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NOTE: This article is about the version of Saruman from the film saga by Peter Jackson. You may be looking for information on his original book counterpart or his Ralph Bakshi counterpart.
Villain Overview

You did not seriously think that a Hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron? There are none who can. Against the power of Mordor, there can be no victory. We must join with him, Gandalf. We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, my friend.
~ Saruman reveals his true colors to Gandalf.
There will be no dawn… for Men.
~ Saruman's most famous line.
The world is changing. Who now has the strength to stand against the armies of Isengard and Mordor? To stand against the might of Sauron and Saruman and the union of the Two Towers? Together, my Lord Sauron, we shall rule this Middle-earth. The old world will burn in the fires of industry, the forests will fall. A new order will rise! We will drive the machine of war with the sword and the spear and the iron fist of the Orc. We have only to remove those who oppose us. It will begin with Rohan. Too long have these peasants stood against you, but no more. Rohan, my Lord, is ready to fall.
~ Saruman's speech to Sauron.

Saruman the White is one of the two secondary antagonists (alongside Gollum) of the Middle-earth film series by Peter Jackson, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novels The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. He acts as the right-hand of Sauron and the ally-turned-archenemy of Gandalf.

Saruman was sent to Middle-earth to help counter the re-emerged Dark Lord; ultimately, Saruman's envy of Gandalf, coupled with his greed and accompanying arrogance led to him being lured by Sauron into his service. Betraying his allies, the White Wizard became the Dark Lord's puppet, an instrument by which to subjugate the Free Peoples. Even as he acted out his new master's will, Saruman sought to usurp Sauron's place as Lord of the Rings and of Middle-earth, if he possessed the One Ring. If he failed, the White Wizard thought he would least have the Dark Lord's favor and rule as his grey eminence.

From his seat of power at Orthanc in Isengard, Saruman recruited the Orcs of the Misty Mountains and allied with the Dunlendings against the neighboring Rohirrim. Commanded by Sauron, he builds him an overbearing army of Uruk-hai to conquer Rohan and form a second pincer with which to crush Gondor; Saruman also secures Gríma Wormtongue as a mole to further weaken Théoden. However, in his desperate gamble to seize the Ring first and cheat his master, he also sends Lurtz's elite force to hunt the Fellowship and capture the Ring-bearer.

He is played by the late Sir Christopher Lee, who also played Frankenstein's Monster in The Curse of Frankenstein, Count Dracula in the Hammer Studios' Dracula films, Fu Manchu in Hammer's Fu Manchu series, Lord Summerisle in The Wicker Man, Kato in Mio, My Mio, Francisco Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun, King Haggard in The Last Unicorn, Cushing Catheter in Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, and the Jabberwocky in Alice In Wonderland.

Biography[]

Past[]

Like Gandalf, Saruman was an angelic being known as a Maia. Following the first downfall of Sauron, Saruman was sent to Middle-earth as the chief of the Order of Istari, being originally the first and greatest of their members. The White Wizard's duty was to rally the Free Peoples should the Dark Lord return. He eventually joined the White Council, a group of wise beings conferring on how to face the steady re-emergence of their ancient Enemy. At face-value true to his mission, the White Wizard dabbled into the study of the Dark Lord's occult arts, especially the Rings of Power, which only helped nurture a blossoming admiration; deep down, Saruman believed he could become almost or quite the equal of Sauron himself in due time.

Though he had his own doubts about Sauron's ousting and the loss of the One Ring, Saruman made a habit of upsetting Gandalf's efforts, envying the appreciation received by the latter from their peers and unwilling to accept the validity of another party's point out of pride. According to the Grey Pilgrim, the White Wizard believed that only a "great power" could ensure Middle-earth's welfare, pointing to one of the reasons for his fascination with the overthrown Dark Lord - in later years, Saruman did indeed refer to Sauron as the "(new) power".

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey[]

As the White Council convene in Rivendell, Gandalf discusses a threat that concerns him greatly: a union between the returned Sauron and Smaug, the Dragon that sacked the realm Erebor. Saruman dismisses Gandalf's concerns, arguing that Sauron is long vanquished and can never return. In the extended edition, when the Grey Pilgrim reminds him that the last of the Seven Dwarven Rings of Power "simply vanished", the White Wizard counters that the artefact is of no value to the Dark Lord without the One Ring. To alleviate the matter, Saruman fleetingly reiterates that the Ring had probably been washed by the Anduin River into the Great Sea.

Unshaken by Saruman's belittling, Gandalf presents the Morgul blade of the Witch-king of Angmar to the Council as proof of Sauron's re-emergence before revealing that there is a Necromancer (Sauron) residing in Dol Guldur. Out of sheer pride, Saruman is again dismissive; arguing that the Necromancer was merely a mortal conjurer practicing Sauron's fell magics and that he cannot condone the Quest for Erebor since the idea is foolish. In truth, Saruman is irked that Thorin Oakenshield sought Gandalf's counsel and not his. Plain to Gandalf beforehand that the White Wizard would not relent out of sheer spite, he secretly urges the Dwarves to leave Rivendell without him.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies[]

Saruman the White 19

Saruman in Dol Guldur

Saruman assists Galadriel while rescuing Gandalf in Dol Guldur. Saruman and Elrond take on the Nine Nazgûl with him fighting the Witch-king of Angmar on several occasions. When Sauron himself emerges, the White Wizard appears to be paralyzed with both awe and fear at the Dark Lord's power; helplessly raising his hand to seemingly withstand him. After Galadriel banishes Sauron from Dol Guldur, draining much of her reserves in the process, Saruman appears to have made a serious decision as he dissuades Elrond from pursuing Sauron by feigning concern for Galadriel's weakened state and telling his allies that Sauron should be left to him. In truth, the Wizard now clearly believes that the Dark Lord cannot be opposed and that it is therefore wiser to swear fealty to him and try to share in his power by whatever means necessary.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring[]

Seeking Saruman's counsel in countering Sauron, Gandalf travels to Isengard after he discovers that Bilbo Baggins discovered the One Ring in the Misty Mountains. Once within the ringed fortress, the Grey Pilgrim is surprised to see that the White Wizard seems unmoved by his concerns, only showing interest when the Shire is revealed as the One Ring's location. After revealing he has a Palantir and knows of the Nazgûl's emergence from Dol Ghuldur. Saruman reveals his true colors; already having betrayed the White Council and now owing allegiance to Sauron, he stresses the need for Gandalf to join them for Sauron's victory is inevitable. The Grey Pilgrim refuses to submit to the Dark Lord and mocks the corrupted Wizard's descent into desperation and lust for more power so Saruman fights Gandalf which ends in him trapping Gandalf at the top of the Tower of Orthanc.

In preparation for the War of the Ring, the corrupted Wizard uses his Palantir to communicate with the Dark Lord who bids that he build him a worthy army. Aided by his Orcs gathered from both Mordor and the Misty Mountains in muddy caverns tunnelled around Orthanc, Saruman sets to work: trees are cut down and the gardens of Isengard destroyed, fires fuel the smithies that will forge Sauron's arsenal in the underground watery caverns and the Uruk-hai worm their way out of the birth pods they long waited in to raise up arms for their overlords. The Wizard plans to use these fearsome "perfected" warriors that can travel long distances in daylight not only for the Dark Lord's requested legions but also in his own smaller fighting force that will hunt the Ring-bearer.

As work unfolds, Saruman confronts Gandalf on the rooftop of Orthanc, trying to discern the whereabouts of the Ring or force the latter to submit to Sauron. Gandalf instead warns Saruman that both his plots were far-fetched: he will be only a tool to Sauron, who did not share power with his thralls and who was the only Lord of the Ring. As he finishes, Gandalf jumps and is picked up by Gwaihir the Windlord which allows him to escape although Sarumon is unworried. Crebain spies watching over the Pass of Rohan force the Fellowship of the Ring to take the dangerous Pass of Caradhras on their way to Mordor. Informed by his crown agents of the road taken by the company, the corrupted Wizard uses his dark magics to make the spirit of the mountain cause avalanches and snowstorms over the pass. Saruman revels in how he is now forcing Gandalf's hand to either choose the Gap of Rohan which will allow him to obtain the Ring for himself or go through the mines of Moria to Sauron's benefit.

By the time the Fellowship is about to depart Lothlórien, Saruman summons Lurtz for an audience in Orthanc. Clear that his minion's loyalty lies first with him, the Wizard puts him in charge of a fighting company and tasks him with retrieving the Ring-bearer but Saruman instructs Lurtz to bring him (and not Sauron) the Hobbits alive and unspoiled. In an ensuing ambush at Amon Hen, the warriors of Isengard take Merry and Pippin, incorrectly assuming they are the ones carrying Saruman's "prize", though Lurtz himself is killed by Aragorn in the process.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers[]

His Master's principal vassal (or "puppet", according to Gandalf and Galadriel), Saruman moves on Sauron's behalf against the neighboring realm of Rohan. Having bought the loyalty of King Théoden's royal adviser Gríma Wormtongue, Saruman teaches him to sap the ailing Théoden of strength through poisons and spells; rendering Rohan weak before the union of Isengard and Mordor. Through his Seeing-Stone, the corrupted Wizard converses with the Dark Lord, assuring his Master that the horse-riders who has opposed him so far will fall and that they "shall rule this Middle-earth". Whilst new lumberjack camps are established on the eaves of Fangorn Forest to fuel the war machine, the Warg-rider captain Sharku throws in his lot with Saruman, soon followed by the barbaric chieftain Freca of Dunland who is persuaded to swear him a blood-oath.

To spread terror among Sauron's adversaries, Saruman sends large war-bands of Isengard Orcs, Uruk-hai and wild Dunlendings to pillage Rohirrim villages, plundering for riches, slaying the peasants and burning the Westfold as they go; one such raiding party mortally wounds Théoden's son and heir, Théodred, further weakening the Rohirrim leadership. However, Gandalf, now Gandalf the White and more powerful than the turncoat Saruman, breaks the latter's control over Théoden and Gríma is banished. Fleeing the King's wrath, Wormtongue returns to the corrupted Wizard. and tells Saruman how Gandalf was accompanied by a Man bearing the Ring of Barahir, allowing Saruman to uncover the survival of Isildur's Heir. Although dismissive of Aragorn, Saruman still seems to report his finding to Sauron, confirming the rumours that had reached his Master's ears.

Gríma further tells Saruman that Théoden will expect an attack on the capital of Edoras and instead seek refuge in the stronghold of Helm's Deep. Wormtongue's constant questioning finally prompts the Wizard to reveal the impressive army the Dark Lord commanded him to muster for his assault upon the word of Men. Proclaiming amidst the fervent chanting that the victory of Sauron is at hand, Saruman lets loose the 10,000-strong Uruk-hai army upon the Rohirrim. Heavily armed, the Uruk-hai host march across the plains of Rohan towards the Helm's Deep; the Battle of the Hornburg is harsh and brutal, Saruman's army holding the advantage against Théoden's men and the Elven reinforcements led by Haldir.

However, the unexpected arrival of Gandalf and Éomer's Rohirrim turn the tide and the Uruk-hai host is defeated and slain to the last by the vengeful Huorns who had cut off their escape. The Ents, meanwhile, attack Isengard, catching Saruman, who had trusted his army to have succeeded, by surprise. With most of his army attacking Helms Deep, the meager Orc forces are no match for the Ents who completely destroy Isengard and its factories. The machineries that belch foul vapors are shattered, the ringed fortress's caverns flood due to the dam's breaking and his allies die or flee so the Wizard seals himself in his tower, later looking out the balcony with Wormtongue on the disaster outside.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King[]

Even defeated, the corrupted Wizard is unbroken and dangerous; still confident that the Dark Lord will be triumphant as he knows that Sauron would attack the city of Minas Tirith due to the weakness of its Steward, Denethor, and the desire for retribution for Helm's Deep. Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Théoden, and Éomer come to talk to Saruman and ask him to reveal his knowledge regarding Sauron's plots but, arrogant as ever, the corrupted Wizard belittles them and shoots a fireball at the new White Wizard but Gandalf breaks his staff and banishes him from the order of the Istari.

Théoden offers Gríma a chance to rejoin the Riders of Rohan by climbing down from Orthanc's rooftop. Having understood too late what submitting to the Dark Lord and his right-hand means, Wormtongue is eager to escape the poor treatment of his oppressive masters. Saruman counters that Gríma will never be free of him to which Gríma ominously agrees before being slapped down, As the Wizard angrily shouts that he will not be held prisoner in his own tower, an enraged Wormtongue stabs him in the back with a knife, twice, to "free" himself from him. Saruman falls over the edge of Orthanc's rooftop and is impaled in the spike of a wheel that was once part of one of his own machines. The Palantir falls from his robe's sleeve, allowing Gandalf and the others to discover Sauron's intention to attack Minas Tirith next.

In the original version of the film, Saruman is never seen and only mentioned to be shut up in his tower. It is is unknown what happened to him in this version.

Personality[]

Tell me, "friend." When did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?!
~ Gandalf after Saruman revealed his new allegiance to Sauron.

Saruman was once a wise Wizard sent to guide the Free Peoples against the machinations of Sauron alongside the rest of the White Council. He believed only great power could keep doom at bay, unlike Gandalf. Though professedly a friend and ally of Gandalf, Saruman despised him and used every opportunity to thwart and belittle him. Saruman's beliefs coupled with his arrogance, greed and lust for more power led to him developing an idolization of Sauron, enough so that he considered submitting to him even before formally swearing his fealty. The corrupted Wizard believed that if he curried the Dark Lord's favor, the latter would impart some of his power and teachings to him, making him a right-hand of quasi-equal status, so he betrayed the White Council and the Free Peoples and began serving Sauron. The turncoat was too proud, thus, to understand he was a mere "puppet" for his Master. Though largely committed to Sauron, Saruman entertained the thought of acquiring the Ring first behind his back to try usurp him as both Middle-earth's self-styled ruler and the new Lord of the Ring.

He was incredibly knowledgeable and cunning, coming up with effective and vile plans such as mentally controlling Théoden. Saruman was very arrogant, looking down on Radagast as a "fool" and the men of Rohan as "peasants" living in "a thatched barn". He was willing to commit any vile crime with no remorse, such as burning entire villages and wiping out the entire race of Men, beginning with Rohan, showing he had shed any morality he might have originally possessed. He had no problem ordering the slaying of women and children, sending out his Warg riders to kill the refugees of Edoras, even after hearing there are women and children with them. Saruman's true cruelty and disregard for life would reach incredible heights, to the point of sending 10,000 Uruk-Hai to Helm's Deep for the sake of completely exterminating everyone from Rohan without mercy and burning the trees of Fangorn forest despite knowing they are living creatures to fuel Sauron's war machine. Indeed, the corrupted Wizard was surpassed in terms of evil by the Dark Lord only, being less evil in that he toiled for his Master also and not solely for himself. However, this combination of ruthlessness, disregard for life, and arrogance ended up being his undoing, because due to sending his entire army of his strongest warriors there, he left Isengard thinly defended when Treebeard led the Ents in attacking him for callously having many of their kin cut down and/or burned. Due to only having average Orcs left to defend him and the tower, they were overwhelmed and defeated very easily.

Following his defeat, Saruman was also shown to be bitter and spiteful, cursing Gandalf and Théoden in the aftermath of receiving his comeuppance. He also continued to show his faith in Sauron's victory and deemed the doom of their enemies inevitable. Saruman was also sadistic as he cruelly and gleefully gloated to Gandalf that Frodo Baggins had been sent like a sheep to slaughter and guilt-tripped Gandalf over it. He dismissed the potential of Aragorn being able stand against Sauron as King of the realm of Gondor. Saruman was also needlessly cruel to Gríma Wormtongue, his most helpful pawn, beating him in public and calling him a "cur".

Powers and Abilities[]

  • Power: As a White Wizard, the most powerful type of wizard on Middle Earth, Saruman was incredibly powerful and much stronger than Gandalf the Grey. He was super-ordinate to any of the Uruk-hai and Orcs but was weaker than Sauron or the Witch-king of Angmar and on par with Gandalf the White.
  • Longevity: Saruman lived thousands of lifetimes but was not immortal since Grima killed him.
  • Endurance: Saruman was capable of being thrown around by Gandalf's magic (including through locked doors and into a bronze statue) but nothing seemed to faze him.
  • Expert Fighter: Saruman was shown to have some fighting skills as shown in his battle against the Ringwraiths.
  • Vast Knowledge: Similarly to Gandalf, thanks to living many lives of man, Saruman had a vast knowledge of Middle-earth, much of which was documented in many books he kept in his tower. He also has great magical knowledge, such as of the casting of spells and use of the palantír.
  • High Intelligence: Saruman was very wise and intelligent, able to craft powerful weapons such as explosives, breed a new breed of Orc dubbed the Uruk-hai and strategize the downfall of Rohan and a very nearly successful attack on Helm's Deep, finding a way to exploit their defenses.
  • Magic: As the White Wizard and later Sauron's disciple, Saruman had vast magical powers that excelled all his peers, including Gandalf the Grey.
    • Telekinesis: Saruman was capable of telekinesis; able to slam the doors around his Palantir room just by looking at them.
    • Animal Communication: Like Gandalf, Saruman was capable of communicating with animals; using this ability to receive information from his Crebain spies.
    • Mind Corruption: One of Saruman's most disturbing abilities was his ability to corrupt and gain control over the minds of others, as he did with Théoden, to the point of even speaking through him.
    • Atmokinesis: Another of Saruman's most destructive abilities is his weather manipulation, allowing him to create incredibly powerful storms such as the one he cast upon Caradhras.

Arsenal[]

  • White Wizard Staff: Saruman's signature weapon was a large black staff with embedded blue jewels.
    • Telekinesis: Saruman could channel his telekinesis into his staff to be able to pick up and throw around Gandalf.
    • Force Wave: Saruman could swing his staff to release an invisible shock-wave powerful enough to knock down Gandalf.
    • Pyrokinesis: Saruman could cast fire from his staff which he used to try and smite Gandalf whilst imprisoned in Orthanc.
  • Palantir: Saruman used a Palantir (a crystal ball-like object that Gandalf noted was used by evil) to communicate with Sauron and cast his spell on Caradhras.

Victims[]

Saruman ordered and is responsible for countless deaths including:

  • Boromir - Killed by being shot with arrows by Lurtz after ordering the latter and a group of Uruk-hai to capture the Hobbits and murder the rest of the Fellowship.
  • Tens of thousands of Rohan peasants (including children) - Slaughtered during the burning of the Westfold.
  • Theodred - Mortally wounded by his Uruk-hai during an attack and died of his wounds.
  • Countless Ents and Trees of Fangorn forest - Burned to fuel the fires to create weapons for his army.
  • Háma - Killed by a Warg rider scout after ordering a Warg rider attack on the fleeing people of Rohan.
  • Several soldiers of Rohan - Killed by an ordered Warg riders attack on the people of Rohan.
  • Haldir - Killed by an Uruk-hai during the Battle of Helm's Deep.
  • The entirety of Haldir's Elf army - Wiped out during the Battle of Helm's Deep.
  • Hundreds of Rohan soldiers (including children) - Killed during the Battle of Helm's Deep.

Quotes[]

The Fellowship of the Ring[]

Smoke rises from the mountain of Doom. The hour grows late and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking my counsel. For that is why you have come, is it not… my old friend?
~ Saruman when Gandalf arrived in Isengard.
So, the Ring of Power has been found.
~ Saruman after learning that the Ring of Power has been found.
Yet you did not have the wit to see it. Your love of the halfling's leaf has clearly slowed your mind.
~ Saruman to Gandalf.
Sauron has regained much of his former strength. He cannot yet take physical form, but his spirit has lost none of its potency. Concealed within his fortress, the Lord of Mordor sees all — his gaze pierces cloud, shadow, earth and flesh. You know of what I speak, Gandalf — a great Eye… lidless… wreathed in flame.
~ Saruman tells Gandalf about the coming return of Sauron.
He is gathering all evil to him. Very soon he will summon an army great enough to launch an assault upon Middle-Earth.
~ Saruman tells Gandalf that Sauron will soon attack Middle-Earth.
The hour is later than you think. Sauron's forces are already moving. The Nine have left Minas Morgul. They crossed the River Isen on Midsummer's Eve, disguised as riders in black. They will find the Ring… and kill the one who carries it.
~ Saruman tells Gandalf that the Nazgûl are on their move.
I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly, but you have elected the way of pain!
~ Saruman after defeating Gandalf.
The power of Isengard is at your command, Sauron, Lord of the Earth.
~ Saruman after contacting Sauron via the Palantir.
A friendship with Saruman is not lightly thrown aside. One ill turn deserves another. It is over. Embrace the power of the Ring, or embrace your own destruction!
~ Saruman threatens Gandalf.
So you have chosen… death.
~ Saruman after Gandalf refused to join him.
So Gandalf, you try to lead them over Caradhras. And if that fails, where then will you go? If the mountain defeats you, will you risk a more dangerous road?
~ Saruman plans on attacking the Fellowship on the mountains of Caradhras.
Moria… You fear to go into those mines. The Dwarves delved too greedily and too deep. You know what they awoke in the darkness of Khazad-dûm… shadow and flame.
~ Saruman after Gandalf refused Gimli's offer to go through the Mines of Moria.
Do you know how the Orcs first came into being? They were elves once, taken by the dark powers, tortured, and mutilated. A ruined and terrible form of life. Now… perfected. My fighting Uruk-Hai. Whom do you serve?
~ Saruman to Lurtz on the origin of Orcs.
Hunt them down. Do not stop until they are found. You do not know pain, you do not know fear. You will taste man-flesh!
~ Saruman ordering the Uruk-Hai hunting party to hunt down the fellowship.
One of the Halflings carries something of great value. Bring them to me alive, and unspoiled. Kill the others.
~ Saruman orders Lurtz to bring him the Ring and kill the fellowship.

The Two Towers[]

The Forest of Fangorn lies on our doorstep. Burn it.
~ Saruman tells his Orcs to burn down the trees of Fangorn Forest.
The horsemen took your lands. They drove your people into the hills to scratch the living off rocks. Take back the lands they stole from you. Burn every village.
~ Saruman tells the Dunlendings to attack Rohan.
If I go, Théoden dies!
~ Saruman to Gandalf through Théoden.
Rohan is mine!
~ Saruman to Gandalf through a possessed Théoden.
Gandalf the White? Gandalf the Fool! Does he seek to humble me with his newfound piety?
~ Saruman after discovering that Gandalf the Grey has become Gandalf the White.
So Gandalf thinks he has found Isildur's heir? The lost king of Gondor? He is a fool. The line was broken years ago.
~ Saruman on Aragorn.
The world of Men shall fall. It will begin at Edoras.
~ Saruman plans the attack on Rohan.
Send out your Warg riders.
~ Saruman tells an Orc captain to find and kill the people of Rohan.
A new power is rising. Its victory is at hand. This night the land will be stained with the blood of Rohan. March to Helm's Deep. Leave none alive. To war!
~ Saruman's speech to the armies of Isengard.

The Return of the King[]

You have fought many wars and slain many men Théoden king, and made peace afterwards. Can we not take council together, as we once did, my old friend? Can we not have peace, you and I?
~ Saruman appears before the Fellowship.
Gibbits and crows! Dotard! What do you want, Gandalf Greyhame? Let me guess. The key of Orthanc? Or perhaps the keys of Barad-Dur itself? Along with the crowns of the seven kings and the rods of the five wizards?
~ Saruman ask Gandalf what he wants.
So you have come here for information. I have some for you. Something festers in the heart of Middle-Earth. Something that you have failed to see. But the Great Eye has seen it. Even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon. You're all going to die. But you know this don't you, Gandalf. You cannot think that this Ranger will ever sit upon the throne of Gondor. This exile, crept from the shadows, will never be crowned king. Gandalf does not hesitate to sacrifice those closest to him. Those he professes to love. Tell me. What words of comfort did you give the halfling before you sent him to his doom? The path you have set him on can only lead to death.
~ Saruman taunts Gandalf and the Fellowship on Sauron's next move and their oncoming doom.
Save your pity and your mercy; I have no use for it!
~ Saruman attacks Gandalf.
A man of Rohan? What is the house of Rohan but a thatched barn where brigands drink in the reek and their brats roll on the floor with the dogs? The victory at helms deep does not belong to you, Théoden, horse-master! You are a lesser son of greater sires.
~ Saruman to Théoden.
You withdraw your guard, and I will tell you where your doom will be decided. I will not be held prisoner here!
~ Saruman's last words.

Trivia[]

  • In the film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the scene of his death was cut out from the final version since the film was already three hours long with the in-story explanation being that he is trapped in the Tower of Isengard.
    • However, the cut scene can be found in the Extended Edition.
  • Christopher Lee was the only member of the cast to have met J.R.R. Tolkien in person.
  • Famously, Christopher Lee originally wanted the role of Gandalf but was cast instead as Saruman due to his age.
  • Saruman's scourging of the Shire was cut from the Peter Jackson movies and instead, he was defeated before the downfall of Sauron.
  • When reading about the Dwarves in the Mines of Moria unearthing Durin's Bane, there is a picture of the gates to the mines. This picture was drawn by Tolkien himself.
  • In the scene where Saruman is stabbed, Christopher Lee gasped rather than screamed due to that being the sound people actually made when they are stabbed as the air is sucked out of their lungs.
  • Despite the absence of the Scouring of the Shire, Saruman's role is greatly increased from the books and he appears in many scenes that weren't in the books. According to story suggestions by Miramax, Saruman was reworked into "the Darth Vader to Sauron's Emperor" This resulted in Saruman being built up as the right-hand man and substitute for Sauron himself, while also making greater use of Christopher Lee's star status.
  • While Saruman is never directly shown to be entertaining the notion of usurping Sauron, unlike in the source material, it is hinted at several times. For example, Saruman ensures the loyalty of Lurtz's elite force is owed to him, rather than to Sauron; this first batch of Uruk-hai are so committed to Saruman that they refuse to take orders from the Orcs sent by Sauron himself. The actor himself, Christopher Lee, stated in an interview that Saruman "pretends to serve Sauron", as his main intention is to betray his master and take his place as Lord of the Rings.
    • This is explicitly confirmed by many film tie-ins, such as the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game, The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare, the ToyBiz action figure line and Weta Workshop collection of statues.
  • Saruman was ranked 37th on IGN's Top 100 Villains list and 13th on Total Film's top 50 Best Villains list.
  • Saruman is one of the four Middle-earth villains whose death is shown only in the extended edition, alongside Gríma Wormtongue, Gothmog, and Alfrid Lickspittle.

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           Middle earth sbg-1-1024x257 Villains

Ainur
Dark Lords
Morgoth | Sauron

Balrogs
Gothmog | Durin's Bane | Tar-Goroth

Others
Saruman

Men
Nazgûl
Witch-king of Angmar | Khamûl

Black Númenóreans
Mouth of Sauron | Queen Beruthiel | Agandaur | Black Hand of Sauron | Hammer of Sauron | Tower of Sauron

Others
Alfrid Lickspittle | Master of Laketown | Gríma Wormtongue | Bill Ferny | Ar-Pharazôn | Lheu Brenin | Hwaldar | Easterlings (Balcoth) | Corsairs of Umbar | Dunlendings | Haradrim | Karsh | Hill-men of Rhudaur

Elves
Orcs
Azog | Torturer of Dol Guldur | Bolg | Fimbul the Hunter | Lagdush | Brogg the Twin | Mogg the Other Twin | Gimub the Slaver | Yazneg | Morgash | Grishnákh | Gothmog | Guritz | Slugat | Luga | Gorbag | Rogash | Morun | Snaga | Narzug | Gartor | Sharku | Radluk | Gordmúl | Zog the Eternal | Gazmog | Grublik the Flogger | Goroth Caragor Tamer | The Blacksmith | Dark Tribe | Outlaw Tribe | Feral Tribe | Slaughter Tribe | Machine Tribe

Goblins
Gorkil the Goblin King | Great Goblin

Others
Fëanor | Celegorm | Caranthir | Curufin | Maeglin | Celebrimbor

Hobbits
Gollum | Lotho Sackville-Baggins | Ted Sandyman

Dragons
Smaug | Ancalagon | Scatha | Drogoth the Dragon Lord | Glaurung

Great Spiders
Shelob | Ungoliant

Werewolves
Carcharoth | Shade of the Wolf

Uruk-hai
Uglúk | Lurtz | Shagrat | Hodhvarz | Mauhúr | Dhar | Morflak | Mog | Daskila | Grimbosh | Mauhúr (Uruk Scout) | Vrasku | Talons of the Black Hand

Trolls
Olog-hai (Brûz the Chopper)

Others
Barrow Wights | Fellbeasts | Gûlavhar | Mountain Giants | Old Man Willow | Watcher in the Water | Wargs | Wyrms

Alternate Continuities
Peter Jackson
Sauron | Saruman | Smaug | Azog | Morgomir | Helm Hammerhand | Suladân | Isildur | Nazgûl Sisters | Rogash | Denethor

The Rings of Power
Morgoth | Sauron | Adar

Animated Films
Sauron | Witch-king of Angmar

Rankin/Bass
Smaug | Lord of the Lash

Ralph Bakshi
Saruman

Gene Deitch
Slag

           Legodimensions logo Villains

Bad Guys
Original: Lord Vortech | Vortech Minions | The Tri
DC Comics: Bane (DC Universe) | Brainiac | General Zod | Goons | Harley Quinn (DC Universe) | Joker (DC Universe) | Lex Bots | Lex Luthor | Riddler | Scarecrow (DC Universe) | Two-Face (DC Universe)
The LEGO Movie: Bad Cop | Lord Business | Super Secret Police
The Lord of the Rings: Balrog | Gollum | Olog-hai | Orcs | Orc Commander | Saruman | Sauron | Trolls
Back to the Future: Buford Tannen | Griff Tannen | The Libyans
Portal 2: Cave Johnson | GLaDOS | Turrets | Wheatley
The Simpsons: Bart Simpson | Groundkeeper Willie | Homer Simpson | Itchy | Jebediah Springfield | Lisa Simpson | Maggie Simpson | Mr. Burns | Ned Flanders | Nelson Muntz | Principal Skinner | Snake Jailbird
Jurassic World: Indominus rex
Scooby-Doo!: Charlie the Funland Robot
Legends of Chima: Crocodile Tribe | Cragger | Crooler | Reegull
The Wizard of Oz: Flying Monkeys | Wicked Witch of the West | Winkie Guards
Doctor Who: Clockwork Repair Droids | CyberKing | Cybermen | Daleks | Dalek Emperor | Davros | Ice Warriors | Missy | Rusty | Silents | Sontarans | Special Weapon Dalek | Weeping Angels
Ninjago: Anacondrai Cultists | Anacondrai Serpent | Clouse | Eyezor | Lord Garmadon | Master Chen | Nindroid Army | Overlord | Skulkin
Ghostbusters: Ghosts (Ghostbusters) | Gozer | Library Ghost | Stay Puft Marshmallow Man | Subway Ghost | Terror Dogs | Vigo | Zombie Taxi Driver
Midway Arcade: Death | Demons | Ghosts (Gauntlet) | Manti Leader | Monsters | Mukor | Sorcerers | Thief
Ghostbusters (2016): Gertrude Aldridge | Mayhem | Rowan North
Adventure Time: Candy Zombies | Earl of Lemongrab | Evil Guy | Fern | Princess Bubblegum | Flame Princess | Ice King | King of Ooo | Magic Man | Marceline Abadeer | Pillow Dragon | The Lich
Mission: Impossible: Aleksander Golitsyn | IMF Agent | Jim Phelps | Claire Phelps
Harry Potter: Bellatrix Lestrange | Death Eaters | Dementors | Draco Malfoy | Lord Voldemort | Severus Snape
The A-Team: Colonel Lynch
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Abernathy | Credence Barebone | Gnarlak | Mary Lou Barebone | Percival Graves | Queenie Goldstein
Sonic the Hedgehog: Badniks | Chaos | Dr. Eggman | Mecha Sonic | Metal Sonic | Moto Bugs | Robo-Sonic | Shadow the Hedgehog | Star Pointer | Tails Doll | Unidasu
Gremlins: Brain Gremlin | Daffy | Gremlins | Greta | Mohawk | Ruby Deagle | Stripe | Vegetable Gremlin
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: Keys
The LEGO Batman Movie: Agent Smith | Bane (The LEGO Batman Movie) | Calculator | Catwoman | Clayface | Harley Quinn (The LEGO Batman Movie) | Joker (The LEGO Batman Movie) | Killer Croc | Kraken | Man-Bat | Orca (The LEGO Batman Movie) | Poison Ivy | Scarecrow (The LEGO Batman Movie) | Two-Face (The LEGO Batman Movie)
Knight Rider: Garthe Knight | K.A.R.R.
The Goonies: Mama Fratelli | Jake Fratelli | Francis Fratelli | Octopus | One-eyed Willy
LEGO City Undercover: Clown Robbers | Forrest Blackwell | Rex Fury
The Powerpuff Girls (2016): Allegro | Dragon | HIM | Jemmica | Logger Jack | Man Boy | Mojo Jojo | Princess Morbucks
Teen Titans Go!: Billy Numerous | Mammoth | Rose Wilson | Terra
Beetlejuice: Beetlejuice | Sandworms
Others: Anubis Guard | Pharaoh | HAL 9000 | Mummies | Skeleton | GLaDOS

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