'LOTR: Rings of Power’ Season 2: 5 compelling theories that might just come true
Warning: Contains spoilers for 'LOTR: The Rings of Power'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The wait for 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 is almost over but it's also an opportunity for fan theories to flourish.
As new episodes of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 1 aired, fans shared their theories, and now, with time to spare, they'll have even more ideas. Some theories might be far-fetched, but they're entertaining and create a compelling backstory.
The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes it exciting. The world of Middle-earth is full of mysteries, and fans will continue to speculate until the story unfolds.
On that note, here are 5 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 theories that might just come true.
1. Is The Stranger really Gandalf?
The Stranger's identity in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' remains a mystery, despite hints that he might be Gandalf. His Gandalf-esque line and fondness for moths have fans convinced, but the showrunners won't confirm it. If he's not Gandalf, it opens up intriguing possibilities.
As an 'istar', The Stranger could be one of the Blue Wizards, sent to Rhûn in the Second Age, where he's currently headed. Or, he might be the other servant of Aulë, like Sauron once was.
This could mean he's actually Saruman, another servant of Aulë who became a powerful wizard.'
The show's subtle hints and lack of confirmation have left a lot of room for speculation. The Stranger's true identity remains a mystery, and fans will keep guessing who he is until the truth is revealed.
One thing's certain - the mystery surrounding The Stranger makes 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' even more captivating.
2. Will Glorfindel finally get his due?
Glorfindel, the elf hero, has been absent from most 'The Lord of the Rings' adaptations. But Amazon's series might finally give him the spotlight. As a reincarnated elf, his return to Middle-earth in the Second Age fits the show's timeline.
However, there's a risk he might be left out again, in favor of another character. Fans hope this won't be the case, and Glorfindel will finally get the recognition he deserves in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' series.
3. Is Halbrand actually Sauron?
The reveal of Halbrand as Sauron in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Episode 8 raised eyebrows. His actions earlier in the season didn't quite match the dark lord's persona.
Some viewers refuse to accept Halbrand as Sauron, proposing an alternative theory.
They suggest the real Halbrand died in Mount Doom's eruption in Episode 6, and Sauron assumed his identity, faking an injury to infiltrate Eregion.
This twist would explain the discrepancy, but it's a long shot unless the show reveals the real Halbrand's charred remains in Mordor in 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2.
4. Will the Entwives have a prominent role in 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2?
The ents's brief appearance in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Episode 1 ignited fan speculation about their role in the story. One long-standing mystery surrounding the ents is the disappearance of the entwives.
Although Tolkien provided some insight into their fate, the show may delve deeper into the separation of the ents and entwives, offering a fresh exploration of this enigmatic tale.
The entwives' vanishing has baffled fans for years, and the show's creators may seize this opportunity to craft a compelling narrative around their ultimate fate.
By doing so, they can add a new layer of depth to the world of Middle-earth and provide a satisfying answer to this lingering question.
5. Will Sauron's true intentions eventually come to light?
'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Episode 5 introduced a new mithril backstory tied to Silmaril light, deviating from canonical material and sparking debate.
Fans proposed theories that Sauron manipulated the elves into creating the Rings of Power by linking mithril to the fading of the trees and elves. Although the season finale seemed to dismiss this idea, some fans still hope that it might be revealed as part of Sauron's master plan.
The theory, though unlikely, suggests that Sauron exploited the elves' need for mithril to further his own goals. While the season finale appeared to confirm the mithril-light connection as genuine, some fans hold onto the possibility that it might still be revealed as a clever ploy by Sauron.
If true, it would add a layer of complexity to the story, but might also undermine the drama that has unfolded so far.
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer