Saruman

[close] Saruman was originally the chief of the order of wizards. He was a Maia of of Aule named Curumo, and was sent to Middle-Earth to oppose Sauron. He arrived in Middle-Earth around the year 1000 of the Third Age, and is said to be the first of the wizards to arrive. The Elves called him Curunir, but he spent most of his time around Men, who named him Saruman.

Saruman was the head of the White Council, a group of the most powerful Elves and wizards. During the time of the Council, Saruman become jealous of Gandalf because he realized that Gandalf had been given Narya, one of the Three Rings of the Elves. Saruman felt that he should have been given the ring because Rings of Power were his area of expertise. Saruman began to communicate with Sauron using the palantir of Orthanc.

During the War of the Ring, Saruman asked Gandalf to join Sauron with him. When Gandalf refused, Sauron imprisoned him on top of Orthanc, but Gandalf escaped with the help of Gwaihir the Eagle. Saruman created the Uruk-hai, who captured Merry and Pippin. Saruman's troops were defeated at the Battle of Helm's Deep, and Merry and Pippin escaped and led the Ents during the Sack of Isengard. Gandalf gave Saruman the chance to turn his back on Sauron, but he refused. Gandalf then revealed that he had become Gandalf the White; he broke Saruman's staff and cast him out of the order of wizards. After the Ring was destroyed, Saruman left Isengard and went to the Shire, where he led the destruction and carnage there. After the scourging of the Shire, Frodo advised that Saruman's life should be spared, but Grima Wormtongue slit his throat. Saruman's spirit never returned to Middle-Earth or the Undying Lands.