The Fates of the Witch King and Saruman: Beyond Tolkien's Chronicles

For many readers, the ultimate fate of the Witch King and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings series remains a subject of intense curiosity. Chronicles and interpretations provide various insights, especially regarding the fate of Sauron and Saruman after their respective defeats. Here, we delve deeper into the mysterious end of these powerful figures, focusing on specific interpretations and hidden details.

The Fate of the Witch King

The Witch King, leader of the Nazgul, meets his ultimate fate at the Battle of Minas Tirith. Despite the immense power bestowed upon him through the One Ring, Tolkien deviates significantly from legendarium traditions, depicting the Witch King as a powerful but finite presence.

After the fall of Sauron, the Witch King is reduced to an insubstantial spirit, without the ability to form a new body or exert any influence in the physical world. As Gandalf describes it, Sauron's state is that of a “spirit of malice”, unable to do anything substantive.

A Spirit of Malice

Tolkien’s vision of a disembodied spirit, mired in a state of solitude and helplessness, is both haunting and poetic. The Witch King, a Maia who once commanded immense power, is now nothing more than a spectral reminder of his former glory. This fate, while described as a "horrific existence," also raises questions about the nature of power, its source, and its ultimate limit.

Some interpretations suggest that the Witch King's spirit retains a partially functional state, observing the world despite being unable to interact with it. This could lead to a detrimental state of half-life, where the only semblance of life is a vague sense of unrest and unease.

Interestingly, beyond canonical sources, Tolkien himself was known to have said, "Buy my next book, it'll all be in there." This revelation has fueled speculation and fan speculation about the ultimate fates of these legendary figures.

Saruman and the Istari: An Unlikely Fate

Saruman, one of the few individuals to directly fight the Nazgul, also faces a unique fate. Unlike the Witch King, Saruman’s sequelae are more ambiguous. While Tolkien did not provide a detailed account of Saruman's end, it is possible to draw upon a summary of his role in Middle-earth and his ultimate fall.

Saruman, like the Witch King, is also reduced to a disembodied spirit, but his situation is perhaps more dire. Suffering a “great diminishment of his native strength and circumstance,” Saruman is left unable to materialize or take any positive action, solitary and haunting.

This lesser fate of Saruman is more fitting for an Istari, a being of lesser power compared to a Maia like the Witch King. The dissolution of his spirit is often interpreted in two ways: either he was reduced to a mere spirit, unable to materialize or engage in any positive action, or he was literally dissipated into oblivion and non-existence. Both are equally horrific, highlighting the profound loss of a being meant to serve as a beacon of hope and wisdom.

Conclusion: Multifaceted Interpretations

The ultimate fates of the Witch King and Saruman offer a rich tapestry of interpretations, each adding depth to the narrative of Middle-earth. While both figures are reduced to insubstantial spirits, their experiences and the manner of their final existence differ, providing multiple layers of meaning to Tolkien’s epic saga.

These fates, while wrought with supernatural tragedy, underscore the themes of power, loss, and the boundaries of existence within Tolkien’s world. Whether they are wandering ghosts or dissipated into oblivion, their stories remain compelling and haunting.

For those seeking more insights into these legendary beings, delving into the legendarium and exploring fan interpretations can offer new perspectives and a deeper appreciation of the epic tale of Middle-earth.