Istari

The Istari, or Wizards, are five notable individuals who came to Middle-earth in the Second and Third Ages.

The first two Istari were Alatar and Pallando, also known as the Blue Wizards. They spend their efforts against Sauron in the East and in the South - in Rhûn, Khand and Harad.

In the Third Age, they were joined by Gandalf the Grey, Saruman the White and Radagast the Brown.

Though they wear the bodies of old bearded Men, they are actually Maiar, a race of magical beings who are immortal and can touch the spirit-realm. Sauron, Belryg and the River-maidens are all also Maiar.