The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Does Saruman lose his ability to use magic when his staff is broken?

Inziladun · 06-28-2012, 09:47 AM

The breaking of Saruman's staff was largely a symbolic measure, stripping Saruman of all "authority" to act in Middle-earth given to him by his superiors in the Blessed Realm. With the loss of that authority though, I believe his power to affect the physical world in "magical" ways was indeed at least seriously curtailed.

I think the key to Gandalf's words is in the phrase "in Orthanc". That tower was too strong for even the Ents to break or enter, so Saruman could have held out against the Nazgûl there at least temporarily (as long as he had food and water).

06-28-2012, 09:47 AM	#2
Inziladun Gruesome Spectre Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Heaven's doorstep Posts: 8,046	The breaking of Saruman's staff was largely a symbolic measure, stripping Saruman of all "authority" to act in Middle-earth given to him by his superiors in the Blessed Realm. With the loss of that authority though, I believe his power to affect the physical world in "magical" ways was indeed at least seriously curtailed. I think the key to Gandalf's words is in the phrase "in Orthanc". That tower was too strong for even the Ents to break or enter, so Saruman could have held out against the Nazgûl there at least temporarily (as long as he had food and water). __________________ Music alone proves the existence of God.