All the Gandalf references in 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' explained
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 1 introduced many characters, including familiar faces like Galadriel and Elrond, lesser-known figures from Tolkien's works like Tar-Miriel, and original characters like Arondir.
But one character sparked an intense speculation and he was the Stranger, (Daniel Weyman). Since his dramatic arrival in Episode 1, 'A Shadow of the Past', fans have been guessing his identity. Some thought he might be Gandalf or even Sauron, as the show's mystics believed.
However, the final episode titled, 'Alloyed', revealed the mystics were wrong. After the Stranger turned against them, one mystic called him "The other, the Istar" - a reference to the five Wizards, including Gandalf, from Tolkien's stories.
On that note here's every Gandalf reference in 'LOTR: The Rings of Power'.
The Stranger called back to some iconic Gandalf scenes
In the episode titled, 'Adrift' from 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 1, a crucial scene developed when Nori startled the Stranger.
He stood tall, yelling, and the surroundings darkened, evoking a similar moment from 'The Fellowship of the Ring' when Gandalf confronted Bilbo about the One Ring. Both scenes featured eerie atmospheres, creaking wood, and a display of power.
The Stranger's actions mirrored Gandalf's, and both characters later shared tender moments with their companions, Nori and Bilbo, respectively. Earlier in the episode, the Stranger drew a mysterious symbol on a log, resembling Gandalf's signature Dwarvish rune from 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'.
Although the similarity might be coincidental, it highlighted a shared habit of carving symbols into wood, further linking the Stranger to Gandalf.
The Stranger had the same magical abilities as Gandalf
The Stranger's encounter with fireflies in 'Adrift' from 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' resembles Gandalf's interaction with a moth in 'The Fellowship of the Ring'.
Both whisper to the insects in an unknown language, and the creatures respond by carrying out their bidding. This similarity hints at a connection between the Stranger and Gandalf.
The Stranger's battle with the mystics in 'Alloyed' is filled with nods to Gandalf's character.
He wields a staff, uses light-based magic, and utters phrases like "From shadow you came, to shadow I bid you return!", echoing Gandalf's "Go back to the shadow!" from 'The Fellowship of the Ring'.
The mystics's dissolution into moths further solidifies the link between the Stranger and Gandalf, who famously befriended a moth in 'The Hobbit' trilogy.
The stranger's character may signal a deviation from traditional Lord of the Rings lore
The Stranger's character in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' series has several nods to Gandalf. He emerges from a fiery crater, similar to Gandalf's resurrection as Gandalf the White.
The Stranger also forms a bond with the Harfoots, battles wolves, and uses elemental magic, all reminiscent of Gandalf's actions.
However, there's a significant difference in the timeline. The Istari, including Gandalf, arrived in Middle-earth during the Third Age, while the show takes place in the Second Age. The Stranger's mission to Rhûn also doesn't align with Gandalf's storyline.
If the Stranger isn't Gandalf, the real Gandalf might appear later, as the show draws inspiration from 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' films. As an immortal Maia, Gandalf could appear in this time frame, even if it's earlier than expected.
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 will premiere on Thursday, August 29
