Gandalf

== Gandalf's History== Although he may appear mortal, the wizard Gandalf is actually a powerful spirit called a Maia, sent to Middle-Earth to oppose the Dark Lord Sauron. Of all his fellow wizards, Gandalf came to cherish the mortal Free Peoples the most, and defends them with his very life. Gandalf is most notable for his fondness of the Hobbits of the Shire, a peaceful, short race. With the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf led an expedition to the dwarven kingdom of Erebor to battle the dragon Smaug. Later, on another quest to destroy the One Ring of Power, Gandalf defeated the mighty Balrog of Morgoth at the cost of his own life. However, Gandalf returned from the dead in an even more powerful form, and saw the quest through to the finish.