Reflecting back as a movie enthusiast after a two-and-a-half-year gap from watching The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 1, I can’t help but notice the intricacies that unfold upon revisiting this captivating tale. The shocking revelation in the season finale, where it was unveiled that Halbrand – a major character throughout the season – is none other than Sauron, left viewers stunned and questioning. This twist, which had been Galadriel’s elusive target all along, sparked controversy due to its complexity, as some flaws are more apparent on rewatching than they initially seemed during the first viewing.
In the second season of “The Rings of Power,” Sauron abandoned his Halbrand disguise, a unique character, to fully embrace Annatar, a character from the original lore. First appearing in “The Silmarillion” published in 1977, which compiled the myths and legends of “Lord of the Rings,” Annatar followed an almost exact arc with the Elf Celebrimbor. A close adherence to this arc in season 2 raises some intriguing and potentially controversial points when compared to season 1. Despite differing opinions, it’s clear that “The Rings of Power” season 1 generated significant buzz within the “Lord of the Rings” fandom as well as among new fans.
10. Season 1 Didn’t Pay Enough Attention To Celeborn’s Disappearance
The Rings Of Power Season 1 Erased Celeborn
As a devoted fan, it was truly perplexing not to see Celeborn, the beloved husband of Galadriel in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic world of Middle-earth, in Amazon’s show The Rings of Power during season 1. Given that Celeborn and Galadriel were married since the First Age, their absence together on screen was a noticeable gap in the storyline, especially considering Galadriel’s central role in the series. Instead, it seemed Galadriel spent more time with Halbrand, leaving me yearning for the enchanting moments between these two iconic characters.
In the series, the relationship between Galadriel and Halbrand stirred speculation about whether the Galadriel of ‘LotR’ would be capable of love once more, given that Celeborn, who had mysteriously disappeared following their war engagement, was not seen again after season 1. This was hinted during a discussion between Galadriel and Theo, where Galadriel mentioned Celeborn’s departure for battle and his subsequent absence. It seemed like an inconsequential detail, and even long after the conclusion of season 2, it remained so.
9. The Rings Of Power Season 1 Ignored How Finrod Was Reborn
Finrod’s Death In Rings Of Power Was A Little Confusing
In the series “The Rings of Power,” the circumstances surrounding Finrod’s reborn state were not explored, a detail that could have significantly altered the narrative. Finrod, though having a minor role, was vital in “The Lord of the Rings.” His absence after his death, without any canonical account of his rebirth, seemed unusual given Galadriel’s strong reaction to his demise in season 1, as she was deeply affected by it.
In essence, her pursuit of Sauron across Middle-earth was what fueled her actions. If the show had resurrected him, her reason for doing so would’ve diminished or at least been lessened. It could be reasonable to some extent, considering Finrod was reborn in Valinor, and traveling between there and Middle-earth wasn’t common in the show. Nevertheless, it felt unusual that this aspect was overlooked during season 1 of “Rings of Power.
8. Adar’s Characterization Was Confusing At Times In Rings Of Power Season 1
Adar Was Inconsistent In Rings Of Power Season 1
As a passionate movie reviewer, I must say that the intricate backstory of Adar in Amazon’s “The Rings of Power” was undoubtedly one of the series’ highlights. However, I found his characterization a tad perplexing during season 1. On one hand, Adar embodied the very essence of his name, symbolizing the concept of a “father“. Yet, this father figure wasn’t always as nurturing as we might expect. At times, he seemed to torment his Uruk “children” in an attempt to drive home a point.
In the first season of “The Rings of Power,” it appeared as though Adar was being portrayed as a conventional antagonist, aggressively pursuing global control under the guise of a righteous cause. The show seemed to be hinting that he would justify any inhumane actions for the purpose of providing a home for the Orcs. However, there were moments that suggested Adar might transform into a heroic leader instead, leaving viewers unsure about how they should perceive this intricate character.
7. It Wasn’t Very Clear Why The Elves Decided To Make Three Rings
The Three Elven-Rings Were A Bit Of A Mystery In Rings Of Power Season 1
As a film enthusiast captivated by the magical world of Middle Earth, I must say that the depiction of the three Elven-rings in “The Rings of Power” was nothing short of mesmerizing. At times, it teetered on the edge of being both terrible and brilliant.
These rings were masterfully crafted, effortlessly capturing the essence of the rings as described in lore. The creators seamlessly integrated them into the narrative, making it believable that Galadriel would sacrifice her dagger to forge them.
Moreover, the visual of Elves adorned with their rings was breathtakingly beautiful. It was a sight that truly encapsulated the unity and bond between these ancient beings.
| Elven-ring | Name | Gem | First Owner | Last Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vilya | The Ring of Air | Sapphire | Gil-galad | Elrond |
| Narya | The Ring of Fire | Ruby | Círdan | Gandalf |
| Nenya | The Ring of Water | Adamant | Galadriel | Galadriel |
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I must express my thoughts on an intriguing aspect of “The Lord of the Rings.” In the original storyline, the Three rings were oddly positioned. They were last in the order of rings in the canon, yet they appeared first in the series. This minor alteration didn’t significantly impact the material content, but it stirred discomfort among some fans.
More importantly, the way the Elves arrived at the decision to create three rings instead of one seemed entirely arbitrary. Galadriel did offer an explanation that the three rings provided balance, but the reasoning behind this was left somewhat unclear. This lack of clarity left me questioning the thought process behind this crucial decision in Middle-earth’s history.
6. Elrond Sometimes Seemed A Bit Too Young
Robert Aramayo Was Good As Elrond, But Sometimes Seemed A Little Young
In the shoes of the iconic Hugo Weaving as Elrond, Robert Aramayo occasionally gave off an air of youthfulness in the character. Given the inevitable comparisons to Peter Jackson’s epic “The Lord of the Rings” films, this could have been one such comparison. However, he effectively portrayed the young diplomat before his warrior days. As he transitions into a warrior, it seems his innocence may be waning.
| Tolkienian Age | Event Marking The Start | Years | Total Length In Solar Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before time | Indeterminate | Indeterminate | Indeterminate |
| Days before Days | The Ainur entered Eä | 1 – 3,500 Valian Years | 33,537 |
| Pre-First Age Years of the Trees (Y.T.) | Yavanna created the Two Trees | Y.T. 1 – 1050 | 10,061 |
| First Age (F.A.) | Elves awoke in Cuiviénen | Y.T. 1050 – Y.T. 1500, F.A. 1 – 590 | 4,902 |
| Second Age (S.A.) | The War of Wrath ended | S.A. 1 – 3441 | 3,441 |
| Third Age (T.A.) | The Last Alliance defeated Sauron | T.A. 1 – 3021 | 3,021 |
Pondering Aramayo’s portrayal as Elrond in “The Rings of Power,” it’s intriguing to consider if a character with a more warrior-like appearance would have been more fitting for the part, given that his youthful exuberance is expected to vanish in season 3, leaving behind heavy responsibilities. In the action-packed scenes of season 2, a taller, older, and rougher-looking man might have conveyed a sense of greater danger and better embodied the knightly medieval role.
5. Sauron Could Have Been Annatar From The Start
Halbrand’s Inclusion Was A Debatable Necessity In Rings Of Power
Halbrand was undeniably a significant element in the first season of “The Rings of Power,” however, there are suspicions that he may have strayed too far from the original source material. Despite being entertaining and engaging on screen, viewers were primarily drawn to “The Rings of Power” for an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” Second Age. Interestingly enough, it became evident that the central character of the series was none other than Sauron himself, who was initially portrayed by Halbrand.
In a manner of speaking, it wasn’t evident to many why he felt compelled to masquerade as a human named Halbrand rather than reveal his true identity. It appeared that his purpose was to entice Galadriel towards the dark side through his romantic allure, adding an intriguing element by being hidden among her for so long. Though this created captivating drama, the character of Halbrand could have been swapped with Annatar in this narrative, and Galadriel with Celebrimbor. This change would have been truer to the original storyline and more daring at the same time.
4. Adapting Content From The Silmarillion Requires Inventing Lots Of Dialogue
Silmarillion Adaptations Are Destined To Be Misunderstood
In simpler terms, “The Silmarillion” served as the foundation for the historical background of the “The Lord of the Rings” novel, published in three parts from 1954 to 1955. It didn’t contain much dialogue or detailed descriptions of characters and their emotions for adaptations to use, but instead provided a timeline of events spanning over various millennia, focusing on specific stories.
Adapting The Rings of Power to a level of fidelity acceptable to many viewers proved challenging due to its departure from the original source material, which was one of the most contentious aspects of the series. While there were instances where the show deviated from the canon that seemed unnecessary, much of the unique content aligned well with the story. Given The Silmarillion’s intricate and extensive nature, any adaptation, including The Rings of Power, would inevitably face an uphill struggle.
3. Tolkien Would Have Hated The Sauron & Galadriel Romance Tease
Galadriel Wouldn’t Have Contemplated Sauron Romantically In The Books
In the series Rings of Power, Tolkien pitted Sauron and Galadriel against each other, as their characters were generally antagonistic towards one another. Sauron, who despised Elves, regarded Galadriel as his most formidable enemy. On the other hand, Galadriel was determined to track down Sauron and embodied light and innocence, drawing parallels with the Virgin Mary in Christian symbolism.
In the first season of The Rings of Power, it was rather unexpected that Sauron and Galadriel might develop feelings for each other, given their antagonistic roles in J.R.R. Tolkien’s original works. However, the show subtly hinted at a complex history between these two characters. While Galadriel may not have realized it, Sauron had been attempting to manipulate her mind over a long period of time, and they first encountered each other in Eregion. This intriguing suggestion of a hidden past between them adds some credibility to the show’s portrayal of their relationship, but the controversial nature of this romance remains valid due to its departure from Tolkien’s established lore.
2. Rings Of Power Season 1 Would Have Been Better With More Rights To Tolkien’s Work
The Rings Of Power Would Have Benefited From Full Rights To The Silmarillion
It’s clear that The Rings of Power holds the rights to both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, but it might have had a more successful adaptation if they also owned the rights to The Silmarillion. While they can produce a TV series based on these two books, Peter Jackson and Warner Bros. possess the movie rights for them. Importantly, only the Tolkien Estate has the rights to The Silmarillion, but they have been hesitant to share those rights.
Given that the book wasn’t edited and published until after Tolkien passed away, it makes sense why the final version isn’t exactly as he intended. His son, Christopher Tolkien, was entrusted with this task, meaning Tolkien himself couldn’t make the final decisions. It’s worth noting that Christopher Tolkien, being an expert on his father’s work, did a commendable job and openly expressed his regrets about the edited version in another series of books. Nevertheless, the rights to the book, which are notoriously complex, could have been advantageous for the show.
1. Choosing Galadriel As The Main Character Was Partially Commercially Motivated
Galadriel Was A Curious Main Character Choice For Rings Of Power
In light of the fact that most events of the Second Age, as portrayed by J.R.R. Tolkien, are detailed in The Silmarillion, one might find it unusual to make Galadriel the central character, given her relatively minor role in that work. However, the show seems to have deviated from The Silmarillion’s narrative while still aiming to tell its stories, using the sketches provided in The Lord of the Rings’ appendices and certain exclusive rights to portions of it. Yet, Galadriel plays a lesser part in The Silmarillion.
In essence, her presence was undeniable, yet her most significant part in the mythos unfolded within “The Lord of the Rings.” She graced us with an intriguing appearance in “Unfinished Tales.” However, many leading roles initially found in “The Silmarillion” echoed throughout “The Lord of the Rings’s” appendices and could have been integrated into the series. Instead, Celebrimbor might have been a captivating central figure. But, it seems that “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” opted for leveraging a well-known character as its main attraction – to attract audiences.
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2025-04-30 03:10