Wizards

Also known as the Istari, they were five Maiar sent by the Valar to help the folk of Middle-earth against Sauron. They appeared at the height of the Third Age and formed the White Council. Leaving most of their powers, they took the form of old Men with white beard, and offered aid and counsel. They carry a staff given to them by the Valar. They practice white magic.

They are Saruman the White (the greatest in power and knowledge), Gandalf the Grey (the wisest and most copassionate), Radagast the Brown (closest in tune with the forces of nature) and two others. The two Blue Wizards passed into the East and probably aided the West through their work.

They struggled to discover the nature of the Dark Power of Dol Guldur. For this they allid with the Elves. But Sauron simply returned to his old fortress in Mordor and raised the Dark Tower once again.