Saruman's Influence Over Rohan and His Ultimate Defeat

In The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, Saruman, a powerful and ambitious wizard, was one of the most significant antagonists. His quest to dominate Middle Earth led him to try and take control of the kingdom of Rohan, a vital ally for the forces of good in the battle against Sauron.

Did Saruman Ever Take Over Rohan?

Saruman's plans to dominate the lands and peoples of Middle Earth were vast and intricate. However, his attempt to take over Rohan, while ambitious, did not succeed in the same manner as he may have initially envisioned. Instead, he managed to manipulate the mind of King Théoden, the 7th King of Rohan, from a distance.

A powerful spell, woven by Saruman, locked Théoden's mind in a twisted bond. Through this spell, Saruman was able to control Théoden's actions, accelerating his aging process, and clouding his sight. Théoden became a shell of himself, unable to rule independently. To further his control, Saruman enlisted the help of Gríma Wormtongue. Gríma, previously a trusted advisor to Théoden, became a pawn in Saruman's grand scheme.

In "The Two Towers," Saruman's influence over Théoden and the realm of Rohan is a critical part of the narrative. Gríma, acting under Saruman's orders, poisoned Théoden, leading to a series of events that nearly secured Saruman's victory. Theodred's funeral and the darkening of Théoden's reign are pivotal moments in this struggle, reflecting Saruman's growing influence over the kingdom.

However, Saruman's control over Rohan was not absolute. Gandalf the Grey, and later Gandalf the White, managed to break the spell placed on Théoden. With this victory, Gandalf and Théoden led a successful defense of the fortress at Helm's Deep, foiling Saruman's plans. This battle marked a significant victory for the forces of good and a setback for Saruman's ambitions.

Final Confrontation

The battle at Helm's Deep was not only a physical conflict but a test of wills. While Saruman failed to take over the entirety of Rohan, he did manage to take control of the western parts of the kingdom, mainly those areas near Isengard. His control over these regions allowed him to influence events and resources to his advantage. Saruman's final confrontation with the heroes of the story took place at the end of "The Two Towers." In this climactic battle, Saruman's plans escalated to an attempt to win all of Rohan. This reflects his broader goal to dominate all of Middle Earth, a plan not unlike Sauron's.

Foolish Ambition

Saruman's defeat was also due to his miscalculation and misguided ambitions. He foolishly believed that he could form an alliance with Sauron, not realizing that his%% role in Sauron's plans would be minimal at best. Saruman's ultimate downfall came in "The Return of the King," where his actions and alliances with other dark lords proved to be his undoing. The first order of business for Sauron, should his victory be achieved, would have been to eliminate Saruman, proving Saruman's plan to be inherently flawed.

Conclusion

Saruman's attempt to control Rohan, while intense and pivotal to the story, was ultimately thwarted through both physical and metaphysical means. His control over King Théoden and the western lands of Rohan was a testament to his magical prowess but also a fragile victory. The ultimate victory against Saruman came with the alliance of Gandalf and the Last Gifts of Galadriel, showcasing the power of unity and purity of purpose in the face of overwhelming darkness.