Showrunners tease Stranger's true identity in Rings of Power

Following the finale of Season 1 of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," fans are ardently discussing the true identity of The Stranger, portrayed by Daniel Weyman. His line to Harfoot Nori, “When in doubt, always follow your nose,” echoes Gandalf’s advice in "The Fellowship of the Ring," stirring speculation about whether The Stranger is a young Gandalf, another Istari, or perhaps Saruman. Co-showrunner JD Payne remains elusive, suggesting multiple identity possibilities, adding excitement and mystery for viewers. Season 2 promises more revelations, including the debut of Tom Bombadil, a much-anticipated character from Tolkien’s lore. The new season premieres on August 29, and fans can catch up by reading reviews of the first season.

The line "When in doubt, always follow your nose," originally said by Gandalf in "The Fellowship of the Ring," hints at the possibility of The Stranger being Gandalf. It acts as a narrative clue for fans to ponder over his true identity, reinforcing connections to beloved Tolkien characters.

"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is set during the Second Age of Middle-earth, a period rich in lore and history. This era includes the rise of Sauron, the creation of the One Ring, and the early journeys of the Istari (wizards) to Middle-earth. The show's intertwining of these narratives with established Tolkien lore has captivated both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.