Wizards
Quick Facts
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| Dates: | Came to Middle-earth c. III 1000. Saruman was slain in III 3019 and Gandalf left Middle-earth in III 3021; the fates of the other Wizards are unknown | ||||||||||||||
| Race: | Ancient spirits from before the beginning of the World | ||||||||||||||
| Division: | Servants of the Valar | ||||||||||||||
| Order: | Istari | ||||||||||||||
| Meaning: | 'Wise Ones' | ||||||||||||||
| Other Names: | Istari | ||||||||||||||
| Note: | The word 'Wizard' has a very specific meaning in Tolkien's work; it is intended as a translation of Elvish istar, and applies only to those beings who came to Middle-earth in the Third Age. The word's more general use, for any person who works magical acts, does not apply in this context. | ||||||||||||||
The Valar’s messengers to Middle-earth
A name for the order more properly called the Istari, who came to Middle-earth after the first millennium of the Third Age to aid the Free Peoples against the return and rise of Sauron.
| Gandalf the Grey |
When he arrived in Middle-earth, Círdan immediately recognised Gandalf's great wisdom, and granted him the Ring Narya to aid him in his work. Throughout the centuries that followed, Gandalf travelled widely through Middle-earth (his Elvish name was Mithrandir, 'Grey Wanderer'). At the close of the Third Age, he took the leading role in the defence against Sauron, and his plans were instrumental in bringing about the defeat of Mordor. He appears to be the only one of the Five Wizards to have returned across the Great Sea into the West. |
| Radagast the Brown |
Radgast was a friend of all living things, especially the birds. Though he was in principle an ally of Gandalf in the fight against Sauron, in practice he preferred to avoid involvement with Elves or Men. He settled on the southern fringes of Mirkwood at a place named Rhosgobel, though he appears to have abandoned this dwelling by the time of the War of the Ring. He took little direct part in that War; most notably he was indirectly responsible for the rescue of Gandalf from the Pinnacle of Orthanc. |
| Saruman the White |
The first of the Five Wizards to appear in Middle-earth, and acknowledged as the leader of their order. After his arrival he explored the lands of Middle-earth and voyaged into the distant East, but he finally settled in the Tower of Orthanc (originally an outpost of Gondor, granted to him by Steward Beren). Saruman was fascinated by lore and arcane knowledge, and especially the secrets behind the Rings of Power. His hunger for control over others eventually caused him to betray the White Council, and he was ultimately destroyed by his own servant, Gríma Wormtongue. |
The Istari are more than just spirits, they are Maia, lesser Vala.
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