If you are a fan of battles with cavalry charges, magic, elves, and dark powers lurking in the shadows and other “dragon antics,” The Rings of Power is a magnificent fantasy series that spectacularly showcases many of these elements. However, if you consider yourself a true fan of the work of J.R.R. Tolkien and are looking for a faithful adaptation of his texts in this Prime Video series, you may be in for a tremendous disappointment. The series continues to introduce changes to the mythology of Middle-earth, some of them of monumental importance.
Spoiler Alert: This article contains details from Episode 7 of Season 2 of The Rings of Power.
In episode 7 of season 2, there are significant modifications to the chronology and to the relationships between characters that have left Tolkien followers astonished. Are these changes justified? It is true that the creators of the series do not have particularly detailed material on these stories, as many of the details Tolkien provides in stories, notes, and even personal correspondence. But some of these narrative elements are clearly established, is it worth modifying them to enrich or enhance the series plots?
Sauron in Eregion
Changes in Middle-earth
One of the most significant modifications is the compression of the Second Age chronology into a single timeline. From the beginning, the series has had limited access to Tolkien’s texts, and the narrative has had to condense events of 3,500 years into a shorter period to maintain continuity between characters. This decision, though understandable for television narrative, has profoundly altered how the story unfolds.
In episode 7, Sauron remains in Eregion when the forces of Adar attack, whereas in the books, the arrival of Annatar occurs 1,200 years later, with a more linear development. Interactions between characters and events intertwine in ways that do not occur in the original material, such as Galadriel being present in Eregion during the battle, a role she does not have in Tolkien’s writings.
One of the most surprising aspects of The Rings of Power and one that makes fans of the original work grit their teeth is how it deviates from the tone that Tolkien established in his books. In the professor’s work, each character has a defined role in the course of Middle-earth’s history, but in the series, these roles have been altered, often without apparent justification. For example, episode 7 shows Galadriel and Elrond interacting in circumstances that do not correspond to their respective stories in the original texts.
The narrative has had to condense events of 3,500 years into a shorter period to maintain continuity between characters
Galadriel, as Tolkien presents her, is a powerful and wise figure, but her participation in the battle of Eregion is problematic from a narrative standpoint. In Tolkien’s texts, Galadriel is not present in this crucial conflict; instead, she plays a more significant role in later events. The series takes creative liberties that have led to the inclusion of Galadriel in scenes that challenge the logic of Tolkien’s chronology, but that enhance the romantic tension between two characters who, in the books, do not have such a relationship. This modification not only alters Galadriel’s character development but also impacts the dynamics between her and Elrond, who, according to tradition, should not have had a romantic relationship.
The Kiss between Galadriel and Elrond
One of the most talked-about moments in episode 7 is the unexpected kiss between Galadriel and Elrond. This moment has sparked a wave of debate among fans, not only because of its romantic nature but also because it contradicts what is known about the characters in the books. Galadriel and Elrond do not share any emotional tension in Tolkien’s work, and their relationship is based on mutual respect and collaboration in the fight against Sauron.
In the series, however, this kiss is presented in the midst of a tense situation, where Galadriel is trapped in an orc camp. Here, Elrond seems to show a bolder side, using the kiss as part of a strategy to obtain an object that will help them escape. While within the context presented in the series, it makes sense. However, the presentation of this relationship alters the fabric of the stories being adapted in such a radical way that it is starting to become unrecognizable. As their connection develops, the question arises of how these changes will affect the broader narrative of The Lord of the Rings.
The limited prominence in the series of key characters like Celeborn, Galadriel’s husband, and Celebrían, her daughter, is also striking. In The Rings of Power series, Galadriel mentions that after going to war, she never saw Celeborn again, hinting that he might be dead. Despite the possibility that Celeborn is not actually dead but lost or captured, waiting to make a surprising appearance that adds more tension to the relationship between Galadriel and Elrond, his fate remains uncertain in the series.
The reduced prominence in the series of key characters like Celeborn, Galadriel’s husband, and Celebrían, her daughter, is also striking
In Tolkien’s work, Celeborn is a vital figure who shares many adventures with Galadriel, and his absence in the series leaves a void that should be filled by a richer and more faithful story to the original sources. Without the presence of these characters, the relationship between Galadriel and Elrond often seems forced, with encounters and disagreements that are illogical, in a mere attempt to create drama where it does not exist in Tolkien’s mythology. Given that at one point it was confirmed that the actor Calam Lynch would portray Celeborn, it is not difficult to imagine that either his character has been removed to enhance this new romantic relationship or his return will force a dramatic twist in the shared storyline between Galadriel and Elrond in future seasons.
Unforeseen Implications for the Future of the Series
The changes in the series, particularly regarding chronology and character relationships, raise serious questions about the future of The Rings of Power. If the showrunners, JD Payne and Patrick McKay, continue down this path of alterations and creative licenses, it may become impossible for fans to reconcile the book’s stories with the new narratives being presented.
The decision to introduce a romantic relationship between Galadriel and Elrond not only seems unjustified but also could lead to more plot modifications as the series progresses. Thus, The Rings of Power has proven to be more than a simple adaptation of Tolkien’s work. With its changes in chronology and character relationships, the series has become a phenomenon that, while it can be enjoyed by new viewers, is sidelining Tolkien readers in a sea of confusion and disappointment.
The Hobbit. Illustrated edition by the author (J.R.R. Tolkien Library)
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The kiss between Galadriel and Elrond is an example of their desire to create drama at the expense of fidelity to the original text. For now, the only way to know what the future holds is to see what the end of the season of The Rings of Power on Prime Video brings, to discover what new surprises await fans of Professor Tolkien and see how this alternative version of Middle-earth unfolds.
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