Saruman the White

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Saruman was a powerful wizard (one of the Istari) who became the leader of his order but was corrupted by his desire for power. Initially sent to help Middle-earth fight Sauron, he eventually sought to take Sauron's power for himself and established a base at Isengard. His fall is a major plot point, illustrating the corruption of power and leading him to wage war on Rohan before being defeated and later killed. 

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Saruman was originally the head of the Istari, a group of five wizards sent by the Valar to aid the free peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron. He became obsessed with the power of the One Ring and through pride and envy, decided to betray the other wizards. He began to mimic Sauron, believing he could take over Middle-earth himself.

 

He built up his strength in his tower, Orthanc, at Isengard. He created a new race of Orcs (Uruk-hai) and used his knowledge of technology and ancient power to build up his forces, which he used to attack Rohan. Saruman represents a cautionary tale about the corrupting nature of power and a character's inability to turn from a path of evil.

 

After his army was defeated, Saruman was held prisoner in his tower. He was later freed and traveled to the Shire, where he took control of the hobbits' homeland. The hobbits eventually rose up, and Gríma Wormtongue, his servant, killed him. 

Gandalf the Grey

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Gandalf was an Istar (Wizard), a being sent to Middle-earth to guide the free peoples against Sauron. Originally a Maia named Olórin from Valinor, he was one of the Istari sent to Middle-earth in human form to advise and inspire, not to match Sauron's power. He is known as Gandalf the Grey and later, Gandalf the White, after being sent back from death. 

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Gandalf was originally an angelic being of the Maiar order, sent by the Valar (god-like beings) to aid Middle-earth. Before coming to Middle-earth, he was known as Olórin and was considered the wisest of the Maiar. He took the form of a humble old man to appear less threatening and to be more receptive to the counsel of Men and Hobbits. 

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As Gandalf the Grey, he was a wandering figure who befriended hobbits, led the quest in The Hobbit, and was instrumental in forming the Fellowship of the Ring. As Gandalf the White, after his battle with the Balrog in Moria and his subsequent death and return, he became Gandalf the White and the leader of the Istari order.

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He was a powerful magic-user, though his powers were not always flashy. They included setting off magical fireworks, casting spells and using his staff for light and to perform great feats like collapsing the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. His primary role was to use wisdom and cunning to guide others, not to rule or to fight Sauron directly. Gandalf often used his gifts for mirth and delight rather than for fear or awe. He was not a proud being and sought no power or praise for himself. 

Radogast the Brown

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Radagast the Brown was one of the five Wizards (Istari) sent to Middle-earth to aid the free peoples against Sauron, though he was more interested in the natural world and animals than in the affairs of Men and Elves. He had a close connection with nature and was known as a "master of shapes and changes of hue," with an extensive knowledge of herbs and beasts. In The Lord of the Rings, he plays a brief but crucial role by delivering a message to Gandalf about the Nazgûl's search for the Shire, which prompts Gandalf to realize Saruman's betrayal. 

 

Radagast was originally an angelic Maia named Aiwendil from Valinor, who was sent to Middle-earth around the year 1000 of the Third Age. He was sent at the request of the Vala Yavanna, the goddess of nature, and his name Aiwendil means "friend to birds". He settled in Rhosgobel, a home on the western edge of Mirkwood, and became deeply involved with the local wildlife. While he was technically one of the Istari sent to fight Sauron, he became more of a recluse, focusing on his affinity with nature. Gandalf refers to him as a "worthy Wizard" and "honest," noting his love for animals and his skill with herbs and birds.

 

In The Lord of the Rings, Radagast appears when Gandalf encounters him on the road to Orthanc. Radagast is used by Saruman to lure Gandalf into a trap but also inadvertently informs Gandalf of the Nazgûl's activity and their search for the Shire. He also relays a message of distress from Saruman, which makes Gandalf suspicious of his former ally. After the events of The Hobbit and the Council of Elrond, Radagast disappears from Rhosgobel and is never seen again. His ultimate fate is uncertain, but he is not at his home when Elrond's scouts arrive, leading to speculation that he was captured, killed, or simply went into hiding to remain in nature.