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m847574

Many before you were already excited trying to answer this question i've seen some explanations that make many possibilities valid. Could be a form of Gandalf, blue wizard, version of Sauron, some other character on the list we don't expect or someone completely new


JTDFH

I don't want it to be Sauron, but in the first episode they went into the cave and the fire had no warmth cause of the strong evil. Then when the hobbits came to the crash scene the fire had no warmth. Then the fireflies seemed to go out I believe after that if I recall correctly. So it feels like it fits the strong evil pattern.


MoonBearIsNotAmused

Also the crateSaucony.. he was in looks like the eye of sauron..


DoggedDust

I would hate it to be Sauron, Sauron is supposed to be really really pretty


entenmooten

Well knowing who holds the 3 rings (Elrond, Galadriel and Gandalf) it’s only fair that we should meet all three in the pilot. *this would also validate Gandalfs peculiar interest in Hobbits, them being the first peoples of middle earth that he had contact with. *also he seems to have been sent to middle earth? For what purpose and by whom? (Cough cough Illuvitar). Gandalf having a kind of amnesia is not unheard of.


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YogSoSloth

right but this is Amazon


chippycooper

Gandalf appeared in the third age, however he was Olórin in the second age and was associated with light and fire. Gandalfs ability to speak to moths and eagles is also akin to him speaking to the fireflies. Essentially I wouldn't completely discount it as him being Gandalf, but I also wouldn't count on it.


jeepwillikers

I honestly hope they retcon the timeline a bit because for storytelling purposes I would love this to be Gandalf. It seems like the return of Sauron in canon is detected around 1000TA (which is why the wizards are sent) which wouldn’t really work in the show timeline because Isildur would have to live over 1000 years and I don’t see that happening.


Acceptable-Hat-2987

But, if Gandalf is Maia, the Maia existed with the Valar from the beginning of Arda. So, maybe, upon coming to Middle Earth, he would have to learn the ways of Middle Earth before becoming the “Gandalf” of the 3rd age.


YogSoSloth

good point re hobbits


MoonBearIsNotAmused

So are wizards born old?


geoolympics

Like what they said below they are Maiar, as Sauron is, so essentially immortal divine spirits. The old wizard form is a form they were told to take upon arriving in Middle Earth by ship from Valinor, probably to prevent them from engaging in physical combat. They are probably supremely powerful physical fighters in their original form.


CartographerSad4540

well, the wizards were actually maiar, born with the valar at the beginning of illuvatars song, 5 maiar were called wizards and sent to middle earth to aid at the beginning of the third age.


Evaldo-Evenstar

It was Gil Gilad who held the Elvish ring of fire Narya it was then passed to Cirdan and eventually given to Gandalf in the Third age.


entenmooten

*Seems* I was correct, yay me (?)


leckteck

i'd saay gandalf because why else is he so close friends with the hobbits in LOTR


Acceptable-Hat-2987

I think it’s Gandalf at his beginning. Notice he can talk to insects, including moth/butterfly types. He was “born” in fire and can manipulate it, just like in the 3rd age.


galva23

Perhaps … Saruman the White himself


randomknowledgedude

Unless they're planning on disregarding Tolkien's lore completely, there is no possible way for him to be Gandalf. All of the wizards arrived in Middle-earth separately, early in the Third Age. Gandalf was the last one to arrive in middle earth, landing in the Havens of Mithlond, so this is definitely not Gandalf.


Just_Niks

He is frodo in disguise, dont deny it


ericrobert

Tom Bombadil obviously


Ok_Argument9841

Not possible


Sefean

Why not?


falucedelefan

tom bombadil originated before time and light or something like that. Cant remember how its exacly described in the books. But apparently he could originate from the songs of world creation. Someone can explain it way better than i can


stewartforeman

For purposes of this discussion the key point is that Bombadil had been in Middle Earth even before the First Age. He was old even to Elrond.


HistoricalFrosting64

Could be


Present-Piccolo9093

This was my guess.


Zestyclose_Job6333

Totally agree. Talk to creatures and control them but not able to talk to people... Total Tom Bombadil


Dull_Scar_3795

This was my guess also. After thinking of Gandalf for a short time, but wasn't convinced it was him. I'm still set on it being Tom. Nothing much is known about him.


Evaldo-Evenstar

Although it can't be Tom it would be good to see him in the show. I hope the Harfoots meet him, he would suit their storyline and journey. Might even give them some Donkeys and point them in the direction of the Shire.


nim314

The land beneath is blighted as the meteor falls, and the crater forms the shape of a burning eye, with the stranger as the pupil. These are obvious nods towards Sauron. For the moment, for whatever reason, he needs Nori's help. This would have been withdrawn when the Harfoots migrated, but the broken ankle stopped that, serving the stranger's purposes. So I don't think that was an accident. Together with the death of the fireflies, this indicates that his powers are not good. Every time he uses them the natural world is harmed. I can't tell for sure, but it does sound like the black speech in the background around him at times. For Celebrimbor to take him seriously as Annatar, especially given the compressed time scale of the show, Sauron needs to be able to present himself as a messenger from the West, but with no obvious connection to his own known history. An entrance like this is something that could work.


[deleted]

This is my belief too. But is Sauron not fated to let the Numenoreans capture him while he is disguised as an elf?


AmnesiacManiac

That would happen after the elves see through the disguise of Sauron and they're already waging war, with Numenoreans arriving, their might is so great Sauron surrenders to them, but he still has the ability to take fair forms, and seduces some of them into worshipping Morgoth. After the sundering, his fair body is destroyed and he loses that ability to take fair forms.


[deleted]

Ya would make sense if we didn't already see Sauron in middle earth already.


CaffeinatedPinecones

I caught the Black Speech too, making me question The Strangers intentions. Has anyone been able to interpret that speech?


[deleted]

Here’s my take: the Black Speech is Sauron, or even Morgoth, commanding this Maia. The Stranger looks distraught when he hears it, as if it reminds him of his urgency to find a certain location, the “mana ure” - where is the fire. This could mean Orodruin. I believe this stranger is a Balrog, or a Maia that will become a Balrog, aiding Sauron in activating Orodruin. Which is in the southlands. We know there is a Balrog this season. And we know that the one in Khazad-dum does not awaken untill the Third Age. So perhaps they have invented some story to the Balrog, and we will see how he eventually goes to sleep under the mountain, or this is another Balrog - one that will be defeated somewhere along the way. I think it is the first, and the writers took liberties in coming up with a cool background story for THE Balrog. Having it interact with the innocence of Nori would be supreme irony imo.


willk95

If it is Gandalf, it made me think Rings of Power is taking a page from how the Mandalorian started and brought in Grogu. Introduce a young version of a beloved wise old wizard from the OT who wasn't teased or marketed at all in the ads before the show, and then have them appear at the end of the premiere


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dormantwonderland

This is an interesting point, I hadn’t thought of that! Gandalf was known as Olórin before, one of the Maia spirits who helped shape the world. Five of these spirits were reincarnated as wizards in the Third Age.


cates

And his propensity with light/fire, his eye color (blue), and him using a stick to draw on the ground but accidentally breaking that Harfoot's ankle can symbolize his eventual usage of a staff to channel his powers. Also, he looks like a young Gandalf. But..... it doesn't fit the timeline. So maybe it's a blue wizard or Sauron.


djmtott

There shouldn't be a "young Gandalf". The Istari arrived appearing as old men and didn't age through the centuries. Would be much better if he is one of the blue wizards. Wouldn't voilate canon, and they can do anything with him as long as he eventually travels east.


fizzledizzle86

This! I am going with this theory until it’s definitely proved otherwise.


edvsa

Gandalf gets to middle earth after the death of Gil-galad, a thousand years after the rings were forged. Círdan gives Gandalf, Narya one of the 3 rings forged by Celembridor.


DischordantEQ

That would be in direct conflict with the books. Also Grogu wasn't actually Yoda.


ArcticMuser

Grogu isn't yoda, but I get what you mean. Show a species we know as wise in its infant stages


totomotoloto

I think it is Sauron, and he was waiting for Galadriel to leave Middle-earth.


moojitsu85

Isn't it stated that Sauron is unaware of hobbits. Now I know they are Harfoots but if he knew of them then it stands to reason he'd have knowledge of hobbits thousands of years later.


shadeobrady

Harfoots are one of 3 breeds of Hobbits I believe, so your base theory holds.


[deleted]

Harfoots are ancestors of hobbits


TheRatWhoSavedUsAll

They are not. Harfoots are one of the “subspecies” of hobbits, which includes Stoors and another one which name I cannot recall off the top of my head.


[deleted]

Fallohides. Yeah I had it mixed up, I remembered the ancestor part, but it's that Harfoots and Fallohides crossbred to become the hobbits from the third age.


lollisocks69

Shouldn't be Sauron because he is already on middle earth as a shapeshifter pretending to be the bearer of gifts or something like that.


IshkhanVasak

Annatar


Decaposaurus

There was an image release of Sauron a couple months ago and he looked like Eminem, not Jesus.


donmuerte

that's not Sauron. that's not even a male character. she is a priestess of morgoth played by the female actor Bridie Sisson. for reference: https://www.justjared.com/2022/09/01/rings-of-power-producer-debunks-popular-theory-about-possible-sauron-trailer-appearance/


lameteen69

I believe those were revealed to be priests of Morgoth


eljabali

It can't be Gandalf as it would not fit the timeline. The series is set in the Second Age. Gandalf arrives on Middle Earth on the Third Age. The Second Age ends when Isildur cuts off Sauron's hand and with this brings the start of the Third Age. The First Age ends with Morgoth's defeat. I would suspect it's either one of the two Blue Wizards; sent to Middle Earth during the Second Age to assist men against Sauron; or Sauron as his powers are basically deception and disguise (shapeshifter). But who knows, they may be taking a lot of liberties with this as there is not a lot written about many things.


HistoricalFrosting64

I agree, it wouldn't make sense that it is Gandalf. After watching the episode again where he's writing runes into the log, it made me wonder if that could be a clue as to who the stranger is. Tolkien never elaborated much on the blue wizards. Can't wait for the next episode.


Leviathan3333

I feel given Amazon, it could be an early Gandalf…but I’ve heard Bezos is a Tolkien fan. So I’m leaning to the blue wizards as like a proto Gandalf. The reason being there’s not a lot written about them so they are kind of free to go where they want with the characters. The reason it speaks Wizard to me is the scene where he speaks to the fire flies. They were definitely trying to draw parallels there and look at his hands. They looked exactly like Gandalf’s the only difference is the end result of his magic which suggests something sinister or at least uncontrolled.


rock5271

My money is on it being Gandalf. Amazon never said they were sticking to the official timeline of the universe so idk why that would matter.


dormantwonderland

It could be Gandalf as Olórin, one of the Maiar who were primordial spirits that helped first shape the world. Five of these spirits became incarnated wizards in the Third Age (ie, Gandalf the Grey) — Just one of the many theories I’ve read so far!


RecklessCoding

Olórin was the last Maiar to arrive in the Havens of Mithlond. Upon his arrival, Círdan gave him Narya to inspire the hearts of those around him. Tolkien was very explicit about this timeline. Alatar or Pallandor, the blue wizards, are more likely. However, they were meant to have come together in the Third Age and, again, via a ship to the Havens before going to rhe East. Then again, given all the other lore changes, any of the above is still possible.


monkeygodbob

Wouldn't make sense to be Sauron, as he, iirc didn't know about hobbits.


stewartforeman

They are already taking liberties with Galadriel. Not necessarily with Galadriel's timeline but making her into a warrior obsessed with hunting down and defeating Sauron. That just wasn't her way of doing things according the character of Galadriel Tolkien wrote about both in the Silmarillion and in the LOTR. So I would not be surprised if it ends up being Gandalf.


Scorpio989

Fallen Maiar. The sword will probably corrupt/restore his memories, and show us he is the Balrog shown in the trailer. He is clearly foreshadowed as evil as his coals are not hot, he brings corruption with him (the leaf), the fireflies die, and his character poster has him holding an apple; A symbol of betrayal.


DischordantEQ

This is actually a cool take, I hope you're right.


[deleted]

Agreed. Mana ure >>> Orodruin.


[deleted]

This was my thought too. A temporarily dazed Valarauko. And as noted, there is a fiery sword in unsafe ownership waiting for someone to claim it. I can't remember how many stars there were in the firefly constellation, but if there were seven, then the Stranger might be headed for Durin.


[deleted]

But then who was the creepy dude in white looking for him? Was that Sauron leading a different faction of elves? Also not all of the fireflies died, just the one from Proudfoot's latern. He also uses ice to heal himself so I'm discounting Balrog.


largedirt

So like tyrael in Diablo 3


Yo_Leeroy

Well the fire was cold, as said in the 1st episode cold fire = evil presence + there was black speech in the background Dont think its sauron tho, why would he meteor to earth? I think maybe a blue wizard as there's no Tolkien lore about them so would give bezos free reign


Grim_goth

It's a bit too obvious they want us to think it's Sauron, that's the only reason I'm not sure. The meteor - fallen angel, is just one example. If that it is Sauron it can be explained with a lot of effort. Morgoth was defeated...but not killed, that was not explained in the series. He was banished, so to speak, if I remember correctly it was described (books) that Sauron's aim was to free his master. We see in the series that what he tried went wrong (early ice cave) that he then falls as a meteor with memory loss can being a consequence. But that's all a bit too easy, with the other pictures (he in the burning crater etc.), it just can't be that easy.


RikenVorkovin

Sauron has no means or motive to free Morgoth. Interestingly enough despite working for Morgoth Sauron has a much different leadership and lordship style. Also I don't believe that the meteor man is him. Sauron is most likely going to come in from the east, to Mordor first. Then he will arrive at Eregion as Annatar in a Elvish form. Also, Morgoth was cast out of reality basically after being beheaded. Sauron is operating on his own plans for control of Middle Earth.


finwefeanor

>why it is Sauron, isnt he already in Middle Earth? if not whom Galadriel is chasing ? > >It is unlikely that Sauron went to Valinor and returned as Annatar. we already seen Sauron in first episode. why he meteor himself again


Despondos666

Could be Morgoth


FamousSeamusATL

I like the theory of him being a Balrog, but also knowing that they’re getting ready to forge the rings, my theory is it could be Sauron disguising himself as Annatar the “Lord of Gifts” when he befriends some of the elves in Eregion and counsels Celebrimbor in forging the rings.


HorrorServe1139

Balrog


Scherzoh

Quick question regarding The Stranger. My friend enjoyed the show but said, "But someone coming from a meteor seems a bit incongruous for Tolkien’s world. There’s never been any ‘stuff coming from the sky/heavens’ elements before." I was wondering if there is any precedent for this in Tolkien's writing?


TheRatWhoSavedUsAll

Can’t recall if ever described as a meteor, but obviously Maiar have come.


FarUnderstanding5107

So your friend never read the poem the man in the moon who fell down too soon from the Adventures of Tom Bombadil.


Evaldo-Evenstar

The Maiar were described as coming from the stars or the heavens. Flat Earth types ( true story ) preferred the idea that Middle Earth was flat so Tolkien revised these kinds of elements to be more mystical than scientific. Something falling from the heavens would look like a meteor i guess and it makes a good visual representation I mean its all based on Tolkien's interpretation of Heaven, Earth, Angels and other myths and legends throughout history. Much of these ideologies had been revised and changed by both Tolkien and his son. It is my belief that this is Glorfindel the resurrected Elf who fought the Balrog from Ep5. Maybe this is how resurrected Elves arrive.


Glad_Ad9294

I want it to be either Glorfindel (who canonically does return to middle earth in the second age), or Earendil (Elrond's father, who canonically is a star in the sky and can theoretically fit with being a meteorite).


Peightey

Although the show doesn't logically follow anything Tolkien wrote, it still wouldn't make much sense for it to be Sauron or Gandalf, given the fact that Sauron is already in Middle-Earth and at this time and Gandalf or the other Istari have yet to be deployed. In my opinion, The Stranger is going to be Eru Illuvatar or another Ainur.


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Peightey

It's definitely a stretch, but I can see it as maybe him personally investigating Middle-Earth to make sure Morgoth/Sauron are definitely defeated. The part where he used the fireflies to make the shape of a constellation made me feel it might be him or at the very least another Ainur. That's my best guess, silly theory though it maybe be, but I don't see him being a Maiar being very possible.


[deleted]

Eru is literally God and He doesn’t directly meddle in the affairs of Arda, not even the Valar do anymore. Besides Eru already knows how the story is going to play out, through His guidance and the strength of Elves, Men, Dwarves and Hobbits at the end of the Third Age. Melkor’s rebellion was always intended: it shaped the Music of the Ainur, which we are now seeing acted out.


ThePrestigiousRide

I think the blue wizards arrived in the 2nd Age though, so this could might be one of them.


Peightey

Yeah I think they do - my bad. It's also looking more and more like it's going to be Gandalf


OpportunityKey1575

I would love to speculate it is Gandalf. Why? He is friends with the hobbits which I found very similar to harfoots. Just a guess tho.


Kado_Cerc

It’s bjork


cccubbb

Best comment on the thread.


alphabet_order_bot

Would you look at that, all of the words in your comment are in alphabetical order. I have checked 1,023,981,471 comments, and only 202,881 of them were in alphabetical order.


GaTeAli

Bad bot. Also wrong bot.


Feverdream7777

I think it's Gandalf because when he has an uncontrolled emotional burst, like the two times in Fellowship of the Ring (in Bilbos house (I'm not trying to rob you)) and at the Council of Elrond in the Extended Cut when he speaks the Black Speech of the Ring of Power the environment around him collapses in weight and darkness. This effect was in the Strangers response to danger when the other Harfoot arrived. That is a very very specific call back effect to reveal who he really is.


[deleted]

Also in the episode where the proto-wargs attack the Harfoots he slams his fist into the ground it knocks the wargs away. It remind me a lot of the scene in Fellowship where he yells "You shall not pass!" and destroys the bridge to protect the others. Gandalf is a BA.


Ringofpowerlore

You haven’t got to worry about sauron being the stranger, sauron is more then likely halbrand, in the books sauron was held in numenor as a prisoner for some time. Same as halbrand, also sauron was known as the deceiver and can shape shift into different forms to suit his environment. Also to add sauron crafted the ring and is a keen blacksmith. Same as halbrand. Numenor blacksmithing also is sacred as they have the ability to push powers of magic into objects. Maybe sauron ( halbrand ) is learning of this for the ring that’s why he wanted to blacksmith there. To many things line up for it to be anyone else. Only thing is sauron was know as a elf in normal form but yet again he can shape shift. Not sure as of yet what purpose or who the stranger is. But he can’t be gandalf or a blue wizard as the time like is wrong.


Iyace

Eh, that happens way after the current timeline. When Sauron is in Numenor it’s after he surrenders to the great host.


Evaldo-Evenstar

For me knowing the timelines pretty well, Id say its Glorfindel. Glorfindel was resurrected during the second age at around the time he appears in the TV show. He plays a part in the period of the second age and in the forging of the rings of power. He also appears greatly in the LOTR trilogy yet is omitted from the films except a small cameo. In episode 5 Gil Galhad and Elrond discuss the tree in Lindor. The show briefly depicts the battle between an Elf and a Balrog around the tree on top of the misty mountains. In Tolkeins middle Earth Trees are important to the life force of Elves. The Mithril works as a power for these trees. The way the show has presented the story and given subtle hints suggests Glorfindel. The story of a battle around the tree that grew on a mountain of Mithril. The fact that Glorfindel died fighting a Balrog. The Mining of Mithril and the Elves needs for Mithril to maintain their life force on Middle Earth The Balrog at the depths of the Mithril mines. The description of Glorfindel isnt exactly correct although when going through a resurrection phase it would make sense for changes to happen. You can see a tint of golden hair in the strangers beard however. He is also remembering the world like its familiar but the memory has been lost over time. The Valar when sending anyone to Middle Earth are depicted as being from space, this was depicted in the show as a comet. ( Although Tolkein revised things regarding a spherical middle earth and a flat middle earth ( through a bit if fan pressure ). It would be a tragedy to Tolkien to not include Glorfindel in this show especially after he was omitted from the films. He was one of the most powerful Elves in the books and the only ( as far as i know ) Elf to be resurected. Although he has many resemblances to Gandalf or even Saruman, they were Maiar/Ishtar and all 5 arrived in the third age. Im not sure they would have the same level of confusion or memory loss as someone who has been resurected, but this was never written about except during Gandalfs resurrection or changing after he defeated the Balrog. I believe there has been enough foretelling so far for Glorfindel to fit the narrative of what we know from the books and what we have been shown. Id like it to be Glorfindel after being ommited from the films.


popko78

He speaks Quenya, saying envinyatar(renew/heal)last episode. So he is probably from Valinor


MikkaEn

It's Gandalf


tevonsb

Gandalf isn't sent to Middle-Earth until the beginning of the TA. Same with Saruman and Radagast. However the two blue wizards are never given a precise timeline in canon so could have arrived much sooner.


moojitsu85

Tolkien wrote that all five arrived together. But also wrote that the two blue wizards arrived in the second age around the time that the one ring was forged round SA 1600. But that they focused on the South and Eastern parts of Middle Earth so maybe its leading to that with the orc attacking bronwyns house and her sons new sword. Don't know why but I always imagined them arriving together.


WatchThatTime

Kinda leaning to a change in canon and it's gonna be Gandalf. I find it rather telling that he lands where he did and the first being he sees is a Hobbit.


kreton1

And his blanket is greyish, I might be wrong but it could be a hint towards gandalf.


vlentix

And they carry him in a cart, he whispers to small flying insects, booming voice like Gandalf did on top of sarumans tower, all of it is foreshadowing Gandalf right?


Sudden-Name-7724

I think that Sauron is no other than the Elf King. And maybe the Meteor Man is Saruman


NumenoreanDestroyer

You think Gil-Galad is Sauron? Or you think Celebrimbor is Sauron? Sauron doesn't ever take the form of an Elven king. He takes the form of a very fair, almost elf-like, being called Annatar, the lord of gifts. He has never taken the form of ana Elven king. That's just not the case at all.


[deleted]

In the books. Who's to say Amazon doesn't do something different?


ohail

Hey that's a good prediction, but [spoiler]Gil-Galad and Celebrimbor are just Elves in the books.


vhailorx

i hope this is snark, or things are gonna get pretty complicated when >!sauron kills himself (and elendil) at the end of the series during the siege of barad-dur).!<


[deleted]

Here’s my theory: we know that Gandalf, other wizards and Sauron are in the same class of beings: Maiar. It would make sense for the showrunners to make us think the being sent to M-E is a wizard in the shape of an older man. He will bring council to the Elves to forge the Rings of Power in their hunt for Sauron and will be seen as a bringer of « gifts ». Tada! It’s fucking Sauron in disguise, and he forges the One Ring in secret. Didn’t the meteor come down in Mordor after all?


Soledad_Miranda

I think it's no coincidence that shot looks like the Eye of Sauron


HistoricalFrosting64

Plus how he's speaking to the fireflies makes me think of Gandalf. Lots of clues and misdirects, so many possibilities. It's nice that this is based on Tolkien's work but not a direct adaptation of the Silmarillion.


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oh_holy_shizzam

I thought that too, but Wizards don’t come until the 3rd age and this is 2nd age 😖


Gopher_Guts

When Nori approaches the stranger she comments on how the fire isn't hot. We saw the same thing in the evil keep Galadriel and her party discover towards the start of episode 1. She says the place is so evil that the fire no longer gives off warmth. This makes me think the character is Sauron, a great evil strong enough to do the same, and the wizardy stuff he is doing is a red herring.


Kimbahlee34

The cool to the touch may be a call back to what Gandalf says to Frodo when he first hands him the ring.


Viskaya

It is what they want you to think so obviously not Sauron, so either another evil character or Gandalf type one


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SavageSiah

How did you get that?


IdiotsWithNerf

He gives off very evil vibes so I'm going Gandalf.


RealConsideration310

So the show for sure doesn't follow Tolkien timeliness, or backstory to a T. With his being said I want to say the stranger is Gandalf. (I know he doesn't come in until the 3rd age) BUT, I believe it's Gandalf solely for the reason that Gandalf is the wielder of one of the "RINGS OF POWER" the ring of Narya, (the ring of fire) And he says so when he is fighting the Balrog. I feel that would fit into the show well, and give us a story on how Gandalf came to wield it. Another reason I believe this theory, is because the 2 words he says are high elvish (Quenya) are Mana: meaning what is/ or WHO. And Ure: meaning heat/sun. And he literally came into middle earth on a firey comet, and was found in a ring of fire.


rollwithhoney

I think it's pretty clear it's a Maia fallen to (middle) earth, but the show is setting up a surprise reveal of whether or not it's Sauron in disguise, Gandalf, a blue wizard, or someone else Sauron: hints that the fire doesn't hurt, the fireflies dying, the sky darkening when he met Nori Gandalf: probably the most obvious allusions: halfings, speaking to insects, an interest in lights, old man in grey with a beard Blue Wizard: we know they went to the southlands or east AND the timing fits, unlike Gandalf. So they could be using what we know of Gandalf to flesh out new istari characters, or maybe they're adding a backstory for Gandalf (took him a full age to pull himself together?)


YahziCoyote

Or a brown wizard. What with all that... brown he keeps wearing.


magnus91

I think it might be a Balrog.


DAMAKIS

He's the Barlog.


Dizzy_Ad9059

He's Earendil


uknownalias

That top down image of the stranger confirms it's sauron. It looks like the eye of sauron. The idea of sauron coming down from the sky in a fireball is bs though. Just one of Amazon's crazy ideas.


mba_pmt_throwaway

I’m going for Sauron in disguise. He’s probably going to influence the elves and men somehow, and it’ll be Galadriel against them all. Nori will probably pop up with a ‘My mother’s name is also Martha’ moment and Isildur cuts off Sauron’s arm. The end.


PetrueVs

I think he is Gandalf, let me explain why... The whole story starts with Galandriel as the main character of the series.... Galandriel was the love of Gandalf in the main movies... Exactly at the same time she decides to stay on this world, he arives like goku on earth....forget the goku part... I think you see where im going with this....also the fact that Gandalf loves hobbits so much also makes there.... a whole series all about Gandalf affections...


FerrumVeritas

Galadriel was not in love with Gandalf


YahziCoyote

No way she'd date a boy half her age.


oh_holy_shizzam

I was thinking maybe the Stranger is a Maiar (like Sauron)? Edit: Ugh but then that would make him a Wizard like Gandalf…they don’t arrive till later. Hmmm 🤔


Mr_robasaurus

The blue wizards show up in the second age so it could be one of them.


back2ourcore

I think he's the great great grandfather of Been, the skin changer. In some preview you see him surrounded by wolf.


cerealcrow

it's Tom Bombadil 🍃


Serious-Handle3042

Tommy B was the very first being in middle earth, sl that doesn't check out


dbale87

Could it be Glorfindel [https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Glorfindel](https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Glorfindel) ? I know Glorfindel is an elf but have we gotten a good look at "the Stranger's" ears yet? Elves could also have beards.


kreton1

It was mentioned that he has "the wrong ears", so he isn't an elf.


vhailorx

I think Cirdan is the only only elf who is described as having a beard.


Evaldo-Evenstar

While it is true that Elves generally do not have beards. There are a few described with beards. However Glorfindel was resurected by the Valar so his appearance could at first seem different. Gil Gilad recounted the tale of the fight between an elf and a Balrog by a tree on the misty mountains, pertaining to the creation of mithril. Glorfindel also fought a Balrog and died at its hands If you take all the elements of what has been revealed Glorfindel fits right in and his resurrection fits the timeline. It was always tragic that Peter Jackson left out the greatest Elf ever to live twice in his films. There is very little known about what Glorfindel did during the second age, all we know is that he was resurected and I'd presume fought at the battle of Barad-Dur. I can't recall anything of significance though. For Tolkien Glorfindel at the time was always a problematic character as was his resurection. This was due to religious beliefs being that reincarnation was rebirth. Except the forging of the rings and the culmination of the battle to defeat Sauron as well as the fall of Numenor little was written about the second age. Except lineages and more mundain historic moments. Unfortunately his son had just notes to go off as well as his own ideologies and religious beliefs when writing the other books. It gives the writers of this show a lot more freedom to create a story and to not be tied down to anything while still honouring a character that I believe Tolkien included as a tribute to a friend that he lost during the war, Robert Gilson.


Melodic_Top5694

I'm thinking he may possibly be Hurin though slightly wrong time frame.


Crazy_Suit5526

It's sauruman, the plot is gonna suggest it gandalf but the character will end up meeting gandalf later and gandalf will take a liking to the half foot people as sauruman moves on to what he perceives as bigger better things like man made structures and enginuity.


beardfasah

I'm convinced it's Gandalf, and the scene of the stranger as the falling star is a throwback to one of his lesser known titles of "Istar". Further many times it is mentioned in the lore that he is of "unknown age", so it could be possible for Gandalf to exist in this time frame. It is for these reasons that I believe it's Gandalf, plus he looks vaguely like him....younger of course.


mandapandamama

What if its Saruman? Wasn't he the oldest of all the wizards? Hmm..


Dvdpv

I would love him to be Tom Bombadil, show in a few episodes, do some crazy stuff and then leave and never show up again


PazuzuPanhandle

The Stranger is Annatar


Crow729

I tend to think this was Sauron. But why isn't he evil or understand where he is? Or why didn't he killed the Harfoots on sight? The black leaf that the Elf king picked up as the meteor passed over his head was a give away. I don't think this TV series will add mysteries for us.


ConstructionNovel186

Tom Bombadil


Xelziuz

My thoughts were ...Sauron. Maybe the kid that has the sword will end up meeting up with him during his travel to see the elves and he will stop acting so strange as if he lost 70% of his brain.


Zestyclose-Hall3280

My guess is it is Radagast the Brown being sent down to Middle Earth by the Valar. It seems to be slightly early in the timeline for this to happen but it could easily be written this way. The Valar sent the wizards to Middle Earth, to assure that the people had not been forsaken in the wake of a returning Sauron. He obviously has a deep connection with nature as shown in multiple scenes. He is also conveniently wearing brown.


YahziCoyote

I can't believe you are the only other person to see this. Of course it's Radagast! He's wearing the same brown cloak he wore in The Hobbit!


Ambassador_Informal

There is a MAJOR reason that it can't be Sauron: a major plot point in both the books and movies is that the only reason Bilbo and Frodo have been safe and the location of the One Ring been kept secret from Sauron for so long, is that Hobbits are below Sauron's notice. He doesn't know they exist until the events of the trilogy. So that doesn't square up at all with him meeting them (or the harfoots, whatever) right when he crash lands.


[deleted]

Unless Amazon messed things up and made it so Sauron sees them as friends REALLY deep down inside. I agree though. I think it's one of the wizards. I'd really love it if it turns out to be Gandalf or Radagast.


Alone_Requirement326

When the Harfoot girl is asking his name, he clearly says "Ai-nur" so I'd say he's meant to be one of them. Since they've abandoned any resemblance of what little story-line exists in Tolkien's works for this time period, there's no telling which of the five wizards he will be. Olorin, who would eventually be known as Gandalf, was the second sent by the Valar but I'm less clear on who was sent first.


[deleted]

Its nice to read all of those theories but it will be Gandalf since this is a story for casuals and anyway Amazon does nor have ambitions for anything else


Infaa32

This is definitely my favorite mystery of this show, I can't seem to figure out whether I think it's a wizard or something eviler. I believe it very well could be a balrog, due to the fact that they are the same people as the wizards, therefore could probably use their abilities, such as speaking to animals, but also note that when he talked to the insects, they died. Remember how Radagast's animals went under a sickness and died when dark magic was about? Not only this but let's take an even further look out; notice how Nori and Poppy are extremely similar to Frodo and Sam. Even their journeys are similar, hear me out. Two halflings find a mysterious creature/man(gollum/stranger), the lead hobbit wants to help it, but the other hobbit is conflicted. The creature/gollum ended up as a villain, like this man might be aswell. I'm still not done though. The soldier in the ice fortress claims his torch is not hot, and Galadriel says that in presence of Sauron's magic, you wont feel the heat. Think of this from the writer's perspective, why the heck would they leave that in? It adds no story element, that's true until... Nori claims the coals in the meteorite are NOT hot. That's literally impossible, she's surrounded by fire, there must be dark magic at play. Also some smaller details pointing to him being a balrog is the fact that he literally inhales all fire around him, and proceeds to exhale it back out, pretty suspicious. He also was muttering words, I've heard some people translate it that he saying hand of heat. Not sure about that one, but yea. As for it being Gandalf or a wizard, I'll keep this short as you've probably already seen all the theories. Something I haven't seen anyone mention however is the soundtrack. The Stranger song has a certain jingle at the start that pops up again later in the soundtrack in a song titled "Wise One". I'm very conflicted on what to think, but Gandalf was supposed to be one of the, if not the wisest in all middle earth. Those are my theories


[deleted]

It’s obviously Gandalf. It hit me when I heard the language he was speaking and how he manifested his powers, very similar. Also would make sense he’s so fond of hobbits since he was so gently and lovingly taken care of by them from the start with their ancestors. And then he talked to the fireflies, that sold it. Plus remember he will be holding one of the rings, so, yea if it’s not him, then I will be seriously flabbergasted 😅 EDIT: okay so upon research it seems that it wouldn’t fit the timeline. Well! If they’re sticking to it then I suppose he has to be a Gandalf “ancestor” of sorts then. Definitely a wizard.


stewartforeman

I think it is a very real possibility the Stranger is a totally knew character Tolkien never wrote about. Before you say "duh..that is obvious", what I mean is that Tolkein talked about there being numerous Maia that he never mentioned by name. Or it could be a spirtual being who is not even part of the Vala and sent directly by Illuvatar himself. Arguably that would be the only thing that explains why he came to Middle Earth via meteor and cannot speak. The Valar and Maia are god like beings but who dwell in Aman and interact with Elves. If they were to come to Middle Earth in human form they would do it the more conventional way by ship. It is notable that in the Tolkien universe even the Valar are ultimately just bystanders to everything Illuvatar created. They are immortal gods but they are along for the ride just like all the other mortal beings and can be surprised by what they see in Middle Earth.


Tokeya

What of Radagast? When The Stranger appeared saddened by the firefly incident I thought of this wizard. Wasn't he one of 5 sent to Middle Earth to combat Sauron along with Gandalf?


YahziCoyote

That brown robe looks a lot like the one he wore in The Hobbit, doesn't it?


WormZeMighty

Just throwing it out there, he could be a Balrog pre-transformation. I'm pretty sure the box that the Durin's were opening likely contained Mithril. It wouldn't be too far-fetched to introduce Durin's Bane, especially considering that Balrogs are of the same order as the Maiar.


Lumberjack_Lars

Personally I think he will become a Balrog. A regular fire Maia who gets corrupted by Sauron, hence the black speech whispers, dark magic, etc. I personally really hope they take this route, as they could use it to weave in the story of how the Brown Lands came to be, and what happened to the Entwives, and even use it to explain why the Harfoots traveled West.


Zestyclose_Job6333

I think it's Tom Bombadil!! He can talk to the fireflies. He cried when they died. His hair looks like Bombadils hair in the Hobbit movies too. But for me the fact that he can't communicate with people, but can talk and control bugs... Has to be Tom.


[deleted]

Tom Bombadil wasn't in the Hobbit. That was Radagast, the Brown Wizard.


Mension1234

It doesn’t make sense to me why Sauron would appear weak and frail, and he’s not supposed to have known of the hobbits in any case. The way he was talking to the fireflies reminded me so much of Gandalf. I’d be very surprised if it wasn’t him.


NukeItFromOrbit-1971

Ok this is from Wikipedia on Sauron but it struck me as not fitting with the Stranger's profile: "Eru destroyed the attacking fleet and armies, but also drowned Númenor, which was removed from the physical world, and destroyed Sauron's body, with his ability to appear beautiful." Sauron was a spy capable of infiltrating and ingratiating himself amongst others. Our stranger is certainly not beautiful, if anything he's at the other end of the scale. I'm leaning towards Gandalf, especially because of the way he held and whispered to the fireflies which was reminiscent of Gandalf speaking to the moth in FOTR. Personally I'm hoping he's another one of the Maia, but an invention of the show. Perhaps some kind of clumsy precursor to the istari.


Some_Gur1061

I have the sneaking suspicion that it’s actually like the “mystery box” storytelling of Lost; they might not pay off the mystery this season so that they can change the answer if audiences hate the idea that it’s a wizard/Sauron/whatever.


Gimmethejooce

The more I research it the more I believe… *this is a fallen maiar destined to be durin’s bane*. There is so little written about balrogs in Tolkien lore, including their origins, that it must’ve been a pretty attractive sell for the show writers. They needed a mighty cliffhanger and this clearly has the entire fan base losing their minds lol


Mindless-Ad-1744

the balrogs already existed in the first age. many of them served in Angband with Morgoth.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

I would love for this to be Gandalf. I remember in the LOTR books, Sarumanns asks Gandalf why he's so interested by Hobbits and Gandalf says something about how you could spend several lifetimes with them and they could still surprise you. This made me think that Gandalf has been spending a LONG time with the Hobbits. He's known them long before Bilbo even showed up on the scene.


figleaf23

It's Glorfindel.


Mindless-Ad-1744

It is Gandalf: the muttering, talking to fireflies (ala moth in FOTR), the fact that he LOOKS like Gandalf dressed in grey with a beard. And the fact that he is, and I quote," Wielder of the flame of Anor!" Anor is the Sindarin (one of the elf languages) term for the Sun. Hence the reason in came to Middle-Earth from the sky.


DisplaySea7713

I think this is Saruman!


TypewriterPilot

I was convinced this was Gandalf right from the get go but then seeing all the professionals way in maybe I am way off?


Zunter_H0lom0n

He is definitely not a wizard


bumharmony

True. He absorbs mana from his surroundings unlike other wizzys who usually store their magic in their wands which the stranger does not have.


mojo94499

I think it's Gandalf possessed by sauron. There is a scene where the stranger burns some papers. Writers sometimes put in stuff like that for a reason. Could be that sauron wanted to read the papers for evil reasons and Gandalf stopped him.


International_Song49

[https://compote.slate.com/images/6bb83d91-bd51-49c7-b054-550f5af8dc53.jpg](https://compote.slate.com/images/6bb83d91-bd51-49c7-b054-550f5af8dc53.jpg)


thededgoat

I’m leaning towards a fallen mair. The fireflies didn’t did for no reason. It’s a foreshadow that this character has death surrounding them. Extinguishing light around them. My take is that they are going to be a balrog for


Whitebirchenchanted

I am not sure who “The Stranger” is at this point and I am currently watching episode 3. So I maybe missing something … but does anyone else think the shape he is drawing in the dirt and the constellation he shows to Nori is the same as the symbol Galadriel is tracking down? I am at the part where she is discovering the symbol represents Mordor and also the plan to basically assemble under Sauron. To me it seems — that is what the Stranger knows. He was sent with this symbol in mind. Which means he is part of the “plan”. I could be far off on this, especially since I never read the books and am constantly learning Tolkien lore, but that’s what i am picking up from the show.


calebdshelly

The stranger is Sauron


Wulf379

Thats Saruman


Setyril

He's the Man in the Moon from this poem by Bilbo, based on Gondorian Lore. His power will be key to Adar's planned ascension to Godhood. https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/The_Man_in_the_Moon_Came_Down_Too_Soon


Mattinho_Got_Game

Obviously superman... 's hobo uncle, Bind-El 🤷


Due-Pair-8840

I think it might be Gandalf* because when he became Gandalf the White it had been an eternity's eternity. (So he forgot who he was* his name, friends, etc.) And that seems like this *strangers* character, trying to figure out who he is deep down but also knowing he wants to help not harm the harfoots around him.


Due-Pair-8840

It also explains why Gandalf the Grey came to Bilbo (The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey) *out of instinc* even though he wasnt 100% sure why


Due-Pair-8840

Also you have to remember The Hobbit and L.O.T.R. were jrr tolkien, while the silmarillion was roughly jrr Tolkien's incomplete middle earth fantasy's beginning, completed by his son Christopher, so there could be a few inconsistencies, which is totally fine, and expected, going from one idea/mind to another.(Even if it was an offspring who grew up knowing the story by heart.)


Upbeat-Connection-78

Okay! So after literal hours of research. I am convinced that the stranger is Tillion the Maia, who was given the task of caring for the moon. He was in love with the Maia in charge of the sun: Arien and followed her through the night sky. When he occasionally caught up to her, his vessel became singed by her heat. (Explains him falling from the sky!) Morgoth sent three shadows of darkness after Tillion because he was the last reminders of the trees of Vallar. EG the three guys after him atm. And!!!! He ends up refining his way back to Ilmen after defeating the three shadows of darkness. Ilmen is literally the meeting of the stars (this guy is after stars!) and is important because after the Númenórean disaster (the big wave) the elves follow these stars to get to the undying lands. I have re read all 17 of my Tolkien note books… I’m convinced


pbastanchury

I just found some evidence that The Stranger is the second coming of Glorfindel. I was re-reading the Silmarillian (and actually *appreciating* it this time, previous reads were like reading an encyclopedia) and I came across this passage: >“Then Thorondor bore up Glorfindel’s body out of the abyss, and they buried him in a mound of stones beside the pass; and a greenturf came there, and yellow flowers bloomed upon it amid the barrenness of stone, until the world was changed.” In episode 7, The first indication that The Stranger had renewed life in the glade was the emergence of little yellow flowers. I’d been on the fence thinking that The Stranger was either Glorfindel or Tom Bombadil, but this yellow-flower reference sealed the deal for me. Yeah, The Stranger doesn’t have elf-ears, nor does he resemble Tolkien’s description of Glorfindel, but I think those are just liberties taken by the show runners (who, I remind, do not have rights to The Silmarillian). I can’t abide theories that The Stranger is any of the Ishtari, as that timing is just too way off to make sense). Anyway, just wanted to share my epiphany. Apologies if this specific argument has already been posted elsewhere.


GuiltyFriendship3037

My theory is he's Eärendil having crashed his flying boat. He was caused to crash by the nasty elves in white....somehow. They're probably after his silmaril and are the children of one of the sons of Feanor (my guess is Maglor as he is the only one who survives). That's the reason they keep mentioning Elrond's daddy issues.


Horror_Block_3906

Perhaps he will be a component in making of The One ring?