The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power created a new mystery around an ephemeral group in the work of JRR Tolkien. The Blue Wizards are an important part of the lore and canon in The Lord of the Ringseven if they don’t play as important a role in the Third Age as Gandalf and Saruman. They wield enormous power compared to many beings in Middle-earth, but have always been a mystery compared to the other wizards sent there. So far, The Rings of Power took advantage of how much was not said about the Blue Wizards.
Now this The Rings of Power confirmed that The Stranger is Gandalf, the show needs to continue on this path of answering questions instead of creating new mysteries. After two seasons of waiting to find out if these original characters are actually tied to later plots and developments in The Lord of the RingsIt’s time to attack new territory to The Rings of Power. Giving the Blue Wizards a new path and story could be controversial, but this shows that The Rings of Power It’s evolving like a show.
The power rings turned one of the blue wizards evil
Their past was confirmed by a big reveal
All over The Rings of Powerthere have been many mysteries surrounding the identity, and for a long time it was assumed that the Dark Wizard was Saruman. However, this would have been too easy, considering the revelation that the Stranger was Gandalf took a long time to come to light. While it’s exciting that the Dark Wizard isn’t Saurman, he’s likely a Blue Wizard, which means that Blue Wizards are characterized as evil in The Rings of Power. The Dark Wizard will likely be a major antagonist next season, putting him at odds with Gandalf.
The Blue Wizards are part of the Istari in The Lord of the Ringswhich is the term given to the Sorcerers of Middle Earth sent from Valinor. Although they are called Wizards, the Istari are Maiar, which gives them more power and influence than the other characters realize. However, the Istari are sent to Middle-earth with hazy memories and uncertainty regarding his 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.
Blue wizards weren’t villains in The Lord of the Rings
Although they were not as virtuous as Gandalf, they were not evil
Although Gandalf and Saruman’s dynamic makes it seem like all Istari are either good or evil, this is not the case in Tolkien’s writings. The Blue Wizards were not part of the journey to destroy the One Ring and did not aid Ganadalf at any time during The Lord of the Ringsbut that doesn’t automatically make them bad. Being sent to Middle-earth was a big task and there were many pitfalls and dangers along the way. However, there is nothing to suggest that the Blue Wizards ever supported or helped Sauron, which makes it clear that their loyalty was not with him.
Within Tolkien’s canon, it seems most likely that all Istari arrived during the Third Age, but since The Rings of Power already changed this for Gandalf, this is what is being done for the Blue Wizards.
Within Tolkien’s canon, it seems most likely that all Istari arrived during the Third Age, but since The Rings of Power already changed this for Gandalf, this is what is being done for the Blue Wizards. The many differences between the Maiar and the Valar in Lord of the Rings it can be hard to follow, especially as the Blue Wizards have become mysterious. Although there are still many questions about the Istari, like Gandalf and Saruman, their motivations were clear, and their powers were often displayed, and the same cannot be said of the Blue Wizards.
Blue wizards were more morally ambiguous than Gandalf or Saruman
They were not part of the battle of ideologies between the two great Istari
There is some debate about the final fate of the Blue Wizards and whether they fell victim to Saruman’s influence after traveling with him, as they were never seen again after that. However, it is also possible that they simply did not want to complete their quest to defeat Sauron and ultimately disappeared over time or were killed rather than returning to the Valar. Whatever the reason, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that the Blue Wizards supported Sauron or stopped being good altogether. Most likely, they wanted to live the rest of their lives in peace.
One of the best parts The Lord of the Rings‘worldbuilding is that it leaves much to the audience’s 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 turned evil makes it easier to separate these characters from those in The Lord of the Rings. Viewing the prequel show and source material as two separate entities makes it easier to enjoy The Rings of Power and suspend disbelief when decisions are made, such as 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
However 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 is not officially confirmed that the Dark Wizard is a Blue Wizard, as he has only said that he is an Istar, the fact that he is in Rhûn makes this more likely. This is because the Blue Wizards taught magic to the Men of Rhûn, and the presence of the Dark Wizard there defines that future. Confirming the Dark Wizard’s identity as Blue Wizard is ultimately what’s best for the show.
As The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power As season three approaches, the series will have to grapple with the identity of the other Blue Wizard and find additional ways to tie the Dark Wizard to characters Tolkien fans know. However, if Gandalf’s plot is going to revolve around the Dark Wizard and keeping him away from Sauron in the Second Age, it’s for the best. While it’s exciting to see characters and plots from The Lord of the Rings appear on the show, it is important that the series follows the spirit of the canon.