What if Saruman had repented at Orthanc ? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

The Mouth of Sauron · 02-10-2009, 07:01 PM

Before Gandalf broke Saruman's staff, he gave him the choice of "coming down" from Orthanc and making amends. After Saruman refused, Gandalf said with regret : "He knows our need, none better .... great service he could have rendered".

Imagine if Saruman HAD "come down". Could he have been trusted ? Would Gandalf have told him about Frodo's situation ? What practical aid could he have given ? Would for instance Gandalf have sent him to Minas Tirith to help in its defence ? Or sent him to resist the Nazgul ? Or maybe he would have asked Saruman to use the Palantir to give disinformation to Sauron ?

It was clear that Gandalf envisaged a role for Saruman if he repented, but in practical terms what would or could he have done, or been allowed or trusted to do ?

02-10-2009, 07:01 PM	#1
The Mouth of Sauron Wight Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Barad-Dur Posts: 196	What if Saruman had repented at Orthanc ? Before Gandalf broke Saruman's staff, he gave him the choice of "coming down" from Orthanc and making amends. After Saruman refused, Gandalf said with regret : "He knows our need, none better .... great service he could have rendered". Imagine if Saruman HAD "come down". Could he have been trusted ? Would Gandalf have told him about Frodo's situation ? What practical aid could he have given ? Would for instance Gandalf have sent him to Minas Tirith to help in its defence ? Or sent him to resist the Nazgul ? Or maybe he would have asked Saruman to use the Palantir to give disinformation to Sauron ? It was clear that Gandalf envisaged a role for Saruman if he repented, but in practical terms what would or could he have done, or been allowed or trusted to do ?