Who is the Stranger? 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 must confirm one character's identity
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In the highly anticipated second season of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power', the identity of the enigmatic Stranger remains one of the most intriguing mysteries.
Season 1 hinted that the Stranger might be Gandalf, though early theories suggested he could be Sauron. With Halbrand revealed as the Dark Lord, speculation shifted back to the Wizard. The Season 2 trailer, released on May 14, 2024, continues to tease this mystery.
It reveals significant developments, including the unveiling of Sauron's Elf form, Annatar, and the forthcoming creation of the Rings of Power. The trailer also offers glimpses of familiar characters such as Galadriel, Elrond, and Prince Durin, alongside the elusive Stranger.
As fans eagerly await confirmation, the Stranger’s true identity is set to be a pivotal element of the upcoming season, promising to unravel one of Middle-earth’s most captivating enigmas.
'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer teases Stranger’s identity
![A still from the show 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' (@primevideo)](http://d6ehjqrqtzoun.cloudfront.net/79a7535b-ff70-498c-810e-7e220e40bfda.png)
In the eagerly awaited second season of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power', the mystery surrounding the Stranger continues to captivate audiences. Season 1 initially teased that the Stranger could be Gandalf, though some early theories suggested he might be Sauron.
With Halbrand confirmed as the Dark Lord, attention has shifted back to the possibility of the Stranger being the Wizard. The Season 2 trailer, released on May 14, 2024, deepens this intrigue. It introduces key developments, including the reveal of Sauron’s Elf form, Annatar, and hints at the creation of the 'Rings of Power'.
The trailer also provides brief glimpses of beloved characters like Galadriel, Elrond, and Prince Durin, alongside the elusive Stranger. As anticipation builds, the Stranger’s true identity remains a central mystery, promising to be a defining element of the new season and one of Middle-earth’s most tantalizing enigmas.
Is the Stranger really Gandalf?
![A still from the show 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' (@primevideo)](http://d6ehjqrqtzoun.cloudfront.net/86f346f1-28ff-4b98-a000-3210353282d3.png)
In the trailer for 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2, the brief but impactful appearance of the Stranger has fueled speculation about his identity, hinting further at a connection to Gandalf.
The clip shows the Stranger lifting a staff and dramatically slamming it down, unleashing powerful magic a scene reminiscent of Gandalf's iconic 'You shall not pass!' moment from 'The Fellowship of the Ring'.
This moment suggests the show may be giving Gandalf’s staff an origin story, which, while intriguing, raises significant concerns about adherence to Tolkien's canon. In Tolkien’s timeline, Gandalf, as we know him, did not arrive in Middle-earth until the Third Age.
The Second Age was marked by the presence of the Blue Wizards, with no indication of Gandalf or his ilk. By potentially bending this canon to fit a more familiar character, 'The Rings of Power' risks controversy among Tolkien purists while aiming to captivate with well-known elements.
'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer