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.

Gandalf is a wizard - one of the Istari, immortal spirits sent to Middle-earth in mortal form to guide and counsel the free peoples in their struggle against Sauron. Known as Gandalf the Grey (and later Gandalf the White), he is the architect of the quest to destroy the One Ring, the driving force behind the alliances that oppose Sauron, and a figure of immense wisdom and power who deliberately restrains himself to let mortals find their own courage. He accompanies Bilbo on the quest to the Lonely Mountain, later guides Frodo and the Fellowship, and falls in battle with the Balrog in Moria - only to return transformed. Gandalf appears in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings as perhaps the most beloved character in all of Tolkien's work.

Lord of Rivendell, one of the oldest and wisest beings in Middle-earth. Half-elven by birth, Elrond chose the fate of the Elves and has lived through thousands of years of history. He hosts the Council that decides the fate of the Ring and sends forth the Fellowship, knowing that the quest's success will mean the fading of the Elves and his own departure from Middle-earth.

The Lady of Lothlórien, one of the oldest and most powerful Elves remaining in Middle-earth. Galadriel has lived since the First Age, witnessed the creation of the Silmarils, and borne one of the three Elven Rings of Power for millennia. Her wisdom is matched by a strength of will that makes even Gandalf wary.