Published in three parts between 1954 and 1955, J.R.R.
Tolkien’sThe Lord of the Ringsnovel mentioned Radagast in a very minor capacity.
Radagast and the Blue Wizards occupied a mysterious space in between.
And of the Ainur, there were two orders.
More can be read about the Istari in “The Istari” essay inUnfinished Tales.
The 15 Valar ofLord of the Ringsgave the Istari a hard task because they were up to it.
Radagast was always destined to fall in love with the birds and the beasts, to a certain extent.
Yavanna created the Two Trees
Y.T.
1 - 1050
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First Age (F.A.)
Elves awoke in Cuivienen
Y.T.
Last Alliance defeated Sauron
T.A.
Radagast usefully obeyed Gandalf when asked to set his spies in motion.
However, he was easily manipulated by Saruman, proving his inferiority as a Valarin agent.
Calling Radagast a simple fool,Saruman made it clear that he had been using Radagastto get to Gandalf.
As heroic as this is, it didn’t help him in his mission.
Instead, it had him encouraging Gandalf to seek Saruman’s aid.
Radagast’s data pipe did prove useful in the end.
However,Radagast had gone rogue, so he likely wasn’t concerned about this.
Tolkien always asserted, however, the one Maia who certainly misfired worse than Radagast in opposing Sauron.
Ultimately, Saruman fell to the dark force he was meant to fight.
He was not strong enough to resist the more powerful sorcerer’s controlling magic and influence.
Radagast was an important part of the balance of Middle-earth.
Despite beating Saruman for nobility inThe Lord of the Rings, he ultimately failed in his mission.
