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Shelob

2006-10-19T05:23:49Z

Mithrandir:

'''Shelob''' is a Giant Spider-like creature, she appears at the end of the second volume of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', where her attack leads to [[Sam Gamgee]]'s key decision to take over the quest to destroy the [[One Ring]].

==Shelob in the books==
[[Image:John Howe - Sam and Shelob.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Sam]] battles ''Shelob'' by [[John Howe]]]]

Shelob is a huge creature in spider form, high in the mountains of [[Mordor]], the last of the spawn of [[Ungoliant]]. (She may be a form of evil spirit, possibly a [[Maiar|Maia]] or with Maiar blood, instead of an actual spider.) Her lair is along the path that [[Sam Gamgee]] and [[Frodo Baggins]] take while seeking [[Mount Doom]]. Apparently she has some sort of understanding with [[Gollum]], whom the [[Orcs]] of the Tower of [[Cirith Ungol]] call "Her Shelob's Sneak".

She attacks and stings Frodo, who lapses into a death-like coma. Sam manages to defeat her by letting her impale herself upon Frodo's sword while trying to crush him, and she flees to her lair, wounded.

Thinking Frodo dead, Sam takes the [[One Ring]] from him and leaves his body behind, but discovers by listening to a party of Orcs that Shelob's venom is not intended to kill its victims but only to render them unconscious and keep their meat fresh.

Shelob occupies Terech Ungol beneath [[Cirith Ungol]], and may have once lived in [[Beleriand]], possibly in the [[Ered Gorgoroth]].

Shelob's brood (upon whom she would often feed) include the giant (but relatively smaller) spiders who capture [[Bilbo Baggins]]' Dwarf allies in [[Mirkwood]].

The name ''Shelob'' is derived from "lob", an archaic English word for spider. A variation, "cob" is the derivation of the word "cobweb".

She was the last of the decendents of Ungoliant at the time of the Lord of the Rings

==Film version==
[[Image:Shelob's face.jpg|thumb|left|Shelob's face from [[Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]].]]
In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]] based on the books, Shelob's appearance is held over until the middle of the third movie, ''[[Peter Jackson's The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''.

In the movie, Shelob can be seen to have a retractable venomous sting at the rear end between the spinnerets, resembling a wasp's sting. This is very much unlike real spiders which inject venom with their fangs but accurate relative to the novel. Shelob also appears to have a gaping mouth, whereas real spiders can ingest only liquid. In the book, on the other hand, "clusters" of eyes are mentioned, which may suggest compound eyes like those of insects; the Shelob in the movie does ''not'' have compound eyes, which is appropriate. A hunting spider of the family Lycosidae, which Shelob most closely resembles, would have two large eyes facing forward, and a few smaller ones almost hidden below. The only spiders that can reasonably be said to have "clustered" eyes (though not true compound eyes) are the daddy long-legs spiders of the family Pholcidae, but Shelob does not resemble these rather spindly and fragile spiders in other aspects of her physique.

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

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Creatures]]

Saruman

2006-10-10T05:30:25Z

Mithrandir:

{{Istari infobox
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Saruman.jpg|250px]]
| name= Saruman
| othernames= Of many colours, White, Ring-maker, Wise, Curunír, Curumo
| birth= Entered [[Middle-earth]] in III 1000
| death= III 3019
| robes=White
| gender=Male
| hair= Black, gradually turning white
| height=
| eyes=
|}}
{{quote|He has a mind of metal and wheels; and he does not care for growing things, except as far as they serve him for the moment. And now it is clear that he is a black traitor.|[[Treebeard]], ''[[Treebeard (chapter)]]''}}
'''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".

== Characteristics ==
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Saruman.jpg|right|150px]]
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.

Knowledge of the "deep arts" (or magic, such as it is in Middle-earth) was of particular interest to him, 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 [[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 human 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 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; 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.

The name given to him by Men, ''Saruman'', is in the [[Westron]] language. In Tolkien's works, this language is (almost) never shown directly, but translated into English and Anglo-Saxon forms. In this case, Tolkien used the Anglo-Saxon root word ''searu'' which means "skill" or "cunning". As a scholar, Tolkien would also have been well aware of the name of a similarly-named historic 'head of his order', Jaruman. The real Westron version of his name remains unknown.

His name among the Elves was ''Curunír'' and was often followed by ''Lán'', which means "white". In Valinor, his name was ''Curumo'', which is the [[Quenya]] translation of the same name.

== Origins ==
In [[Valinor]], the land of the god-like Valar in the West, a council was called by [[Manwë]]. This was likely shortly after the defeat of Sauron by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]]. 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.

== History ==

===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 [[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 [[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 [[2759 TA]], [[Beren, Steward of Gondor]], granted Saruman permission to make the 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 [[2850 TA]] 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 the 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 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 on it during the Council of [[Elrond]], where Gandalf also reported on Saruman's ring.

At this point Saruman also betrayed his new master Sauron by lying to the [[Nazgûl]], who were now searching for [[Bilbo Baggins|Baggins]], who had found the One Ring years before, and the Shire, his home. He pretended to know nothing, but the Nazgûl later captured one of his Shire spies (the Orc-like man in the Inn known as [[The Prancing Pony]]). Believing that he would find no pity from either quarter (a false assumption, as he was later offered pardon by Gandalf), Saruman now put all efforts into obtaining the One Ring for himself.

Not all of these efforts ever became clear, but they included sending spies to waylay [[Frodo Baggins]] on his flight from the Shire, attacking [[Rohan]] outright (he had been satisfied by weakening it through infiltration up until then, and through endeavouring to destroy Théodred, Théoden's heir) and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a company of the Ring might take to Gondor (one of these parties captured [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]). 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).

== 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 Erchamion|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 [[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 [[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]]), the [[Uruk-hai]]. 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]] (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 [[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 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.

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
[[Image:Saruman with Palantir from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|thumb|[[Christopher Lee]] as Saruman in [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]]]
[[Image:Saruman from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|thumb|left|Saruman from [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]]]
In [[Ralph Bakshi]]'s 1978 animated film of ''[[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]]'', Fraser Kerr provided the voice of Saruman. At one point in that film's development, film executives thought that the names "Saruman" and "Sauron" were too similar, and would confuse the audience, and decided that Saruman should be renamed "Aruman". This decision was eventually reversed, but some references to "Aruman" remained in the finished film.

Peter Howell played Saruman in BBC Radio's 1981 serialisation of ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|The Lord of the Rings]]''. In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]], 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 film, Gríma stabs Saruman in the back, causing him to fall on a spiked wheel below the tower of Orthanc.

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

{{istari}}

[[Category:Isengard and Saruman]]
[[category:Maiar]]

Aulë

2006-10-10T05:29:10Z

Mithrandir:

{{Pronounce|Aule.mp3|Ardamir}}
[[Quenya]]: 'invention', from [[Valarin]] '''Aȝûlêz'''.

'''Aulë''' is a [[Valar|Vala]], Smith of the Powers and concerned with rock and metal. During the creation of [[Arda]], Aulë was most involved in building the continents and mountains. He constructed [[Angainor]], the chain of [[Melkor]], and the vessels of the Sun and Moon. He is husband to [[Yavanna]]. His name apparently means ''invention''. He was also the third most powerful of the male Valar

Aulë created his own race of beings, the [[Dwarves]], because he was unwilling to wait for the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] to appear. [[Ilúvatar]] knew of this and even as Aulë was instructing them He chastened Aulë. Aulë repented, offering his children to [[Ilúvatar]], and [[Ilúvatar]] accepted them as His adopted children. Since [[Ilúvatar]] had decided that the [[Elves]] were to be the first-born race, He made the [[Dwarves]] to sleep until the [[Elves]] appeared on [[Arda]].

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Aulë Prepares to Destroy His Children.jpg|thumb|left|''Aulë Prepares to Destroy His Children'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
When the [[Elves]] came to [[Valinor]], the [[Ñoldor]] became the students of Aulë. [[Fëanor]] was his greatest pupil, and from him learned the craft to make the [[Silmarils]]. On the '''Flight of the Ñoldor''', the [[Ñoldor]] who returned to [[Valinor]] under [[Finarfin]] renamed themselves [[Aulendur]], [[Followers of Aulë]].

Several [[Maiar]] were associated with Aulë: [[Sauron]], before being corrupted by [[Melkor]]; and [[Saruman|Curumo]], who later went to [[Middle-earth]] as an [[Istar]] to combat [[Sauron]].

{{valar}}

[[Category:Valar]]
[[Category:Pronounced articles]]

Eye of Sauron

2006-10-08T10:59:26Z

Mithrandir:

{{quote|[[Gandalf|You]] know of what I speak. An eye, lidless, wreathed in flame.|[[Saruman]]}}
[[Image:Eye of Sauron.jpg|thumb|The ''Eye of Sauron'' from [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]].]]
From the highest tower of [[Barad-dûr]], [[Sauron]] kept an unceasing watch on the lands and kingdoms of Middle-earth. The '[[Eye of Sauron]]' is a reference to this unsleeping vigilance. In the book it was described as a sort of red light from an upper window. In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]] film version it was portrayed more literally as an eye, and had it moving between the pinnacles of the tower. It was destroyed when the One Ring was melted in the fires of Mount Doom

Elrond

2006-10-08T10:48:41Z

Mithrandir:

{{royalty infobox
| image=[[Image:Elrond.jpg|250px]]
| name= Elrond
| othernames=
| birth=
| rule=
| death= Passed on to [[Valinor]] in III 3021
| realms= [[Rivendell]]
| race=[[Elves|Half-Elf]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Brown
| eyes=
|}}
'''Elrond''' was one of the greatest [[Elves]] in the history of [[Middle-earth]] and one of the few characters to appear in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[The Hobbit]]'', and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. His name means “Star-dome,” which according to one account he received because in his youth he was playing in a cave underneath a waterfall. He was also a master of healing in his time. He held the great elven ring [[Vilya]]

== Elrond in the First and Second Ages ==
Elrond was born at the [[Havens of Sirion]] late in the [[First Age]]. His parents were [[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]]. He was thus [[Half-elven]]: Eärendil was the child of the mortal [[Tuor]] and the elf [[Idril]], while Elwing was the grandchild of [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] (a human) and [[Lúthien]] (daughter of the Elf-king [[Thingol]] and the Maia [[Melian]]). Consequently, Elrond was descended from all three tribes of the Elves ([[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] through Idril, [[Sindar]] through Luthien), a Maia, and the [[Edain]]. Elrond had a twin brother, [[Elros]], who later became the first king of [[Númenor]].

When the [[Sons of Fëanor]] attacked the Havens of Sirion, Elrond and his brother were taken captive by Maglor, and were subsequently raised by him. Following the [[War of Wrath]], because of his Half-elven heritage the [[Valar]] gave Elrond and his brother a choice whether to be counted among the kindred of Elves or of Men. Elrond chose to belong to the Firstborn, while Elros chose to become mortal. Elrond subsequently remained in [[Lindon]] with [[Gil-galad]], where he became known as a healer and loremaster.

When [[Sauron]] (disguised in his fair form as [[Annatar]]) came seeking entrance to Lindon during the Second Age, Elrond and Gil-galad sensed that he was not what he seemed, and denied him. Later, in Second Age 1697 during the wars of the Elves against Sauron, Elrond founded the refuge of [[Imladris]], also known as [[Rivendell]].

Elrond marched with Gil-galad and [[Elendil]] during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], serving as Gil-galad’s herald. He was present during the last battle of that war, witnessing the deaths of Gil-galad and Elendil. At the conclusion of that battle, when [[Isildur]] cut the [[One Ring]] from Sauron’s hand he and [[Círdan]] advised Isildur to destroy the Ring, but Isildur refused their counsel. Elrond subsequently returned to Rivendell, which prospered the coming years with the aid of the Ring of Air, [[Vilya]], that Elrond had received from Gil-galad. It has been argued that following Gil-galad’s death, Elrond had the right to become High King of the Noldor, but he never claimed the title.

== Elrond in the Third Age ==
Following Isildur’s death, Elrond received the shards of [[Narsil]], which he preserved for many years. He began his long tradition of fostering the heirs of Isildur by helping to raise Isildur’s son [[Valandil]], who had been left in Rivendell during the War of the Last Alliance. Centuries later, when the Northern Kingdom fell, Elrond took the other heirlooms of Arnor (the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]) into his keeping, holding them for the one who would eventually be able to reclaim the throne of [[Arnor]].

In Third Age 109, Elrond married [[Celebrían]], the daughter of [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn, Lord of Lórien|Celeborn]]. Their first children, the twins [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], were born in 130, and their daughter [[Arwen]] in 241.

In 2933, Elrond took [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]] as his foster-son in Rivendell, naming him ''Estel'' ("Hope") and concealing his heritage from him until he came of age. When Aragorn became an adult, Elrond gave him the Ring of Barahir and the shards of Narsil, foreseeing that Aragorn might be the one to claim the thrones of Gondor and Arnor. When Aragorn fell in love with Arwen, Elrond revealed to him that Arwen shared the choice of the Half-elven, and that one or the other of them would ultimately be parted from her forever. Elrond insisted that Arwen could not marry Aragorn until he became king of both Gondor and Arnor.

== Elrond in ''The Hobbit'' ==
In ''The Hobbit'', Elrond played a minor but significant role. During [[Thorin and Company]]’s stay in Rivendell, Elrond read the runes on the swords [[Orcrist]] and [[Glamdring]], identifying them as coming from [[Gondolin]]. He also read the [[moon-letters]] on Thorin’s [[Thrór's Map]], providing the information the Dwarves and Bilbo need to enter the [[Lonely Mountain]].

In ''The Hobbit'', it is said of Elrond that he “was an elf-friend — one of those people whose fathers came into the strange stories before the beginning of History, the wars of the evil goblins and the elves and the first men in the North. In those days of our tale there were still some people who had both elves and heroes of the North for ancestors, and Elrond the master of the house was their chief. He was as noble and as fair in face as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer.” ([[A Short Rest]]) Note that in this description he is not identified as an elf himself, as Tolkien had not at this stage decided that Elrond of Rivendell was the same person as Elrond the son of Earendil.

== Elrond in ''The Lord of the Rings'' ==
When [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] first leaves the Shire with the One Ring, it is always his intention to go to Rivendell to seek the advice of Elrond. Indeed, in his letter left at Bree, Gandalf counsels him to do so. Elrond’s first role in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is to heal Frodo of his wound sustained at [[Weathertop]]. Elrond then hosts the feast that is held when Frodo recovers. The description given of Elrond at that feast tells us that “the face of Elrond was ageless, neither old nor young, though in it was written the memory of many things both glad and sorrowful. His hair was dark as the shadows of twilight, and upon it was set a circlet of silver; his eyes were grey as a clear evening, and in them was a light like the light of stars. Venerable he seemed as a king crowned with many winters, and yet hale as a tried warrior in the fulness of his strength. He was the Lord of Rivendell and mighty among both Elves and Men.” ([[Many Meetings]])

Elrond’s principal role, of course, is as the leader of the [[Council of Elrond]]. During that meeting, he narrates what he knows of the history of Isildur and the Ring. He identifies Aragorn as Isildur’s Heir, and when Frodo ultimately volunteers to carry the Ring, Elrond affirms that decision as correct. Elrond also appears to have selected the members of the Fellowship other than Frodo and [[Sam]], accepting [[Merry]] and [[Pippin]] only reluctantly.

Later, Elrond sends his sons Elladan and Elrohir to join the [[Dunedain]] Rangers who ride to Rohan to join Aragorn. Through Elrohir, Elrond advises Aragorn to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. During the [[Last Debate]], Elrohir supports Aragorn’s decision to attack Mordor as a diversion to allow Frodo time to reach Mount Doom, saying that this was Elrond’s advice. Following the [[War of the Ring]], Elrond escorts Arwen to Minas Tirith for her marriage to Aragorn, and parts from her in great sorrow.

At the end of the story, Elrond is one of the Elves who takes ship to [[Valinor]] along with Frodo and the other Ringbearers. The Third Age is held to have ended with Elrond’s departure.

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
<gallery>
Image:Elrond, Lord of Rivendell.jpg|[[Hugo Weaving]] as Elrond from [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]
Image:Elrond from Rankin-Bass' The Hobbit.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in [[Rankin/Bass' The Hobbit]]
Image:Elrond from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]
</gallery>
In the BBC's 1981 radio serialization of [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|The Lord of the Rings]], Elrond is voiced by [[Hugh Dickson]].

In the [[Rankin/Bass]] animated version of [[Rankin/Bass' The Hobbit|The Hobbit]], Elrond is voiced by [[Cyril Ritchard]].

[[André Morell]] was the voice of Elrond in [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]].

In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]], Elrond is played by [[Hugo Weaving]]. His role in the movie is expanded beyond his role in the book, and the character appears in each of the three movies.

In [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]], Elrond first appears in the Prologue as a commander of the army of Elves in the War of the Last Alliance. A later flashback scene shows him actually taking Isildur into [[Mount Doom]], trying to persuade him to destroy the Ring. This scene is strongly paralleled in [[Peter Jackson's The Return of the King|The Return of the King]] when Frodo attempts to destroy the Ring, with Sam using some of the same words Elrond did in the earlier scene.

As in the book, Elrond heals Frodo’s wound from Weathertop. Elrond then has a conversation with Gandalf, discussing the many challenges that face them. Elrond argues that the Ring cannot remain in Rivendell (in the movie, Frodo appears to have thought that he would be able to leave the Ring there). He also expresses his doubts about the race of Men, and gives the first hints about Aragorn’s real identity. In the Council of Elrond, Elrond himself is the one who argues that the only option is to destroy the Ring. He does not select the Fellowship, but accepts those who volunteer.

Elrond gains two additional scenes in the Extended Edition of the movie. In the first, he talks with Aragorn beside the grave of Aragorn’s mother. Elrond encourages the reluctant Aragorn to accept his fate of becoming king. In the next scene, Elrond blesses the departing Fellowship.

In [[Peter Jackson's The Two Towers|The Two Towers]], Elrond is mainly appears in scenes involving Arwen. In a flashback, Aragorn remembers Elrond telling him to abandon his love for Arwen, allowing her to sail to Valinor. Aragorn attempts to do this, but Arwen denies him. In another scene, Elrond persuades Arwen that she should sail to Valinor, describing what will happen if she remains and Aragorn dies. Elrond then has a telepathic communication with Galadriel discussing the war that is beginning. He apparently suggests that she send an army to [[Helm’s Deep]] to aid the Men there, since when [[Haldir of Lórien|Haldir]] arrives at Helm’s Deep he says that he brings “word from Elrond of Rivendell.”

In [[Peter Jackson's The Return of the King|The Return of the King]], Elrond’s first scene is with Arwen, who has decided not to sail after all, but to return. Although he senses that she is dying Elrond acknowledges her choice. At her suggestion, he has the shards of Narsil re-forged, then carries the new sword to Aragorn at [[Dunharrow]]. He finally convinces Aragorn to accept his destiny, and advises him to take the Paths of the Dead. Later, Elrond escorts Arwen to [[Minas Tirith in Gondor|Minas Tirith]] for her wedding, and he finally sails to Valinor with the Ringbearers.

== See Also ==
* '''[[:Category:Images of Elrond|Images of Elrond]]'''
* [[Elrond, Herald of Gil-Galad polystone bust]]

[[Category:Half-elven]]
[[Category:Noldor]]

Seven Dwarf-rings

2006-10-08T10:45:44Z

Mithrandir:

[[Image:Noble Collection - Dwarven Ring of Power.jpg|thumb|A Dwarf-ring as conceived by [[The Noble Collection]]]]
The '''Seven Dwarf-rings''' were the [[Rings of Power]] given to seven [[Dwarf]] Lords by [[Sauron]] in the guise of [[Annatar]]. The most famous was the [[Ring of Thrór]], the Ring of Power given to [[Durin III]] king of [[Durin's folk]]. The Dwarf Lords proved resistant to the malevolent magic of the rings, which could not even turn them invisible. The rings did, however, make them exceedingly rich, but greedy as well. Angered by his failure, Sauron tried to gather the rings back to him. He succeed in finding two, while the other four were swallowed or destroyed by [[Dragons]]. The third ring was taken from [[Thráin II]] in [[TA 2845]] while he was imprisoned by Sauron in the dungeons of [[Dol Guldur]] and Gandalf arrived too late to prevent its happening

[[Category: Rings and Jewels]]