July 10, 2003

Saruman and Grima
Mithril Miner

SPOILER ALERT! If you don't want to know what happens to Saruman, stop reading...

I have heard several rumours about the ways Saruman dies. Several had something to do with Saruman falling off Orthanc, entirely free of Grima Wormtongues doing.

I personally think it would be a huge mistake on the part of PJ (not to mention completely out of character for him) to take Grima's part in Saruman's death away. For one thing, PJ has been all about developing the characters that aren't necessarily in the front line in the books--Gollum, Arwen, Haldir, and Grima, for a few. To take away Grima's one point in the book where he is actually somewhat making a decision for himself would be completely wrong.

Another thing: that bit where Grima kills Saruman shows that Grima isn't a complete and total jerk (I think he's kind of like Smeagol/Gollum, he is still has a bit of good in him, he just never listens to it!).

In fact, all signs seem to be leading up to Grima's choice to kill Saruman. His amazement at the armies (and the tear). And in addition to that he has seen the mercy of Theoden and Aragorn. It just wouldn't seem right to let him die without the satisfaction of doing away with the man/wizard who had caused him all that trouble.

I hope the rumors aren't true, but maybe I'm just crazy.