<P> Even after his staff is broken, however, Saruman retains persuasive power over the heart and will of men . Similarly, when Gandalf's staff is broken at the Bridge of Khazad - dûm he is still able to slay the Balrog, showing that a wizard's strength was not entirely dependent on his staff . </P> <P> Though the Valar intervened only rarely in Middle - earth, they sent the wizards as emissaries from Valinor because they had not forsaken the Men and Elves of Middle - earth . In imposing the prohibition against using force to compel the Children of Eru, the Valar sought with the wizards to avoid repeating an ancient error . They had tried direct intervention in the destiny of the Elves in the Years of the Trees by leading the Eldar into the West, but this resulted in many bloody wars and confrontations . In the struggle against the Dark Lord, they hoped instead to help Men achieve their own destiny . Thus Gandalf and the other wizards were meant to use their great wisdom to persuade Men to courses of action which would achieve Men's own goals, rather than trying to dominate them, hence their power was ultimately restricted . Saruman failed in this when he tried to set himself up as a commander in opposition to Sauron, but Gandalf remained faithful to his charge . </P> <P> The wizards landed at the Grey Havens in the North - west of Middle - earth, for the Valar felt that Arnor and Gondor, remnants of Elendil's old kingdom, had the greatest hope of mounting resistance against Sauron . Few of Middle - earth's inhabitants knew who the wizards really were; the wizards did not share their identities and purposes widely . Most thought they were Elves or wise Men; the name Gandalf, meaning "Wand - elf", reflects the belief that he was an Elf . </P> <P> Saruman originally was the most powerful of the five and was head of the White Council . In T.A. 2759 he took over the defence of Isengard with the consent of the Steward of Gondor, who gave him the key to Orthanc . Saruman was learned in the lore of the Rings of Power, and gradually became corrupted by desire for the Rings and by Sauron's direct influence through the palantír of Orthanc . Eventually he took the title "Saruman of Many Colours" and took robes to match . He assisted Sauron in the War of the Ring, biding time to secure the One Ring for himself, in order to supplant Sauron, but his plans and forces were thwarted by the power of the Ents . Gandalf broke his staff and cast him from the White Council . However, Saruman later invaded the hobbit lands of the Shire, ruling as a petty lord, but was eventually overthrown again by the hobbits . He was finally murdered by his servant Gríma Wormtongue . </P>

Where do the wizards come from in lotr