Chief advisor to King Theoden of Rohan and secret agent of Saruman. Through whispered counsel, he weakened Theoden's will and kept Rohan paralyzed while Saruman prepared for war. He lusted after Eowyn, adding to her misery. Exposed by Gandalf, he fled to Saruman at Isengard. After the Scouring of the Shire, tormented beyond endurance by Saruman's abuse, he cut Saruman's throat and was immediately killed by hobbit arrows.