The head of the Istari - the order of wizards sent to Middle-earth to oppose Sauron. Once the wisest of his order, Saruman's long study of the Enemy's methods has corrupted him. From his tower of Orthanc in Isengard, he builds his own army and schemes to claim the Ring for himself, betraying the very mission he was sent to fulfil.

Radagast the Brown, one of the Istari sent to Middle-earth. Chosen at Yavanna's request to accompany Saruman, he became enamoured of the beasts and birds of Middle-earth and forsook his mission to oppose Sauron, spending his days among the wild creatures.

One of the two Blue Wizards of the Ithryn Luin, sent into the East in the Second Age.

One of the two Blue Wizards of the Ithryn Luin, companion of Alatar in their journey into the East.

The Dark Lord of Mordor, a fallen Maia who served the original Dark Lord Morgoth in the First Age and rose to become the greatest threat to Middle-earth in his own right. Sauron forged the One Ring to dominate all other rings of power and bend their bearers to his will. Defeated at the end of the Second Age when Isildur cut the Ring from his hand, Sauron has spent three thousand years slowly rebuilding his strength. He is a presence rather than a character in The Lord of the Rings - felt in every shadow, every temptation, every corruption of the Ring - but never seen face to face.

A Maia of great wisdom and enchantment who weds Thingol and raises the protective Girdle about Doriath. Mother of Lúthien, she counsels with foresight but withdraws from Middle-earth after Thingol's death.

Maia of the unveiled fire who steers the Sun across the heavens.

Herald of Manwë and chief of the Maiar in arms. Leads the Host of the Valar against Morgoth in the War of Wrath.

Maia and handmaid of Varda, named at the head of the Maiar in the Valaquenta.

Maia of the inner seas, vassal of Ulmo. Friend of the Teleri who taught them seafaring at the Falas.

Maia, the Lady of the Seas. Stills the storms her husband Ossë raises and is dear to the mariners of all peoples.

Maia of Oromë's company who steers the Moon. Wanders the courses of the sky and is drawn to Arien's brightness.

Lord of Balrogs and high captain of Morgoth's host. Slays Fëanor at the Dagor-nuin-Giliath and Fingon at the Nirnaeth Arnoediad; slain at last by Ecthelion at the Fountain of the King in Gondolin.

An ancient demon of fire and shadow from the depths of Moria, also called Durin's Bane. It confronts the Fellowship on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, where Gandalf falls into the abyss while battling it.