In J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, what was the original name of the wizard Saruman?

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In J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, Saruman's original name is Curumo.

Curumo is the Valarin name associated with Saruman, one of the five Istari sent to Middle-earth to oppose Sauron. In Tolkien’s notes and related writings, the wizard is also connected with the Quenya name Curunír and the Sindarin name Curunír Curumo. “Saruman” is the form used in the languages of Men and Hobbits.

The other Istari include Gandalf, Radagast, and the two Blue Wizards. Aiwendil is Radagast’s name, while Olórin is Gandalf’s name in Valinor. Saruman eventually betrays his mission, seeks the One Ring, and establishes his power at Isengard, making his original identity easy to overlook.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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