Saruman is a prominent character in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium, particularly known from The Lord of the Rings. He is a powerful wizard, originally one of the Istari sent to aid in the fight against Sauron, but he ultimately succumbs to the temptation of power and seeks the One Ring for himself. As the head of the White Council, Saruman initially appears wise and noble. However, his ambition leads him to betray his allies, aligning himself with dark forces. His transformation from a respected leader to a corrupted villain serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and pride.