Saruman, the iconic white wizard featured in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy series “The Lord of the Rings,” meets a bitter end following his betrayal of the Fellowship of the Ring. Throughout the series, he gradually transforms from a wise and powerful wizard to a corrupt and power-hungry antagonist. Saruman’s demise marks an important chapter in the war for Middle-earth. So, how did Saruman die? Let’s delve into the details.
Saruman’s journey from a respected and trusted wizard to an adversary begins when he becomes overwhelmed by his desire for power and dominance. Influenced by the malevolent Sauron, Saruman becomes obsessed with obtaining the One Ring to rule over Middle-earth. This obsession leads him to betray his fellow wizards, the Istari, and his alliances, including the White Council.
During the events depicted in “The Two Towers,” the second installment of the series, Saruman establishes his stronghold in Isengard, where he begins to amass his forces. He deploys his army of orcs, Uruk-hai, and other creatures to wage war against the lands of Rohan and Gondor, striking fear into the hearts of the free peoples of Middle-earth.
However, as the war intensifies, Saruman’s power starts to wane. His forces suffer numerous defeats, weakening his control over Isengard. The evil wizard becomes increasingly isolated and consumed by madness. Eventually, the Fellowship of the Ring, led by the brave heroes Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, arrives at Isengard to confront Saruman.
When the Fellowship confronts Saruman, an altercation ensues, leading to the downfall of the once mighty wizard. As the battle intensifies, Saruman’s treacherous ally, Gríma Wormtongue, stabs him in the back. Gríma’s betrayal is fueled by years of manipulation and abuse from Saruman.
Despite being gravely wounded, Saruman is not finished yet. In a desperate attempt to exert his last bit of power, he tries to kill Frodo Baggins, the Ring-bearer, but is thwarted by his own staff, which is destroyed by Gandalf. Stripped of his magical abilities, Saruman’s fate is sealed.
Left powerless and stranded, Saruman retreats to the ruined tower of Orthanc, where he attempts to assert his control over the Ents, the ancient tree-like beings. However, his attempts fail, and he finds himself trapped in Orthanc with his loyal servant, Gríma.
Saruman’s ultimate demise comes when Treebeard, the oldest of the Ents, along with Gandalf and other members of the Fellowship, arrive at Orthanc. They confront Saruman, urging him to surrender and renounce his evil ways. However, consumed by bitterness and arrogance, Saruman refuses.
Seeing no other option, Gandalf proposes that Saruman be banished and stripped of his powers entirely. However, Saruman’s defiance and refusal to change leads to his tragic end. In a fit of rage and desperation, Wormtongue kills Saruman by slitting his throat. This act of violence solidifies the irreversible downfall of the once great wizard.
With Saruman slain, his dark influence over Middle-earth is shattered. The war against Sauron continues, but his most powerful ally is forever gone. Saruman’s death signifies the triumph of good over evil, and the importance of remaining true to one’s principles.
In conclusion, Saruman, driven by his lust for power, meets his fate at the hands of his own servant. His transformation from a wise and respected wizard to an evil tyrant leads him down a path of corruption and destruction. Saruman’s demise symbolizes the perils of greed and betrayal, ultimately serving as a cautionary tale within Tolkien’s epic fantasy world.