Wizard's Mission

[Dargoth of Morkrond]

Anyone know about the mission of the Wizards in Middle-Earth??

[Fingolfin II]

They were sent from Valinor to help unite the free peoples of Middle-Earth. However, they were prevented from using power to dominate Elves and Men, or to match Sauron's power with their own. Out of Alatar, Pallando, Curumo (Saruman), Olorin (Gandalf) and Aiwendil (Radagast), only Gandalf stayed true to his purpose.

Saruman as well all know became evil and was killed by Wormtongue, Radagast became enamoured of birds and nature in ME, while the fate of Alatar and Pallando is unknown. We do know however, that they travelled into the East with Saruman, but even Tolkien seems unsure about what happened to them afterwards-

'What success they [Alatar and Pallando] had I do not know; but I fear they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; and I suspect they were the founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron.'

(The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, No. 211).

Hope that answers your question! Welcome to the Barrow-Downs by the way.

[Dargoth of Morkrond]

Thanks indeed for both, the answer and the welcome, but maybe I was wondering if u could tell me the pg in the book where Mithrandil speaks of this with Denethor (I think).

Either that or tell me exactly what he says.

[Fingolfin II]

I can't exactly remember the page and Gandalf's exact words, but he says something like 'The rule of no realm is mine, big or small' (or something to that effect). He also says that he is a steward (I'm guessing he means he is a steward of Manwe).

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Dargoth, welcome to the Downs! Fingolfin already gave a partial quote of Gandalf's speech with Denethor - it is located in RotK, several pages into the first chapter, 'Minas Tirith'. (I doubt that we have the same book edition, so giving you a page number wouldn't help.)

If you'd like more information on the wizards, also called 'Istari', try entering 'wizard' or 'Istari' into the search function, specifying the Books forum. You'll find loads of information and discussion there. Enjoy!

[Son of Númenor]

Here is a quote that nicely sums up the business & nature of the Istari in Middle-earth:

"...they came from over the Sea out of the Uttermost West; though this was for long known only to Círdan, Guardian of the Third Ring, master of the Grey Havens, who saw their landings upon the western shores. Emissaries they were from the Lords of the West, the Valar, who still took counsel for the governance of Middle-earth, and when the shadow of Sauron began first to stir again took this means of resisting him. For with the consent of Eru they sent members of their own high order, but clad in bodies as of Men, real and not feigned, but subject to the fears and pains and weariness of earth, able to hunger and thirst and be slain; though because of their noble spirits they did not die, and aged only by the cares and labours of many long years. And this the Valar did, desiring to amend the errors of old, especially that they had attempted to guard and seclude the Eldar by their own might and glory fully revealed; whereas now their emissaries were forbidden to reveal themselves in forms of majesty, or to seek to rule the wills of Men or Elves by open display of power, but coming in shapes weak and humble were bidden to advise and persuade Men and Elves to do good, and to seek to unite in love and understanding all those whom Sauron, should he come again, would endeavour to dominate or corrupt." (Unfinished Tales, "The Istari")

My recommendation would be to buy or check out the Unfinished Tales & read this essay in its entirety, & also perhaps to do the same with the Silmarillion, particularly the section "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age".

Gandalf saying that he is a steward implies that he is a 'caretaker' of Middle-earth, an upholder of morality & goodness, & a leader of the free peoples of Middle-earth in the battle against the forces of evil.