Saruman was the head of the counsel to defeat Sauron. Highest of the Istari (wizards) and titled "the White", he became so enthralled in studying the enemy that he was seduced by the Darkness and allied with the one he was sent to destroy. He was stripped of his title, which was then given to Gandalf. After being evicted from his stronghold, he migrated to the Shire, causing all kinds of mischief in a petty way before he was evicted by Frodo, Samwise Gamgee, Merry, Pippin and a band of hobbits, immediately after which he was killed by his own fluky, Grima Wormtongue when he mistreated Grima one time too many.