Gorthaur The Maia was seduced by Melkor at the beginning of Arda according to The Silmarillion. Gorthaur was also known as Sauron.
The Valar, the order of Gods Melkor belonged to, sent equals (i.e. other Maiar) to Middle Earth to rally support against Sauron. These Maiar spirits took the form of the order of Wizards. The Istari.
Each Vala chose a Maia to send as their representative. IIRC Curumo/Curunir/Saruman was Aule's choice. Olorin/Mithrandir/Gandalf was Manwe's choice IIRC, and Radagast was Yavanna's.
Only Gandalf stuck to the plan of course. The rest strayed to a greater or lesser extent.
When Gandalf dies in Moria, his spirit returned to Valinor. His spirit was sent back, re-clothed in body, to Lothlorien and he carried on the fight. When Saruamn was killed his spirit was denied return to Valinor, and so he persied utterly. Similarly Sauron the Maia when the Ring was destroyed.
You will notice that both Sauron and Saruman's spirits took the form of clouds attempting to move West, before they are dispersed by the Wind, or, as I think, the Breath of Manwe Sulimo, The Lord of the West, Chief of the Valar. Aure entuluva !<i></i>
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