How THE RINGS OF POWER Elevates Galadriel’s Characterization to New Heights

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As a lifelong fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, I must admit that I was initially skeptical about the adaptations being made for The Rings of Power. However, after watching the first season, I must say that the show has managed to breathe new life into Middle-earth and its characters in a way that resonates deeply with me.

In its second season on Amazon Prime Video, “The Rings of Power” unfolds further tales from Middle-earth’s Second Age, with the sinister presence of Sauron looming ever larger. The story commenced with Sauron’s cunning deception, as Halbrand was unmasked to the elves of Lingon following the forging of the initial three Rings of Power. Gil-Galad, Círdan, and Galadriel have now become the first ring-wielders in this epic tale.

In the main storyline, it’s Galadriel who stands out as a key reason why “The Rings of Power” makes for an engaging adaptation. Her character is enriched in this version, with her relationship with Halbrand (also known as Sauron) from the first season serving as a significant aspect. This year, we are observing Galadriel grapple with the consequences of that connection, offering depth to a character previously portrayed primarily as the lovely and elegant Lady of Lothlorien, adding layers of complexity to her persona.

In this show, she evolves into a determined, high-spirited warrior, always ready to defend her community at all costs. This transformation is particularly captivating when considering her future role in the Third Age and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, unfortunately, The Rings of Power has been subjected to undue hatred from certain online fans who are racially biased and misogynistic. It seems they dislike the depiction of Middle-earth that mirrors our world. In addition to introducing more diversity, the series also expands upon characters from Tolkien’s original works. While Galadriel’s power and beauty are often mentioned in Tolkien’s work, The Rings of Power gives us a glimpse of her combat skills, helping us grasp why she poses such a challenge to adversaries like Sauron.

As a dedicated fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic world, I’ve always been intrigued by the recurring theme of power corruption. Many characters in his tales struggle with this dark allure, and unfortunately, it’s often male figures who succumb to its grasp. The female characters, on the other hand, are frequently portrayed as either vulnerable or easily influenced, often finding themselves in distress.

In the appendices of “The Return of the King,” it’s stated that Galadriel, one of the most powerful elves, possesses one of the Rings. The Amazon series, “The Rings of Power,” is heavily influenced by this lore. While her cunning and wisdom are often highlighted in the books, her power is not extensively depicted in live-action adaptations, except for when Frodo presents her with the One Ring as he and his companions seek shelter in Lothlórien.

In a crucial moment for her character, she exclaims, “You will grant me the Ring voluntarily! Instead of serving the Dark Lord, you will establish a Queen. And I won’t be evil but stunningly terrifying like the dawn and night, fair as the sea, sun, and snow-capped mountains; fearsome as storms and lightning! Powerful as the earth’s foundations. All will admire me and despair!

In most cases, Galadriel and other female characters in J.R.R. Tolkien’s tales, including elves and others, are seldom portrayed as commanders during significant conflicts against Morgoth or Sauron, whether in the Silmarillion or The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It’s worth noting that Tolkien’s female characters, regardless of their species (be it human, elven, or dwarven, though there were initially no dwarves), are not often depicted as warriors or leaders.

In the realm of Middle-earth’s epic tales, I find myself reminiscing about Lúthien, the beloved daughter of King Thingol. Together with my beloved Beren, we embarked on a perilous journey to confront Morgoth, the mighty foe. Armed only with her enchanting voice, she managed to subdue him.

In Tolkien’s works, there are not many elven women as powerful as Lúthien. However, Lúthien tended to fight unwillingly, preferring peace over battle against the malevolent Morgoth for the wellbeing of their world. Contrastingly, in “The Rings of Power,” Galadriel demonstrates courageous fighting alongside her male counterparts, and we also witness several other female characters, like Queen Miriel, playing crucial roles in battles against Sauron.

Tolkien wrote these books in the 1930s and ‘40s, depicting a fantasy land in which he likely never imagined there to be characters like those in The Rings of Power. And that’s understandable, considering the world at that time. As much as his writing, beautiful and lyrical, has stood the test of time, so should adaptations be allowed to update his work in a way that reflects the world we live in. The show certainly does take some liberties with the canon. In the case of Galadriel, that includes the questionable lack of her husband Celeborn and her daughter Celebrian. I am willing to wait to see that story in return for a character who is so much more interesting than the fair Lady of Lothloríen. 

In the epic trilogy The Lord of the Rings, Galadriel certainly plays a crucial role. However, apart from offering wise counsel, bestowing items useful in their fights, and showcasing her formidable power in one instance, her actions and dialogue are relatively sparse. In contrast, much of the central plot in The Silmarillion revolves around her brother Finrod and other male relatives. During the Noldor elves’ decision to depart from Valinor, the divine realm of the Valar, Galadriel is only mentioned as desiring a land of her own to rule. In those critical moments, she remains silent.

In the book “Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth,” there’s a section dedicated to Galadriel and Celeborn, but it doesn’t delve deep into Galadriel’s role in battles against Morgoth and Sauron. Instead, it mainly discusses their eventual establishment in Lothloríen. The Amazon series “The Rings of Power” portrays Galadriel as wise and beautiful, yet also introduces a fierce warrior who is determined to secure the safety of her people, even if it requires significant sacrifices. As Sauron emerges at the end of season one, we witness Galadriel confronting a significant test of her commitment to combating darkness.

As a gamer, I found myself ensnared in Sauron’s deceitful web, as he summoned an illusion of my long-lost brother to persuade me into his alliance. He skillfully played on my ambition and compassion for my people, promising me a role at his side as his queen – a position that echoed the power of Arwen in The Fellowship of the Ring. However, I resisted his temptation, proving myself a formidable adversary to Sauron. I was not just an ally or enemy; I was his greatest double-edged sword. Yet, I conceded to the forging of the rings, revealing that even with the best intentions, I could still falter towards the abyss of darkness.

By infusing fresh perspectives into Tolkien’s work, The Rings of Power has rejuvenated the stories, offering an intriguing new take on characters like Galadriel. This innovative interpretation allows her to explore aspects of her character that were not fully developed in the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Silmarillion. In this adaptation, she is given ample opportunity to demonstrate her strength and grapple with the moral complexities that come with immense power. Her portrayal as a fierce warrior grappling with the potential corruption of power makes for a captivating tale.

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2024-09-17 23:32