Where does Wormtongue come from?

[Saruman]

I think that Wormtongue is the character that has the most mystery about him. I don't seem to remember any back story. Most of the other characters have a back story. Does anyone know of his origins; where he comes from, and who his parents were?

[Mirkgirl]

As far as I'm aware, all we know about him is his father's name which Gandlf mentions The wise speak only of what they know, Gríma son of Gálmód
The only other hint about his past:- How far back his [Gríma's] treachery goes, who can guess? - said Gandalf. - He was not always evil. Once I do not doubt that he was the friend of Rohan; and even when his heart grew colder, he found you useful still. But for long now he has plotted your ruin, wearing the mask of Friendship, until he was ready. In those years Wormtongue's task was easy, and all that you did was swiftly known in Isengard; for your land was open, and strangers came and went.
There's not much we know from Aragorn's reply to Pippin's question who is Wormtongue:
He [Grima] was [king Theoden's counsellor] and also Saruman's spy and servant in Rohan. Fate has not been kinder to him than he deserves. The sight of the ruin of all that he thought so strong and magnificent must have been almost punishment enough. But I fear that worse awaits him.

[Ithielnor]

hmmm.... mirky, I thought tha second quote was refering to Saruman. The previous paragraph holds a question from Theoden to Gandalf
The others were silent while Theoden questioned Gandalf concerning Saruman.
just so Saruman soesn't get confused :grin:

[Mirkgirl]

The second quote is from another chapter, "Flotsam and Jetsam".... when Aragorn, Pippin &co meet in Isengard.

[Tar-Minyatur]

I think he's refering to the "Son of Galmud" line as quote #1, then the "how far back" line as quote #2

[Tar-Ancalimë]

arg! whats this about not getting him confused, i am supremely confused.

first of all, ithil is right, your quote about "how far back" refers to saruman. At the king's board sat Éomer and the four guests, and there also waiting upon the king was the lady Éowyn. They ate and drank swiftly. The others were silent while Théoden questioned Gandalf concerning Saruman.
'How far back his treachery goes, who can guess?' said Gandalf

your last quote was from flotsam and jetsam... lol now that weve succeeded in completely confusing saruman...

[Ithielnor]

ahahha well I think Saruman is very confused but yes i was refering to the 'how far back' quote, tar said it better then i did :)

[Mirkgirl]

mmmmm sorry... you're all right :blush:
guess I didn't have enough coffee when I posted
Thanks all (-:

[Tar-Ancalimë]

you should have learned by now, im always right....

[Ithielnor]

hmm.... debateable :p

[Mirkgirl]

ahem, but not here....

well Saruman, it one word all we know is his father's name Gálmód

[Saruman]

How did he come to serve Saruman?

[Lady Melody]

I think Saruman promised him Eowyn...I guess.