Warning: Spoilers for Season 1 of The Rings of Power!
The thrilling season 1 finale of Amazon Prime's Lord of the Rings series hinted at the possibility of featuring a prominent character from The Hobbit films. While the season received mixed reviews, it did introduce fresh interpretations of beloved Tolkien characters like Galadriel, Elrond, and Gandalf. This opens up the potential for future seasons to introduce more characters from both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, as there are still numerous immortal beings yet to make an appearance.
In episode 7 of season 1, Sadoc Burrows tantalizes The Stranger, who is later revealed to be Gandalf, with a reference to an important location from The Hobbit films. This place is known as "Greenwood the Great" and eventually becomes the setting for Gandalf's epic confrontation with the Dweller. Film viewers may recognize these woods as "Mirkwood," as the Third Age saw the name change due to Sauron's dark influence over the woodland. However, during the Second Age in The Rings of Power, one familiar film character would still be alive in this area – Thranduil, the Elvenking.
How Thranduil Can Appear In Rings Of Power Season 2
Thranduil's appearance in The Rings of Power is crucial. He fought alongside his father and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men in the war against Sauron, making his presence in the series necessary. After his father's death, Thranduil becomes the King of the Woodland Realm, making his involvement in the war even more significant. Given the show's tendency to rearrange events, it's possible that Thranduil could be introduced earlier than expected.
As season 1 concludes with the revelation of Sauron, the impact of his dark power on the inhabitants of Middle Earth will gradually unfold in season 2. The effects of Sauron's evil may be felt in the Greenwood, prompting Thranduil and his father, Oropher, to take action in the war. This deviation from the canon timeline, as seen with the Fall of Numenor, serves the storytelling needs of the series.
Thranduil In The Rings Of Power Can Reveal Legolas' Origin
The inclusion of Thranduil in The Rings of Power offers a chance to explore the backstory of a significant character from Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's original work lacks details about Legolas' birth, his mother, or even his age. The only information available comes from a movie guide that suggests he was born during The Third Age. Should the series adhere to the film's continuity, it could provide an opportunity to unveil some long-awaited insights into this matter.
