Who Is the Stranger? Breaking Down the Theories from The Rings of Power

While The Rings of Power Season 2 finale confirms that the Stranger is indeed Gandalf, the journey to this revelation was filled with fan theories that added depth and excitement to the viewing experience. Let’s explore some of these popular speculations that captivated audiences before the big reveal.​

The idea that the Stranger could be Gandalf is by far the most popular theory—and with good reason. Entertainment sites and fan discussions almost universally lean this way. Here’s why.

First off, the Stranger’s immediate connection with the Harfoots feels familiar. Gandalf has always had a deep fondness for Hobbits—he values their courage and resilience. His friendships with Bilbo and Frodo are central to The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and the Stranger’s bond with Nori and Poppy seems to echo that same dynamic.

Then there’s the line, “Always follow your nose,” from Episode 8. Fans will recognize this from The Fellowship of the Ring, when Gandalf says the same thing to the Fellowship in the Mines of Moria. It’s either a massive hint or a clever red herring designed to throw us off.

Another big clue comes when the Mystics initially think the Stranger is Sauron. When he fights back against them and chooses good, they call him “the other one.” It’s easy to interpret this as a reference to Gandalf being Sauron’s polar opposite—the one who unites Middle-earth against him.

Finally, there’s an interesting scene in Season 2, Episode 2. Poppy asks if the Stranger can magically summon water, but Nori explains that he’s afraid he’ll lose control without his “gand”—the word they use for staff. This is a huge detail. Gandalf’s name literally translates to “Elf of the Staff,” taken from Norse mythology. If the Stranger ends up being known as “the man with the staff,” that would complete the connection.

While Gandalf is the fan favorite, there’s also evidence the Stranger could be Saruman.

Daniel Weyman, who plays the Stranger, bears a resemblance not only to Ian McKellen but also to Christopher Lee, who portrayed Saruman in Peter Jackson’s films. The show’s casting choices have clearly aimed to echo the look of the original movie characters, so it’s not a stretch.

Saruman was originally a force for good before his fall from grace. Exploring that balance of light and darkness could make for a compelling story. Throughout Season 1, the Stranger shows flashes of potential darkness alongside his acts of kindness. His struggle to control his powers—and the moments where he almost loses himself—could foreshadow Saruman’s eventual corruption.

Saruman is also more known for his overt displays of magical power compared to Gandalf. The Stranger’s use of powerful and sometimes destructive magic, like when he fights off the wargs, might point to him being Saruman before his downfall.

Radagast is often overlooked, but there are a few reasons why the Stranger could be him.

One of the most obvious is his connection to nature. In Episode 2, we see the Stranger communicate with fireflies, which is very reminiscent of Radagast’s affinity for animals in The Hobbit films—remember his sled pulled by rabbits and his healing of a hedgehog?

The Stranger’s unkempt appearance and eccentric behavior also fit Radagast’s character. He’s often portrayed as more rustic and unconcerned with appearances compared to Gandalf or Saruman.

His healing abilities are another potential clue. Twice in Season 1, we see him use nature to heal—once when he submerges his arm in water, and again when he revives a withered tree. These moments mirror Radagast’s healing of animals and his role as a protector of nature.

Of all the theories, the Blue Wizards one might be the most exciting—and potentially the most lore-friendly.

At the end of Season 1, the Stranger decides to head east to Rhûn, the same region the Blue Wizards journeyed to according to Tolkien’s writings. Could he be trying to find his fellow Blue Wizard? Rumors suggest Ciarán Hinds’ new character might be playing that role.

The Mystics refer to the Stranger as “the other one.” In the context of the Blue Wizards, this could easily mean he’s one of a pair, with the other being Hinds’ character. Their dynamic could show two very different outcomes for the Blue Wizards—one who stays true to his mission and one who turns to darkness.

Tolkien’s early writings suggest the Blue Wizards failed, even founding dark cults in the East. But his later notes hinted they may have helped weaken Sauron’s forces from afar. The Rings of Power might explore both ideas—one Blue Wizard succeeds, the other falls.

With the Season 2 finale of The Rings of Power confirming that the Stranger is indeed Gandalf, we can reflect on the journey that led to this revelation. The myriad of fan theories that flourished throughout the series not only showcased the depth of Tolkien’s world but also highlighted the engagement and imagination of its audience. While the mystery has been resolved, revisiting these theories offers a fun glimpse into the collective speculation that enriched our viewing experience.​

As we move forward, knowing Gandalf’s true identity adds layers to our understanding of his character’s evolution in Middle-earth. It also sets the stage for exploring how his early experiences, as depicted in the series, shape the wise and compassionate wizard we meet in later tales. The journey of discovery, both for the characters and the audience, continues to be a testament to the enduring allure of Tolkien’s universe.