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Of this Order the number is unknown; but of those that came to the North of Middle-earth, where there was most hope (because of the remnant of the Dunedain and of the Eldar that abode there), the chiefs was five. The first to come was one of noble mien and bearing, with raven hair, and a fair voice, and he was clad in white; great skill he had in works of hand, and he was regarded by well-nigh all, even by the Eldar, as the head of the Order. 1 Others there were also: two clad in sea-blue, and one in earthen brown; and the last came one who seemed the least, less tall than the others, and in looks more aged, grey-haired and grey-clad, and leaning on a staff. But Círdan from their first meeting at the Grey Havens divined in him reverence, and he gave to his keeping the Third Ring, Narya the Red.
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True enough about not knowing the number. There are only five that we know about, but these five are also the only we are to be concerned with (maybe not even five...just the three that come into the tale), because the term, regardless of their number, is only used to refer to these five emissaries that came to Middle-earth as these languages would not be spoken elsewhere in the world. It also seems rather odd that Tolkien would state that he was unsure of the number, but the account of the five being chosen seems to be complete. Any that, if they actually existed, appeared in other regions of the world are unimportant because there was not as much hope left in those other regions, and their accounts are never written. I'm not sure I worded that to reflect my exact thoughts, but nonetheless, those looking on might also take into account this quote.
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The translation (through suitable in its relation to "wise" and other ancient words of knowing, similar to that of istar in Quenya) is not perhaps happy, since Heren Istarion or "Order of Wizards" was quite distinct from "wizards" and "magicians" of later legend; they belonged solely to the Third Age and then departed, and none save maybe Elrond, Círdan and Galadriel discovered of what kind they were or whence they came.
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[ August 15, 2002: Message edited by: Legalos ]