Tom Bombadil delivers a line in The Rings of Power season 2, episode 6, that is another massive hint that The Stranger is really Gandalf. Played by Daniel Weyman in The Rings of Power season 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 from The 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 in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings novels. Prime Video’s Rings of Power prequel 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 Sauron in the west and the mysterious Dark Wizard in the east. To enforce his point, Bombadil utilizes a line that fans of the franchise may be familiar with.
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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’s The Fellowship of the Ring film. 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 to The Rings of Power season 2’s Stranger storyline. He’s currently pitted with the ultimatum of choosing between Nori and his destiny, but to 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.
Tom Bombadil’s Quote Is Another Clue That The Stranger Is Gandalf
The Tom Bombadil quote is reversed, but it’s another clue that The Stranger is Gandalf. He’s new to this world, and he’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 Power seems 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.