The Istari

In the fiction of J. R. R. Tolkien, the Wizards of Middle-earth are a small group of beings outwardly resembling Men but possessing much greater physical and mental power. They are also called the Istari (“Wise Ones”) by the Elves. 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), sent by the Valar to help and assist the peoples of Middle-earth to contest Sauron. Their Quenya names were Curunír (Saruman), meaning Man of Skill; Olórin (Gandalf); Aiwendil (Radagast), meaning Bird Lover; Morinehtar (Alatar), meaning Darkness-Slayer and Romestamo (Pallando), meaning East Helper.