The first three of these five wizards were known in the Mannish tongues of the Lord of the Rings series as Saruman 'man of skill' ( Rohirric), Gandalf 'elf of the staff' (northern Men), and Radagast 'tender of beasts' (possibly Westron). They were sent by the Valar to assist the people of Middle-earth to contest Sauron. Outwardly resembling Men but possessing much greater physical and mental power, they were called Istari ( Quenya for 'Wise Ones') by the Elves.
The wizards of Middle-earth were Maiar: spirits of the same order as the Valar, but lesser in power.
