Saruman leads the White Council in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium.
The White Council is an alliance of powerful figures formed to oppose the growing threat of Sauron. Saruman, known as Saruman the White, becomes its chief because of his great knowledge of ring-lore and his long study of Sauron’s activities.
His authority does not make him loyal forever. Saruman secretly desires the One Ring for himself and eventually turns against the Free Peoples. He establishes a stronghold at Isengard, breeds Uruk-hai, and uses the palantír to communicate with Sauron.
Gandalf is the best-known member of the Council, but he is not its leader. The Council’s other notable members include Galadriel, Elrond, Círdan, and Radagast, whose different roles can cause confusion when the group is discussed.