A quick guide to understanding what the Istari are in The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power.

IN The Lord of the Rings: Rings of PowerEvil is everywhere and is advancing rapidly from the south of Middle-earth. Meanwhile, in Eregion, Annatar/Sauron (Charlie Vickers) is attempting to overcome the will of Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) and forge more Magic Rings. All with the intent of manipulating and darkening the will of all free beings in Middle-earth. A goal that has already achieved a notable triumph: by the end of the second episode of the season The forging of a magical item that will be destined for the kingdom of the gnomes has begun.

But while all this is happening, little Peloso and the Stranger (Daniel Weyman) are heading to Rune. It’s an attempt to figure out the identity of the man who fell from the sky and finally find out who he is. As you may remember, this mysterious character was one of the half-answered mysteries of last season, and showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne have promised to solve this one. For now, one thing is clear. The newcomer, who has appeared in the plot directly from a seemingly non-human layer, is Istar. Which makes him a member of the powerful order of wizards that inhabit Middle-earth.

Of course, this is a controversial topic. Both the origins of magic and the origins of wizards in J.R.R. Tolkien’s work are part of one of the highlights of his fantasy vision. But what’s more important is how the writer imagined beings capable of exercising some kind of invisible and mysterious power over the people of Earth. For now, the Prime Video series is canonical in this regard. Namely, there is no magic in Middle-earth, but there are magical creatures. So, to understand the Istari, we must begin by analyzing their origins.

From a country across the sea

After the events of the call War of the Ringin which Sauron was defeated by men and elves, the Valar sent the Istari (in Quenya, Heren Istarion). This is because the threat of Sauron was not completely averted, so his presence was necessary according to the book Unfinished Tales of Numenor and Middle-eartha, their goal was to correct the mistakes that allowed the emergence and maximum power Mayan corrupt. In addition to giving advice to the creatures of Middle-earth.

According to Tolkien’s text, the most important of the Valar, Manwë, decided that powerful emissaries should be sent to Arda. He therefore recommended the selection of three Maiar whose abilities and knowledge could rival Sauron’s. At this first council, each Valar chose a candidate. Aule chose Curumo (later called Saruman), Oromë Alathar (one of the Blue Wizards), and Manwë himself sent Olórin (Gandalf) as his representative. Finally, Curumo decided to capture Aiwendil (later called Radagast). At the express wish of Yavanna and Alathar, he decided that Pallando would be his companion.

Existence MayarThe Istari could call forth and create great omens, but they were forbidden to do so. This was to avoid the temptation to show arrogance and fall into the need for evil, as Sauron had done in the first place. This prohibition insisted that they should not show themselves grandiosely or force the will of Men. Therefore, his only weapons were advice, persuasion, and careful listening. Within these limits, they came to Middle-earth in a certain order. First Saruman did it, then Alatar Pallando, and finally Radagast and Gandalf.

A Long Journey Through Middle-earth

Following the orders given to them by the Valar, the Istari revealed themselves to only three Elves: Cirdan, Elrond, and Galadriel. The Elves were given specific information about who they were, their objective and eternal vigilance. For a thousand years, their identity was kept secret, and they dedicated themselves to traveling across Middle-earth to gain knowledge of the creatures, beings, and people that inhabited the region. Mostly about those who opposed Sauron and how they stayed away from his dark influence. A task to which Gandalf attached greater importance than any of his companions.

While all of this was happening, the Istari had acquired a personality that would define them. Saruman, dressed in white, established himself as the chief and visible leader of the order to which he belonged. Alatar and Pallando were called the Blues, and little was known of them after their departure to the East. Radagast had a natural bent, and was rarely seen at meetings or conclaves. Finally, Gandalf was called “the Grey” (Mithrandir) because of his clothing. He was the most devoted to travel, and also the most careful in the manifestation of his power.

Hidden Horrors in the Legendary Territory

Perhaps for this reason, he was the first to discover that Sauron was beginning to gain a foothold again in the south of Mirkwood. Which led to what Tolkien calls A watchful worldwhich is nothing more than a period of time when the Istari were on guard against any re-emergence of the corrupted Maya. At the end of this period, the White Council was founded, consisting of the wisest beings of Middle-earth.

So it included Saruman, Gandalf, Galadriel, Elrond, Cirdan and lesser known lords such as Erestor or Glorfindel. Saruman became their leader and, according to Tolkien’s texts, it was this place of honor that led to his downfall, as he began to covet the treacherous One Ring for himself. What is the story told in the now classic trilogy “Ring” and released in the cinema by Peter Jackson.

Where are the Istari in The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power?

With all that in mind, the Prime Video series has made a huge slip of the tongue by placing Gandalf – or at least someone they think he is – in the Second Age of Middle-earth. However, while it seems obvious to think it’s a Grey, there’s no direct confirmation yet. Which could mean that The production will include a new character or a new interpretation of a known fact.

One thing is clear at this point: the fact that the Stranger and Peloso are traveling east may reveal the fate of the mysterious blue Istari. Or, at any rate, the identity of the dark wizard living in the region, played by Ciarán Hinds.. Could it be Saruman? That remains to be seen.