This article contains spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 5.The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has introduced a mysterious character known as the Stranger, and the source of his powers is currently even more enigmatic. Set during the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power reveals the ancient backstory to The Lord of the Rings. It's inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's notes and appendices, although the writers and showrunners have found creative opportunities to weave in their own narratives so viewers are still taken by surprise.
They've largely achieved this by introducing a number of (apparently) original characters. One of the most mysterious is a man known as the Stranger (who fans have affectionately dubbed "Meteor Man" due to the method of his arrival on Middle-earth). He appeared in the heavens at the very moment the way opened to Valinor, potentially hinting he is one of the Maiar, beings sent from Valinor to help protect Middle-earth against the forces of darkness. His magic appears ominous and ill-defined, however, constantly running amok and inadvertently causing a number of crises.
The Stranger seemed to use dark magic in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 5, which some have argued supports the theory he is Sauron in disguise. No doubt the debate will continue to rage until the end of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, when he will either be given a name or will finally remember his own. Whatever the case may be, though, he's already demonstrated tremendous power.
The Stranger Demonstrates Telekinesis & Energy Manipulation In The Rings of Power Episode 2
The Stranger's first show of power occurs when he is discovered by Nori in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 2. Disoriented (and later revealed to be amnesiac, the Stranger whips up some kind of magical energy storm as he screams out in pain and frustration. Rocks around the impact crater are raised into the air, while the flames surround him billow as though blown by a great wind. When the Stranger finally collapses, these flames are extinguished.
This scene certainly confirms the Stranger's magical origins, given he has apparently survived crashing to Middle-earth as a meteor without significant physical harm. Disturbingly, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 1 established that flames do not burn hot in the presence of the very darkest magic, and the flickering flames around the Stranger are surprisingly cold when Nori touches them. This raises the possibility the Stranger is (albeit unconsciously) manipulating dark magic - leading some to theorize the Stranger is really Sauron.
The Rings of Power Episode 2 Sees The Trees Bow To The Stranger
Another curious scene in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 2 sees the trees themselves bow before the Stranger as he advances on Nori in a threatening manner. It's not entirely clear what is happening in this particular scene; again, the magic seems unconscious, as though it is running wild, and it appears to simply be the environment reacting to him. The Stranger's disturbing actions may be another indication he is in reality a dark being like Sauron; alternatively, it may simply be a manifestation of his confusion. According to Tolkien, Maiar can forget themselves when they leave the immortal realm of Valinor and arrive on Middle-earth, and such an experience would naturally be bewildering.
The Stranger Manipulates The Fireflies In The Rings of Power Episode 2
One of the most striking scenes in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 2 sees the Stranger bend fireflies to his will as he whispers in an unknown tongue, using them to try to communicate with Nori about where he's come from. This power is similar to one manifested by Gandalf, where he can communicate with living creatures and urge them to serve him. There's a sinister twist in the Stranger's case, however, as the fireflies die after being used by him. Nori and Poppy are shaken by this, and they aren't the only ones; the Stranger remembers it himself in The Rings of Power episode 5, still troubled by it.
The Stranger Projects A Radial Impact Blast In The Rings of Power Episode 5
The Stranger's next display of power is in The Rings of Power episode 5, as the Harfoots trek through lands from The Lord of the Rings. He intervenes to save his friends from a group of wargs, and drives them off by striking the ground forcefully - generating some kind of radial impact blast that throws the beasts away. Understandably frightened at this display of power, the wargs flee. This magical act isn't cost-free, however, with the Stranger's arm left blackened and dead. The effect is reminiscent of many fantasy stories, where the use of black magic has a corruptive effect on the being who wields it. Some have suggested this is further evidence the Stranger could be Sauron, or perhaps one of his magical servants.
The Rings of Power Episode 5 Sees The Stranger Use A Remarkable Healing Spell
Evidently disturbed at his blackened flesh, the Stranger goes to a pool to bathe his wound. There, he uses a remarkable healing spell - one that draws energy out of the pool, freezing it over. Unfortunately, the Meteor Man's friend Nori stumbles upon the scene; she unwisely reaches out to touch his arm, and the ice extends over her as well. The Stranger eventually jolts awake, and knocks her aside with a blast of power. This is an important moment, because for the first time Nori has come to understand the Stranger's unchecked power is a threat.
There's a striking difference between this use of magic and the ones that preceded it. All other cases were spontaneous, with the Stranger apparently not knowing what he was doing. In this case, however, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 5 clearly showed the Stranger using magic intentionally, demonstrating a degree of awareness that hadn't been seen before. It still went out of control when Nori got involved, of course, but to be fair he had no way of knowing that would happen.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power releases new episodes at 9 PM Pacific Time on Thursdays and at 12 AM Eastern Time on Fridays on Prime Video.