Warning! This article contains spoilers forThe Rings of Powerseason 2, episode 4!
A subtle moment inThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Powermay confirm that the Stranger is Gandalf while also explaining how the wizard got his name. While last season laid the groundwork for a big Stranger-Gandalf reveal, the first four episodes of this next installment have continued to beat around the bush. Still, the hints are pretty intense, and it seems only a matter of time before the Stranger is officially revealed to beThe Lord of the Rings’most iconic wizard. In the meantime, Nori must first find a suitable name, and it looks like she might have at least found her inspiration.
While theGray Wizard is commonly called Gandalf inThe Lord of the Rings, that is far from his only name. Back when he was a shapeshifting Maia living in Valinor, he was known as Olórin, so this could technically be considered hisrealname. Still, he was known by dozens of others in Middle-earth. Mithrandir, Incánus, Old Greybeard, and Stormcrow are only a few the beings of Middle-earth placed on the Istar. The nameGandalf initially came from Men and literally translates to “Wand Elf.“However,Rings of Powermay have found a different (and rather fitting) source.
The Stranger Is Called “Grand-Elf” By The Stoors In The Rings Of Power Season 2
The Stoorish Leader Gave The Stranger An Interesting Nickname
InThe Rings of Power,season 2, episode 4, Nori and Poppy find a community ofHalflings in Rhûn called the Stoors. It’s ultimately discovered that the Harfoots had originally been Stoors as well, but that one of their number had split off in search of a new haven for their people. As Nori learned this, the leader, Gundabel, took issue with the Harfoots' giant companion.She called him a"great big Grand-Elf”—a title that sounds quite a lot like “Gandalf.”
How “Grand-Elf” Could Very Easily Become “Gandalf”
Gandalf The “Wand Elf” May Come From The Stoors' Nickname
Before the Stranger and Nori were separated, the Harfoot had been attempting to think up a name for her companion. She made a number of suggestions, but none of them felt right to the Istar, who said that he would know his proper title once he heard it. While Nori didn’t react much when Gundabel said “Grand-Elf,” this could easily be a phrase that sticks in her mind. By the time she is reunited with the Stranger,she may have come to the conclusion that the slightly altered “Gandalf” has a good ring to it.
The original meaning of Gandalf’s name could come into play here as well.Part ofthe Stranger’s journey inThe Rings of Powerseason 2is to find a wizard’s staffsince this has been a prevalent feature in his dreams and visions. It can be assumed that by the time he departs Tom Bombadil’s house (where he is meant to receive magic lessons), he will finally have his designated staff—essentially a magic wand.He would indeed be the “Wand Elf"to the Men and Stoors in Rhûn. Combined with the double meaning of Grand-Elf, this is a perfectly fitting origin story for the wizard’s common name.
The Stoors Giving Gandalf His Name Would Make A Lot Of Sense
This Only Strengthens The Bond Between Gandalf & Hobbits
None of this is how Tolkien wrote things, of course; the fact that the Stranger is likely Gandalf is already controversial since this wizard didn’t come to Middle-earth until theThird Age in theLord of the Ringscanon.What’s more, Gandalf notably met the Hobbits once they had already settled near the Shire during the Long Winter. Still, the nature ofRings of Power’s change works rather well with Gandalf’s continued story. If the Stranger truly is Gandalf, it makes sense that the first beings to show him kindness and compassion—and to give him his name—would be ancestors of the Hobbits.
Gandalf, whose divine task it was to gently guide the world against Sauron, noticed the potential of Hobbits and hand-selected them to take part in Middle-earth’s destiny.
Gandalf was the only being in Middle-earth to pay Hobbits any real attention. Sauron had overlooked their existence entirely, and heroes of Elves and Men had led any prior fights against evil. However, Gandalf, whose divine task it was to gently guide the world against Sauron, noticed the potential of Hobbits and hand-selected them to take part in Middle-earth’s destiny. He saw the strength in the small, andRings of Powerprovides an explanation for why this might have been. It may not be canon, butthe idea that Stoors gave Gandalf his name is just too poetic to ignore.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Cast
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
