Now that The Rings of Power has confirmed The Stranger is Gandalf, the show needs to continue down this path of answering questions instead of setting up new mysteries. After two seasons of waiting to find out if these original characters are actually tie-ins to later plots and developments in The Lord of the Rings, it’s time to strike into new territory for The Rings of Power. Giving the Blue Wizards a new path and backstory might be controversial, but it shows that The Rings of Power is evolving as a show.
The Rings Of Power Has Made One Of The Blue Wizards Evil
Their past has been confirmed by one big reveal
Throughout The Rings of Power, there have been many mysteries related to identity, and for a long time, it was assumed that the Dark Wizard was Saruman. However, this would have been too easy, considering the reveal that the Stranger was Gandalf, which took a long time to come to light. While it’s exciting that the Dark Wizard isn’t Saurman, he’s most likely a Blue Wizard, meaning that the Blue Wizards are characterized as evil in The Rings of Power. The Dark Wizard will likely be a major antagonist in the coming season, putting him at odds with Gandalf.
The Blue Wizards are part of the Istari in The Lord of the Rings, which is the term given to the Wizards in Middle-earth sent from Valinor. Though they’re called Wizards, the Istari are Maiar, giving them more power and influence than the other characters realize. However, the Istari are sent to Middle-earth with hazy memories and uncertainty regarding their quest to stop Sauron, which opens the door for The Rings of Power to play with Gandalf’s identity and make the Blue Wizards something new. However, making them villains will present a whole new set of problems.
The Blue Wizards Were Not Villains In The Lord Of The Rings
Though they weren’t as virtuous as Gandalf, they weren’t evil
While Gandalf and Saruman’s dynamic makes it seem all the Istari are either good or evil, this isn’t the case in Tolkien’s writing. The Blue Wizards weren’t part of the journey to destroy the One Ring, and they don’t aid Ganadalf at any point during The Lord of the Rings, but that doesn’t make them automatically evil. Being sent to Middle-earth was a big task, and there were many pitfalls and dangers along the way. However, there’s nothing to suggest that the Blue Wizards ever supported or helped Sauron, which makes it clear that their allegiance didn’t lie with him.
Within Tolkien’s canon, it seems more likely that all the Istari arrived during the Third Age, but since The Rings of Power has already altered this for Gandalf, this is what’s being done for the Blue Wizards.
Within Tolkien’s canon, it seems more likely that all the Istari arrived during the Third Age, but since The Rings of Power has already altered this for Gandalf, this is what’s being done for the Blue Wizards. The many differences between the Maiar and Valar in Lord of the Rings can be difficult to keep track of, especially since the Blue Wizards were made mysterious. Though there are still plenty of questions about the Istari like Gandalf and Saruman, their motivations were clear, and their powers were frequently on display, and the same can’t be said for the Blue Wizards.
The Blue Wizards Were More Morally Ambiguous Than Gandalf Or Saruman
They weren’t part of the battle of ideologies between the two great Istari
There is some debate about the ultimate fate of the Blue Wizards and whether they fell victim to Saruman’s influence after traveling with him since they were never seen again after that. However, it’s also possible that they simply didn’t want to complete their quest to defeat Sauron and ultimately faded with time or were killed instead of returning to Valar. Whatever the reason, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that the Blue Wizards supported Sauron or had turned from good completely. Most likely, they wanted to live out the rest of their lives in peace.
One of the best parts of The Lord of the Rings‘ world-building is that it leaves much up to audience interpretation, creating ambiguity. While learning about the history of the Blue Wizards in The Rings of Power will be interesting, the fact that one of them has been made evil makes it easy to separate these characters from the ones in The Lord of the Rings. Viewing the prequel show and the source material as two separate entities makes it easier to enjoy The Rings of Power and suspend disbelief when decisions are made, like making the Blue Wizards evil.
The Dark Wizard Operating In Rhûn Connects The Rings Of Power To Tolkien Lore
The Blue Wizards have a confirmed past in Rhûn
Though The Rings of Power has been changing and adding to Tolkien’s lore since season 1, the Dark Wizard being in Rhûn would actually better anchor his connection to Lord of the Rings. While it’s not officially confirmed that the Dark Wizard is a Blue Wizard, as he’s only said he’s an Istar, the fact that he’s in Rhûn makes it more likely. This is because the Blue Wizards taught the Men of Rhûn magic, and the Dark Wizard’s presence there sets up this future. Confirming the Dark Wizard’s identity as a Blue Wizard is ultimately best for the show.
As The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 approaches, the show will have to grapple with the identity of the other Blue Wizard and find additional ways to tie the Dark Wizard to the characters Tolkien fans know. However, if Gandalf’s storyline is going to revolve around the Dark Wizard and keep him away from Sauron in the Second Age, this is for the best. While it’s exciting to see characters and plots from The Lord of the Rings pop up in the show, it’s important that the series sticks to the spirit of the canon.
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