The long-running mystery surrounding โThe Strangerโ (Daniel Weyman) in Amazon’s “Rings of Power” has finally been unveiled. After two seasons, fans now know that The Stranger is none other than Gandalf. This reveal, while expected by many, unfolds after The Stranger faces off with a Dark Wizard (Ciaran Hinds) in the home of the Storers. The confrontation between the two wizards shows their shared history and differing motivationsโone aims to rule, while the other rejects power for the greater good.
Gandalfโs Transformation and The Storersโ Farewell
During the showdown, the Dark Wizard attempts to bring a canyon down upon the Storers. Using his powers, the Stranger holds the collapse back long enough for everyone to escape safely. As dawn breaks, the Storers move on, entrusting Nori (Markella Kavanagh) and Poppy (Megan Richards) to lead them. In their departure, they thank The Stranger, calling him โgrand elf,โ a misunderstanding due to their unfamiliarity with elves.
After bidding farewell, The Stranger discovers his staff, or rather, it finds him. He returns to Tomโs (Rory Kinnear) home and confronts Tom about testing him. This moment of acceptance marks the revelation of his true name: Gandalf. Tom affirms that a wizardโs staff and name find him.
The Reveal and Its Impact
Director Charlotte Brรคndstrom, aware that many fans had already guessed The Strangerโs identity, approached the reveal subtly. She focused on the characterโs acceptance of his destiny, aligning it with Tolkienโs themes of fate and choice. Though the mystery of The Stranger is solved, new questions emerge for future seasons, including the true identity of the Dark Wizard, who may be another Istar like Gandalfโpossibly Saruman or even one of the Blue Wizards.
Source:
Photo by Dollar Gill on Unsplash