The Rings of Power Season 2 has already reached its finale, and fans were thrilled by the twists, turns, and shifting alliances. This season has left Middle-earth in chaos after the shocking revelation that Halbrand, believed to be the Lost Prince of the Southlands, is actually the main villain, Sauron.
Amid all the chaos and mysteries, the character of The Stranger has remained a focal point, with his true identity still unknown. Fans have been speculating about who he really is and what his name and purpose might be.
In Season 1, The Stranger fell from the sky near the nomadic Harfoot colony. Unaware of his identity and purpose, he quickly became one of the most talked-about characters in The Rings of Power. Nori Brandyfoot, a young and curious Harfoot girl, found him and formed a bond with him. Their friendship and adventurous journey became central to the storyline. During this journey, The Stranger reveals that he is an “Istar,” which means “wise one” or “wizard.” However, there’s more to this mysterious character—his true identity is hinted to be someone much bigger, which fans are sure to celebrate.
Season 2 of Rings of Power Confirms the Identity of The Stranger
Season 2 of The Rings of Power has finally answered one of the biggest mysteries—The Stranger’s true identity. After much speculation from fans throughout two seasons, it has been confirmed that The Stranger is none other than Gandalf.
Throughout Season 2, viewers were given several hints about The Stranger‘s origins, but it was the season finale that cemented the truth. His encounter with the dark wizard serves as a pivotal moment in the story. The dark wizard refers to The Stranger as an “old friend” and hints at the broader history of the Istari by mentioning that there were five of them. For those familiar with J.R.R. Tolkien’s lore, this directly references the five wizards sent to Middle-earth. This revelation becomes even more powerful when The Stranger rejects the dark wizard, showing his desire to protect his companions, especially Poppy Proudfellow and Nori Brandyfoot.
The Turning Point for The Stranger in Rings of Power
One intriguing moment in the finale is when the Harfoots and other characters bid farewell to The Stranger, calling him “the Grand Elf.” The origin of this title remains unclear, but it seems to stir something deep within him, triggering a sense of recognition. Shortly afterward, he discovers his staff, which feels like a major turning point in his journey. Finding the staff feels like a piece of his destiny falling into place, and it leads him on a quest across Rhûn to find none other than Tom Bombadil.
When The Stranger arrives at Bombadil’s hut, Bombadil says something that captures the essence of a wizard’s journey: “A wizard does not find his staff; it finds him, just like his name.” This poetic moment is followed by The Stranger’s response: “Gandalf—that’s what they’re going to call me, isn’t it?” And with that, the connection is finally made, marking the reveal that fans have been eagerly waiting for. The scene concludes with Gandalf and Bombadil singing a light-hearted, yet symbolic song, adding a memorable finish to this momentous revelation.
Does This Version of The Stranger in Rings of Power Align with Tolkien’s Works?
With the mystery of The Stranger solved, a big question remains: Does this version of Gandalf align with J.R.R. Tolkien’s works? This reveal has raised some eyebrows among Tolkien purists. According to Tolkien’s writings, Gandalf didn’t arrive in Middle-earth until the Third Age, and he arrived by ship at the Grey Havens, where he met Círdan and received his ring. The Rings of Power seems to be taking some creative liberties with the timeline, just as it has with other elements of the story.
However, there is another possibility. The showrunners might be expanding Gandalf’s backstory, much like they have added more depth to other characters such as Sauron and Galadriel. They could be doing the same for Gandalf, giving him a richer and more complex history. Tying him to Tom Bombadil and the Harfoots feels true to the Gandalf we know from the books, and it sets him on a familiar path toward confronting Sauron.
This reveal is likely to divide fans. Some may find it an exciting expansion of Gandalf’s story, while others may feel it strays too far from Tolkien’s established timeline. However, whether you love or hate this twist, there’s no denying that it adds an exciting new layer to The Rings of Power.
