At long last,The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Powerhas shown a trailer. An Amazon TV series based onJ.R.R. Tolkien’s tales from Middle-earthhas been in the works for a while, but this first lookhas met a mixed reception. To a layman, it may seem like a standard fantasy adventure. Many fans, however, have examined it more deeply.
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It’s clear that the showrunners took many liberties with the source material. Aspects which should be familiar are instead radically changed, leaving devotees scratching their heads. Part of that doubtless stems from breaking with Tom Shippey, the renowned Tolkien scholar who previously consulted on Peter Jackson’s films (yes, really). Audiences have to wait and see how it all pans out, but not all bold choices pay off. Now that the trailer’s out, here are a few details that lovers of the books might have picked up.
7Galadriel’s Altered History
The most prominent character in the trailer is Galadriel. Morfydd Clark plays a younger version of the Elfpopularized by Cate Blanchett in the movies, and she definitely looks the part. However, it’s readily obvious that the showrunners put their own spin on things, as the Galadriel here is more like Joan of Arc. She’s decked out in armor and partakes in battles with the males of her kin.
Readers know that this future queen didn’t do much (if any) fighting in the books. Her power lay mainly in her wisdom, as she bore witness to many pivotal events throughout Tolkien’s history. She certainly didn’t go rock-climbing or become stranded at sea on a flimsy raft. Granted, she crossed the sea from Valinor (the Undying Lands) to Middle-earth, but she did so with the rest of her people. Not to mention, it was during the First Age; the show is set in the Second. Considering these additions, one wonders if this is even the same character.
6Elrond’s Potential For Family Storylines
Another familiar figure here is Elrond. Robert Aramayo portrays a younger rendition of Hugo Weaving’s Elf lord from the films. Once again, the casting is on point, as his face harbors the same harsh look. This is due to his heritage, as Elrond is only half Elven: the son of a mortal Man and an Elf lady. When the Valar offered him a choice, he elected an immortal life for himand his offspring.
The show’s time period means that viewers will probably see his brother, Elros, who chose the opposite. While he founded the kingdom of Númenor, Elrond threw in with the Elves, establishing the refuge of Rivendell. The series will likely chronicle this separation and their respective endeavors. Speaking of which…
5The City Of Numenor
Among the environments shown in the trailer is a gorgeous port city filled with ornate stone buildings. The architecture looks vaguely Gondorian. What’s more, the central statue echoes the Argonath: the watchful sculptures along the river inThe Lord of the Rings. Such familiarity is likely deliberate.
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This city might be Númenor, the precursor to Gondor. Gifted an island by the Valar, Elros and other learned Men established this kingdom and turned it into one of the most formidable factions in the world. Its dealings in Middle-earth formmany pivotal points throughout the Second Age. Naturally, it’s certain to be a prominent part of the show.
4A Noldor Charge
Other bits of footage show Galadriel and other Elves charging across a plain and fightingthe menacing Orcs. It’s safe to assume this is more of her kin:the Noldor Elves. They could be riding to any number of battles, but the urgency here seems like a step beyond the usual advance.
This brings to mind their pursuit of Morgoth. Following the villain’s theft of the Silmarills, Feanor led his people in a vengeful fury from Valinor to Middle-earth. Speed was the name of the game. The Elf lord was determined to overtake his enemy, so much so that he rode ahead (to his undoing). If that chase is onscreen here, then it’s likely a flashback. After all, it happened in the First Age.
3An Elf Kingdom
Another picturesque visual the trailer shows is a gathering amid a mountaintop forest. It appears to be a religious ritual entwined with the surrounding trees. This practice points to the Elves.
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As caretakers of the world, these pointy-eared denizens deeply respect nature. It’s why they usually construct their dwellings within woodland areas. One would think this would do some harm, but they manage to avoid disturbing or damaging the plants. Building around the vegetation suits them just fine. The people here are doing just that. It’s unclear, though, if this is an isolated place or part of the kingdoms of the time, such as Lindon or Eregion.
2A Hobbit Precursor
Narrating the trailer is a small girl with curly hair and a coating of dirt. Audiences would think she was a Hobbit, and you wouldn’t be far off.She’s a primordial version of the iconic Halflings called a Harfoot. This is especially confusing, since the series shouldn’t have Hobbits at all.
These pint-sized people are content in their seclusion. Thanks to this, they’ve remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. What little history they do have lies in the Third Age, where they mainly migrated to avoid conflict. Events prior to that didn’t involve them. For better or worse, the showrunners invented this breed of Harfoot for their own narrative purposes. Fans must wait and see what that purpose is.
1The Dwarves' Inclusion
Like Hobbits, the Dwarves had little to do with events of the Second Age. They mostly strived to increase their wealth through various enterprises. Chief among these schemes was Moria. They devoted enormous effort developing the mining city of Khazad-dûm. In all likelihood, this will be the focus of most of their scenes in the show. The writers could weave this plot into their trading with the Elves and the eventual breaking of that friendship.
As long as they’re shedding light on these aspects, they might also detail the Dwarves' origins. The reasonthey’re so at home undergroundis due to Aulë, the Vala of the Earth (rocks, soil, etc.). Anticipating the ordained waking of Elves and Men, the eager god fashioned his own version of those people. His clumsy imitation became the Dwarves. Granted, the series probably won’t go that deep (pun intended). Considering how loosely they’ve adhered to Tolkien thus far, though, anything goes.
