What magical powers did the Istari have?
The short answer is ‘various’. There were 5 in total, 3 of which appear in Tolkien’s popular writings, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. In order of seniority these were – Saruman the White Gandalf the Grey Radagast the Brown Two more, sometimes referred to as ‘the Blue wizards’ Alatar and Palando, went east on arrival in Middle Earth and play no part in any of Tolkien’s published writings. With regard to ‘magical’ powers, the abilities of the Istari were more to do with affinity with an area of knowledge, talent or empathy, and I’ve done my best to list them below. Saruman – ‘the brains’ if you like. Scientific turn of mind and with great skill at understanding and manufacturing devices and over the minds of men. Presumably this is linked to Tolkien’s mistrust of technology, having lived through the Great War and seen it’s destructive power. His early work was concentrated in understanding the mind and works of Sauron for the White Council. Gandalf himself says ‘Saruman has long s
