All 5 Wizards (Istari) In Lord Of The Rings Explained!
In Lord of the Rings, Lord of the Rings mythology, and Tolkien's full "legendarium," a total of five wizards arrived from Valinor! The Rings of Power also hints at the story of the Istari and The Stranger!
What is An Istar, or Wizard?
The White Council was comprised of Istari! You might know the name Gandalf, or Saruman the White. But these "Istari" are essentially Maiar, or "lesser" Valar (godlike figures!). They are among the most powerful beings in Middle-earth! They arrive to protect and assist those who are threatened by Sauron. These Lord of the Rings Wizards can control elements, communicate with animals, and possess Lord of the Rings lore!
What Did the Wizards Do in Middle-earth?
The wizards come to assist Middle-earth's people! They act as guides. This includes those in the story who appear in The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit! In those stories, you will see Gandalf the Grey, Radagast the Brown, and Saruman, and all had different roles! These stories depict a fascinating moral conflict as the characters navigate the Hero Journey!
Who are the Blue Wizards?
Lord of the Rings lore reveals the identities of two other Istari: Alatar and Pallando. The Blue Wizards names may be unknown to some fans, as Tolkien included them in his stories, and they had a major role in the history of the Second and Third Age, however, their details remained a bit ambiguous until later writing. These Blue Wizards left for the far East of Middle-earth, a place where it is said that they spread a lot of their influence!
Who is the Stranger in the Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?
The Rings of Power introduces the enigmatic The Stranger! And while not everyone knows, there are many fans who believe The Stranger to be Gandalf in a much earlier part of his story. The series shows how this mysterious Istar arrives on Middle-earth with great power! But with that being said, there is much uncertainty, especially if this version of The Stranger is the one that will eventually be Gandalf the White.
Who is The Witch King of Angmar, and What Role Did the Istari Have In Middle-earth History?
It is likely you have heard of The Witch King of Angmar! Lord of the Rings mythology has a deep connection with the power of the Istari. The Witch King is one of the biggest challenges that heroes, including Gandalf and The White Council, face in The Lord Of The Rings!
What Can I Read to Learn More About the Istari?
Dive into the deeper side of the story! Lord of the Rings lore spans several decades. To learn more about these enigmatic wizards, you can pick up Tolkien's The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring, as well as the extended tales like The Peoples of Middle-Earth. Many of these also provide insight into the One Ring and its creator, the original Dark Lord, Sauron, and all the events that lead up to the Battle of the Black Gate!
