By the end of its first season, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power all but confirmed that the mysterious Stranger (Daniel Weyman) was none other than Gandalf himself. If his magic powers, gray clothing, and affection for the Hobbit-like Harfoots weren’t indicators enough, him directly quoting Ian McKellen’s Gandalf in the finale — saying “if in doubt, always follow your nose” — sealed the deal.
However, as The Rings of Power Season 2 kicks off, the Stranger still has no clue who he is. That’s why he, Nori Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh), and Poppy Proudfellow (Megan Richards) are following a star map to the Eastern land of Rhûn. Maybe there, they can find answers about who the Stranger is, including, crucially, his name.
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ Season 2 review: Darkness looks good on Middle-earth
In episode 2, Nori does her best to workshop some possible names for the Stranger. Suggestions include Doderic, Andwise, and Fredegar. While the Stranger isn’t feeling any of those, the names are fun nods to Hobbits briefly mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: Doderic Brandybuck is a relative of Merry, Andwise Roper is Sam’s uncle, and Fredegar Bolger (aka “Fatty” Bolger) is a good friend of Frodo’s, and later Merry’s brother-in-law.
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