Of course the North is the only area we are concerned with, in terms of the story. According to the essay, and the notes, three was indeed the number the valar had intended. Then why did he include the other two? In terms of narrative, they were added on, one by Yavanna, and the other as a friend. But why did Tolkien see fit to include two maiar that had no significance to the story? If three had been his intent, he could have left it with Saruman, Gandalf, and Radagast. He obviously intended for the 'solid' number of that 'order'...the maiar who were sent to Middle Earth for the purpose of contesting Sauron, to be five. The notes on the meeting of the Valar make no mention of various 'others' to be sent elsewhere in middle earth...and even if others had been sent, their purpose was obviously not to contest Sauron...(who's presence was mainly on the North). So the question remains...why might Tolkien have decided on the number five, for the Istari? This is not about the definition of 'Istari', or 'order'...even if there were more than five maiar who came to middle earth...he still says 'five were their chiefs' who were sent to the North of Middle Earth...
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