Gandalf
Istari, Wizard of Middle-earth. In the Undying Lands, Gandalf was a Maia spirit, Olórin, who lived in the gardens of the Lórien, the Dream Master, and often visited Nienna the Compassionate. About the year 1000 of the Third Age of the Sun, he was chosen as one of the Istari or Wizards that were sent to Middle-earth. Called Gandalf the Grey in Westron, he was Mithrandir or grey pilgrim�, to the Elves, Tharkñn to the Dwarves, and Incánus to the Haradrim. His outward form was that of a bearded old man dressed in a great cloak with a tall pointed hat and a long staff. Upon his arrival in the Grey Havens, the Cirdan gave him Narya, the �ring of fire�. For over two thousand years, Gandalf worked against the rising evil powers on Middle-earth. In 2941, Gandalf inspired the Quest of the Lonely Mountain that resulted in the slaying of Smaug the Dragon. During this quest, Gandalf acquired the sword Glamdring, and Bilbo Baggins acquired the One Ring. In 3018, Gandalf came to Frodo Bag-gins in the Shire and initiated the Quest of the Ring. In Rivendell, he became one of the Fellowship of the Ring, and led them through many perils. Then, upon the bridge of Khazad-doom, Gandalf fell in mortal conflict with the Balrog of Moria. However, the Wizard�s spirit was resurrected as Gandalf the White, a radiant being that no weapon could harm. During the War of the Ring, Gandalf the White, on his horse, Shadowfax, was everywhere: inspiring King Théoden in Rohan, vanquishing Saruman in Isengard, and holding back the Witch-king at the gates of Minas Tirith. He fought with the captains of the Army of the West before the Black Gates of Mordor, while the Ring-bearer destroyed the One Ring. After the war, Gandalf oversaw the reuniting of Gondor and Arnor, then in 3021 embarked on the Last Sailing of the Keepers of the Rings to the Undying Lands.
