Radagast

Radagast the Brown. Wizard associated with animals and nature. Radagast was one of the five Wizards sent to Middle-earth in the Third Age. The Wizards were Maiar spirits who took the form of old men. They were selected by the Valar to encourage the peoples of Middle-earth to oppose Sauron. Radagast was a Maia named Aiwendel. He was selected by Yavanna, the Vala of growing things. According to one tale, Yavanna asked Curumo - who became known as Saruman - to take Aiwendel with him to Middle-earth. In Middle-earth, Radagast made his home at Rhosgobel on the western border of Mirkwood. He was known to Beorn, the skin-changer who lived to the north near the Carrock. Radagast was a master of shapes and changes of hue and he was knowledgeable in the lore of animals and plants. He befriended beasts and especially birds and he was able to communicate with them. Radagast spent most of his time with wildlife and had little time for Elves and Men. www.tuckborough.net