We've now moved on to the afternoon of March 5th. As you can see a lot happened on this day as the last several blog posts have covered this day. Gandalf and Theoden, and his Riders, came back to Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Pippin, and Merry. Gandalf told them he had to speak with Saruman before they left. He asked none to go with him but all came. He told them to be wary because Saruman could still cast spells with his voice. Up the steps of Orthanc went Gandalf, Theoden, Eomer, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas. "Merry and Pippin sat at the bottom step, feeling both unimportant and unsafe" (p. 182, The Two Towers). Wormtongue answered Gandalf's call but was quickly dismissed. Then a voice called out, unseen by anyone, enchanting to the listener. Some dismissed it quickly, others strove with the voice, and others still remembered it all their days as it seemed so wise and all-knowing. "'But none were unmoved; none rejected its pleas and its commands without effort of mind and will, so long as its master had control of it" (p. 183, The Two Towers).
It was a kind and gentle voice speaking as if it had been wronged. Saruman called out to Theoden offering forgiveness and friendship as they had of old. Theoden could not speak and the Riders began to wonder if they had been wrong in their fight against Saruman. Gimli broke into Saruman's speech and their was a hint of anger in the voice. Eomer broke the speech next as it continued to call Theoden and again a flash of anger was present. Still the voice carried on for Theoden. "'We will have peace,' said Theoden at last thickly and with an effort. Several of the Riders cried out gladly. Theoden held up his hand. 'Yes, we will have peace,' he said, now in a clear voice. 'we will have peace, when you and all your works have perished--and the works of your dark master to whom you would deliver us. You are a liar, Saruman, and a corruptor of men's hearts'" (p. 185, The Two Towers).
I think this is a good point to interject some of my thoughts. The lying of Saruman struck me throughout this entire reading. Not that he necessarily outright lied (though he did at times) but how his lies were mixed with truth. I am reminded of the Garden of Eden when the serpent said to Adam and Eve: "Did God really say..." implanting the Lie of all lies in human hearts. From that day to this and until the end of days that voice will never leave our hearts this side of heaven. Much like the Riders who would forever hear Saruman's voice in their minds and hearts. Did God really say Jesus is the only way? Did God really say feed the poor? Did God really say lust is a sin? At the root of any decision I've ever made to disobey God (and there have been plenty of those) can be found that twisted lie/truth: Did God really say...He's holding out on you; you can do better; He doesn't know what's best for you, etc. It takes great effort, much like Theoden showed, to strive with the lie and determine the truth.
At Theoden's defiant words Saruman grew very angry and the voice changed: harsh with insults driven toward the Rohirrim. He turned his attention to Gandalf who had been sitting quietly. Gandalf gave Saruman a chance to repent of his words and actions from their last meeting; his betrayal of all that opposed Sauron. Saruman explained that Gandalf, in his pride, had misinterpreted those words and actions; that they could take counsel together once again and make plans to heal the "disorder" of the world. Even as the others listened they felt both Wizards far above themselves and were sure Gandalf would go and they would be ruled them. Even Theoden thought he was betrayed. Gandalf laughed. "'Saruman, you missed your path in life. You should have been a king's jester and earned your bread, and stripes too, by mimicking his counsellors'" (p. 187, The Two Towers).
Gandalf clearly refused Saruman's offer and this made Saruman very angry. He could not hide his pride and hate of Gandalf any longer. Weary of the conversation Gandalf offered one last time for Saruman to leave Orthanc free: "But when I say "free", I mean "free": free from bond, of chain, or command: to go where you will, even, even to Mordor, Saruman, if you desire. But you will first surrender to me the Key of Orthanc, and your staff. They shall be pledges of your conduct, to be returned later, if you merit them" (p. 188, The Two Towers). That kind of freedom is almost unimaginable. After such deep betrayal and treachery and damage done by Saruman the offer of complete freedom? Even freedom to return to Sauron and evil? This smacks of the freedom offered humanity by Christ on the cross. Of course, Saruman did not see this as a kind offer from Gandalf. He accused him of seeking to take over Orthanc, command the Five Wizards, and even to replace Sauron. Saruman turned to leave until Gandalf commanded him to stay.
"'Behold, I am not Gandalf the Grey, whom you betrayed. I am Gandalf the White, who has returned from death. You have no colour now, and I cast you from the order and from the Council.' He raised his hand, and spoke slowly in a clear cold voice. 'Saruman, your staff is broken'" (p. 188-189, The Two Towers). Saruman's staff cracked and he was no longer a member of the Istari nor the White Council. Also at that moment a heavy stone came flying down barely missing both Gandalf and Saruman; it was a dark globe with a strange glow. It suffered no damage itself but caused plenty to what it hit. Wormtongue threw it, perhaps not sure of who he'd rather kill: Saruman or Gandalf. Pippin retrieved it and Gandalf quickly took it from the Took guessing Saruman would not willingly part with the object. With that they turned to leave Orthanc.
Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, March 5th
Today's reading comes from: The Two Towers, pages 181-189
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