THE RINGS OF POWER’s Finale Set Up Galadriel’s Most Important LORD OF THE RINGS Moment

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As a dedicated fan who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of Middle-earth, I find myself captivated by the intricate development of Galadriel’s character in The Rings of Power. The writers have skillfully woven together elements from Tolkien’s original works, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

In the thrilling conclusion of The Rings of Power’s second season, a flurry of significant events and eagerly anticipated secrets were unfolded. From Adar’s heart-wrenching demise to King Durin III’s heroic finale, not to mention the grand reveal of the Stranger’s identity (quite the familiar face!), there’s plenty to dissect. With so much action, it’s easy to overlook some subtle, intricate details that get lost in the grandeur. One such detail foreshadows a significant moment for Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings.

The momentous battle between Galadriel and Sauron unfolded on the lofty cliffs that overlooked the plundered capital city of Eregion, known as Ost-in-Edhil. As Galadriel loses the fight, Sauron, with Morgoth’s crown in hand, forces her against a rock. In her downfall, he boasts and delivers a short speech, stating, “I would have adorned your head with a crown. I would tirelessly pursued the conquest of all Middle-earth to bend in submission before their Queen’s radiance.

In essence, this scene echoes back to season one, where, disguised as Halbrand, Sauron attempted to persuade Galadriel to ally with him. She declined his enticing proposition of power in the finale of season one. By the end of season two, it’s clear that the Dark Lord has conceded she will never join him. Despite appearing unphased, he can’t resist making a final comment about their unresolved issue.

It’s interesting to note that the imagery of crowns and reverence not only echoes within the storyline of The Rings of Power, but also calls back to a significant moment in the original material, specifically from the book The Fellowship of the Ring. In this instance, when Frodo offers Galadriel the One Ring after gazing into her enchanted mirror, she foreshadows her own power, declaring, “Instead of the Dark Lord, you will establish a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but resplendent like the dawn and twilight! As lovely as the sea and sun and snow on the mountains! Terrible as storms and lightning! Stronger than the earth’s foundations. All will adore me and despair!

Following her refusal of the One Ring, she discusses completing the trial and openly declares her readiness to reduce her power and venture towards the West, where she’ll simply be known as Galadriel with no additional titles or rank.

In The Rings of Power, Sauron’s dialogue foreshadows Galadriel’s potential struggle against power. This conversation confirms that she has declined his proposal for collaboration, effectively relinquishing the opportunity to become a dominant ruler in Middle-earth. Although this specific narrative is an invention of the show, the recurring theme of Galadriel’s desire for power and control over others stems from Tolkien’s original works.

For instance, The Silmarillion explains that when Galadriel leaves the Undying Lands in the West, “she yearned to see the wide unguarded lands and to rule there a realm at her own will.” Once in Middle-earth, Galadriel continues to let off these powerful vibes, too. The book Unfinished Tales points out that when Sauron first meets her, “he perceived at once that Galadriel would be his chief adversary and obstacle, and he endeavoured therefor to placate her, bearing her scorn with outward patience and courtesy.” 

Notably, Christopher Tolkien, while arranging his father’s works for publication, includes this remark: “This swift sketch offers no reason as to why Galadriel disdained Sauron. Perhaps she penetrated his disguise, or if so, it’s unclear why, if she discerned his true character, she allowed him to persist in Eregion.

Essentially, Tolkien didn’t completely explore the story of Sauron and Galadriel. While he understood that Galadriel was a formidable adversary for Sauron and had ambitions (though in a positive sense), there were unresolved plot points that remained unexplored by Tolkien himself. The showrunners, JD Payne and Patrick McKay, have been creative in interpreting the original work and filling in the gaps to establish a comprehensive backstory for both characters. They also connected Sauron’s actions at the end of season two with Galadriel’s future “test of power” seen in the Mirror of Galadriel scene from The Lord of the Rings. We’re eagerly anticipating how they continue to develop this storyline in season 3.

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2024-10-04 19:04