Radagast
Radagast is a male character who features in Lord of the Rings.
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Biography
Aiwendil (Quenya: "Friend to birds") was originally one of the Maia created from before Time who descended to Arda in order to serve the Valar. In that time, he was noted for being a servant of the Valië Yavanna, the Queen of earth.
Around the year TA 1000, the Maia arrived at the Grey Havens in the west of Eriador, having the form of old Men, whom the peoples called Wizards. Curumo arrived first and alone, and Aiwendil arrived at the same time as Olórin. When the Wizards took their mission, they roamed Middle-earth where in this period he came to be named Radagast by the Ñoldor. In that time, he became known for both his protection of the great Forests and his zeal for the animals, worrying little with the affairs of Men and Elves, but was far more knowledgeable in plants, birds and beasts in the forest. He also turned away from Saruman during this period, unaware that the White Wizard despised him and considered him a fool.
In TA 2851, the White Council met once more, after which Saruman began to search the Gladden Fields for the One Ring. Radagast decided to aid his search, with birds and beasts acting as spies, hoping that Saruman's actions would help keep watch and hinder Sauron. Radagast did this in good faith, knowing nothing of Saruman's true ambition to acquire and keep the Ring for himself. By the War of the Ring, Radagast no longer dwelt in Rhosgobel. In summer of TA 3018, Saruman told Radagast that he was willing to help Gandalf, and sent the Brown Wizard to seek Gandalf at once. Radagast knew little of Eriador but sought for the Shire, knowing that he would find Gandalf nearby. On Midsummer's Day, Radagast was sitting on the side of the Greenway with his horse near Bree when Gandalf found him on his way to the village. Radagast warned Gandalf that the Nazgûl were abroad, disguised as riders in black, seeking news of the Shire. He also gave Gandalf Saruman's invitation, and agreed to help Gandalf by having beasts and birds to send news to Orthanc. With that he rode away back towards Mirkwood.
Saruman's message proved to be a trap for Gandalf who, after coming to Orthanc, was imprisoned; but Gandalf still believed that Radagast was not under Saruman's sway. Indeed, it was thanks to Radagast that Gandalf was able to escape from the pinnacle of Orthanc upon the wings of Gwaihir. Radagast's actions during and after the rest of the War are not recorded. After the Council of Elrond, scouts were sent out from Rivendell to many different locations. Some passed over the Misty Mountains and eventually came to Rhosgobel, but found that Radagast was not there.
Overview
Personality and attributes
In appearance, Radagast was seemingly a male human with pale skin, blue eyes, long brown beard and hair. Typically, he was seen wearing brown robes and carries around a Wizarding staff. Originally, he was one of the Maia and went by the name of Aiwendil. On Middle-earth, he came to be known among man as Radagast the Brown.
He was regarded as being a very great wizard in his own way. Gandalf referred to him as being a gentle soul who preferred the company of animals to others. He kept a watchful eye over the vast forest lands to the East.
As one of the Maiar of Yavanna, Radagast had a great interest in the kelvar and olvar of Middle-earth and was a friend to beasts and birds.
Powers and abilities
Radagast was one of the Maia that were immortal lesser Ainur who entered the cosmos of Eä in the beginning of time.
He was noted by Gandalf for being a worthy wizard who was a master of shapes and changes of hue. In addition, he knew much lore of herbs and beasts with birds being especially his friends.
Notes
- Radagast was created by J. R. R. Tolkien where he featured in the setting of Tolkien's Middle-earth universe.
In other media
Films
Video games
Appearances
- The Lord of the Rings:
External Links
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