The Lord of the Rings
What Are the Istari and When Did They Come to Middle-earth?
From Gandalf to the Stranger, from Saruman to Radagast, Middle-earth had found in these mighty creatures a beacon of hope and inspiration.
The Istari, known commonly as the Wizards, are pivotal figures in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium. They were not merely wise old men wielding magic but powerful spirits sent by the Valar, the divine beings who helped shape the world. The Istari played a crucial role in the events of the Third Age, particularly in the fight against Sauron, the Dark Lord.
Origins of the Istari
The Istari were originally Maiar, spirits of great power and wisdom who existed before the creation of the world. These beings were lesser Ainur, akin to angels, and were created by Eru Ilúvatar, the supreme deity of Tolkien’s universe. Among the most notable Maiar were Sauron and the Balrogs, but unlike these malevolent entities, the Istari were sent to Middle-earth with a specific mission: to aid the free peoples in their struggle against the rising shadow of Sauron.
Arrival in Middle-earth
The Istari arrived in Middle-earth around the year 1000 of the Third Age, appearing in the form of old men, wise and learned, but physically limited. This guise was intended to ensure that they would not use their power to dominate but rather to guide and inspire the free peoples to resist Sauron on their own.
List of Known Istari
There were five known Istari. each had their unique characteristics and roles to play, but Gandalf and Saruman were the most influential in the west, where the main events of The Lord of the Rings took place:
- Gandalf the Grey (Olórin): The most famous of the Istari, Gandalf played a central role in the events of The Lord of the Rings, guiding the Fellowship and aiding in the defeat of Sauron.
- Saruman the White (Curumo): Originally the leader of the Istari, Saruman’s lust for power led him to betray his mission, ultimately leading to his downfall.
- Radagast the Brown (Aiwendil): A lover of nature and animals, Radagast had a deep connection with the natural world, though he played a lesser role in the major events of Middle-earth.
- Alatar and Pallando (the Blue Wizards): These two Istari journeyed into the east and south of Middle-earth, and little is known of their deeds or fate, but they were sent to stir resistance against Sauron in these distant lands.
Their Role and Impact in Middle-earth
The Istari’s mission was not to confront Sauron with force but to inspire and counsel the peoples of Middle-earth to stand against the darkness. Gandalf, in particular, became a key figure in the War of the Ring, guiding and assisting the Fellowship. Saruman, however, succumbed to pride and the temptation of power, seeking to claim dominion for himself, leading to his downfall.