Saruman of Many Colors

Transcription

1 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.: Supervisor: Matthew Whelpton May 2017

2 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.

3 Table of Contents 1. Introduction Tolkien Mythology and Heroes 2 3. The White Wizards Saruman and Realpolitik Gandalf: Idealist or Cynic? The Significance of White.9 4. A Tale of Two Coalitions Gandalf s Coalition of the Willing Elves Dwarves Hobbits Humans Ents Saruman s Liberal Pragmatism: Enemies into Allies Humans Orcs Conclusion 18 Primary Sources 22 Works Cited...22

4 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 fairytale 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

5 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 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.

6 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 ] 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

7 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 ) 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

8 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

9 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,

10 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 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)

11 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

12 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 multicolored 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 ) 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

13 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 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)

14 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 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 ) 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

15 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 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

16 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 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

17 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 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

18 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 Saruman s Liberal Pragmatism: Enemies into Allies 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

19 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 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.

20 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 ) 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, 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

21 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.

22 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.

23 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.

24 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.

25 22 Primary Sources Jackson, Peter, director. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. New Line Cinema Jackson, Peter, director. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. New Line Cinema Tolkien, J. R. R., ed. Tolkien, Cristopher. The Silmarillion. London: HarperCollins, Print. Tolkien, J. R. R. The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings. London: HarperCollins, Print. Tolkien, J. R. R. The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of The Lord of the Rings. London: HarperCollins, Print. Tolkien, J. R. R. The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of The Lord of the Rings. London: HarperCollins, Print. Tolkien. J. R. R. The Hobbit. London: HarperCollins, Print. Works Cited American Isolationism in the 1930s Office of the Historian. United States Department of State. N.d. Accessed 19. Nov Carpenter, Humphrey. J. R. R. Tolkien: A Biography. London: HarperCollins, Print. Clausewitz, Carl, translation Graham, J. J. editor Maude, F. N. On War. Ware: Wordsworth Editions Limited, Print. Geneva Convention (III) on Prisoners of War, International Committee of the Red Cross. N.d. ac125641e004a9e68. Accessed 19. Nov Pearce, Joseph. Tolkien: Man and Myth. London: HarperCollins, Print. Rutledge, Fleming. The Battle for Middle-Earth: Tolkien s Divine Design in Lord of the Rings. Grand Rapids, Mich: William B. Eerdmans Pub, Print.