As a seasoned gamer and a devout fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, I can’t help but feel like I’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure chest while traversing through the mystical landscapes of The Rings of Power. Ciarán Hinds’ enigmatic character has me questioning if we might be witnessing the emergence of none other than Saruman himself!
In the second season of “The Rings of Power,” hints are being dropped about the true identity of the enigmatic character known as The Stranger. Given his towering stature, unkempt appearance, and magical abilities, he seems to fit the description of Gandalf. However, it’s important to note that he isn’t the only Istari in the series now. Ciarán Hinds has been added to the cast as a formidable dark wizard. This ominous cult leader already appears unsettled by The Stranger’s arrival. With his followers, search for Sauron, and an outpost in the East, it’s possible that “The Rings of Power” could introduce another renowned wizard from “The Lord of the Rings.” It’s intriguing to consider if Hinds might be portraying Saruman.
Similar to many aspects of J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythology, the chronicles of Istari in the Second Age are a complex tangle of contradictory narratives, dates, and names. In certain stories, he wrote that the Valar dispatched Istari to Middle-earth with the purpose of weakening Sauron’s control over the eastern and southern regions. However, the identities of those sent by the Valar and when they were sent, if indeed they were, fluctuated much like other tales penned by Tolkien. Consequently, the authentic history of the wizards during this period is questionable at best.
Just as with other tales not officially sanctioned, the vagueness in the lore allows The Rings of Power to selectively interpret and incorporate Tolkien’s elements. This flexibility implies that Saruman could have been residing on Middle-earth during the Second Age. The Prime Video series provides ample indications suggesting this, and indeed, it has already shown us such evidence.
As a devotee, I’m thrilled to see Hinds stepping into the role of a formidable dark sorcerer, mirroring the magnetic screen presence of the late, great Christopher Lee. This enigmatic figure seems to share a complex history with another Istar, who could very well be Gandalf’s unblemished counterpart. Interestingly, Hinds’ character bears an uncanny resemblance to Lee in Peter Jackson’s legendary films, with his dual-toned bear form and staff that echoes the menacing Eye of Sauron.
In the same way that Saruman in the future has devoted followers prepared to commit dreadful acts for him, Hindis character also boasts loyal allies willing to do despicable deeds on his behalf. He appears fixated on power and suppressing the abilities of another Istar he perceives as a threat to his standing. The dark mage in ‘The Rings of Power’ seeks to erase the Stranger’s memory of his identity and his immense power.
During the Second Age, Istar’s wicked counterpart, Istar from the east, dwells among the Rhûn. It is here that darkness will rise and spread westward, with Saruman embodying this transition as he embraced the shadows, tainting his influence. In the first season, the mystics among the Istars searched for a Stranger, believing him to possibly be Sauron. As for the Third Age, Saruman would become a follower of the Dark Lord, eventually attempting to seize control of Middle-earth from him. Saruman’s downfall is an inevitable consequence of Sauron’s increasing power.
The similarities between Saruman in the Third Age and the exceptionally powerful Istar of the Second Age as portrayed by Hinds are numerous and abundant. Yet, it doesn’t necessarily imply that he is definitely Saruman. It’s also possible that the residual evil from Morgoth, along with Sauron’s darkness, could have influenced any wizard present on Middle-earth during the Second Age. Hinds may be portraying one of the blue wizards mentioned by Tolkien who roamed the lands at this time. Alternatively, he might be a different Istar altogether that the show is introducing.
If indeed the Stranger turns out to be the wizard we suspect, then it’s quite plausible that Hinds will follow suit. In the Third Age, the Valar dispatched Saruman to Middle-earth before Gandalf. Eventually, good triumphed over evil due to their actions. The series The Rings of Power may hint that the Valar won because they anticipated a repeat success.
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2024-08-29 22:32