Unveiling Elrond's Astounding Transformation in The Rings of Power!

Amazon's Rings of Power has sparked controversy among fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings books and Peter Jackson's early 2000s film adaptation of the trilogy. Despite its undeniable beauty and grandeur, some viewers have expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as deviations in the portrayal of beloved characters. The response to Morfydd Clarke's portrayal of Galadriel, in particular, has been significant, unpleasant, and, at times, openly sexist.

While it is anticipated that there will always be some backlash from fans when a fresh perspective is brought to well-established characters, the reception towards Rings has been exceptionally intense. The series is set nearly five thousand years prior to the events of Fellowship, so it is to be expected that there will be unexpected alterations to familiar faces. Elrond Half-Elven is one of those familiar faces, and the changes made to his demeanor in the show contribute to his character arc, transforming him from an eager explorer to a wise and experienced statesman.

Elrond in The Lord of The Rings

In the main series, Elrond is introduced to viewers as a venerable guide rather than a hero, as most of his significant life events have already taken place. The elves are dwindling, and Elrond, like many before him, is preparing to depart for the Undying Lands of Valinor, leaving the fate of the world behind. This causes a conflict between him and his daughter Arwen, who has fallen in love with a human named Aragorn and is willing to give up her Elven birthright to be with him. However, Elrond's insistence that Arwen leaves Aragorn and Middle-earth is not driven by apathy, but by his acceptance of the inevitable as an elder. Having lived for thousands of years, much of it marked by intense conflict, he seems more resigned to his role as a witness of history rather than a participant in it.

During the Third Age, Elves were known for their distant and detached nature. While not malevolent, many of them showed little concern for the affairs of Men and only seemed interested in protecting their own kingdoms. Although Elrond, unlike most other elf lords, was more open-minded and often supported Gandalf and the other adventurers in the series by offering guidance, shelter, and assistance, he stopped short of using his own forces to directly aid them. This was not because he lacked sympathy for the challenges faced by the people of Middle-earth, but rather because he believed they needed to determine their own destiny. As the power of Elrond and the other Elves diminished with each passing day, they became less and less effective. This made Elrond feel like a mere observer of a tragic final chapter, rather than an active participant in life.

However, Elrond could not completely sever his ties to Middle-earth. Despite the futility that might accompany the efforts of Men and his absence during the ultimate outcome, he felt compelled to leave behind one last contribution - knowledge. Interestingly, it was Elrond, not Gandalf, who called upon the non-Hobbit members to form the Fellowship. By bringing the Fellowship together, Elrond aimed to equip Middle-earth with their best chance at survival, as he had personally witnessed the consequences of Isildur's failure to destroy the Ring at the end of the Second Age. The reappearance of the Ring now presented a sense of unfinished business for Elrond, an internal conflict between resignation and an unwavering refusal to give up.

Elrond in The Rings of Power

Unlike the youthful and rebellious Galadriel in the series, the Elrond in The Rings of Power is not as proactive but plays a more active role in the storyline compared to his older counterpart. In contrast to the Elrond in LOTR who has already experienced everything, the Elrond in Rings is still exploring the world. He initially has a strained relationship with Durin IV, the future ruler of Khazad-dûm (later known as Moria), but eventually develops a close bond and acts as a mediator between the Elves and the Dwarves.

Throughout the series, Elrond's early attempts at statecraft are portrayed, sometimes clumsily, as he and Durin IV work together to negotiate an agreement between their respective peoples. This agreement is meant to provide the Elves with mithril, a key element in addressing their decline. Their alliance is solidified through various means, such as a competition testing their strength, and even through some deception. Even at this early stage, Elrond's famous composure is evident, long before he summons the Fellowship in LOTR, and he resembles his future self more closely than Galadriel. However, while his wisdom is the source of his levelheadedness in LOTR, here it seems to stem from a childlike curiosity and an unfounded optimism for the world.

During season one, his determination to save his people from leaving Middle-earth drives him. However, as he witnesses the fall of Moria and the realization that his orchestrated plan for his people's salvation brings damnation to the entire world, his optimism gives way to stoicism. It is tragic that a massive figure, originally aspiring to bring about a new golden age for his people, is left with no choice but to settle for their basic survival. Elrond's story is one of immense loss, and the young and optimistic bachelor elf in Rings of Power serves as the perfect contrast to the logical, defeated, yet supportive father figure who pleads with his daughter to detach herself from love.