Lord Of The Rings: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Wizards
9. Saruman Conquered The Shire
In Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings, Saruman was pretty much defeated by the end of film two. The extended edition of film three showed his final demise at the hands of his slimy servant, Gríma Wormtongue.
But in the books his actions have far wider consequences for Middle-earth. After his failed overthrow of Rohan, he departs Isengard. It's only when the hobbits return to the Shire, that his full plan is revealed.
The hobbits find the Shire in a sorry state. Many of its trees have been cut down, the inns and pubs have been closed, and the countryside has become a baron wasteland. A curfew is in place for all its inhabitants, enforced by a new police force of hobbit sheriffs.
As Frodo and co. get to the bottom of things, they discover a band of ruffians (some of whom turn out to be half-orcs) have taken control of the Shire, led by a mysterious character named "Sharkey". Merry and Pippin raise a hobbit rebellion, overthrowing the ruffians and claiming back their homeland. When Frodo finds his way to Bag End, it turns out Saruman had taken up residence there, posing as "Sharkey". Frodo confronts him, but ultimately decides to set him free. Gríma then cuts Saruman's throat in a fit of rage, before being shot by hobbit archers.