Tolkien's Maiar

The Maiar are powerful forces in Arda, subordinate only to Eru, the One, and the Valar. Mortals have often called them gods.

The Maiar are much more numerous than the Valar, though fewer of them have become known by name to mortals. Among those who are known to the peoples of Arda are two general groupings: those who came to Middle Earth in the Third Age, and those who did not but were known to mortals from earlier Ages.

Maiar in Middle Earth at the end of the Third Age include:


Sauron, servant of Morgoth, perhaps the most powerful of all Maiar. Also known to mortals--who fear to say the name "Sauron" aloud--as the Dark Lord, Lord of Mordor, the Evil Eye, the Red Eye, the Lord of the Dark Tower, the Lidless Eye, the Lord of Barad-dur, the Shadow, and the Nameless One. Most ominously, his titles include the Lord of the Rings.



The Istari, at least five Maiar sent by the Valar to Middle Earth to help mortals defeat Sauron:

* Saruman, at first counted the most senior and powerful of the Istari. Also called Saruman the Wise, Curunir and in the Shire, Sharkey. Among Istari, known as Saruman the White. His real name, from Valinor, is Curumo.
* Gandalf, who proved to be the most powerful of the Istari. Having travelled far and wide in Middle Earth, he has many names among mortals:
Mithrandir, Grey Pilgrim or Grey Wanderer, Tharkun, Incanus, Greyhame, and Stormcrow. Among Istari, known as Gandalf the Grey. His real name, used only in Valinor, is Olorin.
* Radagast the Brown. In Valinor, named Aiwendil.
* Alatar (this is his true name; of names given by mortals, none are known).
* Pallando (this is his true name; of names given by mortals, none are known).

The Balrogs, or Valaraukar, of whom only one is named: Balor, also called Durin's Bane. It is unknown how many Balrogs exist.

Maiar not in Middle Earth but known to mortals include:

* Ilmarë, the Handmaid of Varda.
* Eönwë, the Herald of Manwë.
* Osse, vassal of Ulmo.
* Uinen, lady of the seas and spouse of Osse.
* Melian, who married the Elven king Thingol, bearing Lúthien.

See also:    valinor