Welcome back to my series of posts about how J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Lord of the Rings differs from its film adaptations. Today, it’s time to look at one of the novel’s greatest dialogues, but also at how Saruman died in the movie, because despite some similarities, the fallen wizard’s fate is markedly different in the book.
In the Films…
In the film, as Gandalf attempts to get information from Saruman, King Théoden shouts up to Gríma Wormtongue:
“Gríma, you need not follow him. You were not always as you are now; you were once a man of Rohan. Come down. Gríma, come down. Be free of him.”
King Théoden, The Return of the King (2003)
Saruman beats Gríma, who falls to the floor, and when Saruman turns back to mock Gandalf, the abused servant stabs his master from behind. Legolas shoots Gríma, but it’s too late, and Saruman falls onto a spiked wheel at the foot of Orthanc. And that, as they say, is the end of that.
A Chance at Redemption
This wasn’t quite so clean in the novel. There’s a whole plotline foreshadowed here that becomes extremely important in the final book, and which the films omitted entirely. This plotline will take some articles to explain, but I’ll start with the scene that—in Peter Jackson’s film trilogy—ended in Saruman’s death.
Following Gandalf’s talk with Treebeard, the white wizard reconvened with Merry, Pippin, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Éomer, Théoden, and his men. Gandalf intended to give Saruman his last chance to repent.
Gimli was particularly eager, as he wanted to see for himself whether Saruman really looked like Gandalf. Gandalf responded that Saruman could disguise his appearance if he wished, warning those present to “beware of his voice.”
Stained with Murder
The companions approached Orthanc and commanded Gríma to fetch his master. After a short time, Saruman of Many Colours emerged onto the balcony and spoke in his low, melodious voice, which put almost everyone present under his spell.
Saruman made an appeal to Théoden, which quickly convinced all the soldiers present that Gandalf would lead Rohan to destruction. Gimli and Éomer were’t fooled, but King Théoden remained silent. Éomer’s words succeeded, however, in evoking the fallen wizard’s anger. Saruman quickly regained his composure and attempted to downplay his own war-crimes:
‘But my lord of Rohan, am I to be called a murderer, because valiant men have fallen in battle? If you go to war, needlessly, for I did not desire it, then men will be slain. But if I am a murderer on that account , then all the House of Eorl is stained with murder; for they have fought many wars, and assailed many who defied them.’
Saruman of Many Colours, The Lord of the Rings (Book Ⅱ, Chapter Ⅹ)
“We Will Have Peace”
Saruman implored Théoden to that they should make peace and friendship between Rohan and Isengard. Théoden declared that they will have peace. His riders, under the wizard’s spell, began to cheer. But the king held up his hand…
‘Yes, we will have peace,’ he said, now in a clear voice, ‘we will have peace, when you and all your works have perished – and the works of your dark master to whom you would deliver us. You are a liar, Saruman, and a corrupter of men’s hearts. You hold your hand to me, and I perceive only a finger of the claw of Mordor. Cruel and cold! Even if your war on me was just – as it was not, for were you ten times as wise you would have no right to rule me or mine for your own profit as you desired – even so, what will you say of your torches in the Westfold and the children that lie dead there? And they hewed Háma’s body before the gates of the Hornburg, after he was dead. When you hang from a gibbet at your window for the sport of your own crows, I will have peace with you and Orthanc. So much for the House of Eorl. A lesser son of great sires am I, but I do not need to lick your fingers. Turn elsewhither. But I fear your voice has lost its charm.
King Théoden, The Lord of the Rings (Book Ⅱ, Chapter Ⅹ)
“Your Staff Is Broken!”
Saruman hissed a curse upon Théoden’s family before turning to Gandalf. Gandalf gave Saruman the chance to repent, but Saruman only resumed trying to convince Gandalf that they should rule Middle-earth together and dismiss all thought of “lesser folk.”
The traitor’s voice was so persuasive that all present were convinced beyond doubt that Gandalf and Saruman would join forces. Gandalf, however, only laughed. He then offered Saruman protection from Sauron, who would surely take revenge for the wizard’s attempt to claim the Ring, in exchange for his staff and the key to Orthanc.
Saruman mocked Gandalf’s offer and turned away, but was compelled to return at Gandalf’s command. Revealing himself as Gandalf the White, Gandalf cast Saruman out of the order of wizards and from the White Council. Finally, Gandalf declared Saruman’s staff broken, and it splintered.
The Palantír
At that very moment, Gríma hurled the palantír of Orthanc down from a higher window. Aragorn suggested that perhaps Gríma missed both Saruman and Gandalf because he couldn’t decide which wizard he hated more.
Pippin went to pick up the palantír, but Gandalf quickly took it from the hobbit and wrapped it in his cloak. As the companions turned to leave, they heard Gríma scream in pain from within the tower. Before taking their leave of Isengard, Gandalf cautioned Treebeard that Saruman must not be allowed to escape.
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