Tom Bombadil delivers a line inThe Rings of Powerseason 2, episode 6, that isanother massive hint that The Stranger is really Gandalf. Played by Daniel Weyman inThe Rings of Powerseason 2 cast, The Stranger was introduced as one of the more mysterious characters in the show. While season 1’s ending seemingly confirmed many suspicions that he was Gandalf, the iconic wizard fromThe Lord of the Rings, season 2’s lack of confirmation has prolonged the mystery. The writers continue to leave hints about the character, suggesting he’s exactly who audiences think he is.
Tom Bombadil is another enigmatic character, though in this case coinciding with his design inJ.R.R. Tolkien’sLord of the Ringsnovels. Prime Video’sRings of Powerprequel introduces Bombadil in The Stranger’s narrative in Rhûn, offering a path of magical training to face his destiny.Bombadil seems to be suggesting that The Stranger must rise to his destiny to face Sauronin the west andthe mysterious Dark Wizardin the east. To enforce his point, Bombadil utilizes a line that fans of the franchise may be familiar with.
Tom Bombadil’s Life & Death Line In The Rings Of Power Season 2 Sounds Very Familiar
Rings Of Power Reshapes A Classic Tolkien Lord Of The Rings Quote
When speaking to The Stranger in season 2, episode 6,Tom Bombadil says, “Many that die deserve life, some that live deserve death.“This line is almost directly stripped from Tolkien, and film/TV audiences may remember it from Peter Jackson’sThe Fellowship of the Ringfilm. In the movie, Gandalf and Frodo discuss Gollum in the Mines of Moria, and Gandalf delivers his iconic speech about the value of life and its potential. He essentially suggests that by sparing a life, they allow them the opportunity for redemption. Read the full quote from Tolkien’s writing below:
“Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. I have not much hope that Gollum can be cured before he dies, but there is a chance of it. And he is bound up with the fate of the Ring. My heart tells me that he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end; and when that comes, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many - yours not least.”
The difference between what Bombadil says and what Gandalf says is crucial and seems to tie toThe Rings of Powerseason 2’s Stranger storyline. He’s currently pitted with the ultimatum of choosing between Nori and his destiny, butto truly become Gandalf, he must realize the immense value in every life, great or small. The Stranger will undoubtedly return to support Nori, and only in doing so will he discover his true strength. Thousands of years later, he’ll apply that same logic to Gollum, who will be instrumentally involved in the destruction of the One Ring.
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Tom Bombadil’s Quote Is Another Clue That The Stranger Is Gandalf
Gandalf Draws Some Of His Wisdom From Tom Bombadil
The Tom Bombadil quote is reversed, but it’s another clue that The Stranger is Gandalf. He’s new to this world, andhe’s inheriting wisdom from those around him that he will eventually pass on to others. It’s important that the quote isn’t exactly the same, as it means Gandalf is receiving the wisdom of others and forming his own philosophies based on it.The Rings of Powerseems to be establishing The Stranger to be Gandalf in a very foundational form, learning the values that will one day be vital to the War of the Ring.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
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.
