Understanding Treebeard's Reference to Saruman as 'Young'

In The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Two Towers, Treebeard's description of Saruman is both profound and revealing. Treebeard, as the oldest creature in Middle-earth, refers to Saruman as 'young' and 'sly.' This detailed account offers insights into the nature of these two powerful wizards, delving into their history and the complexities of their later interactions. Let's explore the reasons behind Treebeard's description and the significance it holds in the narrative.

The Character of Saruman and Treebeard

Saruman (also known as Saruman the White) was one of the Maiar, powerful in the world of Arda. He was initially loyal to the Valar and the tower of Orthanc was his citadel. However, his allegiance shifted, gradually moving towards darkness, which ultimately led to the fall of Saruman. On the other hand, Treebeard (or Fangorn) is an Ent, a race of trees that possess free will and intelligence. Treebeard is known for his wisdom and the deep understanding of Middle-earth's nature and history.

Treebeard's Perspective on Saruman

In The Two Towers, a conversation between Treebeard and Gandalf reveals Treebeard's perspective on Saruman. Treebeard describes Saruman as 'a Wizard' and 'great among them,' but he also points out that Saruman gave up wandering and settled down at Isengard. Initially, Saruman was polite and eager to listen, but over time, his reputation grew, and he became more controlling and manipulative. Treebeard mentions that Saruman was chosen to be head of the White Council, but this did not end well for Saruman. Furthermore, Treebeard notes that Saruman's face became 'like windows in a stone wall' with 'shutters inside,' symbolizing his closed and deceptive nature.

Naivity and Deception

Treebeard's reference to Saruman as 'young' is evidence of his naivety. When Treebeard met Saruman, he saw a middle-aged black-bearded man, but in reality, Saruman is older. However, Treebeard did not connect Saruman to the Maiar, a class of beings that includes Gandalf. The reference to 'young' is also a play on words, as Saruman's actual age is greater than Middle-earth itself, but his noble and grand appearance deceived Treebeard, making him seem younger than he was in essence.

The True Nature of the Wizards

The true nature of the wizards is a topic of great interest in Middle-earth's lore. Treesbeard does not know of their origin as Maiar, and very few in Middle-earth are aware of it. Círdan, Galadriel, and Elrond are known to be aware of the true nature of the wizards. Given this knowledge, it’s reasonable to assume that Celeborn and those who witnessed Gandalf's return might also understand. Additionally, Bilbo is known to have studied the elvish lore that became The Silmarillion, which likely included knowledge of the true nature of the wizards.

Conclusion

By referring to Saruman as 'young,' Treebeard highlights the contrast between appearance and reality. It serves as a poignant reminder of the deceptive nature of Saruman and the complexity of the wizard's journey towards darkness. Understanding this perspective provides valuable insights into the characters and their interactions, enriching the reader's appreciation of the rich tapestry of Tolkien's Middle-earth.