There's something inherently compelling about characters who fall from grace, and few embody this archetype as well as Saruman in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.
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| Saruman the White |
Also known as Saruman the White, the leader of the Order of the Istari, he's a character of deep complexities and paradoxes, so multi-faceted that our perceptions of him shift as constantly as his own allegiances do. Let's embark on a deep dive into the mind and motivations of this iconic character, who is both wondrous and flawed, wise yet cunningly foolish. Warning: Spoilers ahead.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is, has left the path of wisdom." – Gandalf to Saruman
The Early Days: From Valinor to Middle-earth
Saruman begins as a Maia, lesser deities in Tolkien's intricate cosmology, born in the Blessed Realm of Valinor. Dispatched to Middle-earth alongside other wizards like Gandalf and Radagast, Saruman was initially the chief of the Order of the Istari. The task of the Istari was clear-cut: to assist the peoples of Middle-earth against the dark lord Sauron, without dominating their wills or brandishing overt displays of power.
The Tower of Orthanc and The Council of Elrond
Fast-forward to the Third Age. Saruman has long since been seduced by his thirst for knowledge and power, residing in the fortress of Isengard where he endlessly studies dark arts and sciences. Saruman's wizardry is rooted in his deep knowledge, and he has focused his studies on Sauron's One Ring. It's in this pursuit that he veers off his original path, believing he can use the Ring to overthrow Sauron and reshape the world according to his vision. This pivotal moment echoes in Elrond's council: "We must join with Sauron. It would be wise, Gandalf. There is hope that way. Its victory is at hand; and there will be rich reward for those that aided it."
The Betrayal: His Deal with the Devil
Saruman's desire for the One Ring soon leads him into covert alliance with Sauron, whom he still naively believes he can outwit. In one of the series' most profound acts of betrayal, Saruman uses his voice—a tool of both enchantment and manipulation—to try and persuade Gandalf to join forces with him. When Gandalf refuses, Saruman imprisons him atop the tower of Orthanc. It's a shocking shift from a trusted ally to an out-and-out enemy, underscoring the corrosive influence of unchecked ambition.
The Tainted Brilliance of the White Hand
As we peel back Saruman's layers, we find that his brilliance is what undoes him. Saruman the White becomes Saruman of Many Colors, his robe a swirling mix of hues that symbolizes his corrupted wisdom. "White cloth may be dyed. The white page can be overwritten; and the white light can be broken," he says. True, but Saruman's penchant for breaking and overwriting leads to his downfall. He raises an army, sacks the Shire, and endeavors to shape Middle-earth according to his distorted vision. But in the end, it's Saruman's arrogance that renders him vulnerable. He underestimates the resilience and courage of the hobbits, the loyalty among the Fellowship, and the wisdom of his fellow Istari.
Saruman's Ultimate Downfall
The story of Saruman is tragic in the classical sense. His hubris drives him away from his original mission and ultimately leads to his fall. Once an esteemed member of the Istari, he dies a petty criminal in the very Shire he tried to despoil. His life is a cautionary tale about the perils of ambition unmoored from moral grounding. When Gríma Wormtongue, his servant, slays him, it is both shocking and inevitable—a poignant manifestation of how those who seek to manipulate others often end up entangled in webs of their own making.
So there we have it: Saruman, a character fraught with contradictions, who arcs from wisdom to folly, from White to Many-Colored, from leader to outcast. A character who, with all his faults, serves as a powerful mirror for our own complex natures. In his failure, Saruman also illuminates that path for us, serving as a reminder of the pitfalls that lie in wait when we lose sight of our true north.
Saruman's Raw Power
Saruman, originally an Istari (a Wizard) sent from Valinor to assist Middle-earth, is undeniably potent when it comes to magic and combat capabilities. He has the ability to command elements, for instance, Saruman summons a mountain storm to impede the Fellowship's passage over Caradhras.
Saruman's most spellbinding showcase of raw power can arguably be found in his manipulation of the very fabric of nature to craft destructive war machines and breed an army of Uruk-hai: "These were the strong orc-men that we slew," says Aragorn in 'The Two Towers,' illustrating the might of Saruman's creations.
And then, his voice; an insidious instrument of influence. While this might be generally considered under "Influence," it's also a form of raw power. His voice enchants, captures, and bewitches: "Suddenly another voice spoke, low and melodious, its very sound an enchantment," writes Tolkien in 'The Two Towers.' The voice alone could cast a spell, compelling even the wary to divulge secrets or become unwitting allies.
However, Saruman's power, while impressive, is markedly finite. Saruman's strength has definable limits. Moreover, he lacks a broad palette of offensive spells or elemental controls; most of his power is applied through agents and intermediaries.
Although there are some noted restrictions, the original rating of 9 seems appropriate given Saruman's overall history. Although his abilities are not to be taken lightly and he exerts a tremendous impact on his environment, his powers are neither as diversified nor as boundless as some of his counterparts in other realms.
Saruman's Tactical Ability
Known as Saruman the Wise, this Istari is a master tactician and strategist, for the most part. Tolkien describes him as "deep in dark designs," and indeed, his ambitions and the lengths he goes to achieve them are both complex and extensive.
Saruman's orchestration of an industrial war machine in Isengard, complete with an army of Uruk-hai. "He has a mind of metal and wheels; and he does not care for growing things," says Treebeard in 'The Two Towers.' His mastery over mobilizing resources to create a formidable force ready to annihilate his enemies—i.e., Rohan and the Fellowship—is nothing short of impressive.
Saruman also allies himself with Sauron (though planning to betray him later) to maximize his chances of gaining the One Ring. "The friendship of Saruman and the power of Orthanc cannot be lightly thrown aside," he says in 'The Fellowship of the Ring,' emphasizing his sway in the tactical arena.
However—Saruman's tactical genius comes undone by underestimating his enemies and overestimating himself. His failure to anticipate the Ents' assault on Isengard is one such oversight.
In comparing him to other fantasy figures, such as Tyrion Lannister, who have demonstrated keen tactical minds without such glaring errors, one must reconsider his standing. Though his strategies are often well-laid and his plans intricate, his underestimation of enemies is a significant flaw.
Consequently, revising Saruman's tactical ability down to 7.5 from the original 8 seems appropriate. Though he exhibits a high degree of tactical prowess, his underestimations and the narrow scope of his strategic mindset when confronted with unexpected challenges mark him down slightly. His rating still signifies immense capability, but the half-point reduction acknowledges the nuances and foibles of his tactical acumen.
Saruman's Influence
Diving into Saruman's capacity for influence, one is immediately hit with the mesmerizing power of his voice. Not just any voice, mind you—a voice imbued with magic and ensnarement. Gandalf describes Saruman's voice in 'The Fellowship of the Ring,' saying, "he could make one believe that white was black, and black was white."
His influence isn't just in his oratory skills. Saruman manages to convince entire councils, including the White Council (comprising Gandalf and Galadriel, among others), to delay action against Sauron. He meticulously manipulates them, saying things like, "We must have time. The enemy has time. Do not let us be hasty." Essentially, he stalls their strategies, influencing their choices to his advantage.
Saruman also commandeers an army, bending the will of the wild men and orcs to his cause through his charismatic leadership. His long-term manipulative alliance with the Dunlendings demonstrates not just military influence but also social and political sway. The text tells us how Saruman manipulated them with sweet words and promises, making them part of his army.
Saruman's manipulations eventually catch up with him. Saruman influences many, but not enough to prevent his downfall, or to keep loyalties when his power wanes.
While the White Wizard is almost unparalleled in his manipulative skills, his failure to maintain that influence over the long-term—especially when it mattered most—can't be overlooked. Therefore the original rating of 9 is being downgraded to an 8.5. Still a powerful influencer in the grand schema of fantasy characters, but not without some chinks in his persuasive armor. This half-point dip gives room for characters who wield lasting influence, sustaining it even when the odds are against them.
Saruman's Resilience
Saruman the Wise, the White Wizard, the orchestrator of Isengard's industrial monstrosity! But when it comes to resilience, how does he truly fare? One could argue that Saruman is resourceful. When ousted from Orthanc by the Ents, he doesn't completely fold. Instead, he flees to the Shire and adopts the alias "Sharkey." A strategic change of locale, you might say. Adapt, improvise, overcome!
Remember Gandalf's words in 'The Two Towers,' "Saruman, your staff is broken." Those words weren't just a statement, they marked the shattering of Saruman's resilience. Stripped of his wizardly authority and raw power, Saruman unravels into a tale of hubris and lost chances.
The fact that Saruman refuses to repent even when offered a chance by Gandalf suggests a stubborn resilience to adhere to his chosen path, despite its evident doom. "What will you do?" Gandalf asks, to which Saruman answers, "I will not be held prisoner here. I will not!" You can interpret this as an unyielding form of resilience.
Yet, Saruman's end in the Shire shows a lack of emotional resilience. He crumbles under betrayal from his own underling, Gríma Wormtongue, who slays him. The image contrasts sharply with his former persona: the powerful wizard who could command legions is reduced to a bitter, vengeful old man.
The rating of 7 in this category recognizes the longevity of Saruman, but is severely hampered by his pitiful end. Saruman is not without his moments of perseverance and adaptability, but he lacks the emotional and moral resilience that could have made him a truly enduring character.
Saruman's Versatility
On the one hand, Saruman is a wizard of the Istari, endowed with diverse magical abilities. Let's not forget the hypnotic power of his voice, showcased brilliantly when he almost convinces Théoden and Gandalf to join his cause. There's a Tolkien quote that captures this: "His voice has a marvelously hypnotic quality that helps to convince and convert the unsteady."
Saruman also harnesses the power of industry, alchemy, and the ancient lore of Middle-earth. You've got to give it to the guy; he turns Orthanc into an industrial powerhouse and creates an army of Uruk-hai. The dude's got tricks up his sleeve, like an over-zealous magician at a kid's party.
What about his adaptability? He shifts alliances as easily as one might change clothes. Initially a servant of Valinor, he gets all chummy with Sauron and then harbors a secretive agenda to usurp the Dark Lord.
Despite his abilities, Saruman over-commits to his strategies and underestimates his opponents. He's like a one-trick pony who forgets he's in a circus full of stunts. He can't adapt when his plans start to crumble—look at his fall from grace when Orthanc is taken or his lackluster backup career in the Shire.
Given his limited adaptability despite his broad skill set, Saruman is receiving a rating of 8 in versatility, a slight downgrade from the original 8.5. His expertise is wide but not deep. His strategies are comprehensive but not adaptable. He's a jack-of-all-trades, but when the stakes are high, his lack of adaptability comes back to haunt him like a forgotten spell.
Saruman's Alignment
On the law/chaos axis, one might be tempted to view Saruman as "Lawful" because of his original role as a Maia sent to Middle-earth to help guide the Free Peoples against Sauron. He was, after all, the head of the White Council, suggesting a penchant for structure and governance. He deviates from this path to follow his ambition, forming secret alliances and pursuing his own goals in violation of the council's principles. He becomes a maverick, cutting corners on ethics and disregarding the original 'laws' of his mission. Given this, he's better labeled as "Neutral" on the Lawful-Chaotic axis; he respects laws and systems only as far as they benefit him. He doesn't rebel just for rebellion's sake but is willing to bend or break rules when convenient.
On the good/evil axis, initially, one could argue that he was 'Good' given his role as a Maia. However, he veers off this path spectacularly, manipulating the Free Peoples of Middle-earth and seeking power for himself. His alliance with Sauron and his cruel experiments to create the Uruk-hai undeniably tip the scale towards "Evil." Ah, but he doesn't just stop there. His later attempt to manipulate the Shire and his general disdain for life confirm this alignment. There's no ambiguity here; the White Wizard is definitively "Evil."
When we put these two together, Saruman's alignment can best be described as Neutral Evil. He's a self-serving strategist who is willing to manipulate the existing systems while showing a complete disregard for moral and ethical considerations. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Saruman Arena Art
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| Saruman visits Ulfric Stormcloak in Windhelm |
Saruman's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #12 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#4 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship 2nd Round Appearance (#4 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Sweet 16 Appearance (#4 Seed) | 1st |
Overall Conclusion on Saruman and Position Across Planes of Existence
Saruman, originally Saruman the White, sits on a precipice of omnipotence but never quite makes the leap to join the ranks of the most overwhelmingly powerful characters across all fantasy universes.
Saruman's magical prowess, while remarkable, often falls short when compared to entities that command fundamental forces of nature or reality. His abilities are strongly linked to Middle-earth, limiting their scope in a multi-universal context.
Saruman is undoubtedly a master strategist, a puppeteer pulling at the strings of Middle-earth's geopolitics. However, his planning is not flawless. He underestimated the resilience and determination of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth, a miscalculation that cost him dearly. Remember Gandalf's words: "There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power." Saruman's inability to recognize the limitations of his schemes pegs him back in a realm teeming with master tacticians.
As for influence, yes, Saruman has it in spades. His voice alone could twist the will of men. But his influence has its limits and largely operates within the context of his own universe. Across multiple planes of existence, it's uncertain how his silver tongue would compare against beings with reality-bending rhetoric or psychic manipulation.
Saruman's fall from grace is a literal plummet with no recovery. He doesn't bounce back, and his resilience takes a hit. On the versatility front, while he has a range of skills from magical to manipulative, he lacks the universal adaptability seen in characters who traverse multiple planes or dimensions.
All these factors contribute to the downward revision of his rating from 8.3 to 8.0. In the grand tapestry of fantasy, Saruman is a monumental thread, but he's not the loom. Other characters in other universes simply possess capabilities that extend beyond what Saruman could achieve, tethering him to a 'local maximum' but not a universal pinnacle of power. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
