Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Rings of Power season 2, episodes 1-3.The Rings of Powerstill hasn’t confirmed the identity of the Stranger, butafter season 2’s first three episodes, I’m even more convinced that he’s Gandalf. Daniel Wayman’s character makes a memorable entrance inThe Rings of Powerseason 1, crashing to Middle-earth inside a meteor during the show’s premiere. It seems obvious that Weyman is one oftheLord of the Rings’Istari, as he possesses magic and doesn’t remember anything about himself. AfterThe Rings of Powerseason 1’s ending, many viewers became convinced that he was Gandalf — including myself.
Unfortunately,the Amazon show hasn’t confirmed or denied this popular Stranger theory just yet. DuringThe Rings of Powerseason 2’s three-episode premiere, Nori tries to give the wizard a name — but he’s still without one when episode 3 comes to a close.The Lord of the Ringsshow is intentionally keeping the Stranger’s identity under wraps, perhaps building anticipation for the big reveal. However, looking at the character’s portrayal inThe Rings of Powerseason 2, I’m almost certain that he’s Gandalf.
The Real Reason Sauron Has A New Actor In The Rings Of Power Season 2, Episode 1
A second actor steps into the role of Sauron in The Rings of Power season 2, episode 1, and there’s a good reason for the villain’s change.
The Stranger Is Acting Much More Like Gandalf In The Rings Of Power Season 2
His Dialogue & Personality Match That Of The Grey Wizard
The Rings of Powerseason 1 makes it difficult to reconcile the idea of the Stranger being Gandalf, as Weyman’s character is so different from the wizard we know and love. The Stranger can hardly speak when he first crash-lands on Middle-earth, and he doesn’t know much — from how to interact with others to how to use his own powers. The Gandalf we see inThe Lord of the Ringsis charming and has a good grip on his abilities. He’s a far cry from Weyman’s awkward, often out-of-control wizard.
His interactions with Nori and Poppy feel far more natural in season 2, with the Stranger treating the Harfoots warmly — almost like a grandfather.
That said,The Rings of Powerseason 2 takes a big step forwardwhen it comes to the Stranger’s characterization. After seeing how the new episodes depict him, I’m more convinced that the series is building to a Gandalf reveal. His interactions with Nori and Poppy feel far more natural in season 2, with the Stranger treating the Harfoots warmly — almost like a grandfather. He banters with them and goes out of his way to ensure they’re safe, things Gandalf does for Frodo and his friends inLord of the Rings.This makes the Stranger feel more like the Grey Wizard.
The Rings Of Power Already Hinted The Stranger Is Gandalf
Season 1 Draws Connections To The Lord Of The Rings Character
There are numeroussigns that the Stranger is GandalfthroughoutThe Rings of Powerseason 1, so it’s no surprise he’s starting to act more like theLord of the Ringscharacter. Even if his personality isn’t in line with Gandalf’s in the first outing,the Stranger bears striking similarities to Frodo’s mentor. His physical appearance mirrors that of Gandalf the Grey, and he also develops an easy friendship with the Harfoots, much like Gandalf does with the Hobbits inThe Lord of the Rings.
The Stranger’s magic also resembles that of Gandalf, as we see him whispering to fireflies inThe Rings of Powerseason 1. This moment feels like a nod to Gandalf whispering to the moths inThe Fellowship of the Ring. The Stranger also turns particles into moths inThe Rings of Powerepisode “Alloyed.” The character’s final line inThe Rings of Powerseason 1 is also a reference to Gandalf’s advice to Merry in the firstLord of the Ringsmovie. Hetells Nori to “always follow your nose,“just as he tells the other Hobbit years and years later.
Is The Rings Of Power Trying To Trick Us About The Stranger’s Identity?
The Show’s Allusions To Gandalf Feel A Bit Obvious
The Rings of Powerhints at the Stranger being Gandalf numerous times during its first season, butI have to wonder if the series is trying to trick us by being so direct. With the show going to great lengths to keep his identity a secret, it seems odd that it would tease the Stranger’s connection to Gandalf so heavily. This takes away from the impact of the surprise, which is the only reason to keep the Stranger nameless inThe Rings of Powerseason 2.
The Rings of Powerseason 1’s Sauron reveal also wasn’t that shocking, so perhaps the writers really are following the same trajectory with the Stranger.
Of course,The Rings of Powerseason 1’s Sauron reveal also isn’t that shocking, so perhaps the writers are following the same trajectory with the Stranger. TheLord of the Ringsseries doesn’t go out of its way to capitalize on shock value,so it might be building to its Gandalf revelation more intentionally. It’s hard to imagine who else the Stranger might be, though there are other Istari to choose from. I’m hopingThe Rings of Powerseason 2 confirms the Stranger’s identity soon, as there’s little reason to drag out the suspense.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Cast
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
