The End of the White Hand: Who Killed Saruman?
For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, "The Lord of the Rings," the fate of Saruman the White is a point of much discussion and, for some, a lingering question. The once mighty head of the Istari, the order of wizards sent to Middle-earth to combat Sauron, ultimately fell from grace, becoming a pawn of the Dark Lord and an enemy to the free peoples. But when the dust settled and the War of the Ring concluded, who was responsible for delivering the final blow to this corrupted wizard?
The answer, like many things in Tolkien's intricate world, is not a straightforward one, and it depends on which version of the story you're referring to. The most widely known and cinematically portrayed version of Saruman's demise occurs in The Return of the King, both in the book and the film adaptation. However, there's a crucial scene in the extended edition of the film that offers a different perspective, and a later, more definitive end described in the appendices of The Lord of the Rings.
Saruman's Demise in the Shire: A Shocking Turn
Following the coronation of King Elessar (Aragorn), the heroes return to the Shire, only to find it not as they left it. It has been ravaged and occupied by Saruman and his ruffians, who have established a brutal reign of terror. This period is known as the "Scouring of the Shire," and it's here that Saruman meets his final, ignominious end.
In the book:
- Saruman, now a pathetic figure calling himself "Saruman of Many Colors," has been reduced to ruling over a small, despoiled portion of the Shire.
- He and his remaining loyal followers are confronted by Frodo Baggins and his companions.
- As Saruman attempts to bribe Frodo and sow discord, Gríma Wormtongue, his long-suffering and abused servant, intervenes.
- Driven to the breaking point by Saruman's cruelty and manipulation, Gríma draws a knife.
- In a swift, desperate act, Gríma slashes Saruman's throat.
- Saruman stumbles, falls, and his head strikes the stones of the ruined Orthanc (which, in the book, Saruman had relocated to the Shire, a detail often overlooked).
- His spirit, now free of his withered body, attempts to return to the West, but is rejected by the Valar and dissipates into nothingness.
This scene is brutal and anticlimactic, fitting for the fallen wizard's diminished state. It highlights the tragic consequences of his choices, culminating in a death at the hands of the very man he had so thoroughly broken.
The Cinematic Departure: Extended Edition vs. Theatrical Release
The Peter Jackson film adaptations offer a slightly different narrative, particularly concerning Saruman's ultimate fate.
In the theatrical cut of The Return of the King:
- Saruman's fate is left ambiguous. He is last seen in Orthanc, with Gríma Wormtongue at his side, after the fall of Isengard. His eventual demise is not explicitly shown.
However, in the extended edition of The Return of the King, a scene was added that depicts Saruman's death:
- Saruman and Gríma are at the top of Orthanc after the battle for Helm's Deep.
- Saruman, full of pride and fury, taunts the victorious hobbits and Aragorn.
- Gríma, still under Saruman's influence, is seen to be increasingly agitated.
- As Saruman prepares to strike Gríma, Gríma suddenly draws a knife and stabs Saruman in the back.
- Saruman falls from the battlements of Orthanc, plummeting to his death. His spirit is then seen to rise and be rejected by the heavens.
This cinematic depiction, while visually dramatic, differs from the book's account. In the extended film, it is Gríma who directly kills Saruman, driven to a desperate act of rebellion. The book, on the other hand, places Saruman's death within the context of the Scouring of the Shire, making his end a consequence of his villainy extending even to the peaceful hobbits.
The Importance of the Scouring of the Shire
It is important to note that the Scouring of the Shire, and thus Saruman's death by Gríma's hand on its soil, was cut from the theatrical release of The Return of the King. This omission, while understandable for pacing and narrative focus in a film, significantly alters the perceived ending for many viewers who only saw the theatrical cut. In the book, the Scouring is a vital epilogue that shows the true cost of the war and that even the most innocent places are not immune to its darkness. It also serves as a final testament to the growth and resilience of the hobbits, who must themselves confront and overcome the evil that has invaded their home.
Therefore, to answer definitively:
In J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, Saruman was killed by Gríma Wormtongue, who stabbed him in the Shire. In the extended cut of the film adaptation, Saruman was also killed by Gríma Wormtongue, albeit in a different location (Orthanc).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Gríma Wormtongue finally turn on Saruman?
Gríma Wormtongue had been Saruman's unwilling servant and tormentor for years, enduring immense abuse and manipulation. In both the book and the extended film, Gríma's breaking point is reached when Saruman, despite his weakness, continues his cruel and arrogant behavior, even at the expense of those closest to him. The ultimate humiliation and Saruman's continued malice pushed Gríma to commit the act of murder.
Why was Saruman rejected by the Valar after his death?
Saruman was one of the Istari, wizards sent by the Valar (angelic beings) to aid the free peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron. He was entrusted with great power and wisdom. However, Saruman succumbed to pride and greed, eventually serving Sauron and attempting to dominate others. His corruption was so profound that his spirit, when released from his body, was deemed unworthy to pass into the Undying Lands to the West, and thus he was refused passage, his spirit dissipating into nothingness.
What happened to Saruman's body?
In the book, after Gríma stabs him, Saruman falls and dies. His body is left lying on the ground in the Shire. Later, when the hobbits are cleaning up the devastation, they discover his body. The circumstances surrounding the immediate disposal or decay of his physical form are not detailed, but the focus shifts to the aftermath of the Scouring of the Shire and the restoration of peace.
