Of all the villains in epic fantasy, Saruman is one of the most recognizable.
The sight of gangly, thin-lipped Christopher Lee staring down in defiance at the ruins of Isengard from the Orthanc's black peak, in Peter Jackson's adaptation, is one of the most endearing images in modern motion picture.
Whether you've seen the movies, read the books, or have done both, there's plenty to learn from the tale of the power-obsessed Istari called Saruman.
Saruman, also called Curunír by the Elves, was one of the Istari, a group of five wizards sent as emissaries by the Valar to Middle-earth to help combat the rising power of Sauron.
Also known as the White Messenger, Saruman was the official head of the White Council. Upon reaching the continent, Saruman came to see Sauron in a different light. Against his mission, he sought to use subterfuge, pretending to join Sauron while secretly scheming to betray him.
Saruman's death in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings occurs in the final book of the trilogy. While the screenplay is quite different from the original story, The Lord of the Rings treats us to the intriguing sub-plot of Saruman, including his coming into power, tyranny, and final defeat.
The first and most important lesson in the life, tyranny, and the death of Saruman are the consequences of greed and misuse of power.
Yet he 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.
— Gandalf the Grey
Saruman's thirst for objects of power wasn't sated by the elven artifacts he acquired throughout Middle-earth. He studied the arts of Sauron, hoping to master them and, ultimately, to challenge Sauron for dominion over Middle-earth.
Aside from his exploits with the Palantir, Saruman took control of Isengard, transforming it into a fortress and an industrial powerhouse to create his army of Uruk-hai. He deforested the surrounding lands and built war machines, allying with Orcs and the Wild Men of Dunland to wreak havoc on Rohan.
His dabbling in the dark arts led to his discovery of a palantír, an arcane device that helped him establish contact with the Dark Lord.
Saruman also persuaded Radagast, another one of the Istari, to teach him how to tame birds and beasts. In secret, he schemed to use these creatures for his evil intent as spies.
In the end, Saruman's betrayal of his allies, such as Gandalf and the Free Peoples of Middle-earth, left him isolated, leading to his eventual defeat.
His alliance with the forces of evil only brought temporary advantage at the cost of ultimate ruin.
Saruman's exploitation of natural resources for his war efforts, with trees cut down and caverns converted into forges with furnaces for building war machines, destroyed Isengard's natural beauty and balance.
He was ultimately defeated at the Battle of Isengard, where the Ents, led by Treebeard, destroyed his fortress and imprisoned him in the tower of Orthanc. His power was broken, and he was confined to the Orthanc tower.
The lesson here is straightforward: Environmental stewardship is crucial. Exploiting nature for selfish ends can lead to ecological devastation and long-term harm to both the environment and humanity.
Just ask Saruman...
A new power is rising. Against it the old allies and policies will not avail us at all. There is no hope left in Elves or dying Númenor. This then is one choice before you, before us. We may join with that Power. It would be wise, Gandalf. There is hope that way. Its victory is at hand; and there will be rich reward for those that aided it.
—Saruman, speaking to Gandalf - The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
Saruman's character arc serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and ambition. His fall from a wise and noble wizard to a corrupt, power-hungry tyrant highlights the perils of forsaking one's principles for the sake of dominion.
Saruman was one of the main antagonists in The Two Towers, orchestrating attacks against Rohan and striving to obtain the One Ring for himself.
In The Return of the King, Saruman's final act of malice occurs when he escapes to the Shire and attempts to take control there. However, he is defeated by the Hobbits and is eventually killed by his servant, Gríma Wormtongue.
Saruman's fall is marked by his abandonment of the values and mission entrusted to him. Instead of guiding and aiding the people of Middle-earth, he seeks to dominate and control them.
When you stay true to your principles and purpose and do not sacrifice them for personal gain, you maintain your identity and respect.
Saruman's belief in his superiority and his disdain for others, including his fellow wizards and the simple folk of Middle-earth, such as the Hobbits, blinded him to the strengths and potential of those he underestimated.
Saruman's downfall is accelerated by his isolation. In the end, the combined efforts of diverse groups—the Ents, the people of Rohan, and the Fellowship—ultimately lead to his defeat.
The lesson here is that arrogance can cloud judgment and lead to underestimating others, resulting in strategic errors. That's why it's important to stay humble and maintain respect for the abilities of others in your surroundings, whether they're work colleagues, book club members, or family.
We trace the seeds of Saruman's eventual treachery to the Grey Havens, whose keeper sensed the malice within. With the Red Ring, Narya passed to Gandalf, his jealousy grew, from whence the fruits of betrayal sprang.
Saruman became evil the moment his desire for power led him to betray his mission. And, how dearly did he pay for it!
In unholy communion, Sauron charmed Saruman. The resulting betrayal was symbolized by his change from Saruman the White to Saruman of Many Colours, signifying his departure from his original purity and purpose.
Foremost of his many double-dealing activities were his attempts to weaken the king of Rohan with deceits and poisons. To this effect, he ensnared and corrupted Gríma Wormtongue, Théoden's royal counselor, with the promise of Éowyn's hand.
Saruman's descent into corruption started with his desire for power and knowledge. Initially a wise and respected leader, his unchecked ambition leads him to betray his original mission and ally with Sauron, whom he initially sought to oppose.
Saruman's journey from a powerful and respected wizard to a defeated and contemptible figure shows what can happen to the proud and corrupt.
They strut around, puffed up one minute. And the next, they are gone with the wind.
