Also known as: Olorin, Mithrandir, The Grey Pilgrim, The White Rider, Tharkun, Incanus, Gandalf The Grey, Gandalf The White
Gandalf is a Maia of the people of both Manwe and Varda, though he learned pity and patience from Nienna. In Valinor he was known as Olorin, and he walked unseen among the Elves, inspiring them with fair visions and wisdom. When the Valar chose to send emissaries to Middle-earth to contest the growing power of Sauron, Olorin was selected at the urging of Manwe, though he confessed he feared Sauron. He was given the Elven ring Narya, the Ring of Fire, by Cirdan the Shipwright upon his arrival at the Grey Havens, for Cirdan perceived that he was the greatest of the Istari in spirit.
In Middle-earth, Gandalf wandered for over two thousand years, never settling in one place, always encouraging the free peoples to resist evil through their own courage and strength. He was known by many names: the Elves called him Mithrandir ("Grey Pilgrim"), the Dwarves called him Tharkun, and in the South he was known as Incanus. Unlike Saruman, who sought power and knowledge for its own sake, Gandalf remained true to his mission. He was instrumental in the Quest of Erebor, selecting Bilbo Baggins as the burglar for Thorin's Company, an act of intuition that would prove world-changing when Bilbo found the One Ring.
Gandalf's role in the War of the Ring was pivotal. He identified Bilbo's ring as the One Ring of Sauron, guided Frodo on the beginning of his quest, and led the Fellowship of the Ring through Moria, where he fell in battle with Durin's Bane, a Balrog of Morgoth, upon the Bridge of Khazad-dum. Gandalf pursued the Balrog to the peak of Zirakzigil, where after days of combat he destroyed it but perished himself. He was sent back by Iluvatar as Gandalf the White, with enhanced power and authority. He freed Theoden from Saruman's influence, orchestrated the defense at Helm's Deep, confronted Saruman at Isengard, and led the defense of Minas Tirith during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. After the War of the Ring, Gandalf departed Middle-earth with the Ring-bearers on the last ship from the Grey Havens, his task fulfilled.