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Saruman of Many Colors
media used: watercolor


(page 252 of The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien; the chapter "The Council of Elrond", where Gandalf is explaining to the council why he was 'delayed'.)

'"Yes, I have come," I said. "I have come for your aid, Saruman the White." And that title seemed to anger him.
'"Have you indeed, Gandalf the Grey!" he scoffed. "For aid? It has seldom been heard of that Gandalf the Grey sought for aid, one so cunning and so wise, wandering about the lands, and concerning himself in every business, whether it belongs to him or not."
'I looked at him and wondered. "But if I am not decieved," said I, "things are now moving which will require the union of our strength."
'"That may be so," he said, "but the thought is late in coming to you. How long, I wonder, have you concealed from me, the head of the Council, a matter of greatest import? What brings you now from your lurking-place in the Shire?"
'"The Nine have come forth again," I answered. "They have crossed the River. So Radagast said to me."
'"Radagast the Brown!" laughed Saruman, and he no longer concealed his scorn. "Radagast the Bird-tamer! Radagast the Simple! Radagast the Fool! Yet he had just the wit to play the part I set him. For you have come, and that was all the purpose of my message. And here you will stay, Gandalf the Grey, and rest from journeys. For I am Saruman the Wise, Saruman the Ring-maker, Saruman of Many Colours!"
'I looked then and saw that his robes, which had seemed white, were not so, but were woven of all colours, and if he moved they shimmered and changed hue so that the eye was bewildered.
'"I liked white better," I said.