The Rings of Power Season 2: Gandalf Arrives, But Is It Canon? Huge Twist Explained

The world of The Lord of the Rings is filled with iconic stories, characters and a long, compelling history! This also comes with a slew of details and it is certainly very complex as it gives fans something to look forward to with a brand-new take on some epic moments from Middle-earth.

id="the-rings-of-power-season-2"> The Rings of Power Season 2:

What is new and Amazon Prime Video has certainly got some answers! You may know that there was a huge cliffhanger last season!

As The Rings of Power brings its most recent episode, Season 2 Episode 8, it comes out to be another groundbreaking moment in the history of Middle-earth, confirming who The Stranger, or better said Gandalf really is! What might come as a surprise for fans of Tolkien's works. There's been a few variations here from what everyone knows!

Also Read: The Rings of Power Season 2: Is The Stranger Gandalf?

Who Is The Stranger?

Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey in The Lord of the Rings and Daniel Weyman as The Stranger in The Rings of Power Image

For fans of this series, the whole reveal of the Stranger, who just landed in Middle-earth. The show gave plenty of hints. As a real treat for viewers. And all along they thought this could be another mysterious figure - a "Blue Wizard", a character that also appeared in Tolkien's writings, so they weren't as far off!

Also Read: The Rings of Power: Exploring Middle-earth's Second Age

Changing Canon for The Stranger:

Daniel Weyman as Stranger Meteor Man in Rings of Power Image

Now, in a powerful twist! Season 2 was the big reveal! Fans were hoping it was a "Blue Wizard" as they thought this would be an incredible change in the storyline.

If anything, this brought even more drastic shifts that are truly controversial and for good reason!

In Season 1, it turns out, The Stranger was set up! Gandalf, from "The Lord of the Rings". There was even an appearance with his character from "The Lord of the Rings," when The Stranger had a memorable dialogue in this show! If anything, the series really added a twist in that episode as the show even showed his interactions with a small, interesting group. The small folks we have been introduced to! It was great. It was an adorable time

The story brought the characters to the place of Rhûn and a whole new location with all new elements that truly have the ability to blow minds! You can definitely see a reason for confusion here.

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

Where Does This Break Canon?

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

The major impact that came with revealing The Stranger's true identity is going to have everyone on their toes! And those who know the timeline of this series have to be a little confused as to how this fits in!

The series started out at a very particular period: The "Second Age", something that spanned for a total of 3,441 years.
The Second Age is a truly fascinating era that takes fans on an exciting journey.

However, what doesn't fit in? This series will go back in history for those who know about the original series, showing that the "Third Age" takes center stage, that's where Gandalf is! You see, for Tolkien, he was supposed to enter Middle-earth over 1,000 years later. The Rings of Power looks to have changed the rules!

Also Read: The Rings of Power: Unmasking the Stranger: Is He Gandalf?

Gandalf's Amazing Journey to Middle-earth

Those who haven't read J.R.R. Tolkien's books, may have enjoyed watching the first episodes! It seems there are a bunch of twists and turns as this new season unfolds.

The show introduced Gandalf in a truly grand and interesting fashion.

Gandalf fell into Middle-earth in the form of a meteor!.
Gandalf, also, in a fun scene, met up with Nori the Harfoot, someone who was able to make this magical character feel right at home!

The original series doesn't give us this level of depth as Tolkien explained what this great wizard did, he went to Middle-earth by traveling in a ship and ended up at the Grey Havens!, that is exactly where "Círdan, a legendary shipwright" and another fascinating character found Gandalf and made his presence known. It seems like Gandalf had already been to this location as it's an incredible historical moment, showcasing just how grand it truly is, giving a grand, spectacular moment!

id="meeting-hobbits"> Meeting Hobbits

This magical wizard journey continues as he gets to learn more about "Middle-earth" but with some changes for a show that gives a glimpse at how we understand his history, Tolkien explained how Gandalf, over a course of years, finally made it to those he was drawn to: "hobbits!" It's been over 1,000 years of travel since he first appeared.

He encountered this specific community while exploring the great terrain. "The Long Winter" was what made it more remarkable, when he decided to meet with hobbits, they proved to have a surprising level of resilience!

The Rings of Power takes some really incredible strides and really showcases what the producers of the show want to do.

Gandalf got the chance to make friends with Nori, that connection helped bring audiences a fresh and truly magical experience, and to be so close with this wizard long before hobbits were known.

id="an-incredible-change-with-gandalf-and-the-istari">An Incredible Change with Gandalf And The Istari

The series took an exciting move to challenge these major characters with a real game of who will survive. As one character points out that The Istari came in a total of 5 people and really gives audiences an entirely new experience when The Dark Wizard tells this.

You get an entirely new scene for viewers, to learn about who exactly is The Dark Wizard, however they try to have Gandalf on their team as the show explores just what happens.

"The Dark Wizard, tried to tempt Gandalf to team up but the character wasn't so easy! It turns out this was a way to see that they had common interests and ultimately "The Dark Wizard" has ambitions that are not going to make fans of "The Lord of the Rings" very happy.

There is a reason why "The Dark Wizard" seems to be so important. You may have an idea of who this could be. It's a mystery, as to what will happen in upcoming seasons but it could be Saruman, a pivotal and popular character. In fact, this really gets fans talking. There's also a "Blue Wizard" as well. Or perhaps it is another, totally unseen character! The only thing certain, Gandalf is going to stop the Dark Wizard!

That moment in the series also gives audiences another piece of the history that changes a little. It does make the experience for audiences an unforgettable one! This looks like it will be a key turning point!

The Rings of Power is definitely making the biggest impact on audiences who will keep coming back and be excited about this truly exciting tale!

In a show that makes the series different! The characters are still being set in motion, giving audiences something they never imagined.

It might seem like the series is changing what fans know but this amazing addition might just bring an even greater level of understanding for the fans that really cherish this show and those who have never gotten to see these magical characters! There's plenty of intrigue and you can bet audiences will have even more questions after they see this.

Fans who are just getting into the show might feel lost but you can easily go back to the first episodes, to catch up and take in everything from Season 2!

"The Rings of Power" continues to showcase some powerful storytellers and the creativity they bring to the most celebrated and unforgettable tales! While Amazon Prime Video has brought something that no one could have foreseen! A series full of interesting, magical moments! So tune in to get this journey going! The biggest part about it? Well, it just brings even more fun into the show. It looks like Amazon Prime Video is bringing together some interesting themes that are certainly keeping fans on their toes.

Make sure to add "The Rings of Power" to your viewing list as this series unfolds with new, powerful twists!

The Rings of Power Season 2: Gandalf Arrives, But Is It Canon? Huge Twist Explained

Who Is The Stranger?

Changing Canon for The Stranger:

Where Does This Break Canon?

Gandalf's Amazing Journey to Middle-earth

Related Articles