University of Iceland

School of Humanities
Departement of English

Saruman of Many Colors

A Hero of Liberal Pragmatism

B.A. Essay

Elfar Andri Aðalsteinsson

Kt.: 1508922369

Supervisor: Matthew Whelpton

May 2017
ABSTRACT

This essay explores the role of the wizard Saruman the White in The Lord of the Rings
by J. R. R. Tolkien, and challenges the common conception that Saruman is a villain,
instead arguing that Saruman is a hero espousing the values of liberal pragmatism. The
policy goals and implicit values of Saruman are contested with his peer and ultimately
opponent, Gandalf the Grey, later the White. Both wizards attempt to defeat Sauron but,
where Saruman considers new methods, such as recruting the orcs, Gandalf is stuck in
old methods and prejudices, as he is unwilling look for new races to recruit. Both
wizards construct alliances to accomplish their goals but the racial composition of these
alliances can be used to see the wizards in a new light. While Gandalf offers a
conventional alliance of “the free” races of Middle Earth (Elves Dwarves, Men. Hobbits
and Ents), Saruman can be seen as uniting the marginalised and down-trodden people
and races, under a common banner with a common goal. In particular, Saruman brings
enemies together into a strong functioning whole, showing that orcs and men can work
and prosper together. Gandalf’s blinkered conservatism and Saruman’s pragmatic
embrace of diversity are reflected symbolically in the symbolism of white and the
rainbow of many colors. After examining all these points it becomes clear that Saruman
the White is not the villain that he is assumed to be by Gandalf the Grey, later the
White, and his followers in Middle Earth. Instead Saruman is a hero as he is willing
sacrifice everything in the service of his mission, just so that the races of Middle Earth
might have a chance of defeating Sauron and making a better world in the future, which
would embrace the liberal values that he champions in his policies.
Table of Contents

1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………………...1
2. Tolkien Mythology and Heroes ……………………………………………………2
3. The White Wizards…………………………………………………………………3
3.1. Saruman and Realpolitik ...………………………………………............3
3.2. Gandalf: Idealist or Cynic? …………………………..………………….7
3.3. The Significance of White……………………………………………….9
4. A Tale of Two Coalitions………………………………………………………...10
4.1. Gandalf’s Coalition of the Willing …………………………………….10
4.1.1. Elves …………….………………………………………………10
4.1.2. Dwarves …………………………………………………………11
4.1.3. Hobbits .........................................................................................12
4.1.4. Humans …………………………………………………………13
4.1.5. Ents …………………………………………………………......14
4.2. Saruman’s Liberal Pragmatism: Enemies into Allies..………………...15
4.2.1. Humans …………………………………………………………15
4.2.2. Orcs ……………………………………………………..............16
5. Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………18
Primary Sources ……………………………………………………………………22
Works Cited...............................................................................................................22
 1

1. Introduction
In many of the stories that fill the fantasy genre there is a central conflict, usually
between the forces of good and evil, with the resolution being that the good side, or
more accurately, the heroes are triumphant and receive a happy ending. The forces of
evil, or the villains, on the other hand are not that fortunate as they are either killed or
lose everything. However, that is most often not the concern of the reader as the story
has firmly planted their sympathy and support on the side of the heroes. In The Lord of
the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, it is simple to see who are on the side of good,
heroes, and who is a follower of evil. There are even different types of heroes, for the
reader to identify with.

In The Lord of the Rings Tolkien has written a medieval story and given it both
kinds of hero, the extraordinary man to give the epic sweep of great events, and
the common man who has the immediate, poignant appeal of someone with
whom the reader can identify. Aragorn is a traditional epic/romance hero, larger
than life, a leader, fighter, lover, healer. … Frodo, on the other hand, is a fairy-
tale hero. He is a little man both literally and figuratively, and we recognize
ourselves in him. (Zimbardo and Isaacs, 124)

One character who is most decidedly not on the roster of heroes is the wizard Saruman,
who is branded a traitor by the heroes when he attempts to find a way to not suffer a
complete defeat at the hands of Sauron. Saruman also takes one of the most hated races
that inhabit Middle Earth, and instead of displaying hostility towards them he attempts
to construct a society that they, along with other races, are a part of. As many of the
actions taken by the heroes fall on the grey side of being heroes, the opposite is true for
Saruman: many of his actions when examined objectively could be viewed as heroic,
thus undermining the way he is portrayed throughout the trilogy as a turn-cloak villain
who gets what he deserves in the end. Rather he is a hero attempting to win an
impossible war while trying to implement social changes in a world with deep rooted
racial divides and hatred. Furthermore, there are key differences with the other wizard
who takes active part in the war, Gandalf, both in the actions they take and what people
they chose to associate with. I argue here that a close consideration of these differences
 2

leads to the conclusion that Gandalf is not quite the hero that he is commonly
represented as, nor Saruman quite the villain.
In the second chapter we will make a brief biography of Tolkien, followed by a
closer look at the types of heroes that are recognizable in the story and if the wizards
that are cast as good or evil are correctly identified as such. Which will bring us to the
third chapter that compares the nature and values of the two wizards and ties it in to the
significance of white, the traditional color of good. That will bring us to chapter 4 where
the aims and intentions of the wizards are compared in terms of the coalitions that they
build.

2. Tolkien Mythology and Heroes

J. R. R. Tolkien was born on 3rd January 1892 in South Africa, where his father worked
for a bank. The family returned to England after Arthur Tolkien died and later on
converted to the Catholic faith. Tolkien would later on study at Oxford and finish his
studies before fighting in the First World War. Before setting out for the front he was
married to Edith Bratt. After his participation in the war, Tolkien set about writing an
evolving set of manuscripts and stories, which would eventually lead to The Lord of the
Rings trilogy. The trilogy itself took a total of twelve years for Tolkien to write before
publication. After publication the books met with success and subsequent fame for the
author. Tolkien passed away in 1973.
However, the world that he created remains to this day, having even been
adapted to the silver screen. Middle Earth is filled with intelligent species, not only
men, but also mythological species such as dragons, orcs, dwarves, elves and hobbits.
An important theme of the book is the interrelations and tensions between these species.
There are also wizards able to use magic along with other characters that demonstrate
that skill, which serves to emphasize that this not a normal adventure story, instead this
story takes place in a mythological world filled with heroes and magic.
At first glance the heroes of the story seem easy to recognize, in the form of
Aragorn, the hero that is the easiest to identify, and then Frodo the unlikely hero, who is
driven from his home and reluctantly takes up the quest. However, there should also be
consideration for those who are willing to sacrifice everything to bring down Sauron.
 3

That is where the two main wizards Saruman and Gandalf come in, as they attempt to
influence the large scale events and struggles instead of going on quests that would
cover them in personal glory. Instead they step back from the spotlight to better
influence things through politics.
The view on good and evil that is expressed throughout the story may be
influenced by Tolkien’s service in World War I, where he served in France and further
reinforced his distaste for the professional officer. Indeed, Tolkien had more respect for
the enlisted men that made up the rest of the battalion, with Sam Gamgee eventually
becoming a reflection of English soldier (Carpenter, 114). Furthermore, the war that
Tolkien experienced was nothing like the heroic medieval tales, where there is usually
one hero that does great deeds and there is usually a final battle. Instead he experienced
a war where industry had revolutionized warfare. Looking at the War of the Ring, there
are similarities between it and WW I. The war between Gondor and Mordor has been
going on for a long time with no end in sight and the battle lines that have not changed
much. That changes when a conclusive battle is fought at the capital of Gondor, which
also gives a chance for heroics and later on allows the Ring to be destroyed with the
help of a more unorthodox hero, Sam, who literally carries his master the last part of the
way.
However, even though Tolkien creates a large set of main characters, all with the
possibility of being a hero, the wizards should not be forgotten as they influence events
in Middle Earth to suit themselves in their own quests. While initially it seems obvious
which wizard is on the side of good and which of evil, a closer look reveals a different
answer.

3. The White Wizards

3.1 Saruman and Realpolitik

SARUMAN THE WHITE [TA c.1000 – 3018] was chief and greatest of the
Istari, the wizards who came out of the west to aid the Free Peoples in their
struggle against Sauron. Saruman was able to exert much control over men’s
 4

minds, especially through his voice, and was greatly skilled with his hands,
earning him the Elven name Curunír, meaning “man of skill.“ (Smith, 134)

Saruman is one of three named wizards in the trilogy, the others are Gandalf, who will
play a pivotal role in the story, and Radagast. Radagast does not have a significant role
in the story. So the main focus will be on the two wizards that help shape the main
events, both of whom become associated with the color white. The first real thing that
the reader learns about Saruman is revealed during the council of Elrond, where the fate
of Middle Earth is being decided. However, this information is delivered second hand
by the wizard Gandalf, also with no means of verification.
The issue of Saruman is brought up when the other members of the council note
his absence. After that Gandalf informs them concerning what course of action Saruman
has decided to pursue. That Saruman has decided to join with Sauron and implored
Gandalf to join him in that.

The time of the Elves is over, but our time is at hand: the world of Men, which we
must rule. But we must have power . . . I said we, for we it may be, if you will
join with me. A new Power is rising… We may join with that Power . . . and the
Wise, such as you and I, may with patience come at last to direct its courses…
approving the high and ultimate purpose: Knowledge, Rule, Order; all the things
that we have so far striven in vain to accomplish, hindered rather than helped by
our weak or idle friends. There need not be, there would not be, any real change in
our designs, only in our means. (Tolkien, “The Fellowship of The Ring” 337-338)

This is easily interpreted as a defection by Saruman over to the side of the Enemy.
However, as is hinted at in the conversation between Saruman and Gandalf, Saruman
has a hidden agenda in going over to the other side. As he mentions, Saruman is
expecting to be able to exercise control over the Power, Sauron, in the future. This
would be possible if the wizard were to get his hands on the One Ring. Thereby hinting
at the point that Saruman is joining Sauron to defeat him.
If that is true then Saruman is fulfilling his mission statement by supposedly
joining Sauron. This would be described as Saruman pulling off something of a double
 5

bluff and using deception in attempt to achieve final victory in the war, this is part of
accepted military doctrine that has been around for some time. “A military operation
involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though
effective, appear to be ineffective.” (Sun Tzu, 11) This would make sense considering
what the reader learns later on in The Return of the King, from the steward of Gondor,
that there is no hope of gaining victory over Sauron with the force of arms.

Nay, I have seen more than thou knowest, Grey Fool. For thy hope is but
ignorance. Go then and labour in healing! Go forth and fight! Vanity. For a little
space you may triumph on the field, for a day. But against the Power thatnow
arises there is no victory. To this City only the first finger of its hand has yet
been stretched. All the East is moving. (Tolkien, “The Return of The King”
1117)

Denethor, the Steward, learns this with a tool called the Palantír, which allows him to
see far away. The Palentíri were brought to Middle Earth by the men of the West and
distributed throughout Middle Earth, where they helped with communications over
incredible distances (Smith, 135). Saruman also has access to a Palantír in Isengard so
therefore it stands to reason that he would also be aware of the impossibility of victory
through arms. Therefore, it becomes more reasonable that Saruman looks to find
another way to achieve his objective of beating Sauron. As Saruman is not allowed to
go directly against the Dark Lord and currently does not have sufficient numbers in his
armed forces, he looks for other means to achieve victory in the war. That however,
turns out to be taking the long view in defeating Sauron as Saruman explained to
Gandalf. With this action Saruman is also losing his chance to return to the lands in the
West, the paradise from which the wizards came, so he is giving up his chance to go
home on a long-term plan that may result in a victory against the Dark Lord Sauron. In
fact after Saruman has been killed his spirit is even rejected by the West.

To the dismay of those that stood by, about the body of Saruman a grey mist
gathered, and rising slowly to a great height like smoke from a fire, as a pale
shrouded figure it loomed over the Hill. For a moment it wavered, looking to the
 6

West; but out of the West came a cold wind, and it bent away, and with a sigh
dissolved into nothing. (Tolkien, “The Return of the King” 1335)

As is known from the books it is possible to be brought back to life, as Gandalf was in
The Two Towers, however when Saruman’s spirit rose it was literally blown to the
wind.
Even with the chance of rejection from his home Saruman proceeds with his
plan to defeat Sauron through politics: he is in fact sacrificing his own soul in the
process, so that Middle Earth might have a chance of being free from Sauron one day.
However, that might take some time as Saruman does not foresee victory for the West
and must therefore be ready to make sacrifices to ensure that a favorable outcome is
reached eventually.
Saruman’s death does not come in the Great War against Sauron, as the wizard
has been effectively sidelined since his unsuccessful war with Rohan. However, that is
not the end of Saruman’s involvement in the affairs of Middle Earth, as he is eventually
allowed to go free from his prison, after Sauron is defeated. As a free man Saruman
travels, with his henchman Gríma Wormtongue, where they eventually come to the land
called the Shire and Saruman ends up in control of the country. While this is presented
as an act of evil on the part of the wizard it also keeps the country safe, as Saruman
instigates tighter border security in the now dangerous northern part of Middle Earth.
As this part of the world in no longer guarded by the Rangers of the North, whose
leader is none other than Aragorn. As the reader learns from one of the main heroes
himself, Aragorn, the Rangers of the North have been looking after the security of the
Northern part of Middle Earth.

But when dark things come from houseless hills, or creep from sunless woods,
they fly from us. What roads would any dare to tread, what safety would there
be in quiet lands, or in the homes of simple men at night, if the Dúnedain were
asleep, or were all gone into the grave? ‘And yet less thanks have we than you.
Travellers scowl at us, and countrymen give us scornful names. “Strider” I am to
one fat man who lives within a day’s march of foes that would freeze his heart,
 7

or lay his little town in ruin, if he were not guarded ceaselessly.(Tolkien, “The
Fellowship of the Ring” 323)

As the conflict in the South is reaching its height in the third book, the
Dúnedain depart from the North to participate in the war. With the departure of the
Rangers in The Return of the King, the North is virtually defenseless, even though
Aragorn professes knowledge of evil that could wreak destruction if the Rangers are not
there to hold it in check. Although Aragorn displays characteristics of a hero in the
quest to destroy the Ring, he and the other Rangers also forsake their other duties in
favor of that. “ You see, we’re not used to such troubles; and the Rangers have all gone
away, folk tell me.” (Tolkien, “The Return of the King” 1300) Therefore, the actions
that Saruman took towards the safety of the border in the Shire could be interpreted as
good, with the evident trouble going on in the town Bree.
While Saruman’s practicality and security concerns keep the country safe from
outside threats, they are not well received by local populace who eventually rise up
against him. Which leads to the wizard being killed by Wormtongue after the wizard’s
forces have been defeated. However, it should be noted that the other main wizard
Gandalf did nothing to secure the safety of the Shire during the war and neither does he
do anything about Saruman’s presence in the country. Instead he leaves the hobbits to
deal with the wizard themselves.

3.2. Gandalf: Idealist or Cynic?

It is written that of the Five Istari, or wizards, to come to Middle-earth he was

the last but, as Círdan perceived immediately, perhaps the greatest. For this
reason, Círdan gave to him Narya, his Elven-ring of Fire, for he saw that
Gandalf would have need of it in the trials ahead. … Gandalf was forbidden by
the Powers from challenging Sauron directly, but that did not prevent him from
battling the Dark Lord’s servants and allies. (Smith, 67)
 8

Gandalf the Grey, or Gandalf the White as he later becomes, serves in a leadership role
both in the conflict against Sauron and as a member of the Fellowship. The pinnacle of
his leadership role comes after the battle at Minas Tirith, where Gandalf assumes the
supreme command over all of the remaining forces at hand, to lead them in the final
defense of the city.
Then there is the documented fact that Gandalf is unwilling to accept any other
course of action than the destruction of the Ring. This could be because he feels that is
the only way to complete his objective of beating Sauron. Then on the other hand it
could also be because of something else entirely. When the Fellowship takes a rest stop
in Lórien, Frodo learns that the Lady Galadriel holds one of the three Elven rings, just
as Gandalf does. Then Galadriel makes it clear that if Sauron were to get his Ring back
he would be able to find the other rings. “But it cannot be hidden from the Ring-bearer,
… Verily it is in the land of Lórien upon the finger of Galadriel that one of the Three
remains. … For if you fail, then we are laid bare to the Enemy.” (Tolkien, “The
Fellowship of the Ring” 475) Therefore, it stands to reason that it would be possible for
someone else to achieve that if they could break the will of the Ring and assume
complete control of it. Gandalf would be against this as he would not be able to go
around freely doing as he sees fit, as the Ring-bearer would be able to find him and
even possibly exert some influence over him, in turn forcing Gandalf to show some
accountability for the actions he takes throughout his journeys about Middle Earth.
Furthermore, there is the fact that while roaming freely about Middle Earth
Gandalf has been interfering in the internal affairs of countries, most noticeably in the
kingdom of Gondor, which has been under the rule of the stewards for a long time. So
while Gondor is fighting against the forces of Mordor, and thereby being of some help
to Gandalf, the wizard is plotting leadership changes in the country during a war.
Gandalf is of course doing this behind the back of the Steward Denethor, who finds out,
and is therefore creating a rift between himself and the leader of Gondor.

’Do I not know thee, Mithrandir? Thy hope is to rule in my stead, to stand
behind every throne, north, south, or west. I have read they mind and its policies.
Do I not know that this halfling was commanded by thee to keep silence? That
he was brought hither to be a spy within my very chamber? And yet in our
 9

speech together I have learned the names and purpose of all the companions. So!
With the left hand thou wouldst use me for a little while as a shield against
Mordor, and with the right bring up this Ranger of the North to supplant me.
(Tolkien, “The Return of the King” 1118)

3.3. The Significance of White

Then there is the apparent conflict between Gandalf and Saruman, where Gandalf
evidently feels that there has been a betrayal. Gandalf even relates, during the Council
of Elrond, how Saruman has forsaken the color white, and is instead using a multi-
colored robe.

I looked then and saw that his robes, which had seemed white, were not so, but
were woven of all colours, and if he moved they shimmered and changed hue so
that they eye was bewildered. “I liked white better,” I said. “White!” he sneered.
“It serves as a beginning. White cloth may be dyed. The white page can be
overwritten; and the white light can be broken.” (Tolkien, “The Fellowship of
the Ring” 337)

This helps the reader associate white with the heroes and this is further reinforced when
Gandalf returns from the dead as Gandalf the White. Furthermore, the two human
kingdoms that are central in the struggle against Sauron make use of the color white in
their symbols.
Once again, however, the reader must take Gandalf’s word for exactly how this
argument unfolds; nor is white exclusively associated with the forces of good, as the
forces that Saruman deploys make use of the color white in their symbol. “Upon their
shields they bore a strange device: a small white hand in the centre of a black field; on
the front of their iron helms was set an S-rune, wrought of some white metal. …
‘Sauron does not use elf-runes.’ … ‘And he does not use white.” (Tolkien, “The Two
Towers” 540-541) This would put them in the category of the forces that use white in
the deployment of the symbol for their side, which is almost exclusively the hero.
Thereby, it might be symbolizing that the unified force of men and orcs, which Saruman
 10

brings together, is after all in fact on the side of good or the hero. The other side of this
is that Gandalf the Grey/White is wrong when he condemns Saruman for abandoning
his white and that colors do not matter. If that is the case then it paints Gandalf as a
powerful wizard that feels that one color is in fact superior to the rest, while Saruman is
more liberal and embraces all colors.
Saruman’s liberal policy allows him to connect with and recruit the outsiders of
Middle Earth, the people who have been marginalized and done wrong by the system
currently in place. Whereas Gandalf is firm supporter of the old order as is seen in both
his pick of allies and his plans for the restoration of the monarchy in Gondor. The
kingdom of Gondor would then hold the same values as Gandalf does and set about
enforcing them.
With both wizards attempting to accomplish their objective in their own way it
becomes clear that they will not be able to do this on their own. This leads to the two
wizards forging alliances with different races of Middle Earth. Furthermore, their choice
of allies gives further insight into their political views on the world.

4. A Tale of Two Coalitions

4.1. Gandalf’s Coalition of the Willing
4.1.1. Elves
Of the many races that are willing to join in the fight against Sauron, and by extension
Gandalf’s conflict with Saruman, the Elves are the race most willing to go along with
Gandalf’s plan for the war. The Elves are however careful not to take on any combat
obligations; instead they offer wisdom and advice that help to support the course of
action that Gandalf favors. This is most easily demonstrated at the Council of Elrond,
that Rutledge compares to “the great wartime conferences held by the Allies during
World War II … in terms of the alliances being formed and the world-historical
significance of the issue under discussion.” (Rutledge, 91) While this is true and shows
the conference in a favorable light, there is also the fact that not every race has a say in
what is decided there. As the conference includes only the allied races, which are in fact
deciding the future of Middle Earth based on input from the Elves, who are pulling up
stakes in Middle Earth either way. (Tolkien, “ The Fellowship of the Ring” 105)
 11

Making any advice that they give questionable in the sense that they will not have to
deal with any of the consequences.
Therefore, when the discussion on the fate of the Ring is being discussed they
favor Gandalf’s solution, which is to see the Ring destroyed, instead of attempting to
keep it hidden forever. They also oppose the third option that is proposed by a member
of the human delegation, Boromir of Gondor, who proposes the use of the Ring against
Sauron just as Saruman had suggested. Despite this, it is Gandalf’s view which is
upheld at the Elvish conference: to see the Ring destroyed. Therefore a Fellowship of
the Ring is created to make that happen, with most of the races that support Gandalf
getting a place on it. Furthermore, to ensure that the Fellowship follows Gandalf’s plan,
the wizard himself assumes leadership of the group. The group also has a dwarven
member, as the dwarves have proved themselves to be allies to Gandalf and in favor of
policies that he tries to enact.

4.1.2. Dwarves
The dwarves in fact have an option of staying neutral in the war to come if they do not
side with Gandalf. The dwarves were approached first by Sauron, before they joined the
alliance headed by Gandalf. A messenger approached them from Sauron, asking only
for information on Hobbits and if they should capture a thieving Hobbit, return what
was stolen. In return for information Sauron promised them friendship and the return of
some of the old dwarf rings of power. Furthermore, he promised them the return of the
old dwarf kingdom of Moria. (Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring” 313-314) Even
though now the dwarves had a clear and easy way out of the conflict, they do not give
an answer. Choosing instead to seek advice first from the Elves and Gandalf before
committing themselves to anything.
Gandalf would want to keep the dwarves in his corner as he has experience
dealing with them and manipulating them to help him in his mission: such as when he
sends the company of dwarves and the hobbit Bilbo against the dragon Smaug, in The
Hobbit, which ultimately leads to the dragon’s death. This was in fact Gandalf’s main
aim: to prevent Sauron from using Smaug. However, Gandalf does not attempt to recruit
the dragon himself, instead deciding that he should be killed and thereby possibly
 12

eliminating the last dragon on Middle Earth. Even with his past experience with the
dwarves and a good probability that they would if not side with him then not stand
against him, Gandalf needs to have them firmly in his camp, especially after learning of
Sauron’s offer to them. Furtermore, Gandalf will have to consider the fact that is
presented in The Hobbit, that the dwarves can do business with the orcs and could
therefore in theory fight together against his interests. So in order to make sure the
dwarves remain in the alliance, one of them joins the Fellowship, thereby representing
his race in the quest for the destruction of the Ring and making sure that the dwarves are
unlikely to switch teams half way through. However, there are races that do support
Gandalf, simply because they are not better informed, namely the Hobbits.

4.1.3. Hobbits
The hobbits are a peaceful people and consequently do not contribute much to the
struggle in terms of manpower. However the four Hobbits that contribute make a lasting
impression, as Frodo becomes the Ringbearer tasked with the destruction of the Ring;
Sam, his loyal gardener and friend, goes with him to help him complete it. Furthermore,
there are two more hobbits, Merry and Pippin, in the Fellowship that will help shape the
outcome of the conflict, as they both play a part in convincing the Ents to fight against
Saruman. Then later on Pippin helps save the future steward of Gondor, Faramir, from
being burned alive. Incidentally Faramir had studied under Gandalf, so the wizard is
able to influence one of the future leaders of men, which one of the hobbits that has also
been influenced by Gandalf saves. Meanwhile Merry helps bring about the destruction
of the Witch King, the leader of the Nazgul. However, this is only possible because
Gandalf lobbied for the inclusion of Merry and Pippin in the Fellowship. Furthermore,
none of the hobbits would have joined the Fellowship if Gandalf had not lured them on
an adventure.
Gandalf is able to convince them to join the adventure, because of the general
disinterest in foreign policy among the hobbits, which is further underlined with Frodo
never getting the proper recognition for his deeds from his countrymen. As the foreign
policy consensus in the Shire is essentially isolationism, which is similar to the
American foreign policy during the 1930s, where they avoided European and Asian
 13

conflicts. (“American Isolationism in the 1930s” Office of the Historian) Like the
Americans, the Hobbits cut themselves off from the rest of Middle Earth. The Hobbits
then do this again after the Shire is reclaimed and Aragorn becomes king in the North as
well. Furthermore, it is interesting that the hobbits display this policy as the hobbits are
as Joseph Pearce states that the hobbits are “personification of ‘Englishness’ (153).
Furthermore, as is stated by Carpenter, Tolkien was aware of the similarities that he
shared with the hobbits, in fact Tolkien considered himself a hobbit. (Carpenter, 234)
Carpenter also mentions how Tolkien once relayed his view that the hobbits were
“rustic English people,” (234). Suggesting that the hobbits are a better version of the
English countryside and people, who do not meddle in other peoples affairs until they
are compelled to do so.
With this foreign policy comes a lack of knowledge about the outside world and
with Gandalf being the only one to regularly visit the Shire, the wizard becomes a
window to the outside world. However, Gandalf would have been able to share his
information selectively to the hobbits, who would not have known better, thereby being
able to recruit from the hobbits, people who would share his worldviews. Not every race
could be so easily influenced as the hobbits, with most of them living in a single
country, the human population of Middle Earth is spread all over the map and is
therefore divided among themselves.

4.1.4. Humans
As there are so many nationalities of humans in Middle Earth, with many of them
joining the different fighting factions, the focus will be on the ones that get caught up in
the conflict between the two wizards, specifically near the kingdom of Rohan. This
human kingdom had enjoyed many years of good diplomatic relations with Isengard
and Saruman before the war. However, this has been changing and when the Fellowship
arrives to meet the king in the capital, border skirmishes have already taken place. In
light of the recent skirmishes Gandalf is then able to convince the king of the need for
war, thereby tying him up in the alliance. The Rohirrim also do not display any mercy
towards the orcs in the army that Saruman sends against them. Instead they are killed to
the last man meanwhile they take the humans that were serving in the army of Isengard
 14

as prisoners. (Tolkien, “The Two Towers” 711) The results of the Battle of Helm’s
Deep go on to demonstrate that in the alliance against Sauron, that Rohan is now part of
will in fact be racially biased against some groups in the war, namely the orcs.
During the war it is easy to feel sympathy for Rohan, which is attacked by
Saruman. However, there is also the fact that the Rohirrim stole the land they now
inhabit from the natives after Gondor gives the land to the Rohirrim. That the Rohirrim
saw no problem taking the land, shows that they have the moral flexibility needed to
work with Gandalf in the war. Nonetheless after having recruited the Rohirrim into his
alliance against Saruman, Gandalf and his allies are still outnumbered by Saruman’s
forces. This means that Gandalf will have to recruit more forces to be able to win the
fight against Saruman.

4.1.5. Ents
Gandalf’s search for more troops leads him to the Ents, who are the last to join the
coalition and have in fact stayed away from the world for many years, adopting an
isolationist policy of their own, and therefore remained neutral through the wars. This
changes when two agents of Gandalf arrive to the Fangorn forest, where they promptly
start relaying Gandalf’s version of events to the leader of the Ents, which eventually
leads them to attack Isengard. Nonetheless it is worth considering that the Ents and
Saruman have enjoyed a long-time friendship as neighbors and it is not Saruman that
instigates the war against the Ents. Even though the wizard is using the trees to fuel his
furnace he never escalates that into an all out war with the Ents. Saruman would even
walk in the woods, even asking for permission from Treebeard and was always willing
to lend an ear when the Ent was willing to talk. (Tolkien, “The Two Towers” 616)
Nonetheless the Ents turn against Saruman and side with Gandalf and his
alliance in the conflict, as Gandalf is able to give them a chance to kill their most hated
foe, the orcs, who are recruited by Saruman. The Ents have a particular hate of orcs, as
is demonstrated at Helm’s Deep where no orc survives and when Isengard falls and the
Ents spare the humans and let them go after an interrogation while no orc is spared.
(Tolkien, “The Two Towers” 740) This hate could have been borne from the orcs
harvesting forests for timber, however, that is not something that they have a monopoly
 15

on as men and dwarves also cut down trees. It is noted that when Treebeard meets Gimli
the dwarf, who is planning on visiting the Fangorn forest with Legolas, the Ent is
reluctant to admit him to the forest on account of him being a dwarf and that he carries
an axe. However, the Ent changes his mind when he hears of how many orcs Gimli has
killed with said axe. This demonstration of the hate the Ents display against the orcs
goes on to highlight what a brilliant move it was on Gandalf’s part to recruit them. As
the wizard was in need of more military power to fight Saruman, he harnessed the hate
the Ents have for the orcs and used it against Saruman.
This alliance is able to work because all the members are able to work together
and support Gandalf’s plan for future Middle Earth with the same conservative values
that are now in place. However, there is another faction that is willing to embrace
changes to Middle Earth and propogate more liberal policies.

4.2. Saruman’s Liberal Pragmatism: Enemies into Allies

4.2.1. Humans
The other side of this conflict between the wizards is headed by Saruman of Many
Colors, who has been able to build an alliance wielding greater military power than
Gandalf’s coalition, until the Ents enter the war, even though Saruman has not recruited
as many races to his cause. Saruman is able to recruit an ethnic group of humans, the
people of Dunland, who are more than willing to fight the Rohirrim on account of an
old grudge, the fact that the Rohirrim stole their land. Saruman is able to utilize this to
get them to join him as is demonstrated in the movie adaptation by Peter Jackson, The
Two Towers, where Saruman reminds the Men of Dunland about this injustice before
sending them to war. During the war the Men of Dunland seem to share Saruman’s goal
at the campaign against Helm’s Deep, where they demand the king of the Rohirrim,
which might give them political leverage to get their old land back.
The people of Dunland also demonstrate their tolerance and willingness to work
with other races during the battle, as they are serving in the armed forces of Isengard,
that have integrated both humans and orcs into the army. This is witnessed in the battle
where they fight and die side by side. (Tolkien, “The Two Towers” 695) Thereby
demonstrating that even though the two races are nominally enemies, there is hope for
 16

future co-operation and possible friendship between them. This future remains a
possibility even though Isengard loses the war, as the humans in the losing army
surrender and instead of being executed they are used as a labor force. (Tolkien, “The
Two Towers” 711) The other part of the army of Isengard, that consisted of the orcs, is
meanwhile completely destroyed and no prisoners taken.

4.2.2. Orcs
The orcs have been around for a long time in Middle Earth. As it says in the
Silmarillion, they were originally Elves before being captured by the first Dark Lord
Melkor, later Morgoth, who tortured and enslaved them until the orc was a reality,
however it is noted that the orcs had no love for their original master and in fact served
him in fear. (Tolkien, 47) It is also important to note that the orcs are now mortal
enemies with the elves, who are in fact their kinsmen. Despite the two races being
distantly related there can be no amnesty between them only enmity. With this fight
continuing for a long time, it is never once documented that the elves try to help these
prisoners of war that have endured torture and slavery, eventually being force to fight
against their own distant relatives.
There are several kinds of ethnic groups of orcs that inhabit Middle Earth; the
main focus here will be on the orcs that follow Saruman, the Uruk-hai. What is
important to establish first is that these are not the garden-variety orcs, instead they are
superior to the other orcs that are introduced in the story. As can be seen when they are
bringing the captured hobbits back to their master, and catch up to other orcs that had
been given a head start, they are also able to travel in daylight with ease unlike other
orcs. (Tolkien, “The Two Towers” 589) This is also mentioned by Smith, who remarks
that even though the Uruks held no fear for the sun it did still burn their skin, (Smith,
122) demonstrating a high tolerance for pain and a willingness to endure it while
conducting operations for Saruman’s cause in the daylight. This suggests that the Uruks
represent a clear evolution in the orc species, and as Saruman puts it in the movie
adaptation The Fellowship of the Ring, the wizard has perfected this species by creating
the Uruks.
 17

There is a case to be made that Saruman has indeed created perfect warriors.
First consider the war party that captures the two hobbits from the Fellowship. These
Uruks remain focused on their orders to bring the hobbits back and thereby prevent
them from being tortured and killed (Tolkien, “The Two Towers” 580), displaying a
clear chain of command. Second, the Uruk commanding officer also demonstrates care
for the troops under his command, as he makes the hobbit prisoners run on their own,
when his troops have become tired from carrying them. The officer also dispenses
medical aid to one of the hobbits that is wounded. (Tolkien, “The Two Towers” 583-
584) This demonstrates that they are mission-oriented and follow rules of war, at least
in regard to the care of prisoners. This also shows that the Uruks have some of the
modern values associated with war, as the second provision of the third article of the
Geneva Convention says regarding prisoners of war, that wounded among them should
be given medical attention. (“Geneva Convention (III) on Prisoners of War, 1949”.
International Committee of the Red Cross)
The Uruks only participate in one major battle during the war, the Battle of
Helm’s Deep, where they fight against Rohan and several members of the Fellowship.
During the battle two of the members of the Fellwoship, Gimli and Legolas, start a
competition to see who can kill the most orcs, meanwhile the Uruks are pursuing a clear
objective through the fighting. This is demonstrated when Aragorn asks for a parley and
the Uruks demand the king of Rohan, who is the political leader of Rohan and their
objective. Suggesting a deeper meaning behind the war, as Clausewitz said of war, “…
war is not merely a political act, but also a real political instrument, a continuation of
political commerce, a carrying out of the same by other means” (Clausewitz, 22): with
the political objective being that Saruman gains control over the kingdom of Rohan.
During the parley Aragorn takes the opportunity to threaten the army that stands
before him and instead of shooting him down instantly for breaking the rules of parley,
the Uruks first give him a warning before firing at him. Thereby demonstrating that they
in least are willing to honor the rules of the parley, when Aragorn was not. This goes to
give some validation to the notion that the Uruks, and by extension their leader
Saruman, are not the horrible villains that is implied, as Saruman would have instilled
these rules and values into his troops, because they would not have been born with
them. It is furthermore interesting to consider that the only armed force that follows the
 18

rules of war in the conflict between the kingdom of Rohan and Isengard is the one that
is labeled as the evil one. Furthermore, the Uruks give their loyalty to a different master
then the other orcs, which might result in this different behavior.
After Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, was defeated, his lieutenant Sauron took up
the mantle, which in turn leads the orcs to serve him rather then go free, probably for
the same reason that they served Morgoth. The Uruks on the other hand do not
recognize the authority of Sauron or Mordor, as is made abundantly clear when the
Uruk raiding party captures the two Hobbits and end up in conflict with orcs from
Mordor that want them delivered there. However, the Uruks aim to see them delivered
to Isengard: this act of defiance against orders from Mordor demonstrates their loyalty
towards Saruman, the wizard who gave them life. There is also the possibility that with
these orcs that are only loyal to Saruman, he could have used them against the Mordor
orcs in the future.
However, all the Uruks are killed in the conflict with Rohan without a single
thought being given to future recruitment of them against Sauron, by the allies who are
already severely outnumbered in the upcoming war against Mordor. However, if the
plan that Saruman had for the control of Rohan and by extension the integration of their
army into his, the wizard would have been able to use those forces to defeat Mordor
after acquiring the Ring.
In light of the hatred towards them that the orcs have to deal with almost any
time they come into contact with other races, the appearance of the Uruks is a sign of
peaceful cohabitation in the future as a possibility. As the Uruks are not forced to
implement any of the policies of Mordor, they can also serve as a beacon to other orcs
who do not wish to serve Mordor. However, the possibility for a future diverse society
is shattered due to the hatred that every race seemingly has for the orcs, as all the Uruks
are killed, thereby shattering Saruman’s dreams of the future Middle Earth.

5. Conclusion
A careful consideration of the strategies and alliances of the two White Wizards
therefore reveals that it is not always as clear who is a villain and who is a hero as is
often assumed.
 19

The wizard Saruman is usually perceived as a villain, however a closer look

reveals that he is in fact anything but a villain. Saruman is attempting to accomplish a
mission in Middle Earth, just as the other wizard, to defeat Sauron. However, Saruman
comes to the correct conclusion that Sauron cannot be defeated by conventional means
so therefore in order to complete his mission drastic measures are needed. Therefore he
joins with Sauron so that he can influence him and possibly find a way to defeat him
later by using the One Ring. Gandalf who is the only witness to Saruman’s intentions
and could also have manipulated the facts to further his own cause shares this
information. Furthermore, by taking this course of action Saruman is willingly
condemning himself in the eyes of the heroes as he is viewed as a traitor and is rejected
by the west when he dies. Furthermore, before his death, Saruman takes control of the
Shire and instigates an attempt to diversify the country by having humans living there as
well; the wizard also increases border security to protect the country from outside
threats. However, this is not enough to endear the wizard to the population who
eventually rise up against him.
The other wizard Gandalf is the complete opposite of Saruman, as Gandalf sides
against Sauron and is completely against using the Ring. In fact, as Gandalf sees it there
is only one option on the table, to destroy the Ring, even if some of his allies agree with
Saruman that the Ring should be used against its master. However, Gandalf is able to
get his way during the Council of Elrond and it is decided that the Ring is to be
destroyed. However, that is not the only thing that Gandalf concerns himself with
during his stay in Middle Earth, as he actively interferes with the internal affairs of
nations that are allied to his cause.
As both wizards are associated with the color white at one time or another it is
interesting to look at their different behavior while bearing the color. Saruman abandons
the white in favor of a multi color robe instead, which can be interpreted as signifying
how he is more willing to embrace a new diverse society. Whereas Gandalf wants to
keep the color white pure and keep true to the way it has always been. It is also
interesting as the white is used as a symbol not only by the armies of the heroes, which
is not unusual, but also by the forces of Saruman, suggesting that his soldiers are not
evil. Even though both wizards are powerful they need allies to make their visions come
true.
 20

The members of the alliance that Gandalf creates are either for the destruction of
the Ring or beings that Gandalf can easily bring to his point of view. The elves share
Gandalf’s goal of destroying the Ring: they are however unwilling to commit military
resources to this as they are also leaving Middle Earth. The dwarves are one of the races
that have a chance to stay out of the coming war, until they are locked into an alliance
against Sauron by joining the Fellowship. The hobbits also have a chance to stay out of
the conflict, however, as the hobbits have voluntarily isolated themselves, Gandalf
controls what news they get from the outside world. This results in four of the hobbits
joining in the fight and playing important roles in the coming struggle. The humans that
join Gandalf, from the kingdom of Rohan, were previously on good terms with
Saruman, until the war, however the Rohirrim stole the land that they inhabit and
Saruman is trying to return it to the previous inhabitants. The Ents are the final race that
Gandalf recruits, and the wizard mainly does this out of need for more soldiers to fight
against Saruman. Gandalf is able to harness the hatred that the Ents feel for the orcs and
have them direct it against Saruman their long time friend and neighbor, who is making
an orc army. This alliance is marked by Gandalf’s manipulation of its members and the
burning hate that they all seem to share against the orc race.
Meanwhile Saruman’s alliance, while containing fewer races, is in fact more
diverse as the wizard recruits both orcs and humans and forms an integrated army,
fighting for a single shared goal. The humans of the army are the people of Dunland,
who are the people that the Rohirrim drove away from their homes; Saruman is able to
recruit them because of this event. The people of Dunland are also less prejudiced than
the members of Gandalf’s alliance as they do not try to kill every orc they see and are in
fact willing to work with them, which is a clear indicator for the society that Saruman is
planning to build after the war.
The orcs in this coalition are different from regular orcs, in the sense that they
are superior to other orcs. The Uruks are also not beholden to Mordor as other orcs,
instead they follow Saruman, who has evidently educated his forces in the rules of war,
as the Uruks demonstrate care for prisoners and the use of parleys. Furthermore, during
the war against Rohan they have a clear political objective, to capture the king not
destroy the population. The Uruks hold the key to a multicultural future for Middle
Earth before they are all killed by Gandalf’s alliance.
 21

In conclusion Saruman is a hero as he is willing to sacrifice his very soul to help

Middle Earth, while at the same time trying to make a better society where many races
can live together in harmony.
 22

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