Lo! Behold and take heed, dear readers, for the tale I bring forth contains secrets revealed from “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” Season 2, Episode 8. A cautionary note must be sounded – spoilers lie ahead, proceed with care.
‘Tis a momentous occasion, for after much speculation and intrigue spanning two seasons, the enigma of the Stranger’s true identity has been unveiled in “The Rings of Power.” But lo, doth the origin story of the Stranger’s name in this telling align with the lore penned by the venerable J.R.R. Tolkien in his “Lord of the Rings” tomes?
What fascinating origins lie behind the naming of the Stranger in this second season of “The Rings of Power”? In a climactic moment of Episode 8, as the Stranger bids adieu to the Stoors, he is bestowed the title of “Grand-Elf” by the halflings, in a fond and mistaken gesture. ‘Tis revealed that the Stoors, unfamiliar with Elves, assume the Stranger to be one of their kind, given his stature and mystical abilities. And so, bestowed with gratitude for his valiant deeds, the appellation of “Grand-Elf” is affixed upon him.
Soon thereafter, the Stranger comes to a profound realization during a poignant exchange with Tom Bombadil. A moment of clarity dawns upon him, and he foresees a future where the denizens of Middle-earth shall christen him Gandalf. The path to this revelation remains shrouded in mystery, perhaps a testament to his burgeoning cosmic knowledge and powers. With certainty now bestowed, the identity of the Wizard is unequivocally declared – Gandalf it is!
But how fares the origin of Gandalf’s name in the annals of Tolkien’s literary realm? Aye, verily, it is both yea and nay. Forsooth, while Tolkien did hint at the name’s origins stemming from a misconception of his Elven lineage, the showrunners of “The Rings of Power,” J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay, did fashion the “Grand-Elf” narrative anew for their adaptation. In the lore of the books, “Gandalf” translates as “Wand-Elf,” a stark reference to the Wizard’s mystical prowess and staff. The source of this name in the books remains a mystery, with no explicit attribution to the Stoors as in the show.
‘Tis intriguing to note that the etymology of “Gandalf” in the books hints at a linguistic heritage rooted in the tongues of Men from the North, a stark deviation from the Stoorish association in the show. Moreover, Gandalf himself did proclaim in “The Two Towers” that his travels had not taken him to the eastern lands of Middle-earth, casting doubt upon the Stoorish origins of his name in Rhûn.
In conclusion, as the saga of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” unfolds on the digital stage of Prime Video, let us marvel at the divergent paths taken by the Stranger, now known as Gandalf, in his quest through the realms of Middle-earth. Thus, the tapestry of Tolkien’s world is woven anew, blending familiar threads with innovative hues.
