The Fateful End of Wormtongue: A Deep Dive into The Lord of the Rings

In The Lord of the Rings, Gríma Wormtongue, or simply Wormtongue, emerges as a devious and treacherous advisor to King Théoden of Rohan, serving the corrupted wizard Saruman. Central to his story is his manipulation and eventual demise, which both reflect and reinforce themes of betrayal, haste, and the consequences of one's actions.

Wormtongue's Role and Deception

Wormtongue serves as a powerful symbol of manipulation and treachery. His influence over King Théoden weakens the kingdom and keeps it under the influence of his manipulative nature, Wormtongue's ultimate fate serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions, as both the books and the films outline his demise in the heat of battle.

The Confrontation with the Hobbits

The climax of Wormtongue's story unfolds in The Return of the King. Following Saruman's defeat, Wormtongue and Saruman make their way to the Shire, seeking to carry out their sinister plans. However, this plan is thwarted when they are confronted by a group of hobbits. Wormtongue's moment of rebellion against Saruman is short-lived, and his betrayal is ultimately his downfall.

The Ultimate Consequence: Wormtongue's Death

Saruman, enraged by Wormtongue's treachery, kills him by stabbing him in the back. This instance highlights the harsh reality of betrayal and manipulation and underscores the narrative's message about the consequences of one's actions. In the books, it is explicitly mentioned that Wormtongue's fate is sealed when he is shot down by hobbit archers, as he attempts to flee after stabbing Saruman.

A Future with Saruman

Before his death, Wormtongue's journey with Saruman continues. They are eventually set free by Treebeard and journey north until they encounter the company heading to Rivendell. Their plan to corrupt and destroy the Shire is thwarted, leading to Wormtongue's final act as he finally kills Saruman during their retreat. This event further emphasizes the fateful end of Wormtongue and the significant impact of his actions.

Lessons from Wormtongue's Story

The story of Gríma Wormtongue offers a rich tapestry of themes, including the power of deception, the dangers of manipulation, and the gravity of betrayal. His ultimate demise in the heat of battle provides a powerful allegory for the audience, reinforcing the narrative's moral standpoint on the consequences of such actions.

For a more detailed understanding of Walda Thengel's son, Aragorn, the heir of Isildur, and the various other characters and events in The Lord of the Rings, readers are encouraged to delve into the original books to uncover the intricate details and nuances not captured in the adapted film versions.