Gandalf is Olorin, as noted by The Silmarillion.
Five Maiar (Aiwendil = Radgast, Curumo = Saruman, Olorin = Gandalf, Alatar, and Pallando) were sent from Valinor by the Valar to aid the people of Middle-earth in their fight against Sauron. The Maiar were Ainur, the immortal spirits that existed before the creation of the world. When these five were sent to Middle-earth, they were disguised as old men, wizards, who were wise and aged slowly.
They weren't sent to fight the battle alone, but to simply aid/guide the people there against him.
Gandalf was the only one to stick to the mission though.
[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: Legolas ]
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