In the fiction of
J. R. R. Tolkien, the
Wizards of
Middle-earth are a group of beings outwardly resembling
Men but possessing much greater physical and mental power. They are also called the
Istari (
Quenya for "Wise Ones") by the
Elves. The
Sindarin word is
Ithryn (sing.
Ithron). They were sent by the
Valar to assist the peoples of Middle-earth to contest
Sauron.