When Saruman speaks to Theoden—whom he has sought to destroy, along with Theoden’s people—he comes across as kind, reasonable, and peaceable: “Why have you not come before as a friend? Much have I desired to see you.”21 Then he offers peace: “I say, Theoden King: shall we have peace and friendship, you and I? It is ours to command.”22 And when he talks to Gandalf, Saruman invites him up for a peacemaking conversation: “For the common good I am willing to redress the past to receive you. Will you not consult with me? Will you not come up?”23
