Gandalf

Gandalf (="Wand Elf"):
In spite of his name, Gandalf is not an elf but a Maia, originally called Olórin (olos means "dream, vision"). He also has many other names like Mithrandir or Incánus.
Gandalf had dwelled a long time in Lórien's gardens in Valinor before he was ordered to go to Middle-earth around 1000 T.A. He obeyed, though he feared Sauron. When he arrived at the Grey Havens, Círdan gave him the ring Narya. Gandalf limited himself to encourage the people of Middle-earth and to give them advice. He was also part of the White Council. After some time, though, he began to play a more active part in the events of the Third Age. It was him, for example, who led Bilbo and the dwarves safely through their adventures.
In the War of the Ring, Gandalf became part of the fellowship. He fell battling a balrog, but came back to life as "Gandalf the White". Now, he openly fought against Sauron and joined the great battles. Tolkien later said that he had made a mistake when he decided to transform the wizard so drastically.
Gandalf was a person who didn't care for neither wealth nor power, but he never said no to a good meal. He entertained the children of the Shire with his spectacular fireworks and was a passionate smoker. After the war, he left Middle-earth again, together with the other ringbearers.

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