The Complete Travels of Saruman | Tolkien Explained

[@NerdoftheRings]

In a future video, we'll cover the different kinds of orcs, including the half-orcs and goblin-men that Saruman creates when amassing his army! What other topics would you like to see here on the channel?

[@tudosiesara]

Could you please consider making some videos regarding the major Elven houses (like Feanor and Fingolfin etc.), especially the ones in “the Silmarillion”? Currently making my way through “Lord of the Rings” and (apart frok listening to The Tolkien Professor) watching your videos is a great help and joy!! Thank you for all the AMAZING content! 🙌🏻✨ May Ilúvatar bless all your journeys

[@арефнар]

Could you please make a video about Barahir?

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

I feel like I suggest a lot of things, so I’ll wait till next video to suggest something.

[@jamiegregg9211]

that sounds pretty awesome

[@TerenceGrimstone]

On on finrod felagund

[@logicaldude3611]

One of my favorite lines from all of LOTR is when Saruman reveals himself as an ally of Sauron and goes on this long-winded rant about how he is now "Saruman of many colors" and is rambling on, Gandalf simply says, "I liked white better." It's pure Gandalf. He's so snarky and witty in the books. One of my favorite parts.

[@restlessdreams17]

You mean, SARUMAN OF MANY COLOOOOORS! (I have a soft spot for the animated movie)

[@hisLoneliness2961]

@@restlessdreams17 Funky.

[@odd-ysseusdoesstuff6347]

@@hisLoneliness2961 *plays Gandalf Sax*

[@Punishthefalse]

And then Gandalf became The White.

[@cantbanme792]

Gandalf the narcissistic

[@thegrandpotato6014]

Saruman in a nutshell: A backstabber who backstabbed his friends who gets backstabbed by a backstabber who already backstabbed his king.

[@SpecialOrder_937]

Wizards 🙄

[@unclebounce1495]

Not necessarily. Saruman was the strongest and most willing to take on any risk to win (which would later be corrupted into the morale-less position of "to do whatever it takes to win."). He went to the east and most likely did battle against Sauron's machinations or 1500 years before Gandalf even began battling Sauron's ploys. Saruman became bitter and jealous of the fact that when the valar needed someone to do something dangerous and full of peril just to save a bunch of "free people," he immediately volunteered to risk himself to save them but was insulted for his willingness. Meanwhile, the one who tried to avoid helping those suffering in middle earth and hide from all danger they said he should eb the leader of the advising maiar. Then he gets to the world and immediately gets to work and starts kicking ass only to have the white council again insult his 15 centuries of work with the blue wizards dismissed with another "make the one who is utterly terrified of Sauron in charge of fighting Sauron." That's called the Eldar participation trophy, I guess, lol. Unfortunately, these repeated slights put a thorn of darkness in Saruman which festered and opened him up to sin, which the lords of shadow and corruption exploited to bring him down. This does not justify his corruption, not at all, but to say he was not heroic for all the numerous centuries he fought valiantly on behalf of mortals just because in the last few decades he became jaded then corrupted by Sauron (like many others) is just unappreciative. Alas, perhaps that's Saruman's curse, to not be appreciated. lol

[@StarLord-df6zx]

Lol

[@jackmyers8687]

@@SpecialOrder_937 Bloody Wizards

[@thestraightroad305]

‘As you sow…’

[@JamesonCycz]

The rejection of Sarumans spirit by the Valar as he looks west is the ultimate burn for his misdeeds. Savage!

[@kauyanDJ]

Maedhros and Maglor: Hold our Silmarils.

[@Greendalewitch]

@@kauyanDJ Feanor: Wait what? Theirs? THEIRS? I MADE THEM!!! They are MY Silmarils.

[@ssoltau9318]

Is it wrong for me to kinda feel sorry for him in the end?

[@reiferdranzer3752]

@@ssoltau9318 no it doesnt, it just strengthens your character becuase there is forgiveness for everyone.

[@ssoltau9318]

@@reiferdranzer3752 True. I know what he did was wrong, but given that he wasn't evil from the beginning, looking at the circumstances that made him do what he did, I do feel sorry for the guy.

[@leonsarsfield5445]

Christopher Lee's voice would make grocery shopping epic

[@NerdoftheRings]

You should listen to his audiobook of Children of Hurin next trip! It's pretty epic!

[@jacobnesbitt824]

Rip Sir Christopher Lee

[@mechakitsune]

"Beckon unto me, patrons and customers of the River Glen grocer. Hear now the wisdom of Saruman the Green. For the next half fortnight, herbs and produce can be obtained at a cost far reduced from whence it wont be priced. Only the foolish... would dare spurn such an opportunity."

[@guilherme5094]

@@mechakitsune Man you have the gift !

[@renferal5290]

@@NerdoftheRings It really is. He is a great narrator. Also the person who reads The Silmarillion is very good. Rob Inglis does a perfect job with The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. He even sings the songs.

[@sonofsocrates9899]

One of my all time favorite characters in the story and I was so delighted by the actor Sir Christoper Lee portrayal of the character

[@NerdoftheRings]

Christopher Lee was an EXCELLENT choice!

[@maxion5109]

I wonder what kind of Gandalf he would have been? It's interesting as Lee was Tolkiens choice for Gandalf. The late Christopher Plummer i believe was also asked to play Gandalf in Jacksons Lotr.

[@jasonmartin4775]

@@maxion5109 It almost mirrors Saruman's own story, in a way.

[@bogzbiny]

@@maxion5109 He wasn't Tolkien's choice, it's just an urban legend. Lee said that he met Tolkien once in a pub, and that's it, the rest of the story is made up.

[@missourimongoose7643]

He's the only one on set that's actually killed people for real

[@shadowsteed15]

Saruman is a representation that even the wisest can become the victims of their pride and lust for power. I've always loved Christopher Lee, very sad day it was when he died, and his portrayal of Saruman has made the wizard one of my favourite villain characters of Tolkien's world. It is such a sad scene in the book when he almost accepts Gandalf's offer to repent, but then he changes his mind, many things could have been different perhaps and if he did, and he might have found out he actually likes being good better.

[@jdotoz]

Indeed, it's the wisest and most capable who are most susceptible to pride.

[@ChronicUnderachiever420]

Very similar character arc to Count Dooku. Cristopher Lee truly was a prodigious actor, in both the length and width of his acting career. 50+ years of screen AND stage! It was such a loss when he died.

[@bulletproofrecon1082]

It’s really sad how Saruman’s life ended. He once commanded a large power, was looked at for advice and helped protect mankind and fought evil. His story ends powerless losing to hobbits calling himself Sharkey. A sad day for a once immortal being. In the end, all he wanted was recognition of his intention when what he really should have done was intended to do his best and recognition would have came.

[@legacyoftheash7327]

There's nothing sad about it. Saruman became a twisted, cruel and malevolent being lusting only for power. He ended exactly the way he should have: killed by a craven who he abused and took advantage of. I know I'm digging up old bones considering your comment is almost a year old.

[@glcsander]

It is sad it's like looking at a coworker doing his best but no one acknowledge it, years pass and he never gets promoted as he should while others who don't work as hard pass him by its fucked up, the thing is Gandalf needed the encouragement to do his job something that Saruman already had plus in the end no matter what the Valar would welcome Saruman if he tried to do his job instead at the end of his life he gets rejected from returning to his home.

[@ForBraig]

Nothing sad. He was already listing for power 100s of years before the events of the war of the ring. He was actively looking for the ring in secret for a LONG time. He was never an ally to Sauron. He was only out for himself. Gandalf is the greatest of the wizards BECAUSE he never abused his position. He never even wanted to go to middle earth in the first plac3

[@ellag3265]

@@legacyoftheash7327 I mean in a way its kind of sad to see someone become twisted, cruel and malevolent and then engineer their own downfall as a result.

[@SurvivorFo]

Such is the path of pride

[@thedunadan8021]

It really is STUNNING to think about just how FAR such a great man fell.

[@kauyanDJ]

You'll be surprised at how frequently the esteemed and powerful can fall at the moment needed them most.

[@gianpalacio5635]

I THINK you may be RIGHT my friend. But I can’t help but to WONDER why we speak like THIS?

[@drewm5898]

Was that a pun about him falling from Orthanc

[@danielhamilton351]

He wasn't a man at all.

[@Headhunter1-e4v]

@ Daniel He was making a joke about him falling of orthanc. Like in the movies Rotk

[@FallenOne669]

Honestly, I prefer Saruman's demise in the films. The Shire being untouched from the War of the Ring allows for my favourite scene in the entire trilogy; the four Hobbits were sitting in the Green Dragon feeling like strangers in their own home, with nothing to say. That isolation lends further credence to Frodo's decision to leave Middle Earth for Valinor.

[@Punishthefalse]

So, basically, the four Hobbits had PTSD.

[@eyespy3001]

@@Punishthefalse More like outgrown their small town roots after experiencing the larger world beyond the Shire.

[@declanrex9435]

@@Punishthefalse they cannot enjoy the happy innocence of the hobbits now that they are aware of the strife of the rest of middle earth

[@J.5.M.]

Although seeing a hobbit militia on screen would be interesting

[@alexfratean6546]

Moreover, the book is called "The Lord of the Rings" and the narrative/ everything is leading us to the idea that the source of the evil both in the movies/books is this ring which has to be destroyed at all costs. I've read the books only after I've seen the trilogy and i found that last part in the Shire being useless and senseless in that context. The way P. Jackson choose to cut that part out and kill Saruman in a totally different context is one of the few things that i found better in the movies than in the books.

[@garymclevy9114]

You’ve inspired me with all these amazing videos recently to pick up my old hobbit book that was collecting dust in my cupboard and read the first few pages, I’ll always get shivers at “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit” nothing more iconic.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Hard to find a more iconic opening line than that!

[@JensenDKMG85]

@@NerdoftheRings I'm partial to "The man in black fled across the desert, and The Gunslinger followed."

[@rengsn4655]

I just finished re-reading it! Enjoy 😉

[@spenserwhite4603]

“Saruman shows his true colors.” Ha ha! I see what you did there.

[@NerdoftheRings]

:)

[@alumlovescake]

@@NerdoftheRings Sauraman of MANY COLOURS

[@logicaldude3611]

A one-liner worthy of Gandalf.

[@thelordofthememes8702]

"I liked White better."

[@SpecialOrder_937]

@@thelordofthememes8702 White serves as a beginning .. the white clothe can be dyed ,the white page Overwritten

[@LordMortanius]

In retrospect, sending one of Aule's people to Middle-Earth when the rising evil had also been one of Aule's own Maiar was something of a bad move.

[@leonsarsfield5445]

True

[@bogzbiny]

Makes you wonder wether the problem is with the Maiar, or with Aule himself eh?

[@AnnaMarianne]

@@bogzbiny The Valar in general could be dumb at times

[@timo9533]

@@AnnaMarianne "at times"

[@blaydeesy2005]

I think he was the only to volunteer? Yeah looking back they’re probably like “he worked with Sauron and he’s very eager to go, I think we’ll keep you here bud”. BUT, he played his part, and his deeds resulted in the downfall of Sauron, whether he intended or not. Perhaps the Valar know more than they let on.

[@odd-ysseusdoesstuff6347]

Christopher Lee was such a pitch perfect for the role of Saruman, though he did wish to be Gandalf. And I love these extra backstories of these characters! One Nerd to Rule them all!

[@mussardlucien6355]

"though he did wish to be Gandalf" Which is ironical since Saruman was also jealous of Gandalf in the story. Hence this role was perfect for Christopher Lee :)

[@austin3600]

Honestly you could switch Ian and Christopher's roles and both would have fit and done extremely well.

[@scotthildebrant4080]

To be fair, wanting to be Gandalf and then being rejected is a very Saruman thing to happen.

[@Ramazafaka]

Wasn't it Tolkien himself who envisioned Mr. Lee as Gandalf for the potential movie?

[@Headhunter1-e4v]

@ new duck yeah but he didn’t know that Ian ( the actor for Gandalf existed) honestly as a kid Sauraman was my favorite character because of book and movie reasons. I think he fit the part perfectly well. In the books he was a very heroic figure he was never evil or self centered. Because of his insecurities of being a leader, Wasn’t confindent on his abilities and the white council scolding him and mocking him and saying Gandalf would be a better leader made him fall to Saurons influence. In the end Sauraman still intended to use the ring to destroy Sauron and being his own order to middle earth so he wasn’t bad after all. Reminds me of How palpatine corrupted anakin skywalker to become death vader

[@goochmcduck4285]

The fact Christopher Lee met Tolkien is mind blowing

[@82dorrin]

The only member of the cast and crew of Lord of the Rings who actually knew Tolkien.

[@happyoutside8227]

12:03 "In reality..." Dude, you're not the only one who is lost in the beauty of Tolkien's world. 💞

[@GanjaLibre]

I though the same lol. But I understand, we all have some kind of dissociation with reality when enter to Tolkien's world.

[@The_Wandering_Nerd]

8:09 Saruman: "I am no longer Saruman the White! I am Saruman of Many Colors!" Gandalf: "You got your whites mixed with your colors in your laundry again, didn't you?"

[@---Blue]

saruman the fabulous perhaps?

[@michaelandreipalon359]

And so envy grows.

[@drangeldeguzman68]

​@@---Bluehahahahah

[@patrikduller8449]

Saruman's fate always made me very sad. He could have done so many wonderful things but instead fell and never recovered. So much wisdom, so many opportunities - gone! tragic!

[@matiasperez7331]

Agree. That last scene where his spirit looks into the west like " can i come home now dad? "

[@patrikduller8449]

@@matiasperez7331 Exactly! So powerful!

[@emmabangcolongan666]

Saruman wants to be special like gandalf but he was treated more a nobody and gandalf was treated like very to the valar this lead to him to be grudge toward gandalf jealousy rage and hatred gandalf gave saruman a chance to repent but his ego overwhelm him so much that he finally fell from his might when he died he attempted to return back to the west only to get blew away by valar denying him from returning

[@michaelt.5672]

@@emmabangcolongan666 The funny thing is that Gandalf was humble, and hesitant to take on the burdains ahead of him. He didn't want to be the bigshot. And this is why the Valar, Cirdan and Galadriel could trust him not to become self-absorbed. The very fact that Saruman envied Gandalf prevented him from seeing WHY Gandalf recieved the treatment he himself desired.

[@ShadowThemeFFVI]

I was hoping to see this episode soon. I like that you continuously point out Saruman’s jealosy, I think it is the key to his character, all his actions are driven by it. Wanting power not for it’s own sake but to be superior to Gandalf; ridiculing Gandalf’s interests as beneath their kind but secretly being curious himself (regarding pipeweed for example); even his final act is not a desperate grab for some power but a last jab at Gandalf, attempting to destroy his beloved Shire, where he always took rest and comfort between his travels. Saruman was consumed by an obsessive jealousy of Gandalf to the point where he lost himself.

[@dlxmarks]

I really believe that Tolkien based Saruman's personality with its arrogance, pomposity, envy, and need to dominate on any number of his Oxford faculty colleagues. I've known too many university professors that have all those traits.

[@emilianodelgado6573]

we all know some guy like that

[@michaelandreipalon359]

And maybe even some WW1 soldiers, who may also be Oxfordians.

[@gmasterflex6330]

I watch this dude’s videos every night but I don’t learn anything. I just like listening to him talk - his voice is soothing and helps me fall asleep.

[@mohdfaizee2362]

Haha yes

[@senorbolainas2991]

Same. sometimes I actually watch the videos but his voice is so smooth and calming that I use it to sleep

[@varyar77]

Another great video on a fascinating topic. The variant in Unfinished Tales where Saruman *does* repent (out of fear) when the Nazgul come to Isengard, only to go to seek Gandalf's aid and find him flying away on Gwaihir's back is one of my favorite bits of Tolkien's writing. I felt so sorry for the White Wizard when I read that.

[@MrMarvellousMark]

Finally ! The last travel video about the istari ( wizards ) - and probably the most anticipated one .

[@NerdoftheRings]

Gotta complete the set!

[@mucioagustinmartinezzarago2649]

16:55 I like to think what illuvatar itself make saruman dissapier from existence

[@cat6th363]

I had teachers who knew a lot but laughed at their students for their ignorance, it kept me away from what they taught. When I saw the first LOTR movie I was eager to read the book, and by curiosity asked friends and saw reviews, that was a mistake, since they laughed at the movie's changes, criticized the lack of storytelling, the missing plots, lines, the representations. It kept me away from reading. I thank you a lot for lighting up a desire in me too read Tolkien's books from scratch. In your videos you have what many other "experts" lack. Tact.

[@teleportedbreadfor3days]

If Saruman lived, he would have become the next Dark Lord. Morgoth was the first, having betrayed his Ainur brethren and Eru Ilúvatar himself. In fact, the theme of discarding allegiance and fellowship to everyone around one’s self seems to be a trait for Dark Lords, especially their god(s)/superior(s), along with the pursuit for power atop the desire to rule. Sauron’s pride had outgrown his initial allegiance to the one he knew as Melkor, bringing him to seek rule over Middle Earth for himself alone. Saruman sought power and superiority, betrayed even Sauron. Saruman of Many Colors had the traits of a to-be Dark Lord. His thing for knowledge would probably make him an even more dangerous opponent.

[@grandadmiralzaarin4962]

With how many times he was snubbed by his allies, the millennia of trying to organize and coordinate the incompetent and petty free peoples, is it any wonder why Saruman came to admire the efficiency of Sauron's method of direct rule? For after all, if HE could direct everyone as one will, would that not be the most efficient method of producing order in his own mind?

[@NerdoftheRings]

Not a bad point here!!

[@goyonman9655]

So, he's an elitist snob

[@drobinson-uo7ic]

I think because he was recruited by Aule the Smith that he also had that ambition to build and make tools and industry like how he destroys Fangorn forest, the Shire, and breeds the Uruk Kai (not unlike Aule creating the Dwarves, though not with the evil intent Saruman had). Whereas Gandalf was recruited by Nienna, who is compassionate, so Gandalf wasn't inherently ambitious.

[@SSchithFoo]

Its in the definition itself, "Free people". Running a dictatorship is easier than a democracy even in modern times. Also, Gandalf admired the little people like Hobbits and their ability to change the world while Saruman only admired the powerful like modern day motivational speakers.

[@rings-cn1yn]

I only just noticed today that the portrait for Aragorn and the portrait for the Ringwraiths are in the same pose: Crouched, hugging the hilt of a sword.

[@NerdoftheRings]

I never even noticed that! haha! Makes me want to figure out a way to do a cool transition between the two images.

[@Rabidchu]

Does anyone else feel sorry at the end there? I think I pity Saruman, because despite his evils and foul deed, upon his final moments he simply a spirit longing for home, but is damned to diminish and never return. Saruman is one of my favorite characters both as he is written and portrayed by Sir Christopher Lee. I think for those of us who's pride tends to dominate our lives should take a lesson from that story and humble ourselves before the thoughts and cares of our loved ones.

[@Armor2able]

I love how he ditches white robes and goes for rainbow wizard

[@TwentyItaliansLS]

Perhaps he was attempting to weave a Prismatic spell into his robes...twenty or so years before it was even created as a spell by Gygax?

[@odiwalker3973]

I liked white better

[@cantbanme792]

@@odiwalker3973 Gandalf the narcissistic

[@angkhoanguyen6114]

Saruman the arrogant

[@rme1383]

I am not anglophone and reading these books is really difficult for me but you my friend let me enjoy Tolkien's works you have an amazing voice. After a hard day which is basically my everyday day because of my little boy I pour a cup of tea and listen to your narrations

[@ALLAHALLAHism]

I actually felt pity at the end there. It's like only in death did he realize his folly but it was too late and he could never go home to where he belonged and had to suffer the consequences of his fall.

[@widxchange]

I remember having such a high admiration for Saruman. Wise and Powerful being. He fell so low...lower than an orc

[@loremaster234]

Honestly I would be down for some fan-fiction or a What-If? Video on what would happen if Saruman's spirit somehow re-manifested due to some lingering power in his ring, and that gave him a chance to return and threaten middle-earth, but in a different way than before. I would be down for a storytime video if that were the case, I know it's unlikely, but I'm down. Great video as always brother and God bless! Hope you had a great Easter! He is Risen!

[@Swiftbow]

That'd be interesting, but, most likely, his ring would have depowered when the One was destroyed. But then again, it's fan fiction... so maybe it didn't due to some new craft he came up with.

[@SSchithFoo]

Ewww no, WTF. Morgoth on the otherhand can return and in Tolkeins writing itself says that.

[@simplelogic9090]

I feel for Salurman. Literally from the beginning people were saying "yeah you really were out second choice."

[@LordVader1094]

Or he could've been humble and cared about more important things like fighting Sauron

[@stormstrider1990]

Saruman was portrayed well by Christopher Lee in both LOTR and the Hobbit. Rest in peace.

[@nikicarrie4071]

In the movie the hobbit??

[@michaelnash1067]

Ok, got it Downfall of Saruman • learns pride from Morgoth • learns greed from the Easterlings • learns power from Sauron... to the darkside leads these things... to jealousy.. rage... anger.. yes

[@MrOut4astroll]

I love you guys. I went back after binge watching your library and it made watching the movies so much more enjoyable.

[@TheBooklyBreakdown]

You watched his whole library?! 😱!

[@Arvendui1]

I discovered this channel by chance in January, and subscribed immediately. Maybe the best decision I have made this year, as the quality of the videos is getting better and better (from an already high start). Saruman is one of my favourite characters in Tolkien lore so was keen to see how you did this video, all I can say is that it's utterly brilliant - thank you very much.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much! So glad I could do well by one of your favorite characters! Thanks for subscribing!

[@murmurrrr]

I love how Saruman, one of the strongest characters of the third age decides to use the name "Sharkey"

[@isilion]

No, the _hobbits_ - to his eternal shame -, called him "Sharkey", seemingly an alteration of his nickname Sharkû: "old man", in black speech

[@Swiftbow]

@@isilion I thought it was the ruffians that called him that. The Hobbits were barely aware of who he was... he was operating through his hobbit puppet, after all. Plus, the hobbits would not be using black speech.

[@isilion]

@@Swiftbow I think both many hobbits and the ruffians called him that

[@MrBell-iq3sm]

It shows how far he has fallen. Names matter greatly in Tolkien's world.

[@ebransc09]

Used the palantir to watch Jaws

[@Tailrenvods]

Love these videos so much! I am starting to finish the fellowship of the ring book because of you

[@NerdoftheRings]

I always love hearing my work encourages people to read the books! That's awesome!!

[@samueljones5421]

This channel is so good, and the artwork is fantastic

[@Breadbutta4]

A must subscribe channel for all Tolkien fans!

[@NerdoftheRings]

If I could heart this comment multiple times, I would! Thanks so much!

[@DoctorMustafaSaad]

Since Saruman is a maia himself, he could've been as powerful as Sauron if he could get the ring. A corrupted maia.

[@_Abjuranax_]

Not quite though, as the One Ring knew only one master.

[@PorkotylerClips]

@@_Abjuranax_ Saruman wanted to break it apart and remake it as his own. He wasn’t going to straight up wear it the moment he found it. He even has a monologue about being Saruman of Many Colors because he knows how to break the color White apart and discover all the other colors hidden inside it (and then Gandalf notices that Saruman’s robes look like a rainbow under the light).

[@untruelie2640]

@@PorkotylerClips I don't htink that this is true. The dialogue about colours is metaphoric. Also, the One Ring can't be "broken apart". It contains a major part of Sauron's power. It would've corrupted Saruman instantly (although he was already corrupt and hungry for power, so it wouldn't have made much of a difference). It's also not true that only Sauron can use the ring. A powerful person could use it to overthrow Sauron, but (as Gandalf explains at one point), it would take time to learn how to use the power of the ring to it's full extend.

[@PorkotylerClips]

@@untruelie2640 I don’t remember that part about being able to use it to its full extent if you had enough time. Wouldn’t Gandalf or Galadriel take it then and try to figure it out if that was true? Saruman was also a servant of Aule and a blacksmith himself back in Valinor. Trying to hack the ring is the most lore-friendly outcome.

[@untruelie2640]

@@PorkotylerClips You don't have to "hack" it. The One Ring's only function is to dominate other beings and things. In Tolkien's universe, "power" (or as the Hobbits put it, "magic") is the ability to shape the world around oneself. This can be done in a positive way (like creating beautiful things or helping others) or in a negative way (like ruling/dominating others or to destroy or corrupt). This distinction is one of the most important literary motives in Tolkien's oevre. You can see this right up from the beginning of Arda: The Valar want to create Arda in a beautiful way and then to help the Children of Illúvatar. Melkor on the other hand desires to rule over others and to bring everything under his dominance. For Tolkien, the definition of "evil" is the desire to dominate others. Saruman wanted to do this, so he had already become "evil". The One Ring is the ultimate tool for domination; it's so powerful, that it corrupts everyone almost instantly - even if one only THINKS about it. Gandalf or Galadriel could've used it to overthrow Sauron, but (as Galadriel says to Frodo), one needs to train himself in dominating other minds. Sauron had several thousand years of experience in dominating others, while they hadn't. That's the reason why it would've taken anyone except Sauron time to fully use it. He knew everything about the ring, because he made it. But they couldn't"try it out", because then they would've become corrupt and evil as well. That's the whole point of trying to destroy the ring: It's a danger to everyone around it.

[@jonash.1892]

I would love to see a: "what if saruman had the one ring" Video

[@bigyoshi5170]

Brother?

[@evolutionarydeadend6812]

Alphonse?!

[@michaelandreipalon359]

Desire satiated.

[@michaelguilbault2064]

Hey Nerd thanks a lot for your comprehensive and nicely detailed storytelling about Middle Earth and especially the Wizards (I love Wizards ;-). I tried to read the Silmarillion but it was a little to 'dense' with detail for my attention span. Really appreciate your concise videos covering all the myriad backstories that make LOTR the awesome epic that it is. Wish you well!

[@Divine_Chareka]

Thank you for another amazing video Matt. Saruman is one of the most intriguing characters in The History Of Middle-earth & Christopher Lee portrayed him well in the movies.

[@azidahaka2]

What a beautiful video! Justa couple of things; Saruman went so close to getting to One Ring that he found the chain Isildur used to keep it tied to his neck, also Saruman wasn't corrupted by the use of the Palantir itself from my understanding... But by hopeless and distorted visions he got due to the influence of Sauron over years of observations. Until he felt there was no hope beside acquiring th Ring himself, or in the worst case joining Sauron

[@Swiftbow]

That's how Denethor fell, not Saruman. He had the Anor Stone in Minas Tirith. (Unclear why the movies never revealed that.)

[@markusfourie4466]

Here’s my take on Saruman (and the Blue Wizards). As we know, when Saruman and the Blue Wizards landed at the Grey Havens, they immediately traveled to the East (Where Morgoth and Sauron’s influence was strongest). My suspicions are that after a long time of fighting against Sauron, the Wizards lost, where the Blues fell and took 2 rings becoming part of the Nazgul. Either falling under Saurons sway through manipulation or force. Saruman barely survived this encounter, but after witnessing Saurons might and corruption of the Blue Wizards, he lost any hope of defeating him, as per his quote to Gandalf, “There is no hope against the might of Sauron”. And although he hadn’t quite fallen yet, it was the start of his downfall; his loss of hope. By the time of the fall of Sauron, Saruman had already fallen so deep into depravity that he had truly lost all hope, not only of victory, but also of redemption.

[@mondoleon1471]

best video so far … i loove your channel .. i’m a new fan .. i can’t watch anything else .. the six movies (extended editions of course) play in order always in the background

[@davesing]

Excellent work as always. One tiny mote of a suggestion. In the text, Gandalf collects the scattered men of Erkenbrand and they march as infantry to Helm's Deep... so not calvary per se. An extremely small and insignificant note. Of course Jackson chooses not to mention Erkenbrand and instead produces one of the greater moments in the films with Éomer's calvary making their last-second rush down the mountainside. It's all good.

[@manugamer9984]

14:38 There’s an interesting fact about Grima throwing the Palantir: he throws it from a higher point than Saruman, as Gandalf noted, and the sphere’s trajectory is very close to both wizards, as Theoden noted. In fact, Aragorn goes so far as to say “He could not make up his mind which he hated more, you (Gandalf) or Saruman”, to which Gandalf agrees, referring to whatever fate is in store for Grima. Imagine Wormtongue throwing the palantir and thinking “meh, I’ll go with the one head I won’t split open”: too bad he had a terrible aim.

[@michaelandreipalon359]

And much later: "A shrill shriek, suddenly cut off, came from an open window high above. 'It seems Saruman thinks so too,' said Gandalf. 'Let us leave them!'"

[@manugamer9984]

@@michaelandreipalon359 I love that part, absolute best shot in the book… too bad it couldn’t stay in the movie

[@mancamiatipoola]

Bro, i have to say, your editing skills are top notch! The way you fade in and out the character medallions and the transitions of the medallion background is sublime. And that fade to black at the end, when Saruman's spirit is blown away, blows me away. Great stuff my frend! You are a great story teller and video editor. PS: only thing i would add is whenever i depict the Nine Nazgul, i would add the number "9" to their medallion. XD

[@zeyadalbadawi8774]

I wanted to know more about the East and Harad tbh Edit: dont mean from the vid(the vid covers a lot, and is awesome), meant from Prof. Tolkien

[@NerdoftheRings]

Yeah, would've been great if Tolkien would've had the chance to flesh them out more and tell us stories from Saruman, or the Blue Wizards, or Sauron during their time there!

[@zeyadalbadawi8774]

@@NerdoftheRings indeed

[@Schattennebel]

Saruman: "Embrace the rainbow!" Gandalf: "Dude what crazy stuff did you smoke!?"

[@kiyanhakim384]

Saruman was an LGBTQ ally before it was popular. He also liked to make trees smoke

[@Schattennebel]

@@kiyanhakim384 He was way ahead his time.

[@lazyegg]

Thank you for covering Saruman's life. The art is incredible as always! Much love!

[@ChescoYT]

Your delivery and voice is just phenomenal! As a huge passionate lover of Middle Earth, you've taught me so much about the lore that i've always wanted to know more about. THANK YOU!

[@myriadmediamusings]

8:15 Saruman is a good example of what happens when you try to use all 5 colors of magic instead of just sticking with one or two for your card deck.

[@jamesrichardreavis]

Now that I'm reading the Silmarillion and learning about the Maia, the way you ended the video now has an extra kick to it.

[@simoncooper6752]

Saruman quite literally reveals his true colours, turning from Saruman the white to Saruman of many colours.

[@sinphon3493]

Amazing video as usual!!!

[@lmr4403]

I love the detail that the foolish Took moment: by using the Palantir Sauron thinks that Saruman has the ring in Isengard since Sauron sees a halfling that was able to resist his questioning. This makes Aragorn's challenge with the same Palantir credible. Sauron is by then convinced; with such a small army it would be foolish to attack the black gate UNLESS Aragorn has the one ring.

[@michaelstar7556]

I can't help but wonder, if Saruman actually made a ring of his own, what would be its powers if worn by someone else? A boost of the wearer's voice and general charisma perhaps?

[@myfriendisaac]

9:53 Love his assurance 😂👏🏾💍

[@isaacbenrubi9613]

The best thing about Sir Christopher Lee's (RIP IN PEACE) portrayal was the interview he gave regarding what a man sounds like when he gets stabbed in the back. He said something along the lines of, "I had to correct Peter and tell him that's not what a man sounds like when he is stabbed in the back; and I would know." As it turns out, during WW2, Sir Lee was a bit of a real life James Bond and apparently did some rather dour things in the fight against The Nazis.

[@isaacbenrubi9613]

For reference: kzbin.infokCvPOPe-TlA?feature=share

[@kevind6723]

I love that Frodo takes the lesson of Gandalf and Bilbo. And pities his enemies instead of hating them.

[@dirt0133]

Another Excellent instalment. Thx for the amazing research u do.

[@elipsorange]

Good stuff dude, seriously love your channel. Much love

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks! Glad you are digging the channel!

[@SpaceShipDeathstar]

1500 years of getting lost in wandering the weed fields of the east only to learn that the best stuff grows in the shire.

[@Championarcade]

Saruman was such a good character since he was only in for himself, and was jealous of Gandalf. What are your thought's on him?

[@fantimaryam5697]

Your account photo is maglor is'nt or maybe feanor

[@Championarcade]

@@fantimaryam5697 yup its maglor

[@silkroad9991]

Well, I guess it is time for me to watch all the movies again, and then read the books for the first time. The lore is fascinating

[@cheezemonkeyeater]

"I liked white better." It's an important note on the state of Saruman's mind that he makes himself "Saruman of Many Colors." If you put all the colors together, you do get white, which tells you Saruman is someone who studies how things are made, but before you can get all the colors, first you must break up white into those other colors, so you also see that Saruman breaks what he studies.

[@mishaelhere]

thank you for the video!! ❤️

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks for watching/subscribing!

[@poggywoggy4677]

I was never able to read all the way to the final arc so I never knew of sarumans book death. But dam is that symbolic a wind just blowing his spirit away

[@NerdoftheRings]

I love it. It's so great! Frodo having pity on Saruman is a powerful message in itself as well.

[@peterconway6584]

As if beseeching forgiveness and being allowed to return to Valinor. Appeal rejected.

[@josephgregory308]

Another wonderful video NOTR!! You have the best production value that I have found in this class of Tolkien lore videos. I have two questions for possible future videos based on a single concept: Melkor, the most powerful Vala, had sunk the better portion of his power into Arda which introduced (decay?) into Arda, in doing so he became confined to his physical form. This physical form was lesser than his spiritual form (which the other Valar had kept). The questions: #1 Could the Valar have imprisoned Melkor had he retained the better part of his capacities? #2 Fingolfin had kept Morgoth at bay for a time before the gates below the Thangorodrim, considering Morgoth was greater in order than Sauron, could Fingolfin (ablaze with the light of the two trees) have vanquished Sauron in combat?

[@NerdoftheRings]

These are great hypotheticals! 1) I think that the Valar combined would still have been able to defeat and capture Melkor. Their earliest battle - The Battle of the Powers - may have seen Melkor when he was less bound to the earth and they still took care of him. I think the combined might of the other valar could still overthrow him. One-on-one with certain valar might be more interesting, but combined, I think they still beat him. 2) This is interesting as well! I think definitely Fingolfin could have taken Sauron. Unlike the films, Sauron's body is actually killed ("thrown down" as it says in the books) by the combined might of Gil-galad and Elendil - who both die in the process. I think someone like Fingolfin could take Sauron in single combat. After all, even Morgoth felt fear in his fortress when hearing the coming of Fingolfin!

[@anakinskywalker8859]

"I gave you the chance to aiding me willingly, but have elected the way of PAIN!" "So you have chosen death"

[@tonypapas9854]

Excellent overview - thanks!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks!!

[@Sunday.Seance]

This is my new favorite channel

[@Maximillian200HP]

Love this character entirely because of Christopher Lee!

[@TerenceGrimstone]

Make a video on travels of finrod felagund or one on travels of feanor and his sons

[@rasseruuu373]

This Tolkien channel deserves a million subscribers!

[@mussardlucien6355]

I wonder if Saruman's corruption could have been avoided. Maybe if Cirdan didn't give Narya to Gandalf, the seed of jealousy might never have taken root in Saruman's heart...

[@nicoleajobo3415]

Nah. There would have been another reason for his envy. His heart was the problem it was corrupted.

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thanks for the booking.👍🏻

[@dhairyadave1806]

Love the vids! keep it up Nerd!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Will do! Thanks!

[@andreihlen7597]

Saruman is by far the character which is the most different from the books and the movies I can think of. Completely different characters

[@jamiegregg9211]

Cool video Nerd of the Rings as always

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamiegregg9211]

@@NerdoftheRings your welcome mate

[@carolynmu9334]

A theory video you should consider making is "What if Saruman got the one ring" Worth consideration! Thanks!

[@JacquesHsu]

Once been wise and powerful, I think the jealousy towards Gandalf makes the ultimate downfall of Saruman.

[@calowenby1654]

So Jealousy blossomed into hatred, which blossomed into evil, which blossomed into his undoing. It seems like as he grew, his negative qualities grew right along with him.

[@ransombaggins9301]

One of your best! Fantastic! Another example of how much people miss when they only watch the movies. Keep it up!

[@pr1mogaming]

"Saruman! Your staff is broken!"

[@co94]

"For pete's sake, Saruman, zip your fly."

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

I wonder why Gandalf, when he found out that Frodo and Bilbo’s ring was the one, went to Saruman who had previously lied about the one ring...interesting

[@FallenOne669]

He didn't know that Saruman was lying. He likely thought that Saruman was mistaken or given false information.

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

@@FallenOne669 ah ok, because Saruman told them the one ring was lost into sea, and then a few decades later he discovers it is not.

[@Enzaio]

@@TheCinderestBlockAround This was only a theory from Saruman, they couldn't know it for sure.

[@Casa-de-hongos]

It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled. -Mark Twain probably

[@gkkk1488]

Amazing job! I love your videos and i have watched them all. Thank you so much

[@kevincarson9201]

I think, from what I remember from the book, that it's more likely that Wormtongue was throwing the palantir at Saruman below him, but he missed.

[@sebastianmatt7707]

great video, i learned so many things i didn't manage to pick up myself

[@Bryan198026]

I think my favorite portrayal of Saruman was the late Peter Howell, who voiced him in the BBC's radio play. Howell had the sort of voice I always pictured Saruman having based on Tolkien's description, capturing his persuasiveness and also those moments when he would lose control of his emotions. I also think Mr. Howell could have been a good choice to play Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars since I think he could have captured his arrogance at least as well as Peter Cushing did.

[@hakureikura9052]

sauron: **runs amok in lording middle earth** manwe: EMERGENCY MEETING!!

[@Max-px5ym]

"How's it feel, loser?" -Gandalf, Galadriel, Celeborn and Elrond, passing by Saruman

[@michaelandreipalon359]

At least, that's how Saruman thinks they're thinking.

[@veldennoyes8613]

Love the channel! I don’t know if you are looking for video ideas, but a “What would have happened if Saruman got the ring” one would be fun! Thanks for what you do!

[@haldir8169]

love it man!