1. I think the Riders were still enough under the spell of Saruman that they
really were happy that Theoden was accepting this offer of "peace."
2. Yes, the good Professor tricked me on that one. I was young, and I figured
he would give in, to save his people. (Hmm. That gives me an idea for this
week's What-If.)
3. I think duped is the wrong word. "Bought" is better. He was willing to go
along with all this, for the promised prize--Eowyn. Grima was weak and Saruman
offered him power and riches.
4. I have a theory that may be farfetched, but perhaps it showed Saruman
becoming more and more like the Enemy. Instead of trying to acheive mastery by
subtlety and his voice, which was his original tact, he has taken to anger and
threats, which is more Sauron's line. Just a
thought.
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email: elwen3@hotmail.com
"But I say to you, King of the Númenoreans, not till now have I understood the tale of your people and their fall. As wicked fools I scorned them, but I pity them at last. For if this is indeed, as the Eldar say, the gift of the One to Men, it is bitter to receive."
Namarie Widfara, you are always in our hearts.
