<P> Tolkien gives multiple names for all of them . In Quenya, Saruman was Curumo ("skillful one"); Gandalf was Olórin ("dreaming" or "dreamer"); and Radagast was Aiwendil ("friend of birds"). The Quenya names Morinehtar ("darkness - slayer") and Rómestámo ("east - helper") are given for Alatar and Pallando, though it is not clear which name goes with which wizard . Other names are noted in individual articles . </P> <P> As the Istari were Maiar, each one served a Vala in some way . Saruman was the servant and helper of Aulë, and so learned much in the art of craftsmanship, mechanics, and metal - working, as was seen in the later Third Age . Gandalf was the servant of Manwë or Varda, but was a lover of the Gardens of Lórien, and so knew much of the hopes and dreams of Men and Elves . Radagast, servant of Yavanna, loved the things of nature, both Kelvar and Olvar . As each of these Istari learned from their Vala, so they acted in Middle - earth . </P> <P> They came to Middle - earth around the year 1000 of the Third Age, when the forest of' Greenwood the Great' fell under shadow and became known as Mirkwood . The wizards already appeared old when they entered Middle - earth . They were "clothed" in the bodies of old Men, as the Valar wished them to guide the inhabitants of Middle - earth by persuasion and encouragement, not by force or fear . They were forbidden to dominate the free peoples of Middle - earth or to match Sauron's power with power . However, they aged very slowly and were in fact immortal . Physically they were "real" Men, and felt all the urges, pleasures and fears of flesh and blood . Therefore, in spite of their specific and unambiguous goal, the Wizards were capable of human feelings; Gandalf, for example, felt great affection for the Hobbits . They could also feel negative human emotions such as greed, jealousy, and lust for power . It is hinted in the essay in Unfinished Tales that the Blue Wizards may have fallen prey to these temptations, though information published in The Peoples of Middle - earth seems to contradict this version of their history . </P> <P> Although immortal, their physical bodies could be destroyed by violence--thus Gandalf truly died in the fight with Durin's Bane, beyond the power of the Valar to resurrect him; Eru Ilúvatar intervened to send Gandalf back . Similarly, Saruman was killed when his throat was cut by his servant in The Return of the King . The Istari also carried staves, which seem to aid their magic . When Saruman is defeated at Isengard, Gandalf casts him from the White Council and breaks his staff . </P>

When were the istari sent to middle earth
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