Major Rings of Power Reveal Explained by Lord of the Rings Expert

As a long-time Tolkien enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in Middle-earth’s rich tapestry of lore and history, I must say that the revelation of Daniel Weyman’s character as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power was not only a thrilling twist but also a testament to the show’s commitment to expanding the world we all love.


In a thrilling conclusion to Season 2 of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” one of its principal characters’ true identity was unveiled, leaving viewers in awe. After numerous theories (and quite noticeable hints), it has been affirmed that the character portrayed by Daniel Weyman is none other than the legendary wizard, Gandalf, who was previously embodied by Ian McKellen in Peter Jackson’s acclaimed film trilogy. Despite some purists expressing skepticism towards this plot twist as a deviation from J. R. R. Tolkien’s work, an authority has shared insights on the finale of “The Rings of Power” and how it remains consistent with established lore.

The official Rings of Power social media account shared a video on Twitter featuring Dr. Corey Olsen, an expert in all things Lord of the Rings. In this interview, Dr. Olsen mainly discussed the revelation of the Stranger as Gandalf, but he started with an essential disclaimer about what constitutes “canon” in Tolkien’s writing. To clarify, J.R.R. Tolkien himself never definitively established anything in Middle-earth’s history, and the author often left many details undecided.

In the case of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, it’s important to note that there isn’t a strict “canon.” Tolkien frequently revised his ideas over time. As depicted in “The Lord of the Rings,” Gandalf and other Wizards are said to have arrived around year 1000 of the Third Age. However, in later years, Tolkien toyed with the possibility that Gandalf might have appeared earlier, even in the Second Age, potentially participating in the wars related to the Rings of Power.

Right from its debut, “The Rings of Power” has hinted that the enigmatic Stranger could be Gandalf, making his initial entry into Middle-earth during the Second Age. Moreover, it’s not just Gandalf who is set to grace our screens in this series. As per Dr. Olsen, Gandalf has gone by numerous names throughout history. Interestingly, “The Rings of Power” aligns with the character’s past as portrayed in Tolkien’s writings.

In various lands, this figure is recognized by different names – Mithrandir among the Elves and in Gondor, Gandalf in the North, Tharkûn to the Dwarves, Incánus in the South. When dwelling among the gods in Valinor, he was known as Olóran. This implies that he has left his mark on numerous communities and cultures across many regions, adopting multiple identities. A significant line from this passage goes, “To the East, I go not.” In a broader perspective, when speaking with someone from Gondor, he is essentially saying that one should not anticipate him to confront the Dark Lord at the gates of Barad-dûr, which represents Mordor for them.

No, The Rings of Power Has Not Ruined the Canon

A substantial aspect that elevates “The Rings of Power” within the realm of the “Lord of the Rings” franchise is its dedication to enlarging Middle-earth’s universe and shedding light on its past. There’s been a bit too much debate about the show’s deviations from the original story, particularly when it comes to elements that wouldn’t fundamentally alter the broader scope of “The Lord of the Rings“. Moving Gandalf’s introduction slightly forward, which was already somewhat unclear, enhances his character growth. Furthermore, this portrayal of Gandalf is unlike any viewers have encountered before.

While some Reddit users were eager to criticize the Season 2 finale of “The Rings of Power,” it appears that claims about it contradicting the canon have been greatly overstated. This is evident for those who have meticulously studied Tolkien’s work, as it has always been open-ended regarding specific details of the Second Age.

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2024-10-07 17:33