Who is the Dark Wizard in ‘The Rings of Power?’

In The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2, we’re introduced to an enigmatic new villain—the Dark Wizard, played by Ciarán Hinds, who’s stirring unrest in the distant eastern lands of Rhûn. This character is quickly positioning himself as a major threat to the Stranger and his friends, Nori and Poppy.

At the close of Season 1, we learned the Stranger wasn’t Sauron, as suspected, but an Istar—a member of the same order as wizards like Gandalf and Saruman. Season 2 picks up with the Mystics’ leader journeying back to Rhûn, where she meets her true master: the Dark Wizard. With his powerful staff and dark magic, he reveals that he knows the Stranger’s true identity and dispatches riders to pursue him, setting up an epic clash between these powerful beings.

Who Is the Dark Wizard?

While Season 2 wrapped up without fully unveiling the Dark Wizard’s identity, some clues—like his calling the Stranger “old friend”—have fans buzzing with theories. Here are some popular possibilities:

1. Saruman, the White Wizard: In Tolkien’s lore, Saruman starts as a respected Istar before becoming consumed by power and the desire to control the One Ring. This twist would fit with the idea of Saruman quietly amassing influence in the East and experimenting with magic and followers, foreshadowing his later allegiance to Sauron.
2. The Blue Wizards, Alatar and Pallando: According to Tolkien, these wizards ventured to Rhûn to counter Sauron’s influence, only to fail and possibly establish their own cults. If the Dark Wizard is one of the Blues, the show could present him as a reimagined character who now opposes the Stranger, adding a fresh dynamic to their rivalry.
3. Khamûl, the Nazgûl: Known as the “Shadow of the East,” Khamûl is the only Nazgûl named by Tolkien and was originally an Easterling king, possibly from Rhûn. This version of the Dark Wizard could depict Khamûl before his descent into wraithhood, serving as a sorcerer who falls deeper into darkness with each new power gained.
4. An Original Character: Since Tolkien left Rhûn’s history largely unexplored, the Dark Wizard might be a new creation for The Rings of Power, allowing the series to expand Middle-earth’s mythology. With this original twist, the show could delve deeper into Rhûn’s dark magic and cults, surprising even die-hard Tolkien fans.

With plenty of mystery surrounding him, the Dark Wizard’s storyline promises to be a captivating part of The Rings of Power, leaving fans with much to speculate and anticipate.