Wizards

Wizards seem to be quite a late race in LOTR comming to middle earth in the third age. They are not men, i think they where from Valinor? i'm not sure. Maybe someone here might know exactly who they are? and are they immortal or always old. Gandalf hardly seems to age in the 50 odd years between The Hobbit and LOTR and he was also around in the time of 'Old Took'. as well as that, he turns out to have the third elven ring. (given to him by Cirdan the Shipwight) was it given to him as he arrived on middle earth or as he was leaving? I hope i'm not asking too much.

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