Understanding Why Legolas Shoots Gríma Wormtongue While Killing Saruman in The Return of the King

The portrayal of Legolas’s actions in The Lord of the Rings has sparked considerable debate, particularly regarding his decision to kill Gríma Wormtongue. Director Peter Jackson made several creative choices that reflected the intricacies of adapting J.R.R. Tolkien’s extensive literary work into a concise film trilogy. The challenge of encapsulating the broad narrative of Tolkien’s masterpiece was immense, especially when it came to characters like Gríma and their fates.

In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the scene where Legolas fatally shoots Wormtongue raised eyebrows among fans, primarily due to its seemingly contradictory nature. Historically, Legolas, a member of the Fellowship, was known for his compassion and restraint—traits that seemed at odds with the act of killing. Jackson’s adaptation certainly leaned toward heightened violence when compared to Tolkien’s written narrative, making this particular moment feel jarring to some viewers.

The Motive Behind Legolas’s Decision

The Importance of Saruman to the Fellowship

One plausible rationale for Legolas’s actions was his desire to protect Saruman. Observing the tense confrontation between Saruman and Wormtongue, Legolas perceived the imminent threat as Wormtongue lunged to fatally stab Saruman. It could be argued that Legolas acted out of a desperate need to save Saruman, as he recognized the character’s value to the Fellowship. Legolas hesitated until it was apparent Wormtongue posed a lethal danger, highlighting the internal conflict he faced.

Despite the controversy, it was within the realm of possibility that Saruman could withstand such a perilous attack, given his formidable powers. Unfortunately, Legolas’s intervention proved too late; Wormtongue succumbed to his wounds before Saruman could benefit from Legolas’s decision. This choice underscores the notion that the ends may justify the means—especially when considering that Saruman possessed critical intel regarding Sauron that could have aided the Fellowship’s quest.

Evaluating Legolas’s Justification

The Controversy Surrounding Legolas’s Action

Legolas’s choice to kill Wormtongue left fans divided. While his character consistently embodied bravery and morality, the execution of the act seemed to muddy the waters. Perhaps a more explicit depiction of Legolas’s thought process could have clarified his intentions to spare lives while also protecting the greater good. It’s important to note that, in the broader context of the narrative, Jackson needed a way to conclude Wormtongue’s storyline, which was intricately tied to Saruman’s demise in the original text.

Tolkienian Age	Event Marking The Start	Years	Total Length In Solar Years
Before time	Indeterminate	Indeterminate	Indeterminate
Days before Days	Ainur entered Eä	1 – 3,500 Valian Years	33,537
Pre-First Age Years of the Trees (Y.T.)	Yavanna created the Two Trees	Y.T. 1 – 1050	10,061
First Age (F.A.)	Elves awoke in Cuiviénen	Y.T. 1050 – Y.T. 1500, F.A. 1 – 590	4,902
Second Age (S.A.)	War of Wrath ended	S.A. 1 – 3441	3,441
Third Age (T.A.)	Last Alliance defeated Sauron	T.A. 1 – 3021	3,021
Fourth Age (Fo.A)	Elven-rings left Middle-earth	Fo.A 1 – unknown	Unknown

Ultimately, it can be argued that Legolas’s choice to eliminate Wormtongue was justified, as preserving Saruman could have served the Fellowship’s larger objectives. Both characters, unfortunately, did not seize the opportunity for redemption during their final moments in Orthanc. Notably, Jackson’s decision to elegantly weave Saruman’s death into a scene cut from the original narrative may have limited the exploration of just how valuable Wormtongue’s life was, leading to Legolas’s final, albeit regrettable, actions.

The Fate of Wormtongue in Tolkien’s Narrative

Differences in Saruman and Gríma’s Deaths

Grima Wormtongue crying in The Lord Of The Rings

In contrast to the cinematic adaptation, Wormtongue’s fate unfolds differently in Tolkien’s literary works. In the original narrative, Saruman and Wormtongue meet their demise not at Orthanc but in the Shire, following the events known as the Scouring of the Shire—an episode omitted from the films. In both scenarios, however, Gríma’s actions directly contribute to Saruman’s downfall, as he ultimately kills Saruman before meeting his own end. While the film depicts Legolas avenging Seruman’s death, the book portrays Hobbit archers as the executors.

The choice to retain their deaths in Isengard for the film adaptation was strategic, especially considering that Warner Bros. opted to forgo the Scouring of the Shire in order to maintain the film’s momentum. Including this segment could have disrupted the pacing, particularly when juxtaposed with the epic conclusion of Sauron’s defeat. By placing Saruman and Wormtongue atop Orthanc, Jackson provided a gripping visual climax to their narratives, culminating in a memorable moment for audiences.

On December 13, 2024, Warner Bros. is set to release the animated film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, further expanding the lore of Middle-earth.

Ultimately, both Saruman and Wormtongue’s endings present profound themes within Tolkien’s narrative—highlighting the complexities of power, manipulation, and the tragic consequences of betrayal. In The Lord of the Rings, these elements resonate deeply, cementing the series’ status as a timeless epic.

Source & Images