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Lesser rings

2011-10-05T10:06:29Z

174.6.18.65:

[[Image:Lesser ring.jpg|"Lesser Ring", as portrayed by Larry Forcella for ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game|MECCG]]''|thumb]]
The '''lesser rings''' were forged by the elves as essays in the craft of ring making. [[Gandalf]] mentioned these rings to [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] when recounting the origins of the [[Rings of Power]].<ref>{{HM|FR}}, "[[The Shadow of the Past]]"</ref>

==Other magic rings==

[[Saruman]] forged a lesser ring in his attempt to forge a Ring of power. His knowledge of the craft of ring-making was incomplete however, and so the power it had may not have even amounted to the power of a true lesser ring crafted by the elven-smiths. Whatever power Saruman's ring possessed would have faded when the One ring was destroyed since it was still based on the original craft of [[Sauron]].

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1995-1997''': '''''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'''''
:Several cards describing and depicting lesser rings were released, for example "The Oracle's Ring", "Wizard's Ring", and "Magic Rings" of different power (lore, stealth, courage, etc.).

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:[[Narchuil]] was one of the lesser rings forged by the elven-smiths. It was worn by [[Amarthiel]].

{{references}}

[[Category:Rings and Jewels]]

Lesser rings

2011-10-05T10:03:53Z

174.6.18.65: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

Lesser rings

2011-10-05T10:03:02Z

174.6.18.65: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

[[Image:Lesser ring.jpg|"Lesser Ring", as portrayed by Larry Forcella for ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game|MECCG]]''|thumb]]
The '''lesser rings''' were forged by the elves as essays in the craft of ring making. [[Gandalf]] mentioned these rings to [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] when recounting the origins of the [[Rings of Power]].<ref>{{HM|FR}}, "[[The Shadow of the Past]]"</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1995-1997''': '''''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'''''
:Several cards describing and depicting lesser rings were released, for example "The Oracle's Ring", "Wizard's Ring", and "Magic Rings" of different power (lore, stealth, courage, etc.).

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:[[Narchuil]] was one of the lesser rings forged by the elven-smiths. It was worn by [[Amarthiel]].

[[Saruman]] forged a lesser ring in his attempt to forge a Ring of power. His knowledge of the craft of ring-making was incomplete however, and so the power it had may not have even amounted to the power of a true lesser ring crafted by the elven-smiths. Whatever power Saruman's ring possessed would have faded when the One ring was destroyed since it was still based on the original craft of [[Sauron]].

{{references}}

[[Category:Rings and Jewels]]

Ring (disambiguation)

2011-10-05T09:46:41Z

174.6.18.65: /* Jewellery */

A '''ring''' is (usually) a jewel worn on one's finger. It can refer to:
__NOTOC__
==[[Arda]]==
===Jewellery===
* '''[[The One Ring]]''', forged by [[Sauron]].
** The [[Ring-inscription]], the [[Tengwar]] inscription around the One Ring.
** The [[Lord of the Ring]], a title of Sauron.
** The [[War of the Ring]], a great war which resulted in the destruction of the One Ring and Sauron.
** The [[Fellowship of the Ring]], nine members who were tasked with destroying the One Ring.
** The [[Ring-finder]] and the [[Ring-bearers]].
* The '''[[Rings of Power]]''', forged by [[Celebrimbor]].
** [[Three Rings|The Three]] for the [[Elves]]:
*** [[Narya]], the Ring of Fire, worn by [[Gil-galad]], [[Círdan]] and finally [[Gandalf]].
*** [[Nenya]], the Ring of Water, worn by [[Galadriel]].
*** [[Vilya]], the Ring of Air, worn by [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]].
** [[Nine Rings|The Nine]] for [[Men]], given to what would become the [[Nazgûl]].
** [[Seven Rings|The Seven]] for [[Dwarves]], of which only one is known:
*** [[Ring of Thrór]].

* The '''[[lesser rings]]''', forged by the [[Elves]].
* The Ring of Saruman, a lesser ring forged by [[Saruman]] in his attempt to forge a ring of power.
*The [[Ring of Barahir]], a heirloom of the [[Dúnedain]].

===Locations===
* [[Máhanaxar]], the ''Ring of Doom'' where the [[Valar]] met.
* The [[Ring of Isengard]], the walls around [[Orthanc]].

==[[:CATEGORY:Real-world|Real-world]]==
===Books===
*'' [[Morgoth's Ring]]'', the tenth book in ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' series.
** [[Morgoth's Ring (concept)]].
* ''[[The Ring goes South]]'', fifteenth chapter of [[The Fellowship of the Ring]].
* ''[[The Ring of Words]]'', a book about [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s time at the [[Oxford English Dictionary]].
* ''[[Tolkien's Ring]]'', a book by [[David Day]].
===Music===
* ''[[The Ring Goes South (Soundtrack)]]'', eleventh track on [[Howard Shore]]'s ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring Soundtrack]]''
* ''[[Der Ring des Nibelungen]]'', the music drama composed by [[Richard Wagner]] (also known as the ''Ring Cycle''), which often has been compared with ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''
==See Also==
*''[[The Fellowship of the Ring (disambiguation)]]''
*''[[The Lord of the Rings (disambiguation)]]''
*''[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]''
[[Category:Rings and Jewels]]
{{disambig}}

Saruman

2011-10-05T09:39:43Z

174.6.18.65: /* Powers */

{{sources}}{{Istari infobox
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Saruman.jpg|250px]]
| name=Saruman
| othernames=Curumo, Curunír, the White, Ring-maker, Of many colours, Sharkey
| coming={{TA|1000}}
| death={{TA|3019}}
| duty=Wizard
| robes=White
| gender=Male
| hair= Black, gradually turning white
| appearance= Tall, long faced with deep eyes
|}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Curumo.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{quote|[Saruman] is great among the Wise. He is the chief of my order and the head of the Council. His knowledge is deep, but his pride has grown with it, and he takes ill any meddling. The lore of the Elven-rings, great and small, is his province. He has long studied it, seeking the lost secrets of their making (....)|[[Gandalf]], ''[[The Shadow of the Past]]''}}
'''Saruman the White''' ([[Third Age]] c. 1000 – 3019, existed in [[Middle-earth]] for 2019 years) was the first of the order of [[Wizards]] (or [[Istari]]) who came to Middle-earth as Emissaries of the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. He was the leader of the [[White Council]]. In [[Sindarin]] his name was '''Curunír''', which meant "Man of Skill".

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

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

Saruman was one of those who volunteered, whereas the last one, ''[[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 [[Radagast]] with him, which he did not wish to do and which led to contempt for the latter Wizard.

===Arrival in Middle-earth===

According to most tales, Saruman arrived alone in a ship at [[Mithlond]] (the [[Grey Havens]]) in the west of [[Eriador]] around the year 1000 of the [[Third Age]], and only [[Círdan]] knew his identity and his origin. There are two short stories known that tell a bit different story. The first tells ''that [[Curumo]] (Saruman) took [[Radagast|Aiwendil]] ([[Radagast]]) because [[Yavanna]] begged him'', and the second states: ''"Curumo was obliged to take Aiwendil to please Yavanna wife of [[Aulë]],"'' (''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', Part Four, II: [[The Istari]]).

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 the year 2463 of the Third Age, Saruman was appointed its leader. Even then, he had begun to sense the resurgence of Sauron and to envy and desire his power, and especially his [[The One Ring|One Ring]]. Coincidentally, in that same year the One Ring was found by the creature [[Gollum]], drawing the [[Dark Lord]] closer to the conflict that would eventually prove Saruman's undoing.

===Chief of the White Council===

In [[Third Age 2759|T.A. 2759]], [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] of [[Gondor]], granted Saruman permission to make the [[Orthanc|Tower of Orthanc]] in the ring of [[Isengard]] his abode. There he became important in the defence of the free lands of the West. In Orthanc he came upon a [[palantír]], 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 [[Third Age 2850|T.A. 2850]] Gandalf entered [[Dol Guldur]] and confirmed that the evil presence there was indeed Sauron returned. By Saruman's advice, the White Council decided against attacking Dol Guldur. At this council-meeting Gandalf (for the first time) revealed that he suspected that Saruman desired to possess the One Ring.

Saruman's real strategy behind forestalling the Council's attempt at Dol Guldur focused on permitting Sauron to continue building up his strength, so that the One Ring would reveal itself. At that point Saruman hoped to have sufficient strength to seize it first himself. He soon found that Sauron had more knowledge of the possible location of the One Ring than he expected, and in 2941 TA he finally consented to an attack against Sauron at Dol Guldur (at which point Sauron retreats to [[Mordor]] and the [[Battle of Five Armies]] takes place).

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

Sauron abandoned Dol Guldur, arose again, and took up his reign in [[Mordor]], declaring himself openly. In Mordor, he established contact with Saruman through the palantír captured from [[Minas Ithil]] (later [[Minas Morgul]]). Through his jealousy towards Gandalf and his ever-growing pride and arrogance, and through the use of the palantír, wrestling in thought with the Enemy, Saruman became a servant of Sauron's will (although unintentionally, as his hopes were to gain the One Ring for himself).

===War of the Ring===

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

Saruman did not reveal his true intentions until Gandalf presented him with the discovery and location of the One Ring. He then revealed his contact with Sauron and belief that they must join the Dark Lord or fail. Saruman then stood forth as '''Saruman of Many Colours''', and when Gandalf refused to join with him, he held him captive in Isengard. Gandalf later escaped, and so Saruman's treachery became known to the rest of the White Council when Gandalf reported it during the subsequent [[Council of Elrond]].

Saruman soon also betrayed his new master Sauron by lying to the [[Witch-king]] when he arrived at Isengard. Sauron had sent the [[Nazgûl]] searching for [[Bilbo Baggins|Baggins]], who had found the One Ring years before, and the Shire, his home. Saruman pretended to know nothing about the Shire, but the Nazgûl later captured one of his [[the Shire|Shire]] spies. Caught now between both sides as a known traitor to both, Saruman put all efforts into obtaining [[the One Ring]] for himself.

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. He must have still had some hope he could somehow escape, and even that infinitely small chance was better than his certain humiliation at the hands of those he had tried to destroy. Saruman still made a final attempt to woo Théoden and Gandalf to his cause but failed: his staff was broken and he was dismissed from the order of the Istari.

It must have been during Gandalf's captivity in Orthanc that Saruman began to build his army of [[Orcs]], [[Dunlendings]], and [[Uruk-hai]], since Gandalf came to an as yet undestroyed Isengard. One can speculate that if matters had developed a little more slowly, his puppet Wormtongue would have gained full control over Rohan, and the [[Rohirrim]] would have been enslaved or destroyed.

Saruman's plans likely failed because he, like Sauron, was forced to reveal his hand early by Gandalf's subsequent escape, and therefore he had little time to perfect his plans. As Saruman considered himself "unfallen", he honestly believed he had a chance of converting Gandalf to his side, and felt honestly betrayed by Gandalf when he was refused. The failure to capture the Ring at Emyn Arnen further ruined Saruman's plans, as he was revealed as a traitor to Mordor now as well.

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. 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 Wormtongue on November 3, [[Third Age|T.A.]] 3019, when even this operation fell apart after Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee]] returned.

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

== Characteristics ==
In appearance, Saruman was as an old man with black hair. At the end of the Third Age, his hair and beard had turned mostly white — he had only black hairs about his lips and ears. He was tall, his face was long, and his eyes were deep and dark. He would appear in a white cloak, a habit he later changed into a cloak that changed colours as he moved.

He was not actually a [[Men|Man]], or even an [[Elves|Elf]] (as Men often suspected), but a [[Maiar|Maia]] clothed in flesh — an [[Istari|Istar]] ((see ''Origins'' below). As such, he was immortal and extremely powerful, yet had limits on how far these powers could be used. His two most salient powers were his knowledge and his voice.

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

His voice and speech were extremely convincing, more powerful than mere rhetoric. When he focused this power on a person or a group of people, he could sway their hearts, plant fears and sow lies as he pleased. According to the stature of the listener, this spell could last as long as the speech did, or it could take root in them and last forever.

Other powers include knowledge of machinery and chemistry, probably separable from explicit magic (for instance, the "blasting fire" employed by his [[Uruk-hai]] army in the battle of [[Helm's Deep]], was probably some kind of explosive). Machinery and engines characterized both his fortified [[Isengard]] and his altered [[the Shire|Shire]]. In this, he probably sought to emulate [[Sauron]].

His science also extended to biological areas. He is believed to have crossbred Men and Orcs, creating a new race of Orcs unafraid of daylight, the Uruk-hai. His mannish spies in [[Bree]] were said to have Orc blood. He also employed birds in his service, although this might also be attributed to [[Radagast]] the Brown, ordering them to report to [[Orthanc]], Saruman's stronghold.

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

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

=== Personality ===
Saruman resembled Gandalf not only in appearance, but originally also somewhat in character, but unlike Gandalf, Saruman was proud. He saw himself as the most powerful of the Istari, expressing clear contempt for Radagast the Brown. Saruman was no fool (though he saw Ragadast as one); he realized Gandalf's power, and eventually came to see him as an equal, and later as a superior, much to his distress. He became jealous of Gandalf, eventually convincing himself that Gandalf was scheming against him, which justified his own scheming against Gandalf and the rest of the White Council.

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

== Politics ==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

=== Istari/[[Wizards]] ===
Saruman grudgingly brought with him Radagast as a companion from Valinor, at the request of [[Yavanna]], yet still managed to arrive alone, and first. Shortly after, he went into the East with the two Blue Wizards ([[Alatar]] and [[Pallando]]), and later returned alone. The Ithryn Luin (as the Elves called them) went with Saruman into the East, and there may have wrought many great works to diminish the influence of the Enemy. Of their fate little is known.

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

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

Gandalf also suspected Saruman of plotting to gain the One Ring for himself, and hinted at this in a powerful scene at a meeting of the White Council. Gandalf blew nine small smoke rings and one great one that wavered a bit, seeming almost palpable, and yet blew away, symbolizing (almost prophetic of) Saruman's failure in achieving the One for himself.

In general, Saruman must have viewed Gandalf as his only peer, and as such to be feared and treated with (although not necessarily shown) respect. He always kept a watchful eye open for Gandalf's doings, and actually picked up the habit of smoking pipe-weed by sending out spies tailing Gandalf to the Shire.

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

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

Saruman several times came very close to setting aside his pride and to asking Gandalf for pity and help. The closest call came when the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]] (on their way to the Shire) arrived at Isengard while Gandalf still remained in captivity there. Saruman, realizing his predicament, actually went to seek Gandalf's pardon, only to find his erstwhile captive missing from the top of Orthanc.

=== Orcs ===
Saruman probably drew his original strength of Orcs from tribes in the [[Misty Mountains]], and perhaps from Moria Orcs. He made use of [[Wargs|Warg]]-mounted Orcs of the same kind that Bilbo and the dwarves fled from after they had been captured at the [[High Pass]] near [[Rivendell]].

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

=== Hobbits ===
The race of [[Hobbits]] and their lands seemed too insignificant to interest Saruman: until he took notice of Gandalf's special concern for them.

His secret interest in Gandalf's doings made him focus gradually more and more on the Hobbits and The Shire. For a period he actually travelled there in secret, mapping out the lands. Gandalf was aware of this, but at this point only amused.

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

His anger towards the Hobbits may possibly stem from the attention Gandalf showed them (and not himself, or his projects). It certainly strengthened immensely when he discovered that the Hobbits (to his mind) had conspired with Gandalf to keep [[the One Ring]] from him.

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

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

This all came together after Sauron's fall, when Saruman escaped from the Ents and retired to The Shire and his thug regime in place there. It appears he immediately switched the focus of this operation to wanton destruction: pollution, murder, fire, chopping down trees for no reason. He may have felt this would also allow him to deal a last blow to Gandalf.

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

=== Valar/Maiar ===
Saruman was supposedly eager to go to Middle-earth, against Manwë's counsel. After his 'death' he was apparently barred from returning to Valinor, and therefore was denied reincarnation and condemned to waft away and disappear like so much smoke. Sauron, in origin a Maia of Aulë like Saruman, amazed and frightened him. During the height of his arrogance Saruman thought to supplant Sauron as the Dark Lord, but in the end he found himself meddling with a spirit of far greater power than himself.

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

The name ''Saruman'' is a [[Mannish]] translation of [[Quenya]] ''[[Curumo]]'', his original name in [[Valinor]] as a Maia; and [[Sindarin]] ''[[Curunír]]'' which is supposedly the same name (with the ending ''[[dîr|-ndîr]]'' "man"). All names mean "Skilled Man" (root ''[[curu]]'' "skill").<ref name=RC81>{{HM|RC}}, p. 81</ref>{{fact}}

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

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

==Inspiration==
As a scholar, Tolkien would also have been well aware of the name of a similarly-named historic 'head of his order', Jaruman.
== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
[[Image:Saruman from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|thumb|right|Saruman from Ralph Bakshi's ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|The Lord of the Rings]]'' (1978)]]
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The voice of Saruman is provided by [[Robert Farquharson]].

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

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

[[Image:Saruman with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|thumb|[[Christopher Lee]] as Saruman in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'']]
'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Peter Howell]] played Saruman. Because the series follows a chronological timeline rather than the flashbacks of the books, Saruman's betrayal is brought out much sooner than in the book.

'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:Saruman was played by [[Christopher Lee]]. The film did not depict Saruman's adoption of the title "Saruman of Many Colours". The film also did not include the [[Scouring of the Shire]], but depicted Saruman being killed by Gríma Wormtongue in Isengard, after his encounter with Gandalf and Théoden. In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Special Extended DVD Edition|extended edition of ''The Return of the King'']], Gríma stabs Saruman in the back, causing him to fall on a spiked wheel below the tower of Orthanc.

'''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]]'']]
: Saruman will have a big role in the new [[Isengard]]-expansion.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Saruman|Images of Saruman]]
{{ainur}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]

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

Palantíri

2011-10-05T08:42:05Z

174.6.18.65: /* The Stones */

{{disambig-more|Palantír|[[Palantir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{objects
| image=[[Image:Raphael Rau - Palantir.jpg|250px]]
| name=Palantíri
| othernames=Seeing Stones
| derivation=[[Quenya|Q.]] ''[[palan]]'' "far, distant, wide" + ''[[tir]]'' "watch, guard"
| location=Various locations in [[Endor]]
| ownedby=[[Elendil]] and his line, [[Ruling Stewards]], [[Saruman]]
| maker=[[Noldor]] (likely [[Fëanor]])
| appearance=Smooth, round, dark stones
| references=''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Palantíri]]''
|}}
{{quote|The ''palantír'' replied to each, but all those in [[Gondor]] were ever open to the view of [[Osgiliath]]. Now it appears that, as the [[Orthanc|rock of Orthanc]] has withstood the storms of time, so there the ''palantír'' of that tower has remained. But alone it could do nothing but see small images of things far off and days remote. Very useful, no doubt, that was to [[Saruman]]; yet it seems that he was not content. Further and further abroad he gazed, until he cast his gaze upon [[Barad-dûr]]. Then he was caught!|[[Gandalf]], ''[[The Palantír]]''}}
The '''''palantíri''''' (sometimes translated as "''Seeing Stones''") were stones that could be used in communication with one another, and also to see many things across the face of the world. When its master looked in it, he could communicate with other Stones and anyone who might be looking into them; people of great power can manipulate the Stones to see virtually any part of the world.

==History==
===Origin and Early History===
The ''palantíri'' were made by the Noldor of [[Valinor]] in the [[Uttermost West]], possibly by [[Fëanor]]. twenty eight ''palantíri'' were made. nine of the stones were given to the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Númenor]] as a gift during the [[Second Age]] by [[Gil-galad]]. Of these, [[Elendil]] took seven with him on his flight to [[Middle-earth]] upon the [[Downfall of Númenor]], and in time they were distributed among seven places: four in [[Gondor]] and three in [[Arnor]]. They were used largely for communication, but also to see what was occuring through the realms. Their existence was common knowledge, but no-one was allowed easy access to them save for kings and rulers, appointed wardens, or by royal command.

===Third Age and beyond===
One by one the stones vanished from public knowledge or were lost. The [[Osgiliath-stone]] fell into [[Anduin]] during the [[Kin-strife]] and burning of that city in [[Third Age 1437|T.A. 1437]]. When [[Arvedui]], [[King of Arnor]], was shipwrecked and his line ended in [[Third Age 1975|T.A. 1975]], he drowned with the ''palantíri'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]], the only communicating stones of Arnor. When [[Minas Ithil]] fell in [[Third Age 2002|2002]], the stone was assumed destroyed in general. The wiser and more foresighted men of Gondor decided that in case Sauron had seized the Stone, they would stop using the [[Anor-stone]] to prevent any contact with the [[Dark Lord]]. As the [[Elostirion-stone]] was locked away and could not answer the other stones anyway, the only remaining stone was the [[Orthanc-stone]], which became useless to the Gondorians. When [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] gave [[Saruman]] the deserted but secure [[Orthanc]] in [[Third Age 2759|2759]], he likely assumed that Saruman, head of the leading order against Sauron, would keep it safe.

Several of these hidden or lost stones came to light during the [[War of the Ring]]. Previous to this, Saruman used his ''palantír'' to gain knowledge, and eventually was caught when he dared to looked toward [[Mordor]]. Thus, the above war was greatly affected by these stones. Later, upon Saruman's downfall, its rightful master [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] twisted it to his will, so that it no longer had a connection with the stolen Ithil stone.

The second ''palantír'' to be revealed was that of Minas Anor. Denethor, too, had glanced toward Mordor with it, but his great hate of incarnate evil and power of will prevented him from being snared, though it taxed him greatly. Partially because of what he saw he eventually committed suicide in the darkest hour. This stone was later used by King [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]], though it is said that anyone of weaker will who looked into it would see the writhing hands of Denethor in his final agony.

The final fate of most of the stones is unknown. The Elostirion-stone was taken west with the [[Ringbearer]]s in [[Third Age 3021|3021]] of the [[Third Age]], severing the last link of [[Middle-earth]] to [[Valinor]]. The stones of Anor and Orthanc are believed to have been reinstated in the [[Reunited Kingdom]] and used officially once more. The Ithil-stone may have been destroyed in the fall of Barad-dûr, but it is also possible that it too was found and reused in the Reunited Kingdom. Whether or not the other three lost stones were ever found is never indicated; the Osgiliath-stone may have rolled into the Sea, or it may have lain still in the Anduin. The stones of Arnor, however, were lost in the frozen seas of [[Forochel]], and therefore it is highly unlikely that they could ever be recovered.

==Appearance==
They were perfect spheres, appearing to be made of solid glass or deep black crystal. The smallest stones were one foot in diameter; the larger stones too large for a single man to bear. They were unbreakable save, some thought, by the fires of [[Orodruin]].

==The Stones==

* The '''[[Master-stone]]''' was not one of the seven, but remained in the [[Tower of Avallonë]] in [[Tol Eressëa]]. It was the master stone. It apparently could not communicate with the stones of [[Middle-earth]], or at least is not mentioned having done so.

* The '''[[Osgiliath-stone]]''' was the largest stone among the seven, and chief among them. It was placed in a prominent building in [[Osgiliath]], the capital city of the kingdom of [[Gondor]]. The ceiling of its chamber was painted to resemble a starry sky, and gave its name (''[[ost]]-[[gil]]iath'', the [[Dome of Stars]]) to the city itself. It was too large for one man to carry. This Stone was the first to be lost: during the civil war of the Kin-strife around the middle of the Third Age, the Dome of Stars was destroyed and the palantír fell into the River Anduin.

* The '''[[Elostirion-stone]]''', also known as the '''[[Elendil Stone]]''', was placed by [[Elendil]] in the tower of [[Elostirion]] in the [[Emyn Beraid]], just west of [[The Shire]]. The tower and stone were maintained and guarded by [[Círdan]] and the [[Lindon]]-[[elves]]. Its location was only known to a few and it remained hidden there until it was taken back to the West with the three Elven Rings. Elendil used it to looked back along the [[Straight Road]] to [[Eressëa]] and even the [[Tower of Avallonë]] and the [[Master-stone]], and though it is indicated that he tried, he could not see the fallen Númenor. It would only look west along the Straight Road to Avallónë and could not be used in communication with the other stones, and was unique in this respect.

* The '''[[Amon Sûl-stone]]''' was placed in the watch-tower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]]. It was the largest and most powerful of the [[Arnor]]ian ''palantíri'' and the one most used in communication with [[Gondor]]. Like the Osgiliath-stone, it "could not be lifted by one man.". Just before Angmar captured and destroyed the Watchtower in T.A. 1409, the Stone was removed and taken to Fornost. It remained there until Fornost too was overrun, when Arvedui took it to Forochel. It was lost in T.A. 1975 when the ship on which he was traveling foundered in the ice.

* The '''[[Annúminas-stone]]''' was also placed in Arnor, in the city of [[Annúminas]]. When Annúminas was abandoned and the Kings moved to Fornost, they took the palantír with them. This Stone was also lost when Arvedui was shipwrecked.

* The '''[[Ithil-stone]]''' was placed in [[Minas Ithil]], in the mountains that came to be known as the [[Ephel Dúath]]. When Minas Ithil fell to the [[Nazgûl]], the Ithil-stone was taken to [[Barad-dûr]] and used by [[Sauron]]. It was presumably lost at the fall of Sauron, buried in the wreckage of Barad-dûr.

* The '''[[Orthanc-stone]]''' was placed in the great tower built by the [[Dúnedain]] in the Second Age at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains]], [[Orthanc]]. It fell into the hands of the wizard [[Saruman]], who used it to garner information on his neighbors and their activities. The stone was also partially responsible for Saruman's fall from grace, as he was using it when he came upon [[Sauron]], and was ensnared by him. After the [[War of the Ring]], the Orthanc-stone remained in the custody of the Kings of Gondor in the [[Fourth Age]].

* The '''[[Anor-stone]]''' was placed at [[Minas Anor]], later renamed [[Minas Tirith]] and made the capital of [[Gondor]]. It was kept an unused secret by the Ruling Stewards until it was ultimately used by Steward [[Denethor II]] to watch his land, and he eventually even challenged Sauron in a battle of wills. Denethor did not become corrupted, but the great effort of will that this required of him led him to age quickly. [[Denethor II|Denethor]] was holding the stone when he committed suicide on a funeral pyre, and after this, only people of exceeding power could see in it anything other than two flaming hands.

==Usage==
[[Image:Saruman with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Saruman]] with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]The purpose of the stones in general was dual: to communicate with one another, and to see afar. All the stones save for the Elostirion-stone could be used in communication with one another, although the bigger and more powerful stones were favored for this use over long distances. The great Osgiliath-stone could spy on communication by the lesser stones, and a few others apparently also had special abilities. The stones' gaze could penetrate beyond any solid object, such as into deep caverns, but required light to see anything. A technique called ''[[shrouding]]'' was used when something was to be kept secret from any possible watchers using the stones. Knowledge of this technique was lost in time, although Sauron probably knew of it.

The user or "surveyer" of a ''palantír'' would first assure himself that the stone was oriented properly. Usually the stones were held firmly so that this did not have to occur at each viewing. Then the surveyer would take up a position facing the direction he would want to look; for instance, if he wished to look west, he would stand on the eastern side of the stone. The major stones, however, could be rotated, and thus did not require moving about. The stones were apparently controlled by will power; although chance largely dictated precisely upon what the gaze of the stones lay, the surveyer could manipulate and shift the gaze by merely concentrating, even when not touching the stone. This concentrating, however, was quite taxing, and so was not generally used save in urgent situations. Zooming in could be accomplished through the same methods, and standing three feet away from the stone achieved the best clarity and widest scope. Stronger and more skilled surveyers could generally see more easily and with less difficulty than others.

To communicate with another stone, the viewer would orient himself and look toward the location of that stone, and the two stones would automatically connect with one another unless one was being used in another conversation. The surveyer would transmit his thoughts to the other stone by thinking, but the person on the other end would hear it in his head. The surveyer and his contact would see one another, but sounds could not be transmitted save through the above method of thought.

The stones were generally placed in bowls or depressions in tables of black marble, oriented through trial and error so that the poles of the stone aligned with the center of the world. The kings usually appointed deputies to look in the stone regularly, or on command, or in times of emergency. Others not authorized by the king could use them, but it took a great amount of willpower, and things were often less clear.

==Etymology==
'''[[Palantír]]''' (pl. ''Palantíri'') is [[Quenya]], meaning "Far seeing". The [[Sindarin]] cognate is '''[[Gwachaedir]]''' (which is both the singular and plural form).

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Palantíri|Images of Palantíri]]
{{Palantiri}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Palantiri}}
[[Category:Palantíri| ]]
[[Category:Objects]]
[[Category:Quenya nouns]]
[[de:Palantíri]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/palantiri]]
[[fi:Palantíri]]