The Lord of the Rings · Character
Gríma Wormtongue
Also known as Wormtongue, Gríma son of Gálmód, Láthspell
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 2 · Ch. 6
A wizened and twisted man of slight build with pale skin and a wise yet cunning face dominated by heavy-lidded dark eyes that blink uneasily in sunlight. His very white complexion sometimes shifts to green with dismay, and a long pale tongue darts out to lick his lips as a hunted expression crosses his features before he bares his teeth in a hiss of defiance. He carries himself with a cringing, rat-like posture, crawling on steps or darting sideways like a draggled creature fresh from the mist, every motion underscoring his queer and untrustworthy presence in the halls of Rohan.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- middle-aged
- First appears
- Book 2 · Ch. 6
- Books
- 2
Gríma Wormtongue begins as a cunning, rat-like counselor who poisons King Théoden’s mind in the halls of Rohan, then collapses into a ragged, servile fugitive once his treachery is exposed. Freed from his influence over Rohan, he follows his true master Saruman into the ruined Shire, where he murders Lotho Sackville-Baggins on Saruman’s orders before finally slaying Saruman himself and being cut down by hobbit archers. Across the two books his physical decay mirrors his moral collapse, transforming him from a subtle manipulator into a broken, desperate killer.
Description
A wizened and twisted man of slight build with pale skin and a wise yet cunning face dominated by heavy-lidded dark eyes that blink uneasily in sunlight. His very white complexion sometimes shifts to green with dismay, and a long pale tongue darts out to lick his lips as a hunted expression crosses his features before he bares his teeth in a hiss of defiance. He carries himself with a cringing, rat-like posture, crawling on steps or darting sideways like a draggled creature fresh from the mist, every motion underscoring his queer and untrustworthy presence in the halls of Rohan. A human man dressed in ragged beggar’s clothing, his posture deeply slouched and his movements quick and shuffling. His eyes are bleared and wary, with a frightened, furtive glance; his overall appearance is shabby and worn, with a hunched silhouette and an anxious, servile expression.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Frodo Bagginswould-be protector
Frodo extends pity and an offer of rest to the broken Gríma in the Shire, but the offer is rejected, underscoring Gríma’s final refusal to break from evil.
- S
Sarumanconflicting source relationships
Initially the hidden master whose contemptuous ideology Gríma channels; later the openly abusive superior whom Gríma follows into exile and ultimately murders in a moment of defiance.
Théodendeceitful counsellor
Begins as trusted counselor who secretly undermines Théoden’s will on Saruman’s behalf; after exposure becomes an open enemy whose deceit Gandalf publicly denounces, ending Gríma’s power in Rohan.
- LS
Lotho Sackville-Bagginsmurderer
Gríma kills the imprisoned Lotho on Saruman’s orders, marking his descent from verbal poisoner to outright murderer.
Story so far
BOOK 2The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of the Lord of the Rings
- Gríma lurks at Théoden’s side, his pale tongue and cringing posture betraying his deceit.
- He attempts to bar Gandalf’s entry to Meduseld and sows distrust against Aragorn and his companions.
- His influence is shattered when Gandalf breaks Saruman’s hold over the king.
- Exposed and stripped of power, he is given a choice to ride with Gandalf or depart in disgrace.
BOOK 3The Return of the King: Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings
- Gríma appears as a ragged beggar trailing Saruman into the Shire.
- On Saruman’s command he murders the captive Lotho Sackville-Baggins in his sleep.
- He refuses Frodo’s offer of mercy and food, remaining bound to his fallen master.
- In a final act of rebellion he cuts Saruman’s throat at the gates of Bag End.
- Moments later he is shot down by hobbit archers and buried in a shallow grave.
Key events
- Book 2
Ch. 7Théoden RestoredGandalf leads the company to Edoras where King Théoden sits enfeebled under Wormtongue's malign influence. Gandalf casts off his grey guise, shatters Wormtongue's hold, and restores Théoden's vigor and royal resolve. - Book 2
Ch. 11Saruman Cast from the OrderAt ruined Isengard, Gandalf confronts Saruman at Orthanc. Saruman's mesmerizing voice nearly sways Théoden, but Gandalf—now the White—breaks his staff, casting him from the order and leaving him imprisoned in his tower. - Book 3
Ch. 19The Battle of BywaterThe hobbits return to find the Shire under ruffian control led by 'Sharkey' (Saruman). Merry and Pippin rally the hobbits; at the Battle of Bywater, they defeat the occupying Men. Saruman is killed by Wormtongue at Bag End's door.
Appearances
Meet Gríma Wormtongue in Bookworm
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