Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is finished, but it is always special to return to Middle-earth. Even with all the fighting and destruction, the last episode, titled “Shadow and Flame,” leaves us with a hopeful feeling. This episode hints at exciting places that will appear in Season 3.
It also answers a big question that has been around since the beginning of the series: who is the Stranger, played by Daniel Weyman? After two full seasons of wondering and guessing, we finally learn the answer. While it may not be a big surprise, it is nice to finally settle this mystery.
Season 2 Confirms That There Is Only One Character the Stranger Could Have Been
Viewers have argued and speculated since Season 1 of The Rings of Power about the true identity of the Stranger. Finally, Season 2 gives us the answer. In “Shadow and Flame,” he discovers that his true name is Gandalf. This means he has been everyone’s favorite wizard all along.
This moment is the peak of his journey in the second season. It shows his growth as he saves his friends and confronts his enemy, the Dark Wizard played by Ciarán Hinds. Tom Bombadil, played by Rory Kinnear, teaches the Stranger that his name and staff will come to him naturally once he understands his mission in Middle-earth.
Throughout Season 2, the show provides many hints for viewers to follow. These clues make it possible to think that the Stranger is Gandalf from very early on. For instance, he rejects every name his friend Nori, played by Markella Kavenagh, suggests in the first episode, “Elven Kings Under the Sky.”
In Episode 2, “Where the Stars Are Strange,” Nori and Poppy, played by Megan Richards, discuss the Stranger’s powers and talk about getting him “a gand” to help him use his abilities. Later, in Episode 6, titled “Where Is He?,” the Stranger speaks with Tom Bombadil about “serving the Secret Fire.”
Tom gives him the famous line: “many that die deserve life, some that live deserve death,” which Gandalf, played by Ian McKellen, shares with Frodo in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Finally, in “Shadow and Flame,” the Stoors refer to him as “Grand-Elf,” which leads him to the conclusion that he will be called Gandalf.
These hints are enough for anyone to figure out the connection. However, there is a simpler reason for the Stranger to be Gandalf: he is such a beloved character that he cannot be left out of The Lord of the Rings story.
Some timeline issues might suggest he should not be present during the time of The Rings of Power, but most viewers likely do not worry about that. Gandalf connects the series to the movies and novels, making it easier for the audience to feel connected to the story.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
Additionally, Gandalf’s popularity makes him an important character to attract more viewers. If all those hints were just to lead to him being someone else, many would feel frustrated, especially casual viewers who do not care about J.R.R. Tolkien’s original writings, as long as the story makes sense.
Gandalf Is One of the Istar, but What Does That Mean for His Story?
Season 2 gives us many hints about the Stranger being Gandalf. However, there were also clues in Season 1. In Season 1, his story is about discovering himself and relearning the basics of his powers. After he falls from the sky on a giant meteor, some fans thought he could be Sauron.
This theory even fooled the Dark Wizard, who sent a group of minions called the Mystics to find “Sauron” and take him to Rhûn. When they realize they made a mistake, they immediately recognize the Stranger as an Istar.
The Dark Wizard is also an Istar, meaning they belong to the same group of magical beings as the Stranger. The Istari are Maiar, which are angelic beings that assist the Valar in managing and shaping Middle-earth. Sauron and the Balrog of Khazad-dûm are also Maiar, showing that there can be both good and evil spirits among them.
In Tolkien’s legend, the Istari are five Maiar sent by the Valar to Middle-earth during the Third Age. Their mission is to help rekindle the flame of resistance against Sauron’s growing power. In the books, Gandalf the Grey is the Istar whose task is to travel around Middle-earth, warning the Free Peoples about Sauron and inspiring them to resist the Dark Lord.
The other four Istari have different but complementary missions. Saruman the White is the leader of the Istari. He embodies the struggle against darkness and keeps track of the other wizards’ missions.
Radagast the Brown focuses on protecting nature from darkness, befriending animals and plants throughout Middle-earth. Lastly, Alatar and Pallando are the Blue Wizards. Their mission is to weaken Sauron’s influence in the East and South, especially in Rhûn and Khand.
At the end of Season 1, when viewers learn that the Stranger is an Istari, some connected the dots and concluded he must be Gandalf. Others thought this conclusion was too obvious, so they speculated that he might be another Istari.
His brown robes led some to believe he could be Radagast, while others thought he might be Saruman since the White Wizard travels into Rhûn earlier in his journey. Some viewers believed he could be one of the Blue Wizards, as they are sent to Middle-earth in the Second Age, while Gandalf and the others arrive in the Third Age.
Since they go to the East, this theory made sense. However, with so many Gandalf references scattered throughout the series, it would likely confuse viewers if he turned out to be one of the Blue Wizards.
Gandalf’s Mission in Middle-earth Remains a Mystery at This Point
In Tolkien’s books, Gandalf arrives in Middle-earth under very different circumstances compared to The Rings of Power. For instance, it is during the Third Age, when the threat of Sauron seems to be gone. In contrast, in the series, the Dark Lord is actively trying to control the land during the Second Age.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
These two situations create very different contexts. In the first context, Gandalf has time and freedom to do things like enjoy parties with Hobbits in the Shire. However, in the second context, he must take a more hands-on and focused approach.
As a wandering wizard, Gandalf’s role in the fight against Sauron in the Second Age remains unclear, although Tom Bombadil hints at what it might be. In Episode 4, “Eldest,” he and the Stranger discuss learning to use magic and finding purpose. Tom mentions that, although the Stranger is powerful, he is a wanderer, not a warrior.
He adds that “great deeds are left to the hands they were placed in.” He warns that Sauron and the Dark Wizard can join together into a flame that may consume all of Middle-earth. The Stranger quickly asks if his task is to stop the fire and confront Sauron. Tom responds that his mission is to face both threats.
This makes us think about the Stranger potentially going against Sauron in a grand battle. However, that cannot happen according to Tolkien’s rules. The fight against Sauron in the Second Age is carried out by Elves and Mortal Men.
These two races struggle against different aspects of the enemy. The Elves fight to preserve the Light of the Eldar, their magical powers in Middle-earth. This is why they create their three Rings of Power. Meanwhile, Men face tests of resolve and moral strength against a clever and tempting foe.
The involvement of an Istar at this stage is hard to imagine because, in theory, they have no narrative growth to gain. There is still a whole age that follows Sauron’s defeat against the Elves and Men, where the Dark Lord returns.
So if the Istari are present and Sauron is still around, it would mean they have failed in their mission. It may be that The Rings of Power chooses this path, but that is still a long way off. For now, Gandalf has more growth ahead.
Gandalf Still Has Many Names To Earn Before He Can Face Sauron
Now that The Lord of the Rings is a successful and established pop-culture franchise, it can be hard to view certain characters differently than the common audience understands them. Before The Rings of Power, we knew that Gandalf, Saruman, and Radagast were unique wizards.
However, the term “Istar” had never been mentioned on screen before. This aspect makes these characters great in Tolkien’s legend: they are known by many different names. Gandalf is just the first name that the Stranger learns about himself. It is certainly the most famous, but it is one of many—five, to be exact.
In Peter Jackson’s movie trilogy, the Hobbits and Humans call Gandalf the Grey Wizard. However, the Elves have a different name for him. They call him Mithrandir, which means “grey pilgrim.” This name reflects his clothing and his constant traveling between places.
Additionally, he has at least three other names, each showing different parts of his identity or role among various peoples. As a Maiar, he has an “official” Ainur name: Olórin. This was his name in the Undying Lands of Valinor before he came to Middle-earth, reflecting his identity in that earlier life.
Among the Dwarves, he is called Tharkûn. Although the exact meaning is not clear in the texts, it is believed to mean “man of the staff,” referring to his appearance or deeds among them. Finally, the people of the South, especially around Gondor, refer to him as Incánus, meaning “Mind Master.”
This name carries a negative connotation since he is not often welcomed there. In Gondor and Rohan, he is usually tolerated but not always warmly received, as he often appears when bad news is about to arrive. Nevertheless, having Gandalf or Incánus around is still better than the alternative.
Of course, “Gandalf” has a special meaning as well. Tolkien based this name on Norse mythology, where it means “Elf of the wand.” This is a nod to the fact that the wizard carries his staff and needs it to perform his most powerful magic. In Old Norse, “gandr” means “wand” or “staff,” while “álfr” means “elf.”
Therefore, “Gandálfr,” which became “Gandalf,” combines these elements to mean “Elf of the Wand” or “Wand-elf.” Although Gandalf is not an Elf but a Maia, this name reflects his connection to magic and wisdom, as well as his use of a staff, which is central to his identity as a wizard.
Tolkien’s method of forming names for his characters is elaborate and sometimes amusing. The Stoors calling the Stranger “Grand-Elf,” which later becomes “Gandalf,” is both funny and weird, showcasing the playful nature of Tolkien’s writing. The humor adds a unique charm to the story.
Even though Gandalf is not an Elf, as Nori points out in “Shadow and Flame,” the Stoors have never encountered an actual Elf. To them, anyone taller than them could be considered an Elf. It is also significant that Tom Bombadil does not confirm anything when the Stranger arrives at his house and claims his name is Gandalf.
This is the moral of the story: a wizard’s name, like his staff, finds him, not the other way around. Thus, if Gandalf says his name is Gandalf, then it must truly be Gandalf. He is no longer a stranger.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
As Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power concludes, it leaves viewers excited for what lies ahead in Middle-earth.
The reveal of the Stranger’s identity as Gandalf brings a sense of closure while also opening up new possibilities for future storylines. With his many names yet to be earned and a mission still unfolding, Gandalf’s journey promises to be filled with growth, challenges, and, undoubtedly, more adventures.
Season 2 of The Rings of Power successfully unveils the true identity of the Stranger as Gandalf, connecting the story to the rich scheme of Tolkien’s universe. The series masterfully incorporates themes of friendship, identity, and the battle between good and evil while introducing audiences to the complexities of the Istari.
As fans look forward to Season 3, they can eagerly anticipate more thrilling adventures and deeper scheme of Gandalf’s character. The journey through Middle-earth continues, promising to deliver more enchanting stories and timeless lessons for all who dare to follow the path of the Rings.
Music is a powerful force that connects everyone across different backgrounds and experiences. It’s something we all understand and appreciate, bringing people together in a shared experience. Many of us have a song that has touched our lives, making us feel connected to moments of joy, love, heartache, or inspiration.
To celebrate these profound connections, The Masked Singer has once again brought back the much-anticipated “Soundtrack Of Your Life” night.
This special event showcases the three remaining celebrity performers who will sing songs that are deeply meaningful to them. As they take the stage, these performances might also provide crucial hints about their identities before they are ultimately unmasked.
To kick off this exciting evening, Ship, Buffalo, and Woodpecker come together for a lively performance of “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco. This upbeat song sets the tone for the night, reminding the audience just how talented these artists are. Their chemistry and energy shine through, making it clear that losing any of these performers will be a tough blow for fans.
With only three characters remaining, the Group A final promises to be intense and emotional, as only one celebrity will move on to the next round—the quarterfinals. The songs that each singer performs are not just random choices; they hold special significance in their hearts, and the stories they share may reveal important moments that have shaped their lives.
The format for the night unfolds as follows: each performer—Ship, Buffalo, and Woodpecker—will take the stage to sing their chosen song. Following these performances, the audience will cast their votes, and one singer will be unmasked based on who receives the fewest votes.
The remaining two performers will then face off in a Battle Royale, where only one act will remain. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation.
Adding an extra layer of suspense to the night is the return of a unique feature known as the “Ding Dong Keep It On Bell.”
This mechanic allows the panel to save a performer from elimination, preventing them from being unmasked. However, it can only be used once across all the group finals. With two more groups left in the competition, fans are left wondering if the panel will choose to use this power tonight.
The Buffaloes Bring a Harmonious Symphony
As the night progresses, the Buffaloes take center stage for their clue package. The three performers appear in their iconic black hoodies, preparing for their performances while providing voiceovers of their clues. Their demeanor is somewhat somber, hinting at a deeper emotional connection to the song they have chosen.
Still from The Masked Singer (Credit: Fox)
The Buffaloes explain that they selected the song “Bittersweet Symphony” because they have learned that sometimes the hardest parts of life lead to the most harmonious moments. This insight hints at personal struggles they have faced, making their performance all the more poignant.
As the clue package continues, the Buffaloes share an image of a cowbell alongside a Dead End sign. They reveal that they lost a member of their group who had served as a guiding light for them.
This loss weighs heavily on them, and they express that when they laid him to rest, he would have wanted them to keep the herd together.
The emotional weight of their story leaves a mark on the audience, as they convey the sentiment that they now carry a MacGyver-shaped hole in their hearts. This particular clue package stands out as one of the most touching moments of the night, drawing empathy and understanding from viewers.
Their performance of “Bittersweet Symphony” is nothing short of breathtaking. The Buffaloes deliver a beautifully triumphant rendition that is bound to evoke a range of emotions from the audience.
The harmonious blend of their voices creates a powerful sound, and their synchronized choreography adds an extra layer of depth to their performance. The fluidity and grace with which they move on stage suggest that the Buffaloes have some experience in performing together, reminiscent of a well-rehearsed boy band.
As a time capsule clue, the Buffaloes present a t-shirt that reads “Halftime Show.” This raises questions about their possible connection to past performances at significant events, such as the Super Bowl. The panel’s guesses range from Boyz II Men to B2K, Black Eyed Peas, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, showcasing the variety of speculation surrounding their true identities.
The Night’s First Unmasking
After the Buffaloes, it’s Woodpecker’s turn to share her clues. She expresses her excitement about being part of the Group A finals and hints at the strong women in her life who have influenced her journey. Woodpecker reveals that her great-grandmother instilled in her a love for music, introducing her to genres like jazz and artists like Ray Charles. This connection to her family’s musical legacy adds a heartfelt touch to her story.
Her maternal grandmother encouraged Woodpecker to chase her dreams, giving her the courage to pursue a career in music.
Additionally, she mentions another grandmother, perhaps the one from television named Jenifer Lewis, who introduced her to The Masked Singer. They would watch the show together, creating cherished memories that inspire Woodpecker’s performance.
Throughout her clue package, several images appear, including a photo of Regina Hall and a burger. Each image provides hints that might bring viewers closer to discovering Woodpecker’s identity. This moment builds excitement and anticipation as fans speculate about who she might be.
When it comes time for her performance, Woodpecker sings “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae. Her voice exudes soul and purity, capturing the audience’s attention. The melodic quality of her performance highlights her vocal maturity and emotional depth.
The panel watches in awe, appreciating Woodpecker’s vulnerability as she sings. During her performance, she gives a heartfelt shoutout to her “Grammy,” expressing her hope that she is making her proud.
Still from the The Masked Singer (Credit: Hulu)
As the Men in Black present her time capsule clue, they reveal a pair of glasses. Nick Cannon seems to recognize the significance of the glasses and appears to know who Woodpecker is, while the rest of the panel engages in playful banter, suggesting that he might be teasing them.
The panel’s guesses include names like Liza Koshy, Quinton Brunson, and Tatyana Ali, reflecting their curiosity and excitement about uncovering her identity.
As the show progresses, the audience and panel vote for their favorite singer, knowing that the performer with the fewest votes will be unmasked. Sadly, it is Woodpecker who faces elimination this week.
For their final guesses, Robin Thicke suggests Liza Koshy, Rita Ora leans towards Keke Palmer, Ken Jeong picks Quinta Brunson, and Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg opts for Tatyana Ali.
However, in a surprising twist, none of the panelists guess correctly. When the mask comes off, it reveals Marsai Martin from Black-ish, stunning both the panel and the audience alike.
The Battle Royale Sunk Ship
With Woodpecker unmasked, the stage is set for Ship to share her story and performance. She confidently reveals that she has always trusted her instincts, even when it meant taking risks. Ship chooses to perform Patti Smith’s “Because the Night,” a song that holds significant meaning for her.
She shares a personal story about a difficult time in her life when she found herself shipwrecked, living on just $2 burritos each day. This vulnerability adds a raw emotional layer to her performance.
In her clue package, various images appear, including a rowboat, John Wayne, and a red cape. Each image serves as a potential clue to help the audience and panel decipher her identity. Fans eagerly speculate about how these clues might connect to Ship’s life and career.
During her performance of the Patti Smith track, Ship delivers a heartfelt rendition that showcases her immense emotion and vocal prowess.
Her tone is haunting, particularly as she reaches the powerful chorus. When she hits a high, soaring note, it becomes clear that she is a strong vocalist, solidifying her status as a standout performer. This animated performance marks a high point for Ship, and her ability to connect emotionally with the audience is evident.
For her time capsule clue, Ship presents a note from LeAnn Rimes that reads, “Congrats on the Best New Artist win! You are a leading lady!” The date signed on the note is from 1998, providing a crucial clue to her identity. This note strongly suggests that Ship is Paula Cole, the winner of the 1998 Grammy for Best New Artist.
Ship reflects on her journey, sharing that she has learned about her introverted nature while competing on The Masked Singer. She also notes that she enjoys watching the show with her daughter, making this experience even more meaningful for her.
As the panel offers their final guesses, they throw out names like Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachlan, Joan Osborne, and Paula Cole. The speculation adds to the excitement of the night, as viewers wonder if they will guess correctly.
With Woodpecker having been unmasked, the Battle Royale is now between Buffaloes and Ship. Both artists prepare to perform their renditions of “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac, and the anticipation in the air is palpable.
Ship performs with confidence, showcasing the strength and passion in her voice. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes deliver a slowed-down version of the song, adding an R&B twist that highlights their unique style.
The panel is attracted by the battle of voices, but they decide not to use the Ding Dong, Keep It On Bell, saving it for one of the other two groups. As the performances come to a close, it is time for the next unmasking. Unfortunately, Ship is revealed, and the Buffaloes secure their place in the quarterfinals.
In the aftermath, the panel shares their final guesses regarding Ship’s identity. Rita Ora suggests Sarah McLachlan, Ken Jeong picks Alanis Morissette, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg chooses Paula Cole, and Robin Thicke opts for Amy Lee from Evanescence.
When Ship is unmasked, revealing herself to be Paula Cole, the audience erupts in applause. Despite the lack of music variety in this particular singing competition, the performances remain top-notch and remarkable, showcasing the incredible talent of the remaining contestants.
The Emotional Farewell
As the night comes to a close, the emotional weight of the performances lingers in the air. Each artist has shared not just their talent but also pieces of their personal stories. Ship, with her powerful vocals and heartfelt performance, reminds everyone of the resilience found in pursuing one’s dreams, even in the face of adversity.
The Buffaloes, with their deeply emotional connection to their lost member, highlight the importance of camaraderie and support in overcoming life’s challenges. Meanwhile, Woodpecker’s heartfelt tribute to the strong women in her life serves as a reminder of the impact that family and loved ones have on our journeys.
Still from The Masked Singer (Credit: Hulu)
As the audience reflects on the performances, they are reminded of the show’s unique ability to create a space where artists can express themselves authentically. The unmasking moments serve not only to reveal identities but also to celebrate the journeys of these performers and the paths they have taken to get to this point in their lives.
Looking Ahead to Group B
With Group A’s journey coming to an end, fans are left with a mix of emotions—excitement for the remaining performers and sadness for those who have been unmasked.
The stage is set for Group B, which promises to bring new talent and fresh surprises in the upcoming weeks. Each performer in Group B will have their own stories to share, their own songs to sing, and their own journey to reveal.
Next week, viewers can look forward to “Sports Night,” where Group B takes the spotlight. The anticipation builds as fans wonder what unique performances and emotional stories the new group will bring to the stage. With the show’s format continuing to evolve, viewers are eager to see how the competition will unfold and who will emerge as the next standout performer.
The Masked Singer airs every Wednesday at 8:00 PM on Fox, and all episodes are available to stream on Hulu. The show’s ability to blend entertainment with heartfelt storytelling keeps audiences coming back for more, proving that music truly is a universal language that can touch hearts and inspire connections.
