Did the Istari know they were Maiar?

So, long story short: At first, only Cirdan knew who the Istari wizards really were. Somewhere along the way, Elrond and Galadriel (and possible Celeborn) figured it out as well. And, after the War of the Ring, it was no longer a secret, and became more generally known that Gandalf and the others were Maiar.

Is Gandalf a Maiar or Istari?

The Maiar are a lesser class of divine being, second to the Valar, the “powers”, who are basically equivalent to Greek and Roman gods. Gandalf is a Maia whose real name is Olórin. He was sent from Valinor, the home of the Ainur, to Middle-earth by the lead Vala, Manwë, to combat Sauron.

Why was Istari sent to Middle-Earth?

Outwardly resembling Men but possessing much greater physical and mental power, they are called Istari (Quenya for “Wise Ones”) by the Elves. They were sent by the Valar to assist the free peoples of Middle-earth in the Third Age to counter the Dark Lord Sauron, a fallen Maia of great power.

Where did the Istari come from?

The order of Wizards, the Maiar who came to Middle-earth after the first millennium of the Third Age. Of these, five came to the northwestern regions; Saruman, Gandalf, Radagast, Alatar and Pallando. So the Istari were a group of Spirits who originated as members of the ancient Ainur, the first beings whom Eru created.

Is Galadriel an Istari?

Her husband Celeborn likewise provided the Fellowship with Elven-boats. On the day that the Fellowship left Lórien, but unknown to them, Gandalf arrived, carried by the eagle Gwaihir. Galadriel healed his wounds and re-clothed him in white, signalling his new status as head of the Istari, the order of wizards.

Does Galadriel know Gandalf is a Maia?

Elrond and Galadriel were told of their real nature as Maiar by Gandalf, but they would not speak of it, keeping it a one of the most well guarded secrets. Not even the Elves knew who the Istari were, but rumors started to arise.

Who were the Maiar in The Lord of the Rings?

Only two Maiar came: Curumo (later named Saruman) sent by Aulë, and Morinehtar ( Alatar ), sent by Oromë. Manwë summoned Olórin (later named Gandalf), asking if he would go as the third messenger. Olórin claimed he was too weak and that he feared Sauron.

What are the Wizards of Middle-earth?

The Wizards were known by various names and were arrayed in different colors. Of those who came to Middle-earth, sent by the Valar, five are known, the Heren Istarion (Order of Wizards).

What is the Istari word for Saruman?

Istari was a Quenya word (singular: Istar ). The Sindarin translation was Ithryn (singular: Ithron ). Saruman the White, also known as Curumo, Curunír, Sharku, and “Sharkey.” A Maia of Aulë. Original leader of the Istari order and the White Council. After his corruption by Sauron, he renamed himself Saruman the Many-Colored.

How did Saruman become the many-coloured Wizard?

Curumo, the White Wizard, was more commonly known as Saruman. However, after being seduced by the evil power of Sauron, Saruman became the Many-Coloured Wizard. Saruman (human form) was killed by Gríma Wormtongue following the Battle of Bywater, and Gandalf returned to the Undying Lands in TA 3021.