Was Sauron aware of what Gandalf was?

Question

Is there any evidence that Gandalf's maia origin was known to Sauron. Not many of the elves even knew (Cirdan, Galadriel and Elrond maybe)

This quote makes me think not.

'So!' said the Messenger. 'Then thou art the spokesman, old greybeard? Have we not heard of thee at whiles, and of thy wanderings, ever hatching plots and mischief at a safe distance? But this time thou hast stuck out thy nose too far, Master Gandalf; and thou shalt see what comes to him who sets his foolish webs before the feet of Sauron the Great. I have tokens that I was bidden to show to thee - to thee in especial, if thou shouldst dare to come.'

The Return of the King: The Black Gate Opens

Is there any evidence to show Sauron knew more? I'd like to think he would have changed his plans if he had known the truth.

Answer 1

If he thought about the Istari, especially Saruman and Gandalf, he imagined them as emissaries from the Valar, seeking to establish their lost power again and 'colonize' Middle-earth, as a mere effort of defeated imperialists (without knowledge or sanction of Eru). His cynicism, which (sincerely) regarded the motives of Manwe as precisely the same as his own, seemed fully justified in Saruman. Gandalf he did not understand. But certainly he had already become evil, and therefore stupid, enough to imagine that his different behaviour was due simply to weaker intelligence and lack of firm masterful purpose. He was only a rather cleverer Radagast - cleverer, because it is more profitable (more productive of power) to become absorbed in the study of people than of animals.

_{Myths Transformed; HoME 10}

This paragraph from Tolkien seems to more or less say he knew the Istari were of Maia stock. From a personal point of view as well it would not be too hard for Sauron to guess they were at least Ainur, they were certainly not dwarves or men for the istari were immortal and aged ridiculously slowly, if i remember rightly some thought they might be elves but Sauron knows enough about elves to realise the Istari are not elves. The only logical option for Sauron to think they are is a Vala (Sauron thinks the Valar have basically given up on Middle-earth) or a Maia, aka an emissary of the Valar.

Answer 2

The "Wise" most certainly knew, especially Cirdan who gave Gandalf the ring. It seems obvious that the other ringbearers should know as well. I would imagine that Glorfindel probably also knew. As for Sauron, it seems that he would have a pretty good idea about the power that lay within Gandalf as he had been watching him for many years. If this question is asking about when the Mouth of Sauron was addressing Gandalf, then certainly Sauron knew. If this question is more concerning the earlier time of when Gandalf was hunting the Necromancer, then perhaps there is more doubt.

They were both Maia and I would expect them to understand each other a bit if only from there time spent innumerable years before hand at least somewhat in each others company. However Sauron had to have understood also that there were at least some emissaries coming from the True West as he had to have been aware of Glorfindel as well from when he faced the Witch King of Angmar. I am of the camp that believes it is the same Glorfindel as from Gondolin. :D

Answer 3

Logically, I think that Sauron can't have been fully aware of the nature & purpose of Gandalf, or indeed, of the other wizards. If he had, he would have devoted much of his resources to trying to kill or otherwise disable them. Yet Gandalf is able to wander about the West of Middle Earth unmolested, concoct various plots to block Sauron (as e.g. "The Hobbit" removing Smaug as a potential ally and replacing him with strong kingdoms of Dwarves & Men), even sneak into his fortress of Dol Guldur on a spying mission.

The same seems to be true of the others. Radagast is left free to do whatever he does, which well might have including opposing Sauron in various ways. Saruman spends years, perhaps centuries, building up his military-industrial complex at Isengard, which might have been used against the forces of Mordor. It's only much later, and through his own acts, that he's snared into acting somewhat in collusion with the Dark Tower.

If Sauron had really known their purpose, why would he not have moved against them? It can't be that hard to e.g. waylay one wandering wizard. After all, the goblins manage it in "The Hobbit".

Answer 4

Given that Sauron "controlled" Saruman via the palantir, and the effort he must have had to exert to influence a being as powerful as Saruman, and the information Saruman shared with Sauron on their mutual enemies, it seems definite that Sauron would have known about the true nature of Saruman and all of the Istari.

Answer 5

I'm sure that the canonical answer is there but just in my logic: 1) They were together from their creation 2) They sang along to help create middle earth 3) The actual number of Maiar sent specifically to fight against Malkor/Sauron was so few in number.

I would find it highly improbably after Malkors defeat and Saurons retreat that it would be possible for Sauron not to know.

Answer 6

Of course he knew,the white council drove him out of Dol Goldur,Sauron was incredibly wise,possibly the wisest being on middle earth by the war of the ring,it's impossible for him not to have known and also Gandalf was once a prisoner of his,which is when Gandalf realized the necromancer was Sauron.