There are plenty of pre-civilization origin stories regarding ancient civilizations that describe a white, often white haired and bearded figure who guides a group of people into starting the foundation of civilization (the quadrivium of liberal arts and science and government). This teacher figure always guides a hero through their journey having already experienced the world beyond where the hero comes from. They bring enlightenment by opening the way the character thinks about the world around them. There are many other actions the Old Sage brings to epic tales. Below are some popular ones I feel most people will recognize.
Obi-Wan Kenobi, who taught Luke Skywalker in Star Wars.
Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings, who gives Frodo his quest to destroy the One Ring.
Moses from the Old Testament, guiding the Jews out of Egypt and taught in Egyptian Mysteries and also a military general.
Zeus, the Leader of the Gods in Greek Mythology.
Merlin from the King Arthur tales.
Cogliostro from the Spawn comic book series, who used to go by the name of Merlin.
Neptune from the Little Mermaid, the wise father/king figure.