One of the main characters inThe Lord of the Ringsand other associated works inTolkien's Legendarium. Also known as Gandalf the Grey, he has the appearance of an old man with a big grey beard andwizard hatwielding astaff. He was one of the five Istari, along withSarumanandRadagast, who formed the Order of Wizards, sent to Middle-Earth to guide its people. He is portrayed by SirIan McKellenin Peter Jackson's film adaptions ofThe Lord of the RingsandThe Hobbit.