Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
The Stranger The Rings of Power
Image via Prime Video

‘Rings of Power’ theory suggests the Stranger is a version of one of the franchise’s most popular characters

One of the biggest mysteries of 'The Ring of Power' series has left fans speculating like crazy over the identity of the Stranger.

Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the first two episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Recommended Videos

One character has made an appearance in the Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power that has everyone on the internet trying to suss out their identity. The show has started building up the stories of several characters including the elves Galadriel, Elrond, and the newly introduced elf, Arondir, as well as the Harfoots which include the curious Nori and her friend Poppy. However, fans are most intrigued by the introduction of the enigmatic Stranger.

After crash landing near the Harfoot community, and being discovered by the curious Elanor “Nori” Brandyfoot, the Stranger, played by Daniel Weyman, displays strong magical abilities which include changing the weather and communicating with animals whilst speaking in an unknown tongue. Now, who does that remind us of exactly?

One of Tolkien’s most popular characters is also known for these abilities and many are seeing similarities between the Stranger and the wizard Gandalf. But with hardcore Tolkien fans adamant that Gandalf doesn’t appear in Middle Earth until the Third Age is the show trying to throw us off with a misdirect? Is this in fact what many are speculating, the return of Sauron? Or is some artistic license being used here in order to allow Gandalf to arrive in Middle Earth earlier than written?

Fans on Reddit are debating exactly who they think the mysterious character could be. The conversation began with a stoned OP trying to connect the dots between this character and the Gandalf we all know and love. They point out the familiar mannerisms of the Stranger, his powers, his connection to the Hobbits, even the camera work is similar to that used for Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Using the logic from the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers that saw the return of Gandalf after his battle with the Balrog, the OP wonders if we’re looking at something similar here.

One user points out that Gandalf didn’t actually body swap in Lord of the Rings and was simply sent back into his body, though apparently, this came with a trip to the salon resulting in a sleeker-looking Gandalf the White.

Comment
by from discussion
inFanTheories

Gandalf existed as a Maiar called Olorin long before he came to Middle Earth as one of the five wizards, but perhaps it could be that Olorin has come in a different form.

Comment
by from discussion
inFanTheories

This user is almost certain it’s the well-loved wizard and not the dark lord.

Comment
by from discussion
inFanTheories

Some have suggested that it could be another of the Maiar entirely and that the transportation method doesn’t really make sense.

Comment
by from discussion
inFanTheories

Fans are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to find out if they will be vindicated regarding the mysterious characters’ identity, though with six more episodes to go in season one alone, the show-runners could really drag out the reveal. The third episode will be available to watch on Amazon Prime on Sept. 8.


We Got This Covered is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Laura Pollacco
Laura Pollacco
Laura Pollacco is Freelance Writer at We Got This Covered and has been deep diving into entertainment news for almost a full year. After graduating with a degree in Fashion Photography from Falmouth University, Laura moved to Japan, then back to England, and now back to Japan. She doesn't watch as much anime as she would like but keeps up to date with all things Marvel and 'Lord of the Rings'. She also writes about Japanese culture for various Tokyo-based publications.