Rings of Power: Gandalf's Shocking Second Age Appearance Explained

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Prime Video is a controversial show, especially for those die-hard Tolkien fans. It's a prequel, so naturally, it's going to make some changes!

A Massive Canon Change:

The biggest change? They brought in Gandalf! This is a huge deal since Gandalf the Grey didn't appear in Middle-earth until the Third Age. Rings of Power, however, puts him smack-dab in the Second Age. And not just any entrance: this wizard crash-lands in a fiery meteor! This broke many fans' hearts, but some will still enjoy it and are excited about the inclusion of the character!

Also Read: The Rings of Power: The Stranger's Purpose, Tom Bombadil, and Sauron

Why the Change Was Necessary:

Frodo Baggin, Gandalf, The Stranger, and Nori Harfoot Image

Gandalf is basically the most important character in Lord of the Rings. He's the guy who guides everyone, sacrifices himself, and believes in the little guys who eventually save Middle-earth. Without him, Sauron wins. But Tolkien's books don't give us much of a Gandalf backstory. To really understand this series you have to go digging! The Appendices or The Silmarillion!

So if they really stuck to what actually happened they would have lost the key that could change Middle-earth's future and it didn't help that it was during the Second Age, so they really had to bring a huge Gandalf to save this.

Also Read: Why the Hobbits Beat Sauron in The Lord of the Rings

Timeline Tweaks- The Good and The Bad:

Galadriel looking serious next to Gandalf looking worried in The Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power season 2 Image

One thing that broke the hearts of Tolkien fans is the timeline changes. The Second Age is, in actuality, 3,441 years long! Rings of Power crunched that to fit into its episodes, condensing centuries into weeks or months. This might irk purists, but they had no other choice. Rings of Power is character-driven. They have to include major figures for the story and they cannot change that! It would have had an awful pacing like Season 1 in 2022, which everyone hated!

Also Read: The Rings of Power Season 2 Finale: Adar's Demise and Sauron's Reign

Walking a Fine Line:

Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power Season 2 Poster Showing Charlie Vickers as Sauron Image

Bringing in Gandalf was great! Finally, Lord of the Rings fans get his full story! Before now, the series presented this great, magical old man as this almost mythical figure. He will now become so much more!

There's a massive risk to the story that comes along with taking these changes. The producers really needed to be careful since they need Gandalf's personality to stay consistent!

Rings of Power showed Gandalf meeting Hobbit ancestors way before he should have, but this helps further emphasize how deeply entrenched the Hobbits are within this world!
He even encounters Tom Bombadil, an obscure being that isn't talked about, who had met Gandalf. Gandalf is described as a being of extreme skill. It really showcases that talent! However, many find it strange.
What's been the most confusing change? His confrontation with this other powerful, mystical being called the Dark Wizard!

These changes to the storyline may just change Gandalf's character! In Lord of the Rings, Gandalf is shown as a big rival to Saruman. So this change seems a bit bizarre to consider and fans might think it may reduce his tension with the later villainous encounter.

Also Read: Barrow-wights: The Scary Creatures From The Lord Of The Rings That Are Back In The Rings Of Power

The Future of Gandalf in Rings of Power:

Rings of Power taking on Gandalf is not going to ruin this storyline. They needed this special, unique being to make this a truly legendary series! However, the producers really needed to use their wits and make the correct narrative changes! They may need to proceed cautiously if they want Gandalf's story to have that lasting impact! Fans already love this Istar who shows such incredible and compelling strength!