Chapter 13, The Istari Summary

The Valar see the impending threat of Sauron and decide to send some representatives to Middle-earth to influence the Elves and Men to prepare to defend themselves against this threat. They choose a number of Maiar (angelic-order spirits) to go to Middle-earth and take physical forms, giving them not only the appearance of Men and Elves, but also their failings — including the need to breathe and eat, and the ability to fall to evil or be slain. The Valar instruct the Istari to overcome Sauron, but without using force. They tell them to take on physical bodies to look like Elves and Men so they can win their trust. The five chief Istari (Wizards) that they send are: Curunir, or Saruman, who is the leader and who wears white; Mithrandir, also called "Gandalf," who wears grey; two more...