Question: what are gandalf and saruman?
Answer: Gandalf and Saruman are Maiar spirits, in the bodies of old men and at a stage of limited power. ... There are two types of Ainur; the Valar, and the Maiar. So yes, Gandalf and Saruman were existent before the creation of the world or time. Gandalf in Valinor(the home of the Ainur) was actually known as Olórin.