Most fans know about the Rings of Power and Sauron’s One Ring, but Saruman actually had a ring of his own in The Lord of the Rings that’s often overlooked. This is because it wasn’t included in Peter Jackson’s movie trilogy, along with many other details of Saruman’s story. The films simply didn’t have enough time to fully explore his character.
Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films showed Saruman turning against the heroes in The Fellowship of the Ring and ultimately being defeated at Isengard in The Two Towers. But the movies didn’t depict Saruman’s sad attempts to become as powerful as Sauron and Gandalf.
Saruman was driven by intense jealousy. Despite already being powerful, he constantly desired the power held by others. This envy ultimately led to his downfall and distinguishes him from the other wizards in The Lord of the Rings – making him a uniquely tragic figure.
Saruman Made His Own Ring In The Lord Of The Rings (& It Was Kind Of A Joke)
As a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings, I always found Saruman’s turn to the dark side fascinating. It wasn’t just a sudden switch; he actively changed himself, and you can even see it in how he looks. When Gandalf first visited Orthanc in The Fellowship of the Ring, I didn’t pick up on it immediately, but as Saruman started to reveal his true colors and go on those long speeches, things definitely started to feel…off. You could tell something was very wrong with him.
Saruman announced that he was now known as “Saruman Ring-maker” and “Saruman of Many Colors.” Gandalf realized the wizard, once clad in white, was actually wearing a cloak that shimmered with many different colors. Saruman also wore a ring – likely the one he’d forged to claim his new title and boost his ego.
Saruman’s ring wasn’t particularly impressive, and we never discovered what it actually did. It probably just amplified his already persuasive voice. It wasn’t nearly as powerful as Sauron’s Ring, or even Gandalf’s ring, Narya. It seems Saruman created it simply to feel important—which is rather pathetic.
Saruman Was Powerful, But His Jealousy Made Him Pathetic
Saruman was undoubtedly a very powerful wizard. Of the three Istari sent to Middle-earth – Saruman, Gandalf, and Radagast – he initially surpassed them all in strength. He was enthusiastic about coming to Middle-earth to help the people fight against Sauron. But Saruman began to fear Gandalf, recognizing his potential. When Gandalf was chosen by the elf Círdan to carry a Ring of Power, Saruman’s envy intensified.
Saruman’s claim to power, marked by his showy robes and self-proclaimed authority, ultimately led to his ruin. After losing Orthanc, he was reduced to a powerless wanderer, even with his ring. He made a desperate attempt to regain control in the Shire, but was betrayed by Grima Wormtongue – a particularly humiliating end for such a powerful figure. Saruman had the potential to succeed in The Lord of the Rings, but his envy, distrust, and overall weakness prevented him from achieving his goals.
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2026-01-31 18:50