Showrunners Explain the Deterioration of the Relationship Between Sauron and Celebrimbor in ‘The Rings of Power’

As a seasoned gamer and long-time fan of Middle Earth lore, I must say that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has been a rollercoaster ride for me. I remember staying up all night to watch the debut of the first season, and now here we are with the second one, which has only solidified my love for this epic saga.


Despite some unfavorable reviews and criticism from self-proclaimed fans, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” on Amazon became a widely-watched series. On August 29, 2024, the second season of the show premiered and ran until October 3, 2024, with the final episode being titled “Shadow and Flame.

The second series has been labeled as successful by Amazon. Both viewers and critics agree that it surpasses the first one. As a result, discussions among fans continue about the latest episode’s twists, even though we’re all eagerly anticipating news on whether a third season will be made.

Besides the enthusiastic viewers, even the creators themselves, JD Payne and Patrick McKay, had an engaging conversation with The Hollywood Reporter. They disclosed some intriguing insights regarding the last episode.

In this analysis, we’ll zero in on the intriguing aspects of Celebrimbor and Sauron’s bond!

It’s clear that the second season focused on Sauron’s emergence, which made perfect sense given we witnessed the creation of the Rings of Power and Sauron’s initial plans. Notably, a significant part of this involved his connection with Celebrimbor, the craftsman who forged the rings, and that was undeniably one of the most captivating elements of the season.

During the interview, here’s what Payne and McKay revealed about planning the later stages of their strained relationship:

Let’s discuss the characters of Celebrimbor (portrayed by Charles Edwards) and Sauron/Annatar (played by Charlie Vickers). I must say, their storyline was fantastic. Could you elaborate on how you developed the climax of their strained relationship?

It’s evident that this element has been developing since the start. You can observe it in numerous facets of the production, including the costumes of Sauron. Initially appearing as Annatar, he is dressed in attire reminiscent of biblical angels or prophets, wearing simple robes.

However, as the story progresses, noticeable black feathers on his attire become apparent, signaling an increasing adoption of the sinister enforcer persona. Remarkably, Charlie Edwards delivers a deeply moving portrayal, one that resonates with many of us who have experienced the bitter sting of high aspirations being thwarted.

You can identify with connections that didn’t turn out as expected, whether they were romantic, professional, friendships, or familial relationships. I believe that people will find common ground in the Sauron-Celebrimbor and Annatar relationship, making it all the more chilling due to its resonance.

It seems like a psychological battle unfolds during these episodes, with Celebrimbor resisting the pressure that feels like being drawn into a trap, while Sauron intensifies his attempts to control him.

By the end of the sixth episode, Sauron had imprisoned Celebrimbor mentally, creating an illusion of a peaceful, idyllic city for him while Rome was being destroyed around them. Eventually, Sauron killed Celebrimbor, but in a sense, Celebrimbor emerged victorious as he could no longer be controlled by Sauron.

He’s on his way to an afterlife among elves, leaving you trapped in a world of your own making, which I foresee as your destruction. “That single ring is destined to bring about your complete downfall.

He’s given Sauron exactly what he wants, which is to be master over this creation, but with bitter dripping irony — yes, that is your title, “the lord of the rings,” but you’re actually enslaved to these rings that will ultimately destroy you.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

They also reflected on the real-life and potential romantic implications of this relationship:

As a gamer, I found myself pondering the intricacies of the bond between Celebrimbor and Annatar. At times, their interactions made me question whether there might have been some underlying romantic or even sexual tension shaping their relationship.

It’s been a topic of discussion among fans of the original work for quite some time now; the intricate dynamics, intimacy, and undertones of sexual energy in this relationship have fueled numerous speculations. Given the intensity of emotions like seduction and deceit involved, it’s natural for one’s mind to wander and imagine potential romantic or complex feelings between the characters.

It’s evident that Sauron began exerting his influence over Celebrimbor from their second encounter. He lured him in by stating, “I have secrets only you can know,” and “No one else ever truly saw me as you did.” Furthermore, he assured Celebrimbor, “You will find safety with me.

“You’re witnessing an intricate dance performed by Sauron, which some might interpret as a relationship worth exploring.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

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2024-10-10 18:44