Istari

The Istari were wizards who were sent to Middle-earth by the Valar after the first millenium of the Third Age.

In the Undying Lands, the Istari were Maia spirits. When they were sent to aid the Free Peoples of Middle-earth against the return and rise of Sauron, most given different names from before they had come and they arrived in different colours of clothing from each other. Five of these wizards came to the northwestern regions of Middle-earth.


 * Curumo, the white wizard, was more commonly known as Suraman. He later claimed the title Saruman of Many Colours, after he was seduced by the evil power of Sauron.


 * Olórin, the grey wizard, was more commonly known as Gandalf. However, after dying at the hands of a Balrog, Gandalf was reborn as a white wizard.


 * Aiwendil, the brown wizard, was more commonly known as Radagast.


 * Alatar and Pallando, blue wizards, were not known by any other names.

Saruman was killed by Gríma Wormtongue in 3019 T.A. (Third Age) and Gandalf returned to the Undying Lands in 3021 T.A.. However, the fates of the three other Istari are relatively unknown. Alatar and Pallando disappeared in the east, while Radagast stayed in Middle-earth at least until 3018 T.A..