The Maiar

[Sarumian]

Originally Posted by TheLostPilgrim

1) Would Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, etc--Those Maiar who were sent to Middle Earth--have any memories of their prior selves, of the Beginning? Of themselves before they were "Wizards"? Would they still retain the memory or knowledge of their true selves, the extent of what they truly were, and where they came from? Would Saruman, by the time of his Fall, have forgotten that he was a Maiar, who shaped the history of Middle Earth in a small way, that he was ultimately a servant or creation of Eru?

I would agree with others that Istari did not forget their true self, otherwise how could they stay aware of their mission in ME? But the relevance of their experience could dramatically change with time and Gandalf seems to be the only one capable of retaining his dedication (did the elven Ring help him to some extent?).

On the other hand, it happens to some people that they develop a peculiar idea-fix and stick to it even on the verge of death; the more critical the situation becomes, the more stubbornly such a person would try to achieve some particular goal even if it were totally counter-productive. I tend to think this is the case for Melkor, Sauron and Saruman.