Radagast (the Brown)

Within Tolkien's internal cosmology Radagast is one of the Maiar — lesser divine spirits — sent by the Valar from the West to Middle-earth in human-like form as the Istari. He was associated with Yavanna in the account of his appointment and given a mission among the peoples of Middle-earth, but Tolkien later commented that Radagast "gave up his mission as a Wizard by becoming too obsessed with animals and plants," while Christopher Tolkien noted that Radagast may have been intended specifically for the protection of plants and animals.

Tolkien's texts and summaries identify Radagast primarily by his epithet "the Brown," indicating earth-brown robes and a close association with natural surroundings. He is described in relation to animals and the wild rather than by detailed bodily features; no extensive physical description beyond his robes and natural bearing is supplied in the cited sources. He makes his home at Rhosgobel, a name given a Sindarin etymology meaning "brown village."

Sources describe Radagast as having a strong affinity with wild animals and plants: he is called "the friend of all birds and beasts" and is said to "speak the many tongues of birds." He is noted as skilled with herbs and described in summaries as "a master of shapes and changes of hue," wording that suggests an association with changing appearance or coloration in Tolkien's imagery but does not in the provided material constitute a fully detailed account of shapeshifting powers. Narratively he acted as intermediary by sending the eagle Gwaihir with news that led to Gandalf's rescue and was unwittingly used by Saruman to lure Gandalf to Orthanc.