
Saruman
Istari, Wizard of Isengard. Saruman the White was the head of the Istari, the Order of Wizards, who came to Middle-earth about the year 1000 in the Third Age of the Sun. In the Undying Lands he was Curumo, a Maia spirit of Aulë the Smith. When he first appeared he wore white robes, had raven hair and spoke with a voice both wise and fair. Called Curunir, meaning �man of skill�, by the Elves, he wandered Middle-earth seeking to overcome the Dark Lord. But after a time he grew proud and wished to have power for himself. In the year 2759, Saruman entered Isengard, and the tower of Orthanc, and summoned Ores, Half-orcs, Urukhai, and Durilendings under a black banner marked with a white hand. He became ensnared in the Ring Lord�s web and unwittingly became his servant. Yet, in the War of the Rings, Saruman�s power was aIImhilated by a combination of the Ent�s March on Isengard, and the Rohirrim in the Battle of Hornburg. Finally, his staff was broken and his sorcerous power was taken from him by Gandalf So low did Saruman fall that in defeat he looked for petty vengeance in the Shire. There, in a pathetic bid for dominion, Saruman was bested by the Hobbits, then slain by his own servant, Grima Wormtongue.
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