Lord Of The Rings: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Wizards
6. Gandalf Didn't Want His Job
During the Third Age, Sauron's evil presence began to be felt in Middle-earth again. The Valar selected five Maiar to act as the emissaries for the gods and assist the Free Peoples. At this time, Gandalf was called Olórin and was said to be one of the wisest of all the Maiar.
He was selected to travel to Middle-earth but was extremely reluctant. He was fearful of Sauron's power, and possibly recognised he might be tempted to succumb to his corrupting influence. But the Valar recognised this as further evidence of his wise and cautious insight, making him the ideal candidate to undertake such a mission.
He resolved to go, but his cautious attitude and his reluctance to hold any position of power in Middle-earth was what led many to think Saruman was in fact the superior and more powerful wizard. Ultimately this proved to be the reason for Gandalf's success, he never placed himself in a position to be tempted to abuse or exert his power over anyone, except the forces of evil.