The Rings of Power hinted at the Stranger’s name and I didn’t even notice

The Rings of Power hinted at the Stranger's name and I didn't even notice

As a gamer with a rich background in fantasy RPGs and an ardent fan of Middle-earth lore, I must confess that my heart skipped a beat when I caught wind of the latest hint about the Stranger’s true identity. I’ve spent countless hours debating with fellow enthusiasts over the years, speculating on the intricate web of connections between Tolkien’s works and the characters that populate them.

The Rings of Power is a television series that serves as a precursor to The Lord of the Rings, taking place thousands of years prior to the births of characters like Frodo and Sam. Interestingly, even though it’s a prequel, some characters from the original trilogy are present. Characters such as Elrond and Galadriel, who possess immortality, were indeed active during the Second Age of Middle-earth.

Besides Nori and Poppy, there’s also a mysterious character named the Stranger who joined them in their journey to Rhûn. This amnesiac man fell from the sky at the start of the series, and he’s currently unaware of his own identity, just like us viewers. The show has been subtly hinting at something significant regarding this character. To begin with, he’s an elderly man dressed in grey clothing who seems to possess magical abilities, reminiscent of Gandalf from “The Lord of the Rings.” In the finale of the first season, the Stranger echoed one of Gandalf’s famous quotes: “When uncertain, Elanor Brandyfoot, trust your instincts and follow your nose.”

As a gamer, I can confidently say that the clues are so apparent in this storyline, I don’t think a spoiler alert is necessary. If the Stranger isn’t eventually revealed as Gandalf, it would feel like a deceitful twist. And let me tell you, the first three episodes of The Rings of Power season 2, currently streaming on Prime Video, only added to my suspicion.

The Rings of Power hinted at the Stranger's name and I didn't even notice

The Rings of Power gave us yet another clue that the Stranger is Gandalf

In the second episode of the new season titled “Where the Stars are Strange,” Poppy ponders why the Stranger, being a wizard, doesn’t simply conjure food and water for them, given how scarce these resources are in a desert. Nori clarifies that he requires a staff or wand to effectively use his magic, explaining that “he fears he might lose control without it, like he did before.”

A “Gand” is an originating term from Old Norse, specifically “gandr,” translating to “stick,” “wand,” or “magic.” Notably, it forms the beginning of the name Gandalf, hinting at its meaning. CAN YOU SPOT THE CONNECTION?

J.R.R. Tolkien, the writer of ‘The Lord of the Rings’, was an expert in language history, known as a philologist. As such, his choice of character names held significance. He derived the name Gandalf from a section of the Norse poem ‘Völuspá’ called “Catalogue of Dwarves.” One of these dwarves was named Gandálfr, which combines the words “gandr,” meaning staff or wand, and “álfr,” meaning elf. Therefore, the name Gandalf can be translated as “Elf with a Wand.” In his book ‘Unfinished Tales’, Tolkien translated it as “Elf of the Wand”, making it quite close to the original meaning.

Beyond these layers lies more depth. The character we know as “Gandalf” isn’t his genuine name among men; instead, they misperceive him as an elf and christen him with the name. In truth, he’s a relaxed individual who accepts this moniker. To the elves, he’s known as Mithrandir. In actuality, Gandalf is a celestial entity dispatched from the hallowed land of Aman over the sea to aid Middle-earth’s inhabitants in their struggle against Sauron. His authentic name, disclosed in books like The Silmarillion, is Olórin.

To be honest, I’m eagerly anticipating the upcoming episodes of “The Rings of Power” on Thursdays, exclusively on Prime Video. Personally, I can’t help but wonder if they’ll delve into the mystery surrounding the Stranger. I’m ready for them to unravel this enigma and reveal his true identity!

2024-08-30 18:41

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