Saruman, also known as Saruman the White, was the first of the Istari (Wizards), the emissaries of the Valar sent to Middle-earth in the Third Age to help the Free Peoples of the World to counter the possible return of Sauron. He was originally the chief and greatest of the Five Istari, as well as the head of the White Council that for a time opposed the re-emergence of the Dark Lord. For many years he was regarded as an ally of Gondor and Rohan, and was even granted guardianship of the tower of Orthanc as part of the defense of the West. However, after studying the works of Sauron, particularly the lore of the Rings of Power, Saruman, overcome by pride and greed, betrayed his allies and swore fealty to Sauron, becoming one of his greatest servants. The Wizard, however, plotted to betray his "new master"[2] as well and usurp his place as ruler of Middle-earth by claiming the One Ring for himself, or at least to become his right hand. In the War of the Ring, Saruman marshalled an army at Isengard to both conquer Rohan at Sauron's behest and try to claim the One Ring for himself. After his master's downfall and his own failure to obtain the Ring or subjugate Rohan, Saruman journeyed to the Shire, where a host of Ruffians had already seized control of it through Lotho Sackville-Baggins, until Hobbits revolted and liberated the land, and exiled him. He was then slain by Gríma Wormtongue, his servant whom he had long abused. Following the death of Saruman's physical body, his spirit was rejected by the Valar due to his treachery.