Part 3/8:
A common source of confusion among fans is the relationship between Sauron and the wizards. While Sauron is indeed a Maia, he stands distinctly apart as a powerful and malevolent figure. The wizards, referred to as Istari, are a specific subset of Maiar, sent to Middle-earth by the Valar during a critical time in its history. It is important to understand that while all Istari are Maiar, not all Maiar are Istari. The five known Istari—Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, and the two Blue Wizards—were sent with the specific purpose of helping to unite the Free Peoples against Sauron.