Gríma Wormtongue is the tertiary antagonist of The Two Towers and a minor antagonist in the last book Return of the King. He is sent by Saruman to manipulate King Théoden (under Saruman's control). However, the plot is foiled by Gandalf and his allies.
Appearances[]
Gríma Wormtongue was once a noble man of Rohan before he was corrupted by Saruman. He became Théoden's advisor but became a corrupting influence on the King. With Rohan indirectly under Saruman's control, it helped further his goal in conquering Middle-earth. It is implied that Wormtongue was promised Éowyn, Théoden's niece, by Saruman in exchange for his services.
The Two Towers[]
Return of the King[]
Sometime after the party leaves, Gríma escaped with Saruman and took over the Shire to get revenge on the Hobbits. During the siege, Wormtongue murdered Lotho Sackville-Baggins and claimed to face eaten him himself on Saruman's orders.
When Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin return home, they find the Shire in ruins. Frodo confronts them. Tired of his abuse, Wormtongue kills his master and tries to run. In response, several hobbit archers fire and execute Gríma on the spot.
Films[]
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers[]
The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King[]
His fate in the book and film differs.
In the extended version of the film, Wormtongue murders Saruman and literally stabs him in the back. In response, Legolas fires an arrow and kills Wormtongue.
Trivia[]
- Brad Dourif shaved off his eyebrows in order to play Wormtongue.
