Saruman the White (scene)

From Tolkien Gateway
Saruman the White
Scene from
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Saruman the White.jpg
Scene number9 (theatrical edition)
12 (extended edition)
Duration 4:36
Event Gandalf is captured in Orthanc by Saruman.
Characters Gandalf, Saruman
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Saruman the White is the ninth scene of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and the twelfth scene of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition).

Synopsis[edit | edit source]

Gandalf arrives at Orthanc to speak with Saruman, informing the head of his order of the discovery of The One Ring. While Saruman rebukes Gandalf for becoming so enamored with the ways of Hobbits (specifically their love of pipe-weed) that he failed to notice the truth about Bilbo's possession for years, he confirms Gandalf's findings. When Gandalf claims that there is still time to counter against Sauron if they act quickly, Saruman disagrees.

Entering into the tower of Orthanc, Saruman informs Gandalf that Sauron, despite having no physical form, can still use his eye to search for the ring. When Gandalf asks Saruman how he knows this, Saruman then reveals his usage of a Palantir to Gandalf, who is visibly disturbed. Saruman goes on to say that the Ringwraiths are alive and will seek The One Ring on Sauron's behalf. Fearing for Frodo, Gandalf tries to leave, but Saruman uses magic to seal the doors. He informs Gandalf that time is running out, that Sauron is unstoppable, and that they must join him if they wish to have victory. Gandalf rejects Saruman and the two of them fight for a brief period before Saruman takes Gandalf's staff and sends him hurtling to the pinnacle of Orthanc.

Differences[edit | edit source]

  • Saruman's usage of a Palantir is not revealed until the chapter The Voice of Saruman.
  • Saruman and Gandalf do not have a battle.
  • Saruman does not seize Gandalf's staff.
  • No mention of Saruman's titles of "Ring-maker" or "Many-Colors" is made in the films. In the books, these show Saruman's arrogance and presumption of replacing Sauron and the other wizards. In the movies, Saruman seems to be willing to take a subordinate role to Sauron.