Season 3 of Rings of Power Confirms Five Wizards, With Saruman and Radagast Still in Play

Five wizards arrive early

In Tolkien’s account, the Valar send five wizards to Middle-earth in the Third Age, after Sauron returns. They are Saruman, Gandalf, Radagast, Alatar and Pallando. The Rings of Power takes place in the Second Age, making the wizards’ presence a departure from that timeline. The series had already added to the uncertainty by introducing a villain in Rhûn later identified by its showrunners as one of the Blue Brothers.

Season 3 offers an explanation through a conversation between Gandalf and the Secret Fire. The flame says five wizards were sent to save Middle-earth and that Pallando killed Alatar, leaving four.

Radagast may be nearby

The series has shown Daniel Weyman as Gandalf and Ciarán Hinds as Pallando. If the Secret Fire’s account is accurate, Saruman and Radagast may also be somewhere in Middle-earth, though their identities and actions remain unclear.

A scene at Pelargir provides a possible clue. As Kemen’s men cut trees to build ships for his father, he complains that a “tree-talker” is interfering with them.

The article suggests the phrase may refer to Radagast, known for his connection to nature. An Ent is another possibility, though the article argues that an Ent attack would likely have had more drastic results.

Room for more wizards

Radagast’s possible efforts against the Númenóreans would fit a role focused on protecting nature rather than directly confronting Sauron or Pallando. The series has not confirmed that interpretation, and Saruman’s whereabouts remain a mystery.

The show is described as halfway through its run, leaving time for the remaining wizards to appear. They could be regaining their sense of identity or operating in disguise, the article suggests.