black wizard

[Eruhen]

Yeah, Joy. Sauron is a Maia, but one that was corrupted by Melkor during the Ainulindale, so he's been evil since the beginning.

However, the Istari were originally Maiar as well. Olorin (Gandalf) was one of Nienna's; Aiwendil (Radagast) was one of Yavanna's; Alatar and Pallando (the Istryn Luin) were of Orome's order; and Curumo (Saruman) was of Aule's order (the same as Sauron, before he was corrupted!). That may be the reason that Saruman was more easily consumed with desire for the One Ring (though this is just conjecture by me).

But, the Istari weren't always a special 'group' of Maiar. They were chosen by the Valar to go to ME after Sauron had risen again from the desolation after the Battle of Orodruin, when the Ring should have been destroyed. The five were chosen for certain qualities that they exhibited that could be of greater service in ME. The Istari were basically Maiar who became incarnate in the flesh of Arda, thereby becoming subject to all the possibilities inherent within, both good and bad. They were only considered a 'group' after they came to ME about the year 1000 of the Third Age.

Wow, i hope I didn't bore anyone with this long-winded discussion of the Istari! If anyone wants to keep this going, you can send me a private message.