Rank 9: Grima Wormtongue
Grima Wormtongue appears at first glance to be a weak character. He is also anything but honorable and good, rather a man of dubious sort. At the court of Rohan, he was the advisor to Queen Théoden. However, Saruman manages to turn Grima to his side. From then on, he whispers things into Théoden’s ear that make the king weaker and weaker.
As thanks, Saruman promised him Éowyn—should Rohan fall. Grima is scheming, manipulative, and even manages to place his opponent at court, Éomer, under arrest. Only Gandalf breaks the spell and frees Théoden from the dark thoughts.
Grima flees to Saruman and serves him. His greatest deed consists of eventually overpowering and killing the treacherous wizard. This is portrayed differently in the film than in the book and is just one of many changes made for the cinematic adaptation.
