]], now renamed [[Minas Morgul]]; Sauron's final success was ending the [[Kings of Gondor|royal line]] of Gondor.
====The Watchful Peace====
The Wise feared that their enemy is active in Dol Guldur, and when [[Gandalf]] entered the fortress in {{TA|2063|n}} the power in Dol Guldur fled before him thus beginning the [[Watchful Peace]].<ref name=TA/> Leaving [[Khamûl]] in his place, Sauron fled once more to the East, corrupting the Easterlings and forging a strong alliance between their tribes, so that when he returned he was more powerful and had many Men in his service.

The Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened, but the Nazgûl had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return and the [[Uruk-hai]], a new race of Orcs was bred in Minas Morgul.

Sauron returned from the east in {{TA|2460|n}} and again took up residence in [[Dol Guldur]] as the Necromancer. His return coincided with the One Ring revealing itself and [[Sméagol]] claimed it three years later. Feeling the danger, the Wise formed the [[White Council]].<ref name=TA/>

Sauron had captured the Dwarf King [[Thráin|Thráin II]] and taken [[Ring of Thrór|one]] of the [[Seven Rings|Seven Dwarf rings]] from him. After centuries of pressing the [[White Council]] to take action against the Necromancer, [[Gandalf]] entered Dol Guldur in secret in {{TA|2850|n}} and learned that the Necromancer was Sauron. In {{TA|2851|n}}, the White Council were informed of this, and Gandalf urged an immediate attack upon the fortress, but [[Saruman|Saruman the White]] had learned of the presence of the [[The One Ring|Ruling Ring]] near the [[Gladden Fields]]; he thought best to allow Sauron to build up his strength in order to reveal its location so that Saruman could seize it himself. Following his strategy, Saruman opposed Gandalf.<ref name=TA>{{App|TA}}</ref>

By 90 years later, Sauron had his minions look around [[Anduin]] for the One Ring and Saruman, always wanting it for himself, was worrying about it. In {{TA|2941|n}} Gandalf finally prevailed upon the [[White Council]] to attack Dol Guldur, and even Saruman agreed to [[Attack on Dol Guldur|drive Sauron out]]. By that time Gondor's forces around Mordor had weakened so much, and the [[Nazgûl]] had been preparing [[Barad-dûr]] for him, so it was easy for Sauron to flee and return to his ancient stronghold. The Dark Tower was reconstructed, and Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}. Following this, the White Council met for one last time to discuss the whereabouts of the Rings.<ref name=TA/>

From then on Sauron stayed in Barad-dûr from where he conducted his war on the [[Free peoples]]. Saruman, who was residing in [[Orthanc]], had secretly found and used the [[Orthanc-stone]]. Through the [[Ithil-stone]] away in Barad-dûr, Sauron linked with and subjugated his mind, and by {{TA|3000}} he had totally deceived and corrupted him.<ref name=TA/>

====The War of the Ring====
Sauron bred immense armies of Orcs and allied with or enslaved Men from the east and south. He adopted the symbol of a lidless eye, and he was able at that time to send out his will over Middle-earth, so that the [[Eye of Sauron]] was a symbol of power and fear.

After torturing [[Gollum]], he learned that the One Ring had been found by [[Bilbo Baggins]]. He sent his deadliest servants, the [[Nazgûl]], to [[the Shire]], only to find that both Bilbo and his nephew, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], had departed. Unbeknownst to Sauron, Frodo had, at the behest of Gandalf, joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] on a quest to destroy the Ring. He rallied his vast armies to conquer the resistance's strongholds, and sent the Ringwraiths to find and kill Frodo. At about this time, he also learned that [[Aragorn]], Isildur's heir, had also joined the Fellowship, and was rallying armies to defeat his.

When Saruman's army was defeated at [[Isengard]], Pippin looked into the Palantir of [[Orthanc]] and saw Sauron, who thought the Hobbit was a prisoner of Saruman. Later [[Aragorn]] used the Palantir to reveal himself to Sauron. Sauron made the premature conclusion that Aragorn had the Ring, and sent an army commanded by his strongest servant, the Witch-King of Angmar, to overthrow [[Minas Tirith]]. This battle would become known as the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].

Although Sauron lost the Battle of Pelennor Fields, the free forces of the West were greatly weakened, and Sauron still had sufficient armies in reserve to ensure military victory. He was outwitted, however, by the strategy of Gandalf, who urged the captains of the [[Free peoples]] to march against Sauron, thus diverting the Dark Lord's eye from the real threat of Frodo, the Ring Bearer, who was nearing the end of his quest to destroy the One Ring.

Frodo, however, failed at the last moment, unable to resist the power of the Ring at the place of its birth. Sauron saw Frodo as he put on the ring and, realising he had been tricked, sent the Nazgul to Mount Doom. But Gollum inadvertently saved Frodo by recovering the Ring in a desperate attempt to possess it, and then falling with it into the fire. Thus Sauron's power was unmade, and his corporeal power in Middle-earth came to an end. His spirit towered above Mordor like a black cloud, but was blown away by a [[Manwë|powerful wind]] from the [[Aman|West]]. Sauron was now permanently crippled, never to rise again, following his ancient lord Morgoth into the Void. <ref name="SVala"/> Saruman would suffer a similar fate.

==Appearance==
===Physical Form===
At first Sauron appeared as a royal and commanding figure in a strong body. He was also able to veil his power. Later however he could take only a terrible form, of a stature slightly greater than a [[Men|Man]]'s.<ref>{{L|246}}</ref> [[Isildur]] recounted that at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]], Sauron's hand was black with a deadly burning touch.<ref name="lotr-coe"/>

===Eye of Sauron===
The '''Eye of Sauron''', called by many various names, was the symbol of [[Sauron]] the Dark Lord following the loss of [[the One Ring]]. This symbol was adopted to show his unceasing vigilance and piercing perception, and was displayed on the weaponry of his servants, or at least the [[orcs]].

==Etymology==
{{Transcribed|Tengwar Sauron (Quenya mode).png|Sauron|Tengwar, Quenya mode}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Sauron.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{Pronounce|Annatar.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Gorthaur.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Mairon.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
'''''Sauron''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}})<ref group=note>''Sauron'' is pronounced "sour-on" (''sour'' as in not sweet).</ref> is a [[Quenya]] name, said to mean "the Abhorred".<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>

Several accounts of the origin of the name ''Sauron'' were suggested in different linguistic manuscripts:
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, evil-smelling, putrid", from the [[Sundocarme|root]] [[THUS#Other versions|THUS]]).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 393 (entry THUS-)</ref>
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, vile"; from root [[SAWA]]). The manuscript continues saying that ''Sauron'' "could be a genuine [[Sindarin]] formation from ''[[saur]]''; but is probably from Quenya". However, this origin appears to have been rejected, as it is followed by the comment "No. [[THAW|THAW-]], cruel. ''[[Saura]]'', cruel" in the manuscript.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 183-4</ref>
*deriving from the [[Primitive Quendian]] form ''Øaurond-'' (formed from the adjective ''Øaurā'' "detestable", from root [[THAW]]).<ref>{{L|297}}, p. 380</ref>
*deriving from '''''Thauron''''', which includes the [[Sindarin]] element ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"; also found in [[Sauron#Other names and titles|''Gor'''thaur''''']]).<ref>{{S|Appendix}} (entry for ''thaur'')</ref>

==Other names and titles==
'''''Gorthaur''''' ([[Sindarin]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈɡorθaʊr]}}) was a name used of Sauron by the [[Sindar]] during the [[First Age]],<ref>{{S|18}}</ref><ref>{{WJ|15}}, p. 240</ref> meaning "Terrible Dread".

In some of Tolkien's notes from the 1950s, it is said that Sauron's original name was '''''Mairon''''', "the admirable" ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmaɪron]}}), "but this was altered after he was suborned by Melkor. But he continued to call himself Mairon the Admirable, or Tar-mairon 'King Excellent', until after Númenor's downfall."<ref name="PE17.1"/>

Among his many titles were the '''[[Necromancer]]''', '''the Abhorred Dread''', the '''Nameless Enemy''', the '''Cruel''',<ref>{{S|IId}}</ref> the '''Dark Lord of Mordor''' and the '''Lord of the Rings'''. The Dúnedain called him '''Sauron the Deceiver''' due to his role in the downfall of Númenor and the Forging of the Rings of Power.

In the earlier Legendarium, Thû was a name for Sauron used by Tolkien in some of earlier periods, particularly the Lay of Leithian<ref>{{LB|3|C7}}</ref>, where Thû replaced Tevildo the Cat<ref>{{LT2|I}}</ref>.

== Other versions of the Legendarium ==
Prior to the publication of ''The Silmarillion'' Sauron's origins and true identity were unclear to those without full access to Tolkien's notes. In early editions of the ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth|Guide to Middle Earth]]'', Sauron is described as "probably of the Eldar elves."

Since the earliest versions of the ''Silmarillion'' legendarium as detailed in [[the History of Middle-earth]] series, Sauron has undergone many changes. The prototype of this character was '''[[Tevildo]]''', lord of the cats, who played the role later taken by Sauron in the earliest version of the story of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', '''[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]'''. Tevildo later (but still in the ''Book of Lost Tales'' period) was transformed into '''[[Thû]]''', the Necromancer. The name was then changed to '''Gorthû''', '''Sûr''', and finally to Sauron. ''Gorthû'', in the form ''Gorthaur'' remained in ''The Silmarillion''.

===The Necromancer===
In ''[[The Hobbit]]'' the Necromancer is an obscure villainous entity mentioned fleetingly by [[Gandalf]] as one of the dangers of the wider world. He is peripheral to the plot of the book: explaining why the company takes the dangerous road though Mirkwood rather than going around, and providing a reason for Gandalf's absence for that section of the journey. Thematically the Necromancer, a truly 'terrible' force beyond the power of the main protagonists, gives the world of ''The Hobbit'' a greater level of reality which Tolkien felt was necessary for a 'fairy-tale' to ring true.<ref name="Letter17">{{L|17}}</ref>

Despite the alias it would appear that the Necromancer was always intended to stand for [[Sauron]], a figure from the very earliest phases of his [[Legendarium]] (as [[Tevildo]] in ''[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]''). Shortly after the publication of ''The Hobbit'' Tolkien wrote:
{{blockquote|Mr Baggins began as a comic tale among conventional and inconsistent Grimm's fairy-tale dwarves, and got drawn into the edge of it – so that even Sauron the terrible peeped over the edge.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="Letter19">{{L|19}}</ref>}}

However, as ''The Hobbit'' was not originally intended to be integrated with Tolkien's wider mythology the Necromancer did not necessarily need to be consistent with his [[First Age]] counterpart Sauron, rather the two were loosely linked to add an 'impression of depth' to the narrative of ''The Hobbit''. With Tolkien's decision to merge the two 'worlds' and make Sauron the central antagonist ''[[Lord of the Rings]]'' came the need to reconcile the two figures and account for his whereabouts in the millennia between the end of the First Age and his dwelling in Bilbo's Mirkwood. This was largely achieved in the ''[[Appendix B|Tale of Years]]'', with Sauron becoming a much greater figure after the fall of his master, one who arguably drove the history of the entire Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Sauron in Adaptations
|width=160
|height=160
|lines=3
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Prologue.jpg|Sauron in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:LOTR-vol2-Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Sauron.jpg|Sauron ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:The Eye Of Sauron.jpg|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
|File:Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in the ''[[Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]''
|File:Lord of the Rings The Third Age - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Annatar.png|[[Annatar|Antheron]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Conquest - Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
|File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
|File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
}}
===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
: Sauron is briefly shown in the prologue sequence as a shadowy figure in a horned helmet.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played by [[Sala Baker]] and voiced by the late [[Alan Howard]]. In these films, he is depicted as a tall armored warlord wielding a huge mace (similar to how his master [[Morgoth]] is described in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''). In the first film, he is depicted killing [[Gil-galad]] (offscreen) and then [[Elendil]] before being defeated by [[Isildur]] using his father's [[Narsil|broken sword]] to cut off the finger wearing [[the One Ring]], as well as three others on the same hand. This strangely causes his body to explode, producing a shockwave that knocks everyone on the battlefield off their feet.

:Later on, [[Saruman]] implies to [[Gandalf]] that Sauron was unable to retain his physical form and that the Eye was his astral form, a detail which is never brought up in the novel. It is unknown if Saruman was truthful with this statement, or if he was either misinformed or lying (since he was already plotting to ally with Sauron at that point).

'''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)]]:'''

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''

'''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)]]:'''

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
: Sauron is played and voiced by [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], under his assumed identity as the Necromancer. In these films, it is stated that the White Council does not discover he is Sauron until much later, during the events of these films, previously believing him to be a human with skills in magic. In these films, Sauron initially appears as a shadowy figure before assuming his armoured form from the previous films and projects the Eye of Sauron around his body.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sauron is provided by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1724">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1724, [[23 November|November 23]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned only very briefly at the end; [[Gandalf]] and [[Elrond]] discuss how the "Necromancer" had been driven from his abode in the south of [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

===Video games===
'''1985: ''[[Lord of the Rings: Game One]]'':'''

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned by [[Gandalf]] in the beginning of the game.

'''1993: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Sauron is mentioned in the beginning of the game, when [[Gandalf]] explains the history of [[the One Ring]].

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron and the events of the south of Mirkwood are left unmentioned. However, whilst in Mirkwood, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] has to defeat creatures that he calls "Minions of the Necromancer".

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:At the end of the game, Berethor and company (the playable characters) have to defeat the eye of Sauron by physically attacking him on top of [[Barad-dûr]].

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''

'''2005: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tactics]]'':'''

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]'':'''

'''2008: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria]]'':'''

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'''''

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Sauron is a "guardian".<ref name="Trailer">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caYW7d-8MIY&feature=player_embedded|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': First Official Gameplay Trailer|dated=29 June 2012|website=YT|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'''''

===Others===
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:Sauron is treated as a Mage of level 180 (level 360 if using the One Ring). Among his items are the Elf-slaying Black Sword (S. ''Mormegil''), the Gauntlet of Slaying ("Narsil's Bane"), and the Black Scale of dragonskin. Among his special powers are Domination (control over other players using the One Eye), resistance to normal weapons, and the ability to force anyone within his sight to resist fear (or otherwise becoming frozen).<ref>{{ICE|8002}}, pp. 98-102</ref><ref>{{ICE|2006}}, pp. 97-105</ref>

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54534/cards_lang/1 Sauron]", appearing in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Balrog|The Balrog]]'', is playable as a manifestation of the card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54002/cards_lang/1 The Lidless Eye]" (from the set [[Middle-earth: The Lidless Eye|''The Lidless Eye'']]), and can be used by players to enhance their general influence.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/20/goal/|articlename=Home page for the game Middle Earth|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=5 January 2012}}</ref>

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

==External links==
*[http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/sauronname.htm A Name for the Dark Lord] by [[Helge Fauskanger]]

{{references|note}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=evil
| house=[[Maia]]
| died=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Ring created
| list=[[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} – {{SA|3441|n}}
| next=[[Isildur]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{Ainur}}
{{ringbearers}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[de:Sauron]]
[[fi:Sauron]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/sauron]]

Sauron

2018-04-23T23:26:13Z

Ttenchantr: /* Films */

{{Countdown}}
{{evil infobox
| name=Sauron
| image=[[File:Alaïs - Annatar.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Annatar" by [[:Category:Images by Alaïs|Alaïs]]
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Annatar]]<ref name="SRings"/> The Dark Lord Lord Of Earth<ref name="SIndex"/> Gorthaur the Cruel<ref name="SVala">{{S|Vala}}</ref> Mairon<ref name="PE17.1"/> Necromancer<ref name="SIndex"/> The Shadow The Enemy The Terrible'''Zigûr''' ([[Adûnaic|A]])<ref>{{HM|SD}}, "The Drowning of Anadûnê"</ref>
| titles=
| position=
| location=[[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] [[Utumno]] [[Angband]] [[Númenor]] [[Dol Guldur]] [[Mordor]]
| affiliation=[[Morgoth]]
| language=[[Black Speech]]
| birth=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}} (Physical death)
| deathlocation=[[Barad-dûr]]
| age=
| notablefor=Lieutenant to [[Morgoth]] Deceived the [[Elves]] into forging the [[Rings of Power]]; Created [[the One Ring]]; Brought about the [[Downfall of Númenor]]; Nearly conquered the whole of [[Middle-earth]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| race=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| gender=Male
| height=''[[Sauron#Appearance|See below]]''
| hair=''[[Sauron#Appearance|See below]]''
| eyes=
| clothing=''[[Sauron#Appearance|See below]]''
| weapons=[[The One Ring]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|Sauron [...] was only less evil than his [[Morgoth|master]] in that for long he served another and not himself.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="SVala"/>}}</center>

'''Sauron''' ([[Quenya]], pronounced {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}}) was the greatest and most trusted servant of [[Morgoth]] before and during the [[First Age]]. Originally a [[Maiar|Maia]] of [[Aulë]] named "Mairon", he was ensnared by Melkor and as "Gorthaur" he became Morgoth's lieutenant in his [[Wars of Beleriand]]. From his base of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], Sauron was directly responsible for the death of [[Barahir]] and later the [[Noldor]]in king [[Finrod]] during the [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. He demonstrated the ability to take the form of a wolf, a serpent, and a vampire.

After the downfall of his master, he continually strove to conquer [[Middle-earth]] throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages. In the Second Age, under the guise of '''Annatar''', he deceived the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]], who under his guidance had created the [[Rings of Power]], whilst he secretly forged [[the One Ring]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Thus Sauron became "'''[[Lord of the Ring|The Lord of the Rings]]'''". His influence corrupted the [[Númenóreans]] - leading to the destruction of [[Númenor]] - which led to [[Elendil]] founding the Realms in Exile of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Elves and the [[Dúnedain]], the descendants of the Númenóreans, formed the [[Last Alliance]] and, in {{SA|3441}}, Elendil and Elven [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] died destroying Sauron's body. Following Sauron's defeat, Elendil's son [[Isildur]] took the One Ring.

In the Third Age, Sauron returned to Middle-earth and, as the '''Necromancer''', took the hill of [[Amon Lanc]] as his fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]; his chief servant, the [[Witch-king]], formed the realm of [[Angmar]] in the north of [[Eriador]]. Following an attack by the [[White Council]] in {{TA|2941}}, Sauron returned to his fortress of [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]]. By {{TA|3018}} [[Frodo Baggins]] was in possession of the Ring, and he was led by [[Gandalf]] as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Whilst Sauron waged the [[War of the Ring]] against the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]] and now [[Gollum]] (who had lost the Ring to Frodo's uncle [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]) reached Mount Doom. On [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}, they reached Mount Doom and the Ring was destroyed. The breaking of the Ring caused Sauron's ultimate fall and resulted in the start of the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]].

==History==
===Origin===
As one of the [[Maiar]], Sauron was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of Time, he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|Vala}}</ref> Here he became one of the Maiar of [[Aulë]],<ref name="SVala"/> and was known as '''''Mairon'''''.<ref name="PE17.1">{{PE|17}}, p. 183</ref> However, he was soon ensnared by [[Morgoth|Melkor]] and became his greatest and most trusted servant.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> Thus he came to be known as '''''Gorthaur''''' by the [[Sindar]] of [[Beleriand]] and '''''Sauron''''' by others.<ref name="SIndex">{{S|Index}}</ref>

===Years of the Trees===
After [[Morgoth|Melkor]] made his great fortress of [[Angband]] in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]], he appointed Sauron to be its commander.<ref name="SCaptivity">{{S|Captivity}}</ref> When the [[Valar]] captured Melkor at the [[Siege of Utumno]], they stormed and searched Utumno and Angband; they, however, failed to find Sauron.<ref name="SCaptivity"/>

===First Age===
[[File:Maureval - Mairon.jpg|thumb|right|Maureval - ''Mairon'']]
{{Blockquote|Sauron was become now a sorcerer of dreadful power, master of shadows and of phantoms, foul in wisdom, cruel in strength, misshaping what he touched, twisting what he ruled, lord of werewolves; his dominion was torment.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="SFingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>}}
With the unchaining of Morgoth and his subsequent destruction of the [[Two Trees|Two Trees of Valinor]], the [[Sun]] first rose and ushered in the awakening of [[Men]]. Leaving Sauron in command of the war, Morgoth left Angband in secret to find the second-born kindred of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and to corrupt them to his will.<ref name="SWest">{{S|West}}</ref>

After the fall of [[Fingolfin]], Sauron launched an attack on [[Tol Sirion]]. Utter fear descended upon [[Orodreth]] and those who defended the isle. Sauron assailed [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] and turned it into a watch tower for Morgoth. Therein Sauron sat and Tol Sirion the fair became [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], the Isle of Werewolves.<ref name="SFingolfin"/>

Upon hearing of the deeds of [[Barahir]] and his companions, Morgoth ordered Sauron to find and kill them. [[Gorlim]], one of Barahir's companions, was captured and brought before Sauron. There Sauron promised that he would free Gorlim and his wife [[Eilinel]] in return for information. Under the terror of Sauron's eyes, Gorlim revealed everything he knew and thus the hiding place of Barahir was betrayed to the enemy. Subsequently, Sauron revealed Eilinel was dead and had Gorlim put to death.<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>

[[Beren]], son of [[Barahir]], promised to avenge his father's death. He wandered [[Dorthonion]] as an outlaw and achieved great deeds that were heard far and wide. Thus Morgoth set a high price on his head and Sauron, commanding a great army of [[werewolves]] and [[fell beasts]], sought for Beren.<ref name="Beren"/>

Later, [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]], Beren, and their ten companions left [[Nargothrond]] in search of the [[Silmarils]]. Despite their being disguised as Orcs, Sauron espied them as they entered into the vale between [[Ered Wethrin]] and [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] and was suspicious as Orcs passing were supposed to report to him. He had them captured and they were brought to him. There Finrod and Sauron fought in songs of power; the strength of both was great, but Sauron was more powerful. He then stripped them of their Orc disguise but failed to discern who they were. He had them thrown into a dark pit where one by one they were devoured by a werewolf. Withstanding this horror, they refused to betray one another.<ref name="Beren"/>

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Huan Subdues Sauron.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Huan Subdues Sauron'']]
When all of their companions were dead, Finrod and Beren were the last who remained alive in Sauron's pit. When a werewolf went to attack Beren, Finrod Felegund used all his power to defeat it. In this he was successful. However, he was critically wounded and soon passed away. In that dark moment, [[Lúthien]] came to the bridge of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and sang. From his tower of Minas Tirith, Sauron saw Lúthien and knew that it was the famous daughter of [[Melian]] and [[Thingol]]. He desired to capture her and hand her over to Morgoth. Therefore he sent a wolf to the bridge, but it was quickly and silently slain by [[Huan]]. He sent many more and each one Huan killed. Finally, he sent [[Draugluin]], sire of the werewolves of Angband. The fight between Huan and Draugluin was fierce. Eventually Draugluin fled and, before dying, he told his master that Huan was there. Therefore Sauron took the form of a werewolf, the greatest the world had ever seen, and went towards the bridge. So great was the terror of his approach that even Huan momentarily recoiled. Sauron leaped to attack Lúthien, but she drew her magic veil over his eyes afflicting him with fatigue and blindness, then Huan sprang upon Sauron and there they fought. The force of Sauron's malice alone left Lúthien weak and nearly unconscious, and the fighting was brutal and prolonged; however, he could not subdue the hound of [[Valinor]]. He was trapped within Huan's jaws and could not break free, even when he took the form of a serpent and finally his own shape. Rather than leave his physical form, he yielded to Lúthien, giving her control of the isle in return for his release. He then took the form of a vampire and fled to [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]], filling the forest with horror.<ref name="Beren"/>

After the [[War of Wrath]], with the downfall of [[Morgoth]] and the destruction of [[Thangorodrim]], Sauron adopted a fair form and repented his evil deeds in fear of the wrath of the Valar. [[Eönwë]] then ordered Sauron to return to [[Valinor]] in order to receive the judgement of Manwë. Sauron was not willing to suffer such humiliation and so he fled and hid himself in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="SRings"/>

===Second Age===
[[File:Angel Falto - Annatar.jpg|thumb|right|Angel Falto - ''Annatar'']]

Although Sauron long knew that [[Men]] were easier to sway, he sought to bring the [[Elves]] into his service, as they were far more powerful. So after about a thousand years after the [[War of Wrath]], Sauron decided that the [[Valar]] had forgotten about [[Middle-earth]] and he once again turned to evil.<ref name="silm-rop">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

After lying hidden and increasing his power in secret, Sauron put on a fair visage, calling himself '''Annatar''', the Lord of Gifts, and in {{SA|1200}} he befriended the [[Elvish]] smiths of Eregion, counselling them in arts and magic.<ref name="lotr-toy">{{App|B}}</ref> He was never welcome in [[Lindon]] as [[Elrond]] and [[Gil-galad]] did not trust him and refused to treat with him (which included [[Galadriel]] too), although they never realised who he truly was. Elsewhere he was gladly received, especially in [[Eregion]] where the [[Elvish]] smiths learned much from him as their thirst for knowledge was great.<ref name="lotr-coe">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

Under Sauron's tutelage the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], under the leadership of Celebrimbor, grandson of [[Fëanor]], became more skilled than anyone else, save for Fëanor himself. In the year {{SA|1500}}, when they reached the very height of their power, the Elves began the forging of the [[Rings of Power]], but Sauron knew all their secrets and in {{SA|1600}} - ten years after the completion of the Rings of Power - Sauron created [[The One Ring]] to control the bearers of the other Rings.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> For this he invested most of his own power into the Ring as he forged it.

But the Elves were not so easily ensnared, and as soon as Sauron put on the One Ring they and Celebrimbor were aware of him, and realised they were betrayed.<ref name="lotr-coe" /> They hid their Rings from Sauron and did not use them. Sauron demanded that the other Rings be given to him, for they would not have been made without his knowledge. The Elves refused, and the War was inevitable.<ref name="silm-rop" />

In this time Sauron became known as the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]]. He raised [[Barad-dûr]], the Dark Tower, near Mount Doom; constructed the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor to prevent invasion; and raised massive armies of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and Men, chiefly [[Easterlings]] and [[Southrons]]. Sauron's power reached its zenith 700 years after Mordor's creation, in the 17th century of the Second Age.

The [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] was a bloody conflict which destroyed Eregion and devastated much of Eriador. Celebrimbor was slain and his body impaled on a spike paraded at the head of Sauron's legions. The Elves were pushed back almost to the Blue Mountains, while their Dwarf allies (who had also rejected Sauron) retreated behind the walls of [[Moria]] where Sauron could not assail them. Sauron was master of almost all of Middle-earth beyond the coasts, but the [[Númenóreans]], the powerful Men descended from the line of Beren and Lúthien, who lived on the island of Númenor in the sea between Middle-earth and Valinor, responded to the Elves' call for aid and sent a relief force. The combined armies rallied and were able to defeat Sauron's armies in Eriador after heavy fighting, and the Dark Lord fled back to Mordor with little more than his own bodyguard and a handful of orcs.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Forging of the One.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Forging of the One'']]
As the Elves had failed him, he had decided to distribute the Rings of Power to Men and Dwarves. The Dwarves also failed him, as they proved too hardy and resistant to their corruptive power; however the nine Men were corrupted and eventually faded, being turned into the [[Nazgûl]] (Ringwraiths), his chief servants.

Nonetheless, while Sauron's subsequent power never quite matched the height it had during the War with the elves, many of his most powerful enemies' homelands had been devastated. ''Relative'' to his enemies, Sauron's empire was actually in a stronger position than it used to be. His empire continued to expand to dominate barbarian Men to the far south and east. Throughout this, Sauron remained faithful in his old allegiance, building temples to the worship of Morgoth, where human sacrifice was practised. Because of this, towards the end of the Second Age, Sauron assumed the titles of '''Lord of the Earth''' and '''King of Men'''.

This offended the arrogant [[Númenóreans]] who had already started to fall under the [[Shadow]]. The proud Númenóreans came to Middle-earth with great force of arms, and Sauron's forces fled. Realising he could not defeat the Numenoreans with military strength, Sauron allowed himself to be taken as a hostage to Númenor by King [[Ar-Pharazôn]]. There, he quickly grew from captive to adviser and was known as '''Tar-Mairon'''; he converted many Númenóreans to the worship of Morgoth, becoming High Priest of the [[Cult of Melkor]]. He had the [[White Tree]] cut down and in its place raised a great temple in which he performed human sacrifices, persecuting those who were still [[Faithful]]. Finally, he convinced the king to rebel against the Valar and attack Valinor itself, claiming they would gain immortality. [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], the supreme god, then directly intervened: Númenor was drowned under the sea, and the great navy of Númenor was destroyed.

Sauron was on Númenor in the Temple of Melkor and was caught in the ensuing [[Drowning of Númenor|flood]]. However his spirit survived, although severely weakened by the destruction, and (presumably carrying the One Ring) fled back to Middle-earth.

Sauron's spirit returned to Mordor, where he slowly rebuilt his strength during the time known as the [[Dark Years]], and he was unable to assume a fair shape. From this point on he started to rule through terror and force

Meanwhile, a few faithful Númenóreans, led by [[Elendil]], were saved from the flood, and they founded [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in Middle-earth. Sauron still considered them his hated enemies and he launched a pre-emptive attack on Gondor in {{SA|3429}}. These Men, led by Elendil and his sons, formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] with the Elves of [[Lindon]] under the Elven-king [[Gil-galad]], and together they fought Sauron in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. The Alliance advanced against Mordor and defeated Sauron's forces in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] and finally laid siege before [[Barad-dûr]].

The siege lasted for seven years until {{SA|3441}}, when Sauron left his fortress engaging in direct combat. Elendil and Gil-galad fought Sauron and vanquished him, but both were killed. [[Isildur]], son of Elendil, cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and claimed it. Later, the Ring betrayed him and was lost for more than two thousand years. After his defeat in the War of the Last Alliance, Sauron had lost his ability to form a physical body for a great while.

===Third Age===
Sauron's defeat released his subjects, like the [[Easterlings]], from his tyranny, but they fell into chaos. Their tribes and kingdoms battled against each other and some withdrew to the hated west.<ref>{{UT|6b}}</ref> Weakened by his defeat and the loss of the One Ring, it is thought that he fled to the far east to regain his power and strength before returning.

It was not until c. {{TA|1000}} that Sauron could again begin to take shape. Worried by this prospect, the [[Valar]] sent five [[Maiar]] from the West to assist the peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>
====Sauron's Return====
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] - ''Sauron'' (unfinished sketch)]]
In {{TA|1050|n}} his power was enough that he began again to throw a shadow across portions of [[Middle-earth]]. Around this time he first began to inhabit southern [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]], choosing the hill of [[Amon Lanc]] as a place to build the fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]. At first, [[the Wise]] thought that it was one of the [[Nazgûl]] who had returned and taken up residence in southern Greenwood.

In the following centuries, his subjects in [[Angmar]], the [[East]] and the South once more concentrated against the Realms of his ancient enemies. Kings [[Araphant]] of [[Arnor]] and [[Ondoher]] of [[Gondor]] realised that a single force was co-ordinating the attacks on both of their kingdoms and that they should work together to combat this evil. However Angmar was successful in destroying Arnor; When Angmar was also destroyed, by [[Gondor]] and the Elves, the Nazgûl gathered back in Mordor and subsequently captured [[Minas Ithil]], now renamed [[Minas Morgul]]; Sauron's final success was ending the [[Kings of Gondor|royal line]] of Gondor.
====The Watchful Peace====
The Wise feared that their enemy is active in Dol Guldur, and when [[Gandalf]] entered the fortress in {{TA|2063|n}} the power in Dol Guldur fled before him thus beginning the [[Watchful Peace]].<ref name=TA/> Leaving [[Khamûl]] in his place, Sauron fled once more to the East, corrupting the Easterlings and forging a strong alliance between their tribes, so that when he returned he was more powerful and had many Men in his service.

The Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened, but the Nazgûl had used this period to prepare for Sauron's return and the [[Uruk-hai]], a new race of Orcs was bred in Minas Morgul.

Sauron returned from the east in {{TA|2460|n}} and again took up residence in [[Dol Guldur]] as the Necromancer. His return coincided with the One Ring revealing itself and [[Sméagol]] claimed it three years later. Feeling the danger, the Wise formed the [[White Council]].<ref name=TA/>

Sauron had captured the Dwarf King [[Thráin|Thráin II]] and taken [[Ring of Thrór|one]] of the [[Seven Rings|Seven Dwarf rings]] from him. After centuries of pressing the [[White Council]] to take action against the Necromancer, [[Gandalf]] entered Dol Guldur in secret in {{TA|2850|n}} and learned that the Necromancer was Sauron. In {{TA|2851|n}}, the White Council were informed of this, and Gandalf urged an immediate attack upon the fortress, but [[Saruman|Saruman the White]] had learned of the presence of the [[The One Ring|Ruling Ring]] near the [[Gladden Fields]]; he thought best to allow Sauron to build up his strength in order to reveal its location so that Saruman could seize it himself. Following his strategy, Saruman opposed Gandalf.<ref name=TA>{{App|TA}}</ref>

By 90 years later, Sauron had his minions look around [[Anduin]] for the One Ring and Saruman, always wanting it for himself, was worrying about it. In {{TA|2941|n}} Gandalf finally prevailed upon the [[White Council]] to attack Dol Guldur, and even Saruman agreed to [[Attack on Dol Guldur|drive Sauron out]]. By that time Gondor's forces around Mordor had weakened so much, and the [[Nazgûl]] had been preparing [[Barad-dûr]] for him, so it was easy for Sauron to flee and return to his ancient stronghold. The Dark Tower was reconstructed, and Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}. Following this, the White Council met for one last time to discuss the whereabouts of the Rings.<ref name=TA/>

From then on Sauron stayed in Barad-dûr from where he conducted his war on the [[Free peoples]]. Saruman, who was residing in [[Orthanc]], had secretly found and used the [[Orthanc-stone]]. Through the [[Ithil-stone]] away in Barad-dûr, Sauron linked with and subjugated his mind, and by {{TA|3000}} he had totally deceived and corrupted him.<ref name=TA/>

====The War of the Ring====
Sauron bred immense armies of Orcs and allied with or enslaved Men from the east and south. He adopted the symbol of a lidless eye, and he was able at that time to send out his will over Middle-earth, so that the [[Eye of Sauron]] was a symbol of power and fear.

After torturing [[Gollum]], he learned that the One Ring had been found by [[Bilbo Baggins]]. He sent his deadliest servants, the [[Nazgûl]], to [[the Shire]], only to find that both Bilbo and his nephew, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], had departed. Unbeknownst to Sauron, Frodo had, at the behest of Gandalf, joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] on a quest to destroy the Ring. He rallied his vast armies to conquer the resistance's strongholds, and sent the Ringwraiths to find and kill Frodo. At about this time, he also learned that [[Aragorn]], Isildur's heir, had also joined the Fellowship, and was rallying armies to defeat his.

When Saruman's army was defeated at [[Isengard]], Pippin looked into the Palantir of [[Orthanc]] and saw Sauron, who thought the Hobbit was a prisoner of Saruman. Later [[Aragorn]] used the Palantir to reveal himself to Sauron. Sauron made the premature conclusion that Aragorn had the Ring, and sent an army commanded by his strongest servant, the Witch-King of Angmar, to overthrow [[Minas Tirith]]. This battle would become known as the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].

Although Sauron lost the Battle of Pelennor Fields, the free forces of the West were greatly weakened, and Sauron still had sufficient armies in reserve to ensure military victory. He was outwitted, however, by the strategy of Gandalf, who urged the captains of the [[Free peoples]] to march against Sauron, thus diverting the Dark Lord's eye from the real threat of Frodo, the Ring Bearer, who was nearing the end of his quest to destroy the One Ring.

Frodo, however, failed at the last moment, unable to resist the power of the Ring at the place of its birth. Sauron saw Frodo as he put on the ring and, realising he had been tricked, sent the Nazgul to Mount Doom. But Gollum inadvertently saved Frodo by recovering the Ring in a desperate attempt to possess it, and then falling with it into the fire. Thus Sauron's power was unmade, and his corporeal power in Middle-earth came to an end. His spirit towered above Mordor like a black cloud, but was blown away by a [[Manwë|powerful wind]] from the [[Aman|West]]. Sauron was now permanently crippled, never to rise again, following his ancient lord Morgoth into the Void. <ref name="SVala"/> Saruman would suffer a similar fate.

==Appearance==
===Physical Form===
At first Sauron appeared as a royal and commanding figure in a strong body. He was also able to veil his power. Later however he could take only a terrible form, of a stature slightly greater than a [[Men|Man]]'s.<ref>{{L|246}}</ref> [[Isildur]] recounted that at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]], Sauron's hand was black with a deadly burning touch.<ref name="lotr-coe"/>

===Eye of Sauron===
The '''Eye of Sauron''', called by many various names, was the symbol of [[Sauron]] the Dark Lord following the loss of [[the One Ring]]. This symbol was adopted to show his unceasing vigilance and piercing perception, and was displayed on the weaponry of his servants, or at least the [[orcs]].

==Etymology==
{{Transcribed|Tengwar Sauron (Quenya mode).png|Sauron|Tengwar, Quenya mode}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Sauron.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{Pronounce|Annatar.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Gorthaur.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Mairon.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
'''''Sauron''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}})<ref group=note>''Sauron'' is pronounced "sour-on" (''sour'' as in not sweet).</ref> is a [[Quenya]] name, said to mean "the Abhorred".<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>

Several accounts of the origin of the name ''Sauron'' were suggested in different linguistic manuscripts:
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, evil-smelling, putrid", from the [[Sundocarme|root]] [[THUS#Other versions|THUS]]).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 393 (entry THUS-)</ref>
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, vile"; from root [[SAWA]]). The manuscript continues saying that ''Sauron'' "could be a genuine [[Sindarin]] formation from ''[[saur]]''; but is probably from Quenya". However, this origin appears to have been rejected, as it is followed by the comment "No. [[THAW|THAW-]], cruel. ''[[Saura]]'', cruel" in the manuscript.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 183-4</ref>
*deriving from the [[Primitive Quendian]] form ''Øaurond-'' (formed from the adjective ''Øaurā'' "detestable", from root [[THAW]]).<ref>{{L|297}}, p. 380</ref>
*deriving from '''''Thauron''''', which includes the [[Sindarin]] element ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"; also found in [[Sauron#Other names and titles|''Gor'''thaur''''']]).<ref>{{S|Appendix}} (entry for ''thaur'')</ref>

==Other names and titles==
'''''Gorthaur''''' ([[Sindarin]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈɡorθaʊr]}}) was a name used of Sauron by the [[Sindar]] during the [[First Age]],<ref>{{S|18}}</ref><ref>{{WJ|15}}, p. 240</ref> meaning "Terrible Dread".

In some of Tolkien's notes from the 1950s, it is said that Sauron's original name was '''''Mairon''''', "the admirable" ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmaɪron]}}), "but this was altered after he was suborned by Melkor. But he continued to call himself Mairon the Admirable, or Tar-mairon 'King Excellent', until after Númenor's downfall."<ref name="PE17.1"/>

Among his many titles were the '''[[Necromancer]]''', '''the Abhorred Dread''', the '''Nameless Enemy''', the '''Cruel''',<ref>{{S|IId}}</ref> the '''Dark Lord of Mordor''' and the '''Lord of the Rings'''. The Dúnedain called him '''Sauron the Deceiver''' due to his role in the downfall of Númenor and the Forging of the Rings of Power.

In the earlier Legendarium, Thû was a name for Sauron used by Tolkien in some of earlier periods, particularly the Lay of Leithian<ref>{{LB|3|C7}}</ref>, where Thû replaced Tevildo the Cat<ref>{{LT2|I}}</ref>.

== Other versions of the Legendarium ==
Prior to the publication of ''The Silmarillion'' Sauron's origins and true identity were unclear to those without full access to Tolkien's notes. In early editions of the ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth|Guide to Middle Earth]]'', Sauron is described as "probably of the Eldar elves."

Since the earliest versions of the ''Silmarillion'' legendarium as detailed in [[the History of Middle-earth]] series, Sauron has undergone many changes. The prototype of this character was '''[[Tevildo]]''', lord of the cats, who played the role later taken by Sauron in the earliest version of the story of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', '''[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]'''. Tevildo later (but still in the ''Book of Lost Tales'' period) was transformed into '''[[Thû]]''', the Necromancer. The name was then changed to '''Gorthû''', '''Sûr''', and finally to Sauron. ''Gorthû'', in the form ''Gorthaur'' remained in ''The Silmarillion''.

===The Necromancer===
In ''[[The Hobbit]]'' the Necromancer is an obscure villainous entity mentioned fleetingly by [[Gandalf]] as one of the dangers of the wider world. He is peripheral to the plot of the book: explaining why the company takes the dangerous road though Mirkwood rather than going around, and providing a reason for Gandalf's absence for that section of the journey. Thematically the Necromancer, a truly 'terrible' force beyond the power of the main protagonists, gives the world of ''The Hobbit'' a greater level of reality which Tolkien felt was necessary for a 'fairy-tale' to ring true.<ref name="Letter17">{{L|17}}</ref>

Despite the alias it would appear that the Necromancer was always intended to stand for [[Sauron]], a figure from the very earliest phases of his [[Legendarium]] (as [[Tevildo]] in ''[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]''). Shortly after the publication of ''The Hobbit'' Tolkien wrote:
{{blockquote|Mr Baggins began as a comic tale among conventional and inconsistent Grimm's fairy-tale dwarves, and got drawn into the edge of it – so that even Sauron the terrible peeped over the edge.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref name="Letter19">{{L|19}}</ref>}}

However, as ''The Hobbit'' was not originally intended to be integrated with Tolkien's wider mythology the Necromancer did not necessarily need to be consistent with his [[First Age]] counterpart Sauron, rather the two were loosely linked to add an 'impression of depth' to the narrative of ''The Hobbit''. With Tolkien's decision to merge the two 'worlds' and make Sauron the central antagonist ''[[Lord of the Rings]]'' came the need to reconcile the two figures and account for his whereabouts in the millennia between the end of the First Age and his dwelling in Bilbo's Mirkwood. This was largely achieved in the ''[[Appendix B|Tale of Years]]'', with Sauron becoming a much greater figure after the fall of his master, one who arguably drove the history of the entire Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Sauron in Adaptations
|width=160
|height=160
|lines=3
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Prologue.jpg|Sauron in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:LOTR-vol2-Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Sauron.jpg|Sauron ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:The Eye Of Sauron.jpg|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
|File:Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in the ''[[Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]''
|File:Lord of the Rings The Third Age - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Annatar.png|[[Annatar|Antheron]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Conquest - Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
|File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
|File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
}}
===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
: Sauron is briefly shown in the prologue sequence as a shadowy figure in a horned helmet.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played by [[Sala Baker]] and voiced by the late [[Alan Howard]]. In these films, he is depicted as a tall armored warlord wielding a huge mace (similar to how his master [[Morgoth]] is described in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''). In the first film, he is depicted killing [[Gil-galad]] (offscreen) and then [[Elendil]] before being defeated by [[Isildur]] using his father's [[Narsil|broken sword]] to cut off the finger wearing [[the One Ring]], as well as three others on the same hand. This strangely causes his body to explode, producing a shockwave that knocks everyone on the battlefield off their feet.

:Later on, [[Saruman]] implies to [[Gandalf]] that Sauron was unable to retain his physical form and that the Eye was his astral form, a detail which is never brought up in the novel. It is unknown if Saruman was truthful with this statement, or if he was either misinformed or lying (since he was already plotting to ally with Sauron at that point).

'''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)]]:'''

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''

'''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)]]:'''

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
: Sauron is played and voiced by [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], under his assumed identity as the Necromancer. In these films, it is stated that the White Council does not discover he is Sauron until much later, during the events of these films, previously believing him to be a human with skills in magic. In these films, Sauron initially appears as a shadowy figure before assuming his armoured form from the previous films and projects the Eye of Sauron around his body.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sauron is provided by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1724">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1724, [[23 November|November 23]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned only very briefly at the end; [[Gandalf]] and [[Elrond]] discuss how the "Necromancer" had been driven from his abode in the south of [[Mirkwood]].

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

===Video games===
'''1985: ''[[Lord of the Rings: Game One]]'':'''

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned by [[Gandalf]] in the beginning of the game.

'''1993: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Sauron is mentioned in the beginning of the game, when [[Gandalf]] explains the history of [[the One Ring]].

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron and the events of the south of Mirkwood are left unmentioned. However, whilst in Mirkwood, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] has to defeat creatures that he calls "Minions of the Necromancer".

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:At the end of the game, Berethor and company (the playable characters) have to defeat the eye of Sauron by physically attacking him on top of [[Barad-dûr]].

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''

'''2005: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tactics]]'':'''

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]'':'''

'''2008: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria]]'':'''

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'''''

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Sauron is a "guardian".<ref name="Trailer">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caYW7d-8MIY&feature=player_embedded|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': First Official Gameplay Trailer|dated=29 June 2012|website=YT|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'''''

===Others===
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:Sauron is treated as a Mage of level 180 (level 360 if using the One Ring). Among his items are the Elf-slaying Black Sword (S. ''Mormegil''), the Gauntlet of Slaying ("Narsil's Bane"), and the Black Scale of dragonskin. Among his special powers are Domination (control over other players using the One Eye), resistance to normal weapons, and the ability to force anyone within his sight to resist fear (or otherwise becoming frozen).<ref>{{ICE|8002}}, pp. 98-102</ref><ref>{{ICE|2006}}, pp. 97-105</ref>

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54534/cards_lang/1 Sauron]", appearing in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Balrog|The Balrog]]'', is playable as a manifestation of the card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54002/cards_lang/1 The Lidless Eye]" (from the set [[Middle-earth: The Lidless Eye|''The Lidless Eye'']]), and can be used by players to enhance their general influence.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/20/goal/|articlename=Home page for the game Middle Earth|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=5 January 2012}}</ref>

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

==External links==
*[http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/sauronname.htm A Name for the Dark Lord] by [[Helge Fauskanger]]

{{references|note}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=evil
| house=[[Maia]]
| died=[[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Ring created
| list=[[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} – {{SA|3441|n}}
| next=[[Isildur]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{Ainur}}
{{ringbearers}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[de:Sauron]]
[[fi:Sauron]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/sauron]]

Twins

2014-11-14T03:23:48Z

Ttenchantr: /* Genetics */

{{cleanup}}
Famous '''Twins''' had a significant role in the history of [[Arda]], both in [[Elves|Elven]], [[Half-elven]], and [[Men|Mannish]] lines.

In [[Quenya]], the word for twins was ''ónoni'' (sing. ''onóna'' "twin born", "one of a pair of twins"). The [[Sindarin]] cognate is ''[[gwanûr]]''.<ref name=WJ>{{WJ|Quendi}}, p. 367</ref>

== Elven and Half-elven Twins ==
*[[Amrod]] and [[Amras]]
*[[Eluréd]] and [[Elurín]]
*[[Elrond]] and [[Elros]]
*[[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]]

== Mannish Twins ==
*[[Haleth]] and [[Haldar]]
*[[Folcred]] and [[Fastred (Son of Folcwine)|Fastred]]

== Genetics ==
Twins run through the female's genes. That means if the father had ancestors that were twins, but the female does not, the chances of having twins is very slim. However, if their daughter has children her father's genes affect her chance of having twins.

Twins seem to be more common among [[Elves]], unlike the Mannish standard of one in sixty. Most of the Elven twins come from the immediate descendants of [[Dior]].
{{references}}

The History of Galadriel and Celeborn

2014-11-14T03:19:18Z

Ttenchantr: /* Synopsis */

{{ut-chapters}}
'''The History of Galadriel and Celeborn''' is a chapter belonging to the book [[Unfinished Tales]], which was written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] and published posthumously by his son, [[Christopher Tolkien]].

==Synopsis==
Christopher Tolkien says that this chapter of the book is not actually a history, but a bulk of concepts explored by Tolkien concerning the Elven realms of the [[Second Age]] and the place of [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]] among them.

Celeborn's past is explored, who could be both [[Teleri|Teler]] of Valinor or a [[Sindar|Sinda]] as well. There are also references to [[Amroth]], the King of [[Lothlórien|Lórien]] before the arrival of Galadriel and Celeborn, other legends connected to him such as [[Nimrodel]] and [[Mithrellas]], and a discussion about the [[Silvan Elves]] and their speech.

There is also a discussion on [[Celebrimbor]], where the idea that he was in love with Galadriel is introduced, a fact connected to the [[Elessar of Eärendil|Elessar]]; there is also a reference to [[Enerdhil]] the obscure smith of [[Gondolin]] who in a version of the story created the Elessar.

All in all, the chapter discusses and presents several versions of the aforementioned tales and essays related to them; along with their contradictions, which Tolkien may have abandoned or never resolved, failing in the end to determine final, definitive versions thereof.

[[Category:Manuscripts by J.R.R. Tolkien|History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]
[[Category:Unfinished Tales chapters|History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]

The History of Galadriel and Celeborn

2014-11-14T03:16:03Z

Ttenchantr: /* Synopsis */

{{ut-chapters}}
'''The History of Galadriel and Celeborn''' is a chapter belonging to the book [[Unfinished Tales]], which was written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] and published posthumously by his son, [[Christopher Tolkien]].

==Synopsis==
Christopher Tolkien says that this chapter of the book is not actually a history, but a bulk of concepts explored by Tolkien concerning the Elven realms of the [[Second Age]] and the place of [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]] among them.

Celeborn's past is explored, who could be both [[Teleri|Teler]] of Valinor or a [[Sindar|Sinda]] as well. There are also references to [[Amroth]], the King of [[Lothlórien|Lórien]] before the arrival of Galadriel and Celeborn, other legends connected to him such as [[Nimrodel]] and [[Mithrellas]], and a discussion about the [[Silvan Elves]] and their speech.

There is also a discussion on [[Celebrimbor]], where the idea that he was in love with Galadriel is introduced, a fact connected to the [[Elessar of Eärendil|Elessar]]; there is also a reference to [[Enerdhil]] the obscure smith of [[Gondolin]] who in a version of the story created the Elessar.

All in all, the chapter discusses and presents several versions of the aforementioned tales and essays related to them; along with their contradictions, which Tolkien may have abandoned and never resolved a final version of.

[[Category:Manuscripts by J.R.R. Tolkien|History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]
[[Category:Unfinished Tales chapters|History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]

Saruman

2014-11-14T02:50:06Z

Ttenchantr: /* Inspiration */

{{sources}}
{{maiar infobox
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Saruman.jpg|250px]]
| name=Saruman
| pronun=
| othernames=Curumo, Curunír, the White, Ring-maker, Of many colours, [[Sharkey]]
| titles=
| position=Head of the [[White Council]]
| location=[[Orthanc]]
| affiliation=[[Istari]] (Wizards) [[White Council]] [[Sauron]]
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=[[3 November]] {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Hobbiton]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=White with strands of black<ref name="Voice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=White robes, shimmering with many colours
| weapons=Staff Knife
| steed=
}}
{{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 latter 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===
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 [[Palantíri|''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 [[Key of Orthanc]] in the ring of [[Isengard]] his abode, hoping that he would prove an 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|2851}}, the White Council met and Gandalf revealed that the evil presence in Dol Guldur was indeed Sauron and that he had returned, and urged an attack there. Saruman however believed that Sauron would be useful in his quest: allowing Sauron to build up his strength, the One Ring would reveal itself, and Saruman hoped to have sufficient strength to seize it first himself until that event. With this strategy in mind, Saruman overruled Gandalf. It soon became clear that Saruman desired to possess [[the One Ring]] himself.<ref name="AppTA">{{App|TA}}</ref>

He soon found that Sauron had more knowledge of the possible location of the One Ring than he expected, and in {{TA|2941}} he finally consented to an attack against Sauron at Dol Guldur at which point Sauron retreated to [[Mordor]].
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|Angus McBride - ''Dol Guldur'']]
In {{TA|2953}}, the [[Wise]] gathered once more to debate about the [[Rings of Power]]. Saruman quieted the Council claiming to have the knowledge that the One Ring was lost forever in the [[Belegaer]]. Following their final meeting, Saruman took Isengard for his own and fortified it. Saruman, jealous and afraid of Gandalf, set spies to watch all his movements; thus he discovered the existence of the [[Shire]] and noted Gandalf's interest in it, and started sending agents in [[Bree]] and the [[Southfarthing]].<ref name="AppTA"/> As [[Lord of Isengard]], Saruman began to bring trouble to Rohan by aiding its enemies.<ref name="AppMark">{{App|Mark}}</ref> 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 declared himself openly. In Mordor, he established contact with Saruman through the [[Ithil-stone]] his minions had captured from [[Minas Ithil]]. Through his jealousy towards Gandalf and his ever-growing pride and arrogance, and through the use of the ''
palantír'', 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.

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

Saruman did not reveal his true intentions until Gandalf presented him with the discovery and location of the One Ring. On [[10 July]], {{TA|3018}}, Gandalf arrived at Isengard.<ref name="AppGreat">{{App|Great}}</ref> Saruman demanded that Gandalf submit to him 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. Saruman told them that he believed Gandalf knew the whereabouts of the Ring and the Riders departed.

In September of {{TA|3018}} the Nazgûl captured one of his [[the Shire|Shire]] [[Squint-eyed Southerner|spies]] who told the [[Witch-king]] everything, betraying Saruman, and exposing Saruman's double treachery. They also seized some maps and information about the Shire and [[Baggins]].<ref name="UT10"/> 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.

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. Whether he had hope he could escape, whether he was too proud to surrender to Gandalf, or whether he simply feared Sauron's retribution for his treachery, Saruman refused to leave the confines of his fortress. Saruman made a final attempt to woo Théoden and Gandalf to his cause but failed: his staff was broken and he was 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. Gandalf told Gríma that he was free to leave him but he did not reply. As Saruman was considered powerless, there was little concern for his escape.<ref>{{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. Saruman's voice was so powerful that he was able to convince the [[Witch-king]] that he knew nothing of the One-Ring or the Shire. His voice was not hypnotic, however, rather it was persuasive; and the real danger the voice posed to the listener was not them falling into a trance, but agreeing with it.

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

Other powers include knowledge of machinery and chemistry, probably separable from explicit magic (for instance, the "blasting fire" employed by his [[Uruk-hai]] army in the battle of [[Helm's Deep]], was 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 Gandalf) 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.

==Politics==

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

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

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

Gríma Wormtongue played a vital role in Saruman's plans: with Saruman's 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 [[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.

===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 he 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:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Saruman.jpg|thumb|right|Saruman in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]]]
'''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. Excerpts from [[The Hunt for the Ring]] are dramatised to flesh out Gandalf's escape from Isengard, and the Nazgul's pursuit. In the final episode Saruman's death at the hands of Wormtongue at Bag End is included.
[[File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - 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]] reprised 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> He appears as part of the [[White Council]] alongside [[Gandalf]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Elrond]]. He is skeptical about the appearance of a [[Sauron|Necromancer]] in [[Dol Guldur]].

==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]]

Saruman

2014-11-14T02:49:07Z

Ttenchantr: /* Inspiration */

{{sources}}
{{maiar infobox
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Saruman.jpg|250px]]
| name=Saruman
| pronun=
| othernames=Curumo, Curunír, the White, Ring-maker, Of many colours, [[Sharkey]]
| titles=
| position=Head of the [[White Council]]
| location=[[Orthanc]]
| affiliation=[[Istari]] (Wizards) [[White Council]] [[Sauron]]
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=[[3 November]] {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Hobbiton]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=White with strands of black<ref name="Voice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=White robes, shimmering with many colours
| weapons=Staff Knife
| steed=
}}
{{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 latter 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===
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 [[Palantíri|''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 [[Key of Orthanc]] in the ring of [[Isengard]] his abode, hoping that he would prove an 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|2851}}, the White Council met and Gandalf revealed that the evil presence in Dol Guldur was indeed Sauron and that he had returned, and urged an attack there. Saruman however believed that Sauron would be useful in his quest: allowing Sauron to build up his strength, the One Ring would reveal itself, and Saruman hoped to have sufficient strength to seize it first himself until that event. With this strategy in mind, Saruman overruled Gandalf. It soon became clear that Saruman desired to possess [[the One Ring]] himself.<ref name="AppTA">{{App|TA}}</ref>

He soon found that Sauron had more knowledge of the possible location of the One Ring than he expected, and in {{TA|2941}} he finally consented to an attack against Sauron at Dol Guldur at which point Sauron retreated to [[Mordor]].
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|Angus McBride - ''Dol Guldur'']]
In {{TA|2953}}, the [[Wise]] gathered once more to debate about the [[Rings of Power]]. Saruman quieted the Council claiming to have the knowledge that the One Ring was lost forever in the [[Belegaer]]. Following their final meeting, Saruman took Isengard for his own and fortified it. Saruman, jealous and afraid of Gandalf, set spies to watch all his movements; thus he discovered the existence of the [[Shire]] and noted Gandalf's interest in it, and started sending agents in [[Bree]] and the [[Southfarthing]].<ref name="AppTA"/> As [[Lord of Isengard]], Saruman began to bring trouble to Rohan by aiding its enemies.<ref name="AppMark">{{App|Mark}}</ref> 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 declared himself openly. In Mordor, he established contact with Saruman through the [[Ithil-stone]] his minions had captured from [[Minas Ithil]]. Through his jealousy towards Gandalf and his ever-growing pride and arrogance, and through the use of the ''
palantír'', 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.

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

Saruman did not reveal his true intentions until Gandalf presented him with the discovery and location of the One Ring. On [[10 July]], {{TA|3018}}, Gandalf arrived at Isengard.<ref name="AppGreat">{{App|Great}}</ref> Saruman demanded that Gandalf submit to him 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. Saruman told them that he believed Gandalf knew the whereabouts of the Ring and the Riders departed.

In September of {{TA|3018}} the Nazgûl captured one of his [[the Shire|Shire]] [[Squint-eyed Southerner|spies]] who told the [[Witch-king]] everything, betraying Saruman, and exposing Saruman's double treachery. They also seized some maps and information about the Shire and [[Baggins]].<ref name="UT10"/> 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.

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. Whether he had hope he could escape, whether he was too proud to surrender to Gandalf, or whether he simply feared Sauron's retribution for his treachery, Saruman refused to leave the confines of his fortress. Saruman made a final attempt to woo Théoden and Gandalf to his cause but failed: his staff was broken and he was 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. Gandalf told Gríma that he was free to leave him but he did not reply. As Saruman was considered powerless, there was little concern for his escape.<ref>{{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. Saruman's voice was so powerful that he was able to convince the [[Witch-king]] that he knew nothing of the One-Ring or the Shire. His voice was not hypnotic, however, rather it was persuasive; and the real danger the voice posed to the listener was not them falling into a trance, but agreeing with it.

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

Other powers include knowledge of machinery and chemistry, probably separable from explicit magic (for instance, the "blasting fire" employed by his [[Uruk-hai]] army in the battle of [[Helm's Deep]], was 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 Gandalf) 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.

==Politics==

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

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

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

Gríma Wormtongue played a vital role in Saruman's plans: with Saruman's 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 [[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.

===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 he 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', [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaruman|Jaruman]].

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
[[File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Saruman.jpg|thumb|right|Saruman in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]]]
'''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. Excerpts from [[The Hunt for the Ring]] are dramatised to flesh out Gandalf's escape from Isengard, and the Nazgul's pursuit. In the final episode Saruman's death at the hands of Wormtongue at Bag End is included.
[[File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - 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]] reprised 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> He appears as part of the [[White Council]] alongside [[Gandalf]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Elrond]]. He is skeptical about the appearance of a [[Sauron|Necromancer]] in [[Dol Guldur]].

==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]]

Michael Tolkien

2014-11-14T01:47:22Z

Ttenchantr:

{{expansion}}
{{disambig-two|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s son|grandson of Tolkien|[[Michael George Tolkien]]}}
'''Michael Hilary Reuel "Mick" Tolkien''' ([[22 October]], [[1920]] - [[27 February]], [[1984]]) was the second son of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R.]] and [[Edith Tolkien]]. Tolkien wrote the story ''[[Roverandom]]'' as a way to console Michael over the loss of his toy dog; Michael appears in the story as '''boy Two'''.

Michael owned the puppet on which [[Tom Bombadil]] was based. Like his father, Michael also had '''[[Atlantis]]-haunting''' dreams while J.R.R. never mentioned his own to him.

His grandson is [[Royd Tolkien]], who cameo'ed as a [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''.

==''Roverandom''==
In early September [[1925]], the Tolkien family (then [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Ronald]], [[Edith Tolkien|Edith]], [[John Tolkien|John]], [[Michael Tolkien|Michael]] and a one-year-old [[Christopher Tolkien|Christopher]]) went on holiday to the seaside resort of Filey in Yorkshire. Although Tolkien had holidayed there previously in [[1922]], Tolkien described Filey as "a very nasty little suburban seaside resort".<ref name="bio">{{HM|Bio}}</ref>{{rp|146}} During the holiday, Michael lost his beloved black-and-white toy dog on the beach; although the family searched for it, the toy dog could not be found.

To console his son, Tolkien created the story of ''Roverandom'' to explain the adventures of the dog. Tolkien wrote the story down, based on his own oral version, in [[1927]] and also provided a number of illustrations which have since been published.<ref name="AI">{{HM|AI}}</ref>{{rp|77-83}} A few years later, Tolkien submitted ''Roverandom'' for publication to [[George Allen & Unwin]] in [[1936]] and although the book described by [[Rayner Unwin]] as "well written and amusing" it was never considered for publication, perhaps as a result of a desire for a [[The Lord of the Rings|sequel to ''The Hobbit'']].<ref name="Roverandom">{{HM|R}}</ref>{{rp|xvii}}

Throughout the story, Michael is referred to as "boy Two" as he's Tolkien's second son. In the story, boy Two is brought home a toy dog which he later loses at the beach. He never forgets the dog and later meets Roverandom in the dreamland on the moon. At the end of the story, boy Two is reunited with Roverandom, who is now a real dog.<ref name="Roverandom"/>{{rp|88}}

==Family Tree==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | EDB |y| JRR | | | | | | | | | | | |JRR=[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]|EDB=[[Edith Tolkien|Edith Bratt]]}}
{{familytree| | | | |,|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|^|-|-|v|-|-|-|.|}}
{{familytree| | | | JOT | | JOG |y| MIT | | CHT | | PRT |JOT=[[John Tolkien]]|MIT='''MICHAEL TOLKIEN'''|CHT=[[Christopher Tolkien]]|PRT=[[Priscilla Tolkien]]|JOG=[[Joan Griffiths]]}}
{{familytree| | | |,|-|-|-|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.}}
{{familytree| | |JOT |~| HUB | | IRF |~| MIT |~| ROW | | JUT |~| ALC |JOT=[[Joanna Tolkien]]|HUB=[[Hugh Baker]]|IRF=[[Irene Ferrier]]|MIT=[[Michael George Tolkien|Michael Tolkien]]|ROW=[[Rosemary Walters]]|JUT=[[Judith Tolkien]]|ALC=[[Alan Crombleholme]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==External links==
*[http://archive.catholicherald.co.uk/article/16th-april-1948/2/labour-and-russia-stie-may-i-commend-the-insight-o Labour and Russia] (online letter by Michael Tolkien to ''The Catholic Herald'')
{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tolkien, Michael}}
[[Category:British people]]
[[Category:Letter receivers]]
[[Category:People by name]]
[[Category:Roverandom]]
[[Category:Tolkien Family]]
[[de:Michael Tolkien]]
[[fi:Michael Tolkien]]

Pelendur

2014-11-14T01:23:57Z

Ttenchantr:

{{gondorian infobox
| image=
| name=Pelendur
| pronun=
| othernames=
| titles=[[Steward of Gondor]]
| position=
| location=[[Gondor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth={{TA|1879}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{TA|1998}}
| deathlocation=
| age=119
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Húrin]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=[[Vorondil]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
'''Pelendur''' ([[Third Age]] {{TA|1879|n}}<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, p. 204</ref> – {{TA|1998|n}},<ref name="South">{{App|South}}</ref> aged 119 years) was a Steward of [[Gondor]], serving the Kings [[Ondoher]] and [[Eärnil II]].
==History==
Pelendur was a descendant of [[Húrin of Emyn Arnen]], an earlier Steward. All Stewards since Húrin had been chosen from among his descendants; after Pelendur the Stewardship became hereditary within the [[House of Húrin]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

In {{TA|1944}} King Ondoher and his two sons, [[Artamir]] and [[Faramir]] fell in battle north of the [[Morannon]]. With the king and all of his male heirs dead, Pelendur ruled Gondor until a new king could be selected. There were two claimants for the throne: Prince [[Arvedui]] of [[Arthedain]] and general [[Eärnil II|Eärnil]] who had defeated both the army of [[Harad]] near the River [[Poros]] and the [[Wainriders]] in the [[Battle of the Camp]].

Arvedui’s claim was based upon his descent from [[Isildur]] and upon his marriage to [[Fíriel]], Ondoher’s only remaining child. Pelendur played the chief part in rejecting Arvedui's claim. He contended that the crown belonged to the heirs of [[Meneldil]], son of [[Anárion]], since Isildur had relinquished the realm of Gondor. Also, he stated that the heritage of royalty was reckoned only through the sons. Although Arvedui countered Pelendur with strong arguments, in the end the [[Council of Gondor]] chose Eärnil, by virtue of his outstanding victories and because he was of the royal house (to the [[Dúnedain]] of Gondor the realm in [[Arthedain]] seemed a small thing and all of them gave their support to Eärnil).<ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

Eärnil was crowned as Eärnil II in {{TA|1945}} and Pelendur continued to serve as his Steward until his death in {{TA|1998|n}}.<ref name="South"/> Upon his death the title of the Steward became hereditary, and the office was assumed by his son, [[Vorondil]].

{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=gondorian
| house=[[House of Húrin]]
| born={{TA|1879}}
| died={{TA|1998}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Much earlier, [[Húrin of Emyn Arnen]]
| list=[[Steward of Gondor|Steward to the King of Gondor]]
| dates={{TA|1879}} – {{TA|1998}}
| next=[[Vorondil]]
}}
{{seq-end}}
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Stewards]]
[[de:Pelendur]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/dunedain/gondoriens/pelendur]]
[[fi:Pelendur]]

Rosalind Ramage

2014-11-13T23:52:40Z

Ttenchantr:

The '''poem for Rosalind Ramage''' refers to an [[Index:Unpublished material|unpublished]] [[Index:Poems by J.R.R. Tolkien|poem]] by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. The poem was "''written for an American girl named Rosalind Ramage who had written Tolkien a fan letter in October [[1964]]''". Tolkien submitted the poem, together with "[[The Dragon's Visit]]" and "[[Once upon a Time]]", for publication in ''[[Winter's Tales for Children 1]]''. Due to lack of space, only the two latter poems were included in the children's anthology.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Douglas A. Anderson]]|articleurl=http://tolkienandfantasy.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-mystery-of-lintips.html|articlename=The Mystery of Lintips|dated=22 July 2013|website=[http://tolkienandfantasy.blogspot.com/ Tolkien and Fantasy]|accessed=23 July 2013}}</ref>
{{references}}
[[Category:Poems by J.R.R. Tolkien]]
[[Category:Unpublished material]]

The Treason of Isengard

2014-11-13T23:34:10Z

Ttenchantr: /* From the publisher */

{{disambig-more|Isengard|[[Isengard (disambiguation)]]}}
{{book
| title=The Treason of Isengard
| image=[[File:The Treason of Isengard (HC2010).png|225px]]
| author=[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]
| editor=[[Christopher Tolkien]]
| illustrator=
| publisher=[[Allen and Unwin|Unwin Hyman]] (UK) [[Houghton Mifflin]] (US)
| date=[[7 September]] [[1989]] (UK) [[30 November]] [[1989]] (US)
| format=Hardcover
| pages=
| isbn=
| series=[[The History of Middle-earth]]
| precededby=[[The Return of the Shadow]]
| followedby=[[The War of the Ring]]
}}

'''''The Treason of Isengard''''' is the second volume of of the ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]'' and the seventh volume of ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]''.

==From the publisher==
''The Treason of Isengard'' continues the account of the creation of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' started in the earlier volume, ''[[The Return of the Shadow]]''. It traces the great expansion of the tale into new lands and new peoples south and east of the Misty Mountains: the emergence of [[Lothlórien]], of [[Ents]], of the [[Riders of Rohan]], and of [[Saruman]] the White in the fortress of [[Isengard]].

In brief outlines and penciled drafts dashed down on scraps of paper are seen the first entry of [[Galadriel]], the earliest ideas of the history of [[Gondor]], and the original meeting of [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]] and [[Éowyn]], its significance destined to be wholly transformed.

The book also contains a full account of the original map which was to be the basis of the emerging geography of [[Middle-earth]]; and an appendix examines the Runic alphabets, with illustrations of the forms and an analysis of the Runes used in the Book of [[Mazarbul]] found beside [[Balin]]'s tomb in [[Moria]].

==Contents==
*Foreword
*I "Gandalf's Delay"
*II "The Fourth Phase (1): From Hobbiton to Bree"
*III "The Fourth Phase (2): From Bree to the Ford of Rivendell"
*IV "Of Hamilcar, Gandalf, and Saruman"
*V "Bilbo's Song at Rivendell: Errantry and Eärendillinwë"
*VI "The Council of Elrond (1)"
*VII "The Council of Elrond (2)"
*VIII "The Ring Goes South"
*IX "The Mines of Moria (1): The Lord of Moria"
*X "The Mines of Moria (2): The Bridge"
*XI "The Story Foreseen from Moria"
*XII "Lothlórien"
*XIII "Galadriel"
*XIV "Farewell to Lórien"
*XV "The First Map of The Lord of the Rings"
*XVI "The Story Foreseen from Lórien"
*XVII "The Great River"
*XVIII "The Breaking of the Fellowship"
*XIX "The Departure of Boromir"
*XX "The Riders of Rohan"
*XXI "The Uruk-hai"
*XXII "Treebeard"
*XXIII "Notes on Various Topics"
*XXIV "The White Rider"
*XXV "The Story Foreseen from Fangorn"
*XXVI "The King of the Golden Hall"
*Appendix on Runes

==Publication History and Image Gallery==

<gallery>
File:The Treason of Isengard (1989).png|[[1989]], [[Allen and Unwin|Unwin Hyman]] 1st ed.; hardcover
File:The Treason of Isengard.jpg|[[1989]], [[Houghton Mifflin]]; hardcover; ISBN-13: 978-0044403968
File:The Treason of Isengard (HC1992).png|[[1992]], [[HarperCollins|Grafton]] 1st paperback ed.; ISBN 0261102206; Cover illustration by [[Roger Garland]]
File:The Treason of Isengard (HC1993).png|[[1993]], [[HarperCollins]]; ISBN 0261102206; Cover illustration by [[John Howe]]
File:The Treason of Isengard (2000).png|[[2000]], [[Houghton Mifflin|Mariner Books]]; ISBN 978-0618083589; Cover illustration by [[Alan Lee]]
File:The Treason of Isengard (HC2002).png|[[2002]], HarperCollins; paperback; ISBN 0261102206; Cover illustration by [[John Howe]]
File:The Treason of Isengard (HC2010).png|[[2010]], HarperCollins; reissue, hardcover
</gallery>

==External links==

*[http://www.tolkienbooks.net/php/gallery.php?subsection=66 Detailed publication history of UK editions at Tolkienbooks.net]

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The Shibboleth of Fëanor

2014-11-13T22:59:30Z

Ttenchantr: /* The case of the Quenya change of þ > s */

{{expansion}}
{{POME}}
'''The Shibboleth of Fëanor''' is the eleventh chapter of ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''. It primarily concerns the titular essay by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], which discusses the shift from ''þ'' (as in English 'thing') to ''s'' in the spoken '[[Noldor|Exilic]]' dialect of [[Quenya]], and how this phonological change was intimately connected to historical and political circumstances. Also included however are lengthy 'excursuses' from this essay regarding Elven '[[mother-names]]', the parentage of [[Gil-galad]], the westward migration of the [[Edain]], and the names of various prominent Noldor. Additionally the main body of the essay also contains an interesting tangent on [[Galadriel]].

==The case of the Quenya change of þ > s==

The basis of the essay is the 'anomolous' use of ''s'': Tolkien reasons that since in [[Sindarin]]—the vernacular tongue of the Noldor after their exile—''þ'' was common, the change ''þ > s'' must have become widespread before the Noldor left [[Valinor]]. And on the basis of the presence of ''þ'' in [[Vanyarin]] and [[Telerin]], and its retention in written Exilic Quenya the Noldor must have been aware and capable of producing the sound. He therefore concludes that the ''þ > s'' shift was "conscious and deliberate" and after the birth of [[Míriel]] but before the birth of [[Fëanor]].

Having pinpointed the origin of the change Tolkien goes on to discuss its adoption by the majority of Noldor and the historical context in which this occurred. Originally, he explains, the change was criticised by loremasters "who pointed out that the damage this merging would do in confusing stems and their derivatives that had been distinct in sound and sense had not yet been sufficiently considered". Chief among these 'reactionaries' was Fëanor, who in addition to scholarly reasons opposed ''þ > s'' because had become attached to the ''þ'' sound due to its presence in the [[mother-name]] of his mother Míriel, ''[[Þerindë]]'' ('Needlewoman'). Following the voluntary death of Míriel, and the animosity this produced between Fëanor and [[Finwë|Finwë's]] children by [[Indis]], this formerly scholarly debate became politicised. The use of ''þ'' by Fëanor and his followers became entrenched, and he saw the growing adoption of ''s'' by the Noldor, and especially now by Finwë and Indis themselves, as a deliberate insult to his mother and a plot by the [[Valar]] to weaken his influence amongst the Noldor. In this way Fëanor made ''þ > s'' a political [[wikipedia:shibboleth|shibboleth]]; he styled himself the 'Son of the ''Þerindë''' and would say to his children:
{{blockquote|We speak as is right, and as King Finwë himself did before he was led astray. We are his heirs by right and the elder house. Let them ''sá-sí'', if they can speak no better.|Fëanor<ref>{{HM|PM}}, "[[The Shibboleth of Fëanor]]", p. 336.</ref>}}
Finally, [[Finarfin]] and his house are discussed as exceptions to this division. They used ''Þ'', not because of Fëanor's arguments, but because of their fondness for and kinship with the Vanyar and Teleri, whose dialects retained it. Eventually however Finarfin's daughter [[Galadriel]], out of her intense dislike of Fëanor and its near-universal use amongst the Noldor of [[Beleriand]], came to favour ''s'' (e.g. in her [[Namárië|lament]]).

==About the text==

''The Shibboleth of Fëanor'' was drawn from a single unfinished typescript, with handwritten notes interspersed, composed sometime after [[1968]]. According to [[Christopher Tolkien]] it is typical of his father's latest work on the [[legendarium]] in that the production of new material resulted largely from discursive attempts to explain anomalies and unanswered questions in his earlier work, usually philological in nature, which often lead to treatments of widely varying subjects.<ref>{{HM|PM}}, Introduction to "Part Two: Late Writings".</ref>

Some notes (with advanced linguistic content) from the manuscript papers were excluded from the version presented in ''The Peoples of Middle-earth''. These were later published as "From ''The Shibboleth of Fëanor''" in [[Vinyar Tengwar 41|''Vinyar Tengwar'', Number 41]], edited and commented by [[Carl F. Hostetter]].<ref>{{VT|41b}}, p. 7.</ref>

==See also==
* [[Of the Darkening of Valinor]]

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The Complete Guide to Middle-earth

2014-11-13T22:41:38Z

Ttenchantr: /* Possible Inaccuracies */

{{book
| title=The Complete Guide to Middle-earth
| image=[[Image:The Complete Guide to Middle-earth.jpg|225px]]
| author=[[Robert Foster]]
| publisher=[[Random House|Random House Publishing Group]]
| date=Originally [[1971]]
| format=Hardcover
| pages=569
| isbn=0345465296
}}'''''The Complete Guide to Middle-earth''''' is a reference book for the fictional universe of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s [[Middle-earth]], compiled and edited by [[Robert Foster]].

Originally published in [[1971]] as ''A Guide to Middle-Earth'', before the publication of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', the first edition contained only information from ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' and ''[[The Hobbit]]''. In [[1978]], a new edition (''The Complete Guide to Middle-earth: from The Hobbit to The Silmarillion''), containing material from ''The Silmarillion'', was published.

A revised edition was published in [[2001]], as one of many reprints intended to ride the commercial wave of [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]].

In the Introduction to the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' (p. 6), [[Christopher Tolkien]] mentions that he has been using the Guide frequently, and commends it as "an admirable work of reference".

==Editions==

Detailed information on the early editions.<ref>[[Åke Bertenstam|Bertenstam, Åke]]: ''[http://www.forodrim.org/bibliography/tolklist.html A Chronological Bibliography of Books About Tolkien]''</ref>

* [[1971]]: ''A Guide to Middle-Earth''. Baltimore, Md.: The Mirage Press. xiii, 284, [7] pp., geneal. tables. 22.5 × 14.5 cm. (The Voyager Series, V-105) (The Anthem Series, A-1009)
* [[1974]]: Paperback edition: New York: Ballantine Books. 283 pp., geneal. tables. 18 cm. ISBN 0-345-24138-X (pbk)
* [[1978]]: ''The Complete Guide to Middle-earth: from The Hobbit to The Silmarillion''. New York: Ballantine Books. xvi, 575 pp., geneal. tables. 18 cm. ISBN 0-345-27975-1 (pbk)
* [[1978]]: British edition: London: Unwin Paperbacks. xii, [i], 441, [8] pp. 19.5 × 13 cm. ISBN 0-04-803001-5 (pbk): £1.50; ISBN 0-04-803002-3 (hbk)
==Structure==
A typical entry of the encyclopedia contains: a name; the language it belongs to; its translation from [[Elvish]], [[Adûnaic]] and sometimes [[Old English]] when known; and known dates when a character flourished; the first lines of the entry usually give a general definition of the topic, like race, heritage and role (in case of a character), leading to a chronological description or biography. The last paragraphs of the entry give a physical description or characteristics of the character with some speculations; the final paragraph gives the topic's alternative names, epithets, translation to other languages, and/or redirects to other entries.

The Guide is generally inclusive and there is no limitation to the topics it covers; it includes even obscure and little explored topics, like individual entries on each single [[Tengwar]] names. Many entries are simply epithets and only redirect to the names of their main entries.

The book begins with an introduction, an abbreviations legend and concludes with two appendices. The first appendix is a [[Timeline/First Age|chronology]] of the [[First Age]] in order to complement the [[Appendix B|Tale of Years]], and contains a prologue on Foster's reasoning and calculations based solely on descriptions in the ''Silmarillion''; the second appendix is genealogical trees of the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]], the [[Kings of Númenor]], the [[Kings of Gondor]] and [[Kings of Arnor|Arnor]], the [[House of Húrin]] and the [[Kings of Rohan]].

==Accuracy==
No edition of the book includes info on post-''Silmarillion'' material (i.e. ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' and ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' series) and therefore in points it is outdated or in error.
*'''Introduction''': It is explained that death dates of those who sailed to the West are not given in their characters' entries "for they live still". While this can be true for [[Gandalf]] and the [[Elves]], this is also implied for [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] and [[Gimli]]. This seems to contradict Tolkien's concept that the Undying Lands don't grant [[immortality]]<ref>{{L|154}}</ref><ref>{{L|246}}</ref>.

*'''[[Tar-Aldarion]]''': Foster speculates that the tragic relations with his [[Tar-Meneldur|father]] and [[Erendis|wife]] were because he left no male heirs. The later published text ''[[Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife|Aldarion and Erendis]]'' gives a detailed account on their relationship, mostly owing to Aldarion's obsession with [[the Sea]].

*'''[[Ambar]]''': Foster relates the [[Elvish]] words ''ambar'' "world" and ''[[umbar]]'' "fate". In the entry of Ambar, he mentions it is a concept related to fate of the world. The manuscript ''[[Parma Eldalamberon 17|Words Phrases and Passages]]'' later showed that while the two words are indeed related (through the [[Sundocarme|root]] [[MBAR]] "settle"), they are distinct in meaning.

*'''[[Elendilmir|Star of Elendil]]''': The royal symbol Elendilmir, and the [[Star of the Dúnedain]] given by [[Aragorn]] to [[Samwise Gamgee]] are mistaken to be the same. [[Christopher Tolkien]] refuted this.<ref>{{UT|7}}, Footnote 33, p. 284</ref>

===Possible Inaccuracies===
*'''[[Bladorthin]]''': Foster supports the usual misunderstanding that Bladorthin's spears were not delivered because he died early; while the text mentions those events closely to imply that they are connected, it doesn't really mention his death as premature or as a reason for the failed delivery.<ref>[[Andreas Möhn]], "[http://lalaith.vpsurf.de/Tolkien/Bladorthin.html Who was the King Bladorthin?]"</ref>

*'''[[Buckland]]''': The date {{FoA|42}} is mentioned as the date when Buckland and the [[Westmarch]] were officially added to the [[Shire]] by the gift of King [[Elessar]]. There are two mistakes in this statement: 1. The date has been corrected as {{SR|1452}} in later editions of the ''Lord of the Rings''; 2. Tolkien did not mention that Buckland joined the Shire: in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings Prologue|Prologue]]'' a semi-colon is intended to show that the Westmarch was added, but not Buckland.<ref>See [[Buckland#Part_of_the_Shire.3F|here]] and the [[Talk:Buckland|discussion here]]</ref>

*'''[[Dolmed]]''': Foster suggests that the mountain was destroyed at the end of the [[First Age]] when the [[Gulf of Lune]], broke through the [[Blue Mountains]]; while the text doesn't mention anything about it.<ref>[http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/site3/ Hiswelókë], "[http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/site3/articles.php?lng=en&pg=41 Mont Dolmed & cités naines]"</ref>

*'''[[Gollum]]''': Foster mentions that [[Déagol]] was [[Sméagol]]'s cousin while this is not mentioned in the texts. Tolkien went only as far as to suppose he was "evidently a relative (as no doubt all the members of the small community were)"<ref>{{L|214}}</ref>

*'''[[Gwaihir]]''': Foster reproduces the fan conception merging the character of the [[Great Eagle]] of ''The Hobbit'' to that of [[Gwaihir]], whereas nowhere is it implied in ''Lord of the Rings'' that Gwaihir is [[Lord of the Eagles]].

*'''[[Mearas]]''': Foster mentions the singular of ''mearas'' as ''meara'' (cf. entries for [[Shadowfax]] and [[Snowmane]]) while the correct [[Old English]] form is ''mearh''.<ref>[http://en.wiktionary.org Wiktionary], "[http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mearh mearh]"</ref>

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