Which J.R.R. Tolkien character is known as the Grey Wizard?

J.R.R. Tolkien’s character known as the Grey Wizard is Gandalf.

Gandalf is one of the central figures in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He arrives in the Shire to involve Bilbo Baggins in the journey to the Lonely Mountain, and later helps guide the struggle against Sauron. His title reflects both his grey clothing and his position among the Istari, the emissaries sent to Middle-earth.

In The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf confronts the Balrog in the Mines of Moria and falls into the abyss. He returns as Gandalf the White, symbolizing a change in authority and role. The transformation is one of the trilogy’s most recognizable developments.

Saruman is the character most often confused with Gandalf because he is also an Istari wizard. Saruman is known as the White Wizard before his betrayal. Radagast is another member of the order, associated particularly with animals and the natural world.