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Is the Stranger Gandalf or what? The Rings of Power is still giving mixed signals

BBG News

As a seasoned Tolkien enthusiast and long-time fantasy gamer, I must confess that the enigma surrounding the Stranger in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has been an intriguing rollercoaster ride for me. I’ve spent countless hours delving into every nook and cranny of Middle Earth, from the Shire to Mordor, so I thought I had a solid grasp on this world.

For two consecutive seasons, viewers of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” have been speculating about the Stranger’s true identity. However, the show has been subtly suggesting since its debut that the enigmatic, magical figure falling from the sky is none other than Gandalf, the wise old wizard we recognize from “The Lord of the Rings”. He bears a striking resemblance to Gandalf, he employs some of Gandalf’s most famous catchphrases, and his character seems to be an obvious fit.

In the final episode of season 2, it seems clear that The Stranger is truly Gandalf, as suggested by some halflings from Rhûn referring to him as “grand elf,” a title reminiscent of Gandalf. Additionally, he muses, “Isn’t that what they will call me?” The Stranger also discovers a staff that bears a striking resemblance to the one wielded by Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films.

Although The Rings of Power appears to resolve the issue, it offers additional clues that maintain the enigma. To begin with, in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, there is no mention of Gandalf visiting the land of Rhûn, situated in the east of Middle-earth. Instead, it is stated that other wizards named Alatar and Pallando venture into the east, never to be seen or heard from again. Initially, fans hypothesized that the Stranger and the newly introduced Dark Wizard could possibly be these two missing wizards.

Furthermore, the ending didn’t completely refute that hypothesis. When the Dark Mage and the Stranger crossed paths, the Dark Mage admitted it was the Stranger who had initially persuaded him to set foot in Middle-earth. This scenario certainly echoes the tale of Alatar and Pallando.

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, all five of the Istari are divine emissaries dispatched from the Valar, who serve as deities in Middle-earth. Their mission is to combat Sauron. As per Tolkien’s narrative, Alatar and Saruman willingly embark on this quest. Yavanna, one of the Valar, requests that Saruman bring along the Istari Radagast, a character we encounter frequently in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit films. Manwë, another Vala, urges Gandalf to join them. Meanwhile, Alatar persuades his companion Pallando to accompany him on this journey.

If any of the Istari persuade others to visit Middle-earth, it appears to be Alatar influencing Pallando. This suggests that The Rings of Power could be implying that the enigmatic figure is both Gandalf and Alatar, leaving the puzzle unsolved. In fact, the involvement of the Dark Wizard has only added further complexity to the mystery.

As of now, there’s no confirmed news regarding a third season for “The Rings of Power”, but if it does materialize, we might not see it on our screens before 2026 at the very least.

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2024-10-03 14:41

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