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

How Did Gandalf Get His Name in The Lord of the Rings?

While fans recognize Gandalf as one of the most influential wizards in The Lord of the Rings. The character has also become a pop culture icon, whose fame spans both films and literature, those who like the wizard have always had to consider his actual name and origins.

Many, who have delved into the extended history and lore of Middle-earth. Will discover how Gandalf, the "grey" wizard of the Third Age was also known as Olórin during his existence as a powerful being (one who was part of those entities known as Maia in the Valinor region of Middle-earth). His existence even predated those events seen in The Lord of the Rings and even the Hobbit, highlighting those stories that help explain the origin of the character.

Is The Stranger in Rings of Power Season 2 Really Gandalf?

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

Amazon's The Rings of Power , the epic fantasy TV series, brings audiences back to the Second Age of Middle-earth - long before those events featured in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

This prequel series is filled with an assortment of mysterious events, particularly the introduction of "the Stranger". The Stranger has continued to capture fans’ attention, in part, because the character has been closely linked to Gandalf, a connection that has become stronger as Rings of Power Season 2 unfolds.

Is There a "Magic Staff" Used in the Rings of Power?

Daniel Weyman as The Stranger, Markella Kavenagh as Nori Brandyfoot, and Megan Richards as Poppy Proudfellow in The Rings of Power. Image

In the world of The Lord of the Rings, and within the history of The Rings Of Power, there's often a heavy reliance on the idea of magic staff, which have appeared throughout history. They've even become known for serving as powerful tools that could bring about magic or perhaps combat.

In The Rings of Power, wizard staff (sometimes even magic wand) serve as key components to how the powers that exist within Middle-earth, as well as its inhabitants (be it a powerful entity like Sauron or even a wizard such as Gandalf - are seen to have such magic staff - that are meant to amplify those powers)

Where is Tom Bombadil’s House Located?

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

Fans of The Lord of the Rings are well acquainted with Tom Bombadil, a magical being that appears in Tolkien’s lore.

Those who know his story (one of those that has captivated those who enjoy The Hobbit) realize how Tom Bombadil is a kind, powerful and benevolent spirit that lives within an enchanted forest and often in the heart of The Lord of the Rings' mythos, serving as a central component of this universe. His residence has long been an area where a lot of curiosity and mystery exists as his home (located in the Old Forest in Middle-earth ) serves as an incredible, almost whimsical place for those who want to visit.

Is Sauron a Good Guy?

Sauron, the Dark Lord, is often one of the main antagonists across all those books (including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit ) that appear in Middle-earth's timeline, serving as one of the most powerful beings that seek to rule this entire universe and even those outside. Sauron's actions have been driven by a strong ambition: a desire to find absolute power. Even as he seeks to conquer all, and often those who oppose him will become trapped by The One Ring.

Throughout the storyline - and those that watch those movies will recognize this as a central force (that drives much of the story), it's evident that he will never become an ally or, at least a force that is working for good. It seems as if Sauron is always moving toward the center of events - even serving as a key figure as those battles against Sauron often lead to events and storylines that define The Lord of the Rings.

How Might Gandalf’s Journey Take Shape in Rings of Power Season 2?

While there is much anticipation about those storylines in The Rings of Power, many fans are already seeking to discover just what is happening with "The Stranger," and, specifically, what that will mean for the rest of the season. This series is known for exploring the origin stories and historical moments of those iconic figures who later become central to The Lord of the Rings lore.

Even so, those who follow the "Stranger" - who is strongly considered to be Gandalf, in those early events will be reminded of how The Stranger is initially seeking out a "wizard staff" which is seen to have an enormous amount of symbolic importance for those who follow Middle-earth stories, which includes his journey to learn magic from Tom Bombadil in Tom Bombadil's house, (this house is considered a central, enchanted location as those in Tolkien's world often believe Tom Bombadil is the most powerful, mysterious, yet beneficial figure who resides in the forest).