'LOTR: Rings of Power' Season 2: Why only one Istar appeared in Season 1 Finale
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' was full of mysteries that kept viewers guessing. A major question throughout the series was why Galadriel struggled to locate Sauron and who the Dark Lord was disguising himself as. The answer came in the Finale, which revealed Halbrand as Sauron.
Another intriguing mystery was the true identity of Meteor Man, also known as the Stranger. The finale confirmed he was a wizard, specifically an Istar.
While not explicitly stated, the hints throughout the series suggest he could be the future Gandalf the Grey.
As fans, we can't help but wonder if other Istari will make an appearance. With the show already sparking both controversy and excitement in J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic world, the possibilities are thrilling
With its twists and turns, 'The Rings of Power' is set to continue exploring the unexplained in its second season, which is set to premiere on Thursday, August 29.
Who are the Istari in 'The Lord Of The Rings' universe?
In 'The Rings of Power', fans were divided over Meteor Man's (aka the stranger) true identity. Some speculated he was Sauron, the Dark Lord, while others thought he might be a different character entirely.
Interestingly, the White Robes also mistook him for Sauron in the season finale. However, after Meteor Man defied them, they realized their mistake, revealing that he was an Istar, meaning 'wise one' or 'wizard', and not the Dark Lord they had suspected.
In JRR Tolkien's world, the Istari were five powerful beings sent to Middle-earth to counter the Dark Lord Sauron's influence. They were Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, Alatar, and Pallando.
Their mission was not to fight Sauron directly but to guide and support the free peoples of Middle-earth in their struggle against him.
With Meteor Man confirmed as an Istar, fans are now eager to learn more about his role in 'The Rings of Power' and how he fits into the larger story.
Is Gandalf the Istar in 'LOTR: The Rings Of Power'?
The White Robes's words about Meteor Man were intriguing, as they called him "the other. The Istar" rather than "one of the Istari". This hint, combined with the show's clues, suggests Meteor Man might become Gandalf, the most important Istar in 'The Lord of the Rings'.
Although the series hasn't confirmed it, the signs point to Meteor Man being Gandalf after all.
This introduction of Gandalf in 'The Rings of Power' makes sense, despite differing from the 'LOTR' timeline. In 'The Return of the King', Gandalf says he's the Enemy of Sauron and his work is finished.
This highlights Gandalf's crucial role as Sauron's nemesis, being the only Istar to complete his mission. By exploring their rivalry earlier, 'The Rings of Power' cleverly expands on Gandalf's story and significance in the fight against Sauron.
Will the other Istars appear in 'LOTR: The Rings Of Power' Season 2?
Rumors are circulating about new characters joining 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2, including some who were absent from Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy.
The first season's finale hinted at Meteor Man and Nori embarking on a quest to find other fallen Istari in Middle-earth. This could mean that viewers might encounter Saruman, Radagast, and the blue wizards in Season 2
Introducing the other Istari would be a significant moment in the franchise. While Saruman and Radagast appeared in the original films, the blue wizards have never been seen in live-action.
'The Rings of Power' has a chance to explore the lesser-known aspects of Gandalf's order and show Saruman before his corruption, when he was still a force for good.
The series has exciting opportunities ahead as it delves deeper into the Istari, including the additional members of Gandalf's order.
Hopefully, Season 2 will win back fans with its portrayal of these powerful beings, crucial to the 'Lord of the Rings' lore.
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 will begin streaming on Prime Video starting Thursday, August 29.