Saruman the White? Why?

[Annantar]

I was wondeing why Saruman was a white wizard? Wasn't Gandalf a white wizard because he fought shadow? If so, what did Saruman do to become a white wizard, and was he the only white wizard before Gandalf came along, and if not why was he the head of the counsil? I just don't know too much about this kind of history, and if I had read about it, I didn't understand what is was saying. So maybe some one can put it into better words for me. Thanx! smilies/tongue.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/frown.gif smilies/smile.gif

[Finwe]

Try using the Search function. There are probably many threads on the subject of Saruman and his "rank."

[Sharkû]

I've argued before that the colours of the wizards hardly bear any important significance. From all we know, they are just the colours of their robes, and they had those before they even went on their mission (certainly Gandalf at least was already clad in grey). It's possible they were signs of rank or job in Valinor, but we don't know.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 6:18 AM January 19, 2004: Message edited by: Sharkû ]

[Knight of Gondor]

I learned elsewhere on this board (and I hope to learn for myself via the Histories) that there were five wizards put on Middle-Earth. Saruman (Curunir) was White (which, as far as I know, DOES symbolize greater wisdom/power), Gandalf (Olorin) was Grey, Radaghast was Brown, and there were two others, one of them blue?? Saruman's powers were depleted as his wisdom was invaded by Ring-lust. Gandalf did not get "promoted" merely because he fought a battle, but because the Valar granted him more power for his part in the struggle against Sauron. This is my humble opinion, and I lack resources to back it up, but if anyone can supplement/disprove/prove me right, I'd be obliged. smilies/smile.gif

[Legolas]

See their true colours shining through... (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002536)

Some good posts on possible meanings, though not specified by Tolkien.