So who was the Messenger?

[Ceridwen]

I found this on a Q&A page and wondered if anyone had any thoughts on this topic:

Q: So, we know that Methos is a survivor through and through. One thing that still comes to mind with this episode is how do we know that The Messenger wasn't the real Methos? How do we know that Ol' Adam wasn't parading around as Methos himself all that time just for the fun of it. After all, it was a good way to get in with Duncan, and what dyed in the wool survivor wouldn't want to buddy up with one of the strongest Immortals walking?

A: Well, the documentation is overwhelmingly in favor of Adam Pierson being Methos. His journal, Watcher records misfiled under fairy tales, and a two-parter full of flashbacks confirming his name was Methos during the Bronze Age. The better question is, who the hell was the Messenger really, and why did he take on the name of an Immortal everyone would love to chop down?

[Nicholas Ward]

I think The mesenger answered that last question himself in the episode. That people would want to hear what a 5000 year old immortal would have to say.
Therefore he adopted the name Methos so that at least immortals would stop and listen for a moment.

[Darth Reaper]

Agreed. The Messenger knew that he was putting his life in danger by taking that name, but he also knew that it would draw other Immortals to him who might be interested in hearing his message. It seems that to him the risk was worth taking for a chance at a greater good.

Or, you could say that The Messenger was Ron Pearlman and that's all anyone needs to know.