Ages before the War of the Ring, and even prior to Thorin and Company making their voyage to reclaim the Lonely Mountain, the dark lord Morgoth was no more and peace seemed possible in Middle-earth. However, in his stead, Sauron began his ascent to power and threatened to destroy all who opposed him. In response to his growing strength, the Valar (the immortal beings that shaped Middle-earth) elected to call on the Maiar spirits for aid. Only Curumo and Morinehtar answered their plea initially, but they were joined by Olórin, Aiwendil, and Rómestámo soon after.
With their forces assembled, the five Maiar were reincarnated as the Istari, or wizards of Middle-earth, and arrived in the Grey Havens in the year 1000 of the Third Age. Tasked with guiding the Free Peoples in their fight against the ultimate evil, each took their own path to do so. Saruman led the party, settling in Isengard and enveloping himself in his studies of Sauron's power. Second in command was Gandalf, who wandered throughout Middle-earth and mingled with its people. Radagast became enamored with wildlife and all but abandoned his quest, and Pallando and Alatar traveled East to stir up revolt against Sauron.
