The Stranger’s Identity in The Rings of Power Finally Revealed: Gandalf Emerges

In the sprawling world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, fans have been speculating for years about the origins of their favourite characters. Amazon’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” has reignited this passion, particularly surrounding one character the Stranger. By the time the Season 2 finale rolled around, viewers received confirmation that this enigmatic figure is none other than Gandalf, the iconic wizard who plays a central role in Middle-earth’s history.

The Slow Burn Revelation: Building the Mystery

From the beginning, it was clear that the showrunners, Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, wanted to tease out the Stranger’s identity. The gray-haired, mysterious wizard, portrayed by Daniel Weyman, was introduced as a character shrouded in ambiguity. While fans speculated, the question persisted: was he an ally or an enemy? Could he be Sauron, one of the Blue Wizards, or perhaps Saruman? By the end of Season 2, the answer became clear: the Stranger is indeed Gandalf.

In true Tolkien fashion, the series didn’t rush this revelation. Instead, it provided a journey of self-discovery, not just for the audience, but for the character himself. McKay and Payne stated that they approached this storyline with openness, using Tolkien’s vast lore to explore the possibilities. “No one will believe us, but this was a journey of discovery for the character and the characters around him, and it was a journey of discovery for the writers,” McKay explained. They intended for the audience to witness Gandalf at the beginning of his long, storied path.

Deep Roots in Tolkien’s Legendarium: Why Gandalf?

The choice to reveal Gandalf wasn’t just a creative decision; it’s rooted in Tolkien’s lore. While Gandalf is traditionally known to arrive in Middle-earth during the Third Age, McKay and Payne found references in Tolkien’s writings that suggested he may have come earlier. Volume 12 of The History of Middle-earth hints that Olórin, Gandalf’s Maia name, visited Middle-earth before the Third Age.

The showrunners took this as an opportunity to explore Gandalf’s earlier years. Payne commented, “Tolkien left it open that Gandalf may have come earlier than the Third Age.” This allowed the show to place Gandalf in the Second Age, navigating a different time, place, and set of challenges from what fans are familiar with in The Lord of the Rings.

Clues Along the Way: Hints of Gandalf’s Presence

Though the Stranger’s identity was only confirmed in the final moments of Season 2, sharp-eyed fans noticed clues throughout the show. Early in Season 1, the Stranger was compared to Sauron as a red herring, but as the story progressed, more nods toward Gandalf emerged. One of the biggest giveaways came when the Stranger, in a moment of doubt, advised Elanor “Nori” Brandyfoot to “always follow your nose.” This iconic line, famously spoken by Gandalf in The Fellowship of the Ring, immediately connected him to the beloved wizard.

The visual clues were also prominent. The Stranger’s robe, his developing relationships with the Harfoots, and his growing magical abilities were all reminiscent of Gandalf’s journey. Even the name “grand elf,” uttered by one of the Harfoots, served as a playful hint that pointed toward his true identity.

Why Not Saruman or the Blue Wizards?

While Gandalf was always a strong contender, there were other options for the Stranger’s identity, such as Saruman or the Blue Wizards. In Tolkien’s lore, the Blue Wizards, Alatar and Pallando, traveled to the east of Middle-earth during the Second Age. However, McKay and Payne ultimately decided against these choices. The reason? Gandalf’s connection to the peoples of Middle-earth, especially the Hobbits, made him the most fitting character for the story they were telling.

The decision wasn’t taken lightly. “By the Season 1 finale, we had made our decision and reverse-engineered the clues from there,” said McKay. The showrunners felt that Gandalf’s personality, his interactions with the Harfoots, and his role in guiding and protecting the free peoples of Middle-earth aligned with the character they wanted to build.

Gandalf’s Journey Begins: Shaping a Wizard

One of the most intriguing aspects of this storyline is how the series portrays Gandalf at the beginning of his journey. Far from the wise and powerful wizard fans know, this version of Gandalf is still discovering who he is. As Daniel Weyman, the actor portraying the Stranger, described it, “I’m playing Gandalf at the very, very beginning of a journey, as opposed to what we might know later on.”

This portrayal offers a fascinating look at the evolution of one of Middle-earth’s greatest heroes. Over the course of the five planned seasons, viewers will get to see Gandalf make mistakes, learn from them, and grow into the character we recognize from the Third Age. It’s a slow build, much like the reveal of his identity, but it promises to be a rewarding narrative for fans.

Tom Bombadil’s Role: A Guiding

Force An unexpected, yet pivotal character in Gandalf’s development is Tom Bombadil. In The Rings of Power, Tom, played by Rory Kinnear, serves as a mentor and guiding force for the Stranger. Tom Bombadil, an enigmatic figure in Tolkien’s mythology, is known for his wisdom and power, yet he operates outside of the major conflicts in Middle-earth.

In The Rings of Power, Tom plays a crucial role in helping Gandalf recognize his name and purpose. His guidance and cryptic advice steer Gandalf toward the realization of who he is and what his mission in Middle-earth will be. The relationship between these two characters is a key element of the series, providing Gandalf with a mentor figure as he navigates his newfound powers.

Gandalf’s Future in The Rings of Power and Beyond

While Gandalf’s identity has been revealed, his journey is far from over. In future seasons, viewers will get to see how Gandalf grows into his role as a protector of Middle-earth. Showrunner Payne teased that they have plans for how Gandalf’s story will unfold. “What journey does Gandalf go on in the Second Age that might make certain prohibitions exist in the Third Age?” he asked, referring to the fact that the Istari are forbidden from using their full power to destroy Sauron in later years.

This exploration of Gandalf’s early years opens up countless possibilities. Will he face off against other powerful beings, such as the Dark Wizard introduced in the Season 2 finale? How will he navigate the political and magical conflicts of the Second Age? And how will his relationship with characters like Nori and Tom Bombadil shape his path?

The Rise of Gandalf

The revelation that the Stranger is Gandalf marks a significant turning point in The Rings of Power. This storyline not only deepens the connection to Tolkien’s original works but also sets the stage for a rich and complex character arc. As Gandalf continues to evolve in the series, fans will get to witness the birth of one of Middle-earth’s most iconic figures.

With four more seasons planned, there’s no doubt that Gandalf’s journey is just beginning. The showrunners have laid the groundwork for an epic saga that will expand on Tolkien’s mythology and bring new depth to a character beloved by generations. For fans of Middle-earth, the road goes ever on, and Gandalf’s story is far from finished.