The Untold Saga of Tolkien's 14 Iconic Characters Who Harnessed the Rings of Power

Summary

"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" integrates characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's writings, but also introduces new ones for the show's Second Age story.

In the show, Galadriel's character deviates from her portrayal in the movies as she embodies a strong-willed and complex individual, playing a vital part in the resistance against Sauron as suggested in Tolkien's works. The series also introduces adaptations of Elrond, High King Gil-galad, Celebrimbor, and various other characters from Tolkien's writings, enhancing their backstories and broadening their involvement within the narrative of Middle-earth's Second Age.

In Amazon Prime's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, a combination of original characters and established characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's writings are utilized. Set during the Second Age of Middle-earth, the series follows the return of Sauron and the ensuing War of the Last Alliance, as seen in the prologue of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. While Amazon only owns the rights to The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Tolkien's appendices, they draw inspiration from his writings about the Second Age.

As the first season of The Rings of Power came to a close, it became evident that the show's creative team had to introduce new characters to effectively portray the events of Middle-earth's Second Age. Characters like Elanor Brandyfoot and the Harfoots, Arondir the elf and his companion Bronwyn, and the antagonist Adar were specifically created for the show. However, there are still numerous characters in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power who were directly adapted from Tolkien's works, playing various roles.

14 Galadriel

Galadriel, the protagonist of The Rings of Power, stands out as one of Tolkien's most recognizable characters in the show. In The Lord of the Rings, she is portrayed as a wise and benevolent Lady of Lothlórien, brilliantly brought to life by Cate Blanchett in Peter Jackson's trilogy. However, The Rings of Power presents a different interpretation of Galadriel. Drawing from Tolkien's appendices, which suggest her significant role as Sauron's primary adversary in the Second Age of Middle-earth, the series depicts Galadriel as a troubled, headstrong, and stubborn character. Portrayed by Morfydd Clark, she adamantly believes that Sauron has not been defeated and will eventually return. The first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power validates Galadriel's foresight. While the show may take some liberties with Tolkien's works, it offers a unique opportunity to explore Galadriel's role in the Second Age on screen, presenting a fuller depiction of this iconic character.

13 Elrond

Elrond, a central character in The Rings of Power, is portrayed by Robert Aramayo and depicts a younger version of the character played by Hugo Weaving in Jackson's films. The series focuses on Elrond's lightheartedness, in contrast to the weariness seen in Jackson's trilogy and in Tolkien's works. Elrond's involvement during the Second Age, as detailed in Tolkien's appendices, precedes his role as the Lord of Rivendell. He was once a trusted ally of High King Gil-galad, residing in Lindon.

In The Rings of Power, there are some alterations to Elrond's story. Notably, his relationship with Durin IV, the Prince of Khazad-dûm, is introduced. While this relationship is absent in Tolkien's works, it becomes significant in the series as they both serve as key commanders in the war between the Elves and Sauron, following the creation of the Rings of Power. Their bond adds depth to their roles and suggests that they will fight alongside each other in the future.

12 Gil-galad

11 Celebrimbor

High King Gil-galad of Lindon, a prominent figure in Tolkien's vast mythology, is expected to have a more significant role in future seasons of The Rings of Power. As the leader of the elves in their battle against Sauron, Gil-galad, portrayed by Benjamin Walker, plays a crucial role in the series. He notably dispatches Elrond to collaborate with the elven artisan Celebrimbor, ultimately leading to the creation of the three elven Rings of Power.

In The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Celebrimbor, a character from Tolkien's writings, is known as the skilled smith who created the elven Rings of Power. The TV series also portrays Celebrimbor in this way, with the conclusion showing Celebrimbor, Elrond, and Galadriel participating in the crafting of the Rings. This foreshadows the future seasons where Celebrimbor will face the consequences of Sauron's vengeance, such as the Siege of Eregion.

10 Finrod

9 Elendil

: Finrod, the sibling of Galadriel and a character directly inspired by Tolkien's books, played a minor role in The Rings of Power. However, his demise acted as a catalyst for Galadriel's relentless pursuit of Sauron and her quest for justice. In Tolkien's original works, Finrod valiantly fought in the War of the Jewels but tragically perished before the decisive War of Wrath. This heartrending event is also portrayed in The Rings of Power, compelling Galadriel to embark on her mission to confront Sauron.

Lloyd Owen takes on the role of Elendil in The Rings of Power season 1. As the Captain of the Sea Guard, the naval-based military force of Númenor, Elendil's character depicts a younger version of the protagonist seen in the prologue of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings. He has not yet ascended to his position as the High King of the Dúnedain, a title he will acquire after establishing Gondor and Arnor in Middle-earth. While Tolkien's books provide limited insights into Elendil's earlier life before his journey to Middle-earth, The Rings of Power has the opportunity to fill in these gaps, revealing the path that leads him to the realm of Middle-earth's royalty.

8 Isildur

7 Tar-Palantir

Isildur, the Númenórean son of Elendil, plays a significant role in Tolkien's books and The Rings of Power. He is best known for his victory over Sauron in the War of the Last Alliance, where he cut the Ring of Power from the dark lord's hand and claimed it as his own. However, Isildur failed to destroy the One Ring, which ultimately sets in motion the events of the Third Age and leads to the War of the Ring. Similar to his father Elendil, The Rings of Power delves into Isildur's early life, detailing his journey from a prince to a king in Middle-earth.

Tar-Palantir, the 24th king of Númenor in J.R.R. Tolkien's books, was succeeded by Tar-Pharazôn, who would go on to become the 25th and final king of Númenor after marrying Palantir's daughter, Míriel. Although Tar-Palantir's role in The Rings of Power was limited due to his illness and confinement to bed, his presence was essential in laying the groundwork for the future narratives of Míriel and Pharazôn in upcoming seasons.

6 Tar-Míriel

5 Pharazôn

In the works of Tolkien, Tar-Míriel was originally intended to become the ruler of Númenor, but her position was taken by Pharazôn. However, in The Rings of Power, Míriel is portrayed as the temporary queen of Númenor due to her father's sickness. She leads her people, along with Galadriel, to the Southlands of Middle-earth but tragically loses her sight during the eruption of Mount Doom. This deviation from Tolkien's original story creates a significant contrast, but it is likely that her relationship with Pharazôn will still follow the initial concept devised by Tolkien.

In The Rings of Power, Pharazôn takes on a different role as the chief advisor and chancellor to the ruling family of Númenor, deviating from Tolkien's depiction of him as a seafaring and military leader. As we look ahead to the upcoming seasons of The Rings of Power, it is expected that Pharazôn's rise to power in Númenor will be explored further, following the demise of Palantir, aligning more closely with his portrayal in the original books.

4 Sauron

In Tolkien's works, Sauron is a prominent character and serves as the main antagonist in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. However, the portrayal of Sauron in the series differs from Tolkien's original descriptions in the Second Age. Rather than being depicted as the ethereal being Annatar, Sauron takes on the human guise of Halbrand in the series. This change is most likely due to Amazon not having the rights to use specific variants of Tolkien's characters.

Despite this alteration, Sauron/Halbrand is expected to have a significant role in future seasons of The Rings of Power now that his true identity has been revealed. The upcoming storyline will likely delve into the War of the Elves and Sauron, particularly after the villain discovers the creation of the three elven Rings of Power. It will be intriguing to see how this adaptation unfolds, particularly in light of the modifications made to Sauron's character for The Rings of Power.

3 Morgoth

While not a prominent character in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Morgoth's presence casts a pervasive shadow over season 1. The show's prologue delves into the epic confrontation between Morgoth and the forces of good known as the War of the Jewels, culminating in his ultimate defeat. Following this cataclysmic event, Morgoth's loyal lieutenant, Sauron, assumes the mantle of carrying out his master's sinister ambitions to dominate Middle-earth, a tale that unfolds throughout the Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth.

2 Durin III

Durin III, the king of Khazad-dûm, plays a brief but significant role in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. In contrast to the books, where he is portrayed as one of the dwarf lords with a minor role, the film delves deeper into Durin III's character. He embodies a more traditional dwarf, prioritizing the seclusion of his people and being reluctant to form alliances with other races. This portrayal aligns Durin III with figures like Elendil and Isildur, who also receive Rings of Power and play important parts in the War of the Elves and Sauron.

1 Durin IV

Durin IV, like his father, receives limited mention in Tolkien's books despite being referenced a few times. There are indications in Tolkien's writings that Durin IV might have been the king of Khazad-dûm during the War of the Last Alliance. In The Silmarillion, it is mentioned that the descendants of Durin's people from Moria fought alongside the elves and men of Middle-earth against Sauron, which The Rings of Power seems to suggest through Durin IV's more significant role in the story.

Durin IV is portrayed as a close friend of Elrond and seeks to aid the plight of the elves by mining mithril to cure the dark corruption of Lindon. Through his alliance with Elrond, The Rings of Power may be establishing Durin IV for a more active role in the upcoming wars against Sauron. However, the conclusion of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power presents consequences for this plan, as the Balrog beneath Khazad-dûm is awakened.