The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Who are the White Hooded Ones in Episode 5?

In the 5th episode, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” still introduces new characters. This time it was a trio of menacingly dangerous and mystical figures cloaked in white. What’s the deal with them?

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Appearance of the 3 Hooded Ones debunks a popular Sauron theory

Even before the premiere of “The Rings of Power” you could see the three priest-like figures on promo pictures. The theory quickly spread that one of them must be Sauron in his form as Annatar the Gift-Bringer because of his androgynous, beautiful and sinister appearance. This theory can now be finally shelved by the short scene in the 5th episode.

Because first we see the three figures in white robes and adorned with various insignia standing on a hill. As hinted at in the scene before and now confirmed, they are at the crater left by the unknown from the meteorite. One of the three goes to the center of the crater and appears to be examining the site and scorched earth more closely.

The person’s gaze appears sinister and purposeful. While we don’t yet know exactly what the three white-robed strangers are and what (or who) they’re looking for, it’s now safe to say that one of them is Sauron. Only countless others remain like “The Father”, Halbrand and the meteorite unknown.

The identity and destination of the three strangers

In the credits, the three strangers are credited as “The Dweller” played by Bridie Sisson, “The Nomad” played by Edith Poor and “The Ascetic” played by Kali Kopae . We don’t know much more about the gloomy white hoods and their purpose and task in Middle-earth at this point in time, but we can make a few guesses.

Because he is the one going down to the crash site and is shown in the middle of the group, “The Resident” can be seen as the leader of the group. However, it can be ruled out that he is not just a servant of evil, but a dark entity himself or Sauron himself.

In addition to the white robe, the figure on the right also carries a kind of mirror or large serving dish, possibly a sacrificial bowl, and seems to smile at the sight of the crater. On this bowl is the same constellation that the stranger draws again and again in episode 2 and finally forms with fireflies in the night sky, but it’s the other way around. A clear sign that the three are looking for the stranger.

The woman on the left, on the other hand, wears armor and a helmet and looks much more warlike than her two companions.

The third of the bunch wears occult silver-grey chains over his robes and also carries a large staff. The head of the staff is divided in two and in the middle the two ends are connected by an ornamental circle with symbols on its sides. There is a certain resemblance to the Eye of Sauron, although it is not thought to take this form until the Third Age.

Obviously the three strangers must form or belong to some kind of religious cult. The ritual objects they carry and their unmistakable appearance and dark aura, which indicate dark magic, reinforce this impression.

Whether they are acolytes of Morgoth or Sauron, or belong to some other power entirely, is yet to be determined. However, it is certain that there were followers of the Dark Lords in the past and in the future who worshiped them in rituals and offerings. We’re guaranteed to see more of the three mysterious strangers in the future.

Will the three priests attempt to bring forth the Dark Lord Sauron from the unknown? We might find out in the next few episodes of The Rings of Power.