Wormtongue

Wormtongue, fully Gríma Wormtongue, is a fictional character in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium, best known from The Lord of the Rings. He serves as the chief counsellor to King Théoden of Rohan, but he is secretly a loyal agent of Saruman. The character embodies treachery and the corrupting power of manipulation, using flattery, insinuation, and fear to undermine Théoden and hinder Rohan’s alliances and preparations against Saruman’s forces.

In the narrative, Wormtongue works to weaken Théoden’s will and isolate the king from his advisors and allies. His influence contributes to delays in rallying the Rohirrim and complicates strategies against Saruman’s campaigns. The turning point comes when Gandalf and Éomer reveal and counteract his machinations, freeing Théoden from Wormtongue’s spell and restoring the king’s resolve.

After Théoden’s restoration, Wormtongue is banished from Edoras and travels to Isengard with Saruman. In the main texts, Wormtongue’s ultimate fate is not clearly stated; his end is left unresolved following Saruman’s downfall.

Name and epithet: The surname Wormtongue conveys his deceptive nature, while Gríma (or Grima) is his given name. The character functions as a cautionary figure regarding political manipulation and the dangers of listening to corrupt advisers.

Appearances and portrayals: The character appears in Tolkien’s The Two Towers and The Return of the King. In Peter Jackson’s film adaptations, Gríma Wormtongue is portrayed by actor Brad Dourif.