Who Is Celebrimbor on THE RINGS OF POWER? THE LORD OF THE RINGS’ Elven Smith and Sauron’s New Best Friend, Explained

As a devoted fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga for decades, I must say that Celebrimbor’s story is one of the most intriguing and complex among the characters weaved by the master storyteller. The fact that he played a crucial role in the creation of the Rings of Power, unbeknownst to him that they would ultimately lead to Middle-earth’s downfall, adds an extra layer of tragedy to his tale.


Readers of “The Lord of the Rings” may recall Celebrimbor as a significant figure in Middle-earth. In essence, Celebrimbor is the elf who collaborated with Sauron in crafting the Rings of Power. Yet, much like other characters in Tolkien’s world, Celebrimbor has a rich history and ancestry that adds depth to his character. As Prime Video’s “The Rings of Power” unfolds, Celebrimbor’s story becomes increasingly complex and intriguing. To delve into the importance of Celebrimbor within the “The Lord of the Rings” series, we will first examine his role and progression in the first two seasons of “The Rings of Power.” Following this, we will unravel the extensive lore surrounding the elven smith.

Let’s delve deeper into the details of Celebrimbor’s tale from The Rings of Power, along with his background within the broader universe of The Lord of the Rings.

Celebrimbor on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: His Character and Story

In the second season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”, Celebrimbor is set to take center stage. Let’s delve into his role during the first season and catch up on what the new season holds for this prominent character.

Celebrimbor in Season One of The Rings of Power

In the initial series of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” we are acquainted with the elven blacksmith, Celebrimbor. Although Celebrimbor’s role isn’t particularly expansive in the first season, he significantly influences the world of Middle-earth and the destiny of “The Rings of Power.”

Initially, Celebrimbor is introduced as part of Elrond’s narrative. He shares with Elrond his ambition to craft significant works that would significantly influence Middle-earth. He discloses his intention to establish a powerful forge where he could create potent artifacts. However, while this may be true for Celebrimbor, it’s actually a cover for a much more urgent issue. In the first season of The Rings of Power, Celebrimbor and High King Gil-galad are on a quest to find a solution to prevent the light of the Valar from dwindling in Middle-earth. If this light were to diminish, elves would either have to depart from Middle-earth or gradually disappear.

In the first season of “The Rings of Power,” we get to know Celebrimbor as an ambitious, intelligent individual with a hint of vanity. Despite his kind nature, he is driven by a strong desire for greatness and legacy. This ambition leads him to manipulate others at times and overlook potential threats – traits that become even more pronounced in season two.

In the end, Celebrimbor’s machinations with Elrond bear fruit, leading Elrond to discover Dwarven-mined Mithril. This precious metal, hinting at the divine light of the Valar within it, enables Elrond to bring a small quantity back to the Elves for their benefit. However, despite Mithril’s presence, Celebrimbor is unable to find a solution to the ongoing issue. At this point, Halbrand steps in.

Celebrimbor Forges the Elven Rings of Power

In the fictional series The Rings of Power, Galadriel escorts Halbrand to Eregion following his wounds incurred in the Southern Lands. However, it becomes evident later that Halbrand is none other than Sauron, but this revelation comes after he collaborates with Celebrimbor to develop a way to forge rings possessing a power neither physical nor personal, but dominance over the flesh itself. Tragically, Celebrimbor remains unaware of Sauron’s true identity, and Galadriel advises him not to have further dealings with Halbrand.

Unaware that Sauron is actually Halbrand in the first season of The Rings of Power, Celebrimbor continues with the creation of the Elven Rings of Power at Galadriel’s command. These rings are fashioned after Sauron/Halbrand departs for Eregion, meaning that while his influence is involved, he himself does not attend the forging of the three Rings of Power. Using Galadriel’s dagger, which contains precious gold and silver from Valinor, along with Mithril, Celebrimbor crafts the initial Elven Rings of Power.

In the first season, only the forging of the Rings becomes apparent. But at the onset of season two of The Rings of Power, elves residing in Lindon put on the Rings they had been crafted, and miraculously, they function as intended, intensifying the light of the Valar across Middle-earth and illuminating the elves below. Celebrimbor achieves his goal and rescues the elves from impending doom. Yet, he remains in Eregion, unsure if his efforts have proven fruitful. Once more, Sauron makes an appearance.

Celebrimbor’s Relationship with Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2

In my admiration for Celebrimbor’s craftsmanship, I, posing as Halbrand, found myself yearning for a collaboration once more. This longing seemed to stir something within him, making him forget his usual caution. Sauron, ever cunning, began subtly implying that the elves were unappreciative of Celebrimbor’s efforts in saving their race, creating a rift between him and Gil-galad, Galadriel, and others. To add to this intrigue, he transformed into his fair form as Annatar and claimed that the Valar themselves had chosen Celebrimbor for a grand purpose – a claim an elf so obsessed with legacy could hardly resist.

In a distant land, Sauron, disguised as Annatar, informs him, “I’ve traversed barren wastelands and vast deserts in search of an artist capable of saving all of Middle-earth. A tempest is approaching, Celebrimbor. I can bestow upon you knowledge unmatched by others, I can awaken your hidden potential. When our task is accomplished, the world will no longer see you as Fëanor’s heir but as The Lord of the Rings, a title that will echo forever.” It would be challenging for anyone to resist such an offer.

Currently, Sauron persuades Celebrimbor to craft additional Rings of Power. Given that they require Mithril for this task, Sauron and Celebrimbor extend an invitation to Prince Durin IV and King Durin III of the dwarves, offering a trade of their powerful artifact in exchange for Mithril… A proposition the dwarves accept at the conclusion of episode three in ‘The Rings of Power’.

A Closer Look Than Ever Before at Sauron and Celebrimbor’s Dynamic

Essentially, Sauron relies on Celebrimbor’s abilities to craft the Rings of Power, while Celebrimbor depends on Sauron’s guidance and strength to establish his own legacy. In the world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’, the connection between Celebrimbor and Sauron is sketched out vaguely. However, ‘The Rings of Power’ promises to explore the intricate details and complex dynamics of their relationship.

Charlie Vickers, portraying Sauron, describes their relationship as one built on mutual respect, akin to two brilliant minds collaborating to create an extraordinary technological masterpiece. He considers Sauron as the visionary, nurturing a concept over centuries, while the other character brings practical skills, like a skilled blacksmith. Sauron lacks the hands-on knowledge to bring his idea to fruition; however, he recognizes the potential in this individual and decides to work together to make his ideas a reality. This union drives them both to achieve greater heights throughout the series.

The relationship between the pair will be absolutely central to this season of The Rings of Power.

Who Plays Celebrimbor on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Charles Edwards plays Celebrimbor on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Who Is Celebrimbor, the Elven Smith, in The Lord of the Rings Lore?

After examining Celebrimbor’s role in Amazon Prime Video’s The Rings of Power, let’s explore how his background from The Lord of the Rings shapes his character within this series. We aim to clarify key aspects of Celebrimbor’s history and highlight essential points that will help you grasp his role and views in the Prime Video show.

Celebrimbor Is the Descendent of Fëanor, a Highly Skilled Elven Craftsmith (Who Also Flew too Close to the Sun)

In the realm of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” Celebrimbor hails from an illustrious elven lineage known for producing exceptional artisans, albeit ones with a touch of vanity. Celebrimbor is, in truth, the descendant of a figure from the First Age called Fëanor. Similar to Celebrimbor, Fëanor was a gifted craftsman and jeweler, renowned for his extraordinary skill in creating the legendary Silmarils – gems encapsulating the very radiance of the Valar (the embodiment of elven power). In the first season of “The Rings of Power,” Celebrimbor shares with Elrond that Fëanor’s jewels were so breathtakingly beautiful, they almost managed to sway Morgoth, a predecessor of Sauron, away from evil. However, the creation of such power and beauty proved detrimental for Fëanor; rather than leading him down peaceful paths, the making of the Silmarils fueled his darkest emotions – envy, avarice, and rage – resulting in immense sorrow not only for himself but also for those around him.

In a fascinating parallel set by J.R.R. Tolkien, the tale of Fëanor foreshadows that of Celebrimbor, creating an ironic twist. While this dynamic is evident in Tolkien’s works, particularly “The Lord of the Rings,” it appears that Celebrimbor in “The Rings of Power” is less aware of the disastrous consequences that followed Fëanor’s pursuit of the Silmarils. Instead, he seems to be haunted by the desire to surpass those who came before him in skill and fame, a trait Tolkien described as present in Celebrimbor in “The Unfinished Tales.” It is no coincidence that Sauron leverages this vulnerability against Celebrimbor in season two of “The Rings of Power.”

Celebrimbor Helps Sauron Create the Rings of Power in The Lord of the Rings‘ Lore

Discussing Celebrimbor from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” we find that he is pivotal in helping Sauron forge the 19 Rings of Power. In “The Rings of Power” and during the Second Age of Middle-earth, Celebrimbor served as the ruler of Eregion, an elven kingdom teeming with masterful artisans. These artisans were known as Gwaith-i-Mírdain, or “Jewel-smiths,” and Celebrimbor welcomed Sauron into their midst when he arrived disguised as Annatar, offering gifts and knowledge.

The text “The Silmarillion” mentions that it was in Eregion where Sauron’s advice was most welcomed, as the Noldor there were always eager to enhance the craftsmanship and sophistication of their creations. They listened to Sauron, learning much from him since his knowledge was vast. During this period, the blacksmiths of Ost-in-Edhil produced works beyond anything they had previously made. They also conceived a plan and forged Rings of Power.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but imagine myself as Celebrimbor, who once trusted Sauron as an ally while creating these enchanted rings. It wasn’t until the forging of the One Ring in Mount Doom that we, the elves, realized our friendship was a façade. I made it my mission to conceal the whereabouts of the Rings of Power from Sauron, but he was not pleased with my secrecy. In response to my attempt to protect them, Sauron launched an assault on Eregion. Let’s leave Celebrimbor’s fate in The Lord of the Rings shrouded for now; it will undoubtedly be explored further in season two of The Rings of Power.

Celebrimbor’s Other Achievements

During the Second Age of Middle-earth, Celebrimbor fostered an exceptional bond between Elves and Dwarves, a friendship unmatched elsewhere, benefiting both races greatly. As described in Unfinished Tales, Celebrimbor’s dedication to craftsmanship was nearly obsessive, with a distinct Dwarven flair. His closest companion was Narvi, a gifted Dwarven smith who will make an appearance in season two of The Rings of Power. We can hardly wait to witness the development of their unique friendship.

Will Celebrimbor Have a Banner Season on The Rings of Power?

The discussion leads us to the key question we’re all wondering about: Will Celebrimbor shine exceptionally in “The Rings of Power” this season? However, Charles Edwards, who portrays Celebrimbor, hints, “That might be jumping the gun.” Isn’t it intriguing? If you’re in the know, then you are!

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2024-08-29 13:09