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Saruman is the first wizard to arrive in Middle-earth and the leader of the White Council. He studies the lore of the Rings of Power and eventually begins to want power for himself. While searching for the One Ring, he refuses to take action against Sauron as Gandalf suggests, allowing Sauron to reclaim Mordor. Saruman establishes himself as the lord of Isengard and is later overthrown after his treachery is revealed to the White Council.
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Saruman/Curunír Character Timeline in The Silmarillion
The timeline below shows where the character Saruman/Curunír appears in The Silmarillion. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age
...age slowly, and have “many powers of mind and hand.” The first to arrive is Saruman, who speaks mostly to men. The next is Gandalf, a close counselor of Elrond and...
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At that time the White Council—made of Gandalf, Saruman, Galadriel, Elrond, Círdan, and the other elven lords—is founded, with Saruman as its leader. Galadriel...
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...power as long as the One Ring still exists, even if it’s lost. This time, Saruman agrees, and they drive Sauron from Mirkwood. However, their attack is too late, since the...
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...in Rivendell and given to the heir of Isildur, Aragorn, who is very like Elendil. Saruman is overthrown in Isengard, and a great battle is fought outside of Minas Tirith, where...
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