Wizards (Middle-earth)

The Wizards are a group of immortal beings looking like Men but possessing much greater physical and mental power. They are also called the Istari (Wise Ones) by the Elves.

They came to Middle-earth in the year 1000 of the Third Age to be aids for the free peoples of Middle-earth against the Dark Lord Sauron. They were already old when they entered Middle-earth, and aged very slowly. They were sent by the Valar as guides of great deeds, to set in motion the events that would lead to the destruction of Sauron. They were of the Maiar, spirits of the same order of the Valar, but lesser in power. Sauron himself was one of the most powerful of the Maiar.

Very few of Middle-earth's numerous inhabitants knew who the Wizards really were; the Wizards on their behalf did not share this information. They attracted few questions due to their gentle nature and dislike of direct interference with other people's affairs. In spite of their specific and unambiguous goal, the Wizards are nevertheless capable of human feelings; thus Gandalf treats the hobbits with a great affection, while Saruman treats all people with a degree of contempt.

There were five who came to Middle-earth. Two of these went into the East and do not come into the stories of Middle-earth. The other three were called Curunír, also known as Saruman; Mithrandir, or Gandalf; and Radagast. Saruman originally had the greatest power of all Istari and was the head of the White Council. Saruman was learned in the lore of the Rings of Power, gradually becoming corrupted by the desire for the Rings. Eventually he became ensnared in Sauron's power, which was his demise as Gandalf was given greater power after his rebirth and defeated him.

During the War of the Ring, it was Gandalf who led the Free Peoples to victory over the Dark Lord. He also cast down Saruman from the Council, and broke Saruman's staff. After the destruction of Sauron, Gandalf left Middle-earth and went over the Sea, along with the Ringbearers.

Saruman's 'death' came at the hands of his servant Wormtongue in the Shire, after the destruction of the One Ring. His body shrivelled up until he was skin and bones, leaving his Maiar spirit to vanish with the wind.

Radagast's part is little in The Lord of the Rings and it is not known when or if he left Middle-earth.