The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Powerseason 2 made another massive change to canon, and though controversial, the prequel series just wouldn’t have been worth making without it. Of course, this particular change was teased from the very beginning ofRings of Powerseason 1, but it was only confirmed in the finale of season 2. The backlash this inspired has been fierce, but it ultimately seems that the Prime Video series simply couldn’t have gotten away with sticking to Tolkien canon in this case. Such an iconic character needed to be involved in aLord of the Ringsprequel.
Of course,the change in question involves theStranger ofRings of Powerbeing confirmed as Gandalf the Grey. In canon, this Istar didn’tarrive in Middle-earthuntil the Third Age, and he most certainly didn’t crash down in the form of a flaming meteor. Everything from his meeting with Tom Bombadil in Rhûn to his confrontation with the Dark Wizard is an invention of the Prime Video series, and this is a topic of incredible frustration for many Tolkien purists. However, this was a change that was completely worth making since aLord of the Ringsprequel likeRings of Powerneeded a Gandalf backstory.
Rings Of Power Just Wouldn’t Be Worth It Without A Gandalf Backstory
Gandalf’s Story Is Necessary To Fully Understanding Lord Of The Rings
Gandalf is arguably the most crucialcharacter ofThe Lord of the Rings. His guidance, sacrifice, and belief in Middle-earth’s smallest, most insignificant beings is the only reason Sauron was defeated. Despite this, the primarystories ofThe HobbitandLord of the Ringsprovide very little in the way of Gandalf’s backstory. Only fans who have done further research, such as reading the Appendices ofThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingorThe Silmarillion, would know precisely who and what this wizard is. For this reason, Gandalf is a massively misunderstood character.
SinceRings of Poweris set entirely in the Second Age, a faithful adaptation would be forced to leave out any organic explanation of Gandalf’s role in the fight against Sauron. This would mean yet another screen adaption lacking the necessary context to understand this character. The entire purpose of a prequel is to add context to familiar and beloved events. Sure, knowing more about Sauron’s reign in the Second Age is essential, butit doesn’t pack the same punch without knowledge of the greatest weapon against the Dark Lord in Middle-earth’s history—Gandalf.
Rings Of Power’s Timeline Changes Are Controversial But Necessary
A Condensed Prequel Story Was The Best Way To Cover Thousands Of Years
The biggest point of complaint regarding Gandalf being inRings of Poweris the shift in the timeline. However, this is far from the first time Prime Video adjusted Tolkien’s order of events.The entirety of the Second Age was greatly condensed. This period is canonically 3,441 years long, with the Rings of Power forged around SA 1500 and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men formed near the final years. Ultimately, this means that things like Sauron’s time in Eregion go by much faster than canon (a matter of weeks rather than centuries).
The Lord of the Ringsis set at the end of the Third Age, which spanned 3,021 years.
Though this is frustrating for a variety of reasons, Prime Video could not avoid condensing the timeline.Rings of Poweris, rightfully, a character-driven series. In order for all the important characters ofLord of the Rings' history to be included,adjustments to the when and where had to happen. Otherwise, the uncomfortable pacing of season 1 (which was a significant criticism of the series in 2022) would have been repeated across every installment.
Rings Of Power Just Can’t Take Gandalf Changes Too Far
There’s A Line Prime Video Must Be Cautious Not To Cross
Gandalf being included inRings of Powerwas the right move. This is the first opportunity forLord of the Ringsmovie fans to understand the full extent of this Istar’s story.He was never just a magical old man but an angelic shapeshifteron a unique journey of temptation, compassion, and heroism—and such a story will be a significant asset to Prime Video’s prequel. However, the series does need to proceed with caution. Gandalf is a necessity, but the importance of his character would be completely wasted ifRings ofPowermade fundamental changes to his role in Middle-earth.
Gandalf is a necessity, but the importance of his character would be completely wasted if Rings of Power made fundamental changes to his role in Middle-earth.
So far,Rings of Powerhas played on the border of what is and is not acceptable. Gandalf meeting Hobbit ancestors in the Second Age is another significant change, but it further reinforces the importance of this Middle-earth race in his story. Meeting Tom Bombadil in Rhûn is another mildly uncomfortable change since the pair never went to this region in canon. However, Gandalf was known to be a friend of Bombadil and even met with the strange being following Sauron’s downfall. So far,the most puzzling change has been Gandalf’s confrontation with the Dark Wizard.
Gandalf famously becomes a rival toSaruman inThe Lord of the Rings, and it seems thatRings of Poweris trying to create parallels between this moment and the Dark Wizard. This villainous character is likely a Blue Wizard whom Gandalf never met in canon. It’s strange that Gandalf would be set against another Istar since this somewhat takes the wind out of the sails of his futureLord of the Ringsconflict. Still, ifRings of Powerseason 3 handles this carefully, the story could be pulled off without issue. Now that Prime Video has rightfully brought Gandalf into the mix, it must only proceed with caution.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Cast
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.
