January 10, 2004

Answer for Knal of Gondor
Elendur

Sauron is a Maia, like Gandalf, Saruman, and the Balrogs. Maiar(the plural) are sometimes compared to angels. In the First Age Maiar could come and go to and from Middle-Earth as they pleased, but later only those chosen by the Valar(like maiar, but more powerful) were allowed to live there. The Istari, or wizards, were some of those chosen. Some Maiar, like Sauron and the Balrog of Moria, lived there without the consent of the Valar.

"Of old there was Sauron the Maia..."