Who Is Halbrand, THE RINGS OF POWER’s Mysterious Character?

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As a die-hard fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga, I must admit that the revelation of Halbrand as Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has left me both stunned and exhilarated. Charlie Vickers, who brilliantly portrayed this enigmatic character, has certainly done justice to the role with his chameleonic acting skills that made us question Halbrand’s true identity for so long.

The finale of “The Rings of Power” saw Galadriel choosing to stay in Middle-earth, rejecting an endless peace in Valinor. Her survival was ensured when she encountered Halbrand and his shipwrecked vessel. Together they outsmarted a terrifying sea creature. Not only did Halbrand rescue Galadriel from drowning, but he also protected her in the royal court of Númenor. However, the identity of this intriguing character, Halbrand, in “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” remains a mystery. How did Halbrand find himself adrift at sea? What is he fleeing from and why? As Halbrand put it, appearances can be misleading. He could be a troubled individual seeking redemption, or perhaps “The Rings of Power”‘s Halbrand is the very enemy Galadriel vowed to eliminate.

Regardless of the truth, The Rings of Power seems to hint that Halbrand could possibly be the one known as Sauron in The Lord of the Rings. However, we’ll need to explore further to confirm this theory.

Jump to: Where Does Halbrand Came From? // What Is the Meaning of Halbrand’s Necklace? // Is Halbrand a Hero or Villain? // What Is Halbrand’s Identity on The Rings of Power? // Finale Verdict on Halbrand and Sauron

Where Does The Rings of Power‘s Halbrand Come From?

In the series The Rings of Power, Halbrand appears to be keeping significant details about himself concealed, rather than discreetly guarding secrets. Given his intelligence and guile, this is an unusual tactic for Halbrand. However, it seems that Halbrand wants Galadriel to suspect he’s hiding something crucial. Moreover, every action and utterance of his appears calculated, suggesting that even the information we believe to be true about him could be untruthful or only partially accurate. At a minimum, this deliberate concealment sheds light on the complex nature of Halbrand.

As a dedicated fan, let me rephrase the passage: I, Halbrand, speak of my people who’ve lost their monarch and are bereft of a homeland, once flourishing in the Southlands. Orcs have forced us into exile, leaving our home in ruins behind. This is not an isolated event but a pattern across the Southlands. This could be why I was privy to information that even Galadriel, an elf of great wisdom, had overlooked—the adversary lurks in the Southlands as well.

In the fictional world of Middle-earth during the Second Age as portrayed in The Rings of Power, Orcs are scarcely seen. They’ve been avoiding sunlight and enemies for centuries, emerging again only recently to cause chaos. The further a person’s dwelling is from the secret stronghold of evil, the less likely they are to encounter these creatures. However, this also suggests that they might have previously fought alongside Orcs if their home was closer to the hideout.

Where in The Lord of the Rings‘ World Were Halbrand and His Ship Going?

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” elves typically navigate eastward to get to Valinor. However, it’s worth noting that the only known location for men sailing west in that direction is Númenor, which is where Elendil, Halbrand, and Galadriel eventually wind up.

The island in question was crafted by the Valar exclusively for those mortal men who aided in the vanquishing of Morgoth, the malevolent Dark Lord, during the ancient era known as the First Age. During the time period depicted in the series, it served as the most prestigious realm among men in the Second Age.

In “The Rings of Power,” it’s unclear if Halbrand is heading to Númenor, but it seems like a likely destination for anyone fleeing after their home was destroyed by orcs. It’s a place he appears unwilling to depart from, as he described it as “a paradise brimming with opportunities.” Furthermore, it offers safety, being far from the land he vowed never to return to. Even imprisonment hasn’t swayed Halbrand’s determination to remain on the island. In episode four, when he conversed with his fellow prisoner Galadriel, Halbrand asked her to stop trying to persuade him to leave Númenor.

Despite all obstacles, Halbrand persisted in staying within the city of The Lord of the Rings, holding out until the very instant when he ultimately yielded and accompanied Galadriel and the Númenóreans on their return voyage to Middle-earth.

What Is the Meaning of Halbrand’s Necklace?

Halbrand’s necklace conceals a small pouch filled with an unidentified liquid substance. In the world of Middle-earth, this mysterious potion might serve as nourishment, as each race – elves, orcs, and ents – have their own unique forms of sustenance. However, the contents of the pouch remain a secret. The third episode of “The Rings of Power” unveiled the significance of the metal tag attached to Halbrand’s necklace.

In the Chamber of Justice, Galadriel discovered a sketch bearing the identical emblem, a work attributed to Númenor’s original ruler, Elros. It was Elros as well who aided in the vanquishing of Morgoth and his confederates, among whom were certain men.

Galadriel is convinced that the emblem on Halbrand’s necklace resembles the insignia of the Southlands’ ancient king, the monarch who forged unity among human tribes during the First Age. Furthermore, Galadriel suggested that this symbol hints at why Halbrand has no ruler and what secrets he conceals. In the series The Rings of Power, Halbrand is believed to be the long-lost king of the Southlands, much like how Aragorn will eventually become Gondor’s ruler in the original tales. However, Halbrand hasn’t disputed this claim, but he did mention that he obtained the necklace from a deceased person.

1. Galadriel was told by “Lord” Halbrand that he isn’t the hero she’s looking for because his ancestors made a vow to Morgoth through blood oath. He also confessed to her that he has committed dreadful deeds in order to reach where he is now. At the same time, Halbrand chose to embrace the significance of the necklace he possesses. When Bronwyn identified the symbol on it, she acknowledged him as the King of the Southlands, and he accepted. However, a twist or perhaps a calculated move has been introduced into Halbrand’s plans, as the Southlands have transformed into Mount Doom.

Those are not the only signs he might not be a great hero, though.

Is Halbrand a Hero or a Villain in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?

So far, Halbrand appears to be similar to Aragorn from “The Lord of the Rings,” a character known for guarding crucial secrets and having dark hair. However, it’s important to note that despite their shared traits, Halbrand’s actions diverge significantly from those of Aragorn. Unlike Aragorn, who was a hero and never abandoned his companions, Halbrand chose to prioritize survival over loyalty when faced with the seaworm, leaving his companions in peril. This suggests a fundamental difference in character between these two figures.

In The Rings of Power, Halbrand is a trickster and formidable fighter who isn’t shy about resorting to violence. He doesn’t deceive others to conceal his true identity, but rather for his own advantage. He’s sly and adaptive, possessing the ability to win people over with his charisma. Some compare him to Morgoth, as he uses lies and partial truths to manipulate others. At this point in the story, we can’t be sure if Halbrand has ever used his abilities for honorable causes. He’s agreed to fight alongside Galadriel, but it remains uncertain whether his motivations for leaving Númenor or defending the Southlands are altruistic and genuine.

As a devoted admirer, let me rephrase the passage in my own words:

He might if he’s the villain Galadriel is searching for on The Rings of Power—Sauron.

Is The Rings of Power‘s Halbrand Really Sauron in Disguise?

In the epic tale of “The Lord of the Rings,” Sauron is a master of disguise, often assuming different forms and personas to secretly propagate evil across the realm. He excels at gaining others’ trust through wise counsel, only to later sow discord and malice in their thoughts. This makes Sauron highly dangerous because he subtly manipulates the intentions of others towards his own ends, much like Halbrand seems to do. The Dark Lord even commands some of the most fearsome creatures, such as a colossal sea serpent, to carry out his bidding. If anyone were capable of orchestrating a maritime assault and surviving it, that person would likely be Sauron. Moreover, no one else could maintain a false smile before his adversaries in Númenor without being exposed, nor stand beside Galadriel without her immediately recognizing his true identity.

Additionally, Sauron is aware that the strength of the Númenórian realm could potentially thwart his ambitions to dominate Middle-earth. Similarly to Halbrand, the antagonist from “The Lord of the Rings,” Sauron recognizes the presence of his adversary in the Southern lands since it’s where he constructs his tower in Mordor.

Telling Lies By Telling the Truth: Sauron and Halbrand

If Halbrand indeed masks his true identity as Sauron, who was once imprisoned by the Numenorians but later rose to become one of their trusted advisors after Morgoth, his ancient king, had already fallen, then everything he says takes on a new interpretation. This kind of subtle deception, where truth is told, explains why Sauron’s lies were so effective.

1. “The currents of destiny are shifting. They could be drawing you in…or pushing you away.” (Paraphrase for the first sentence)

Halbrand’s Deceptions on The Rings of Power

Rediscovering Halbrand’s statement about “setting history aside” becomes intriguing if he is secretly Sauron. The Númenóreans, who played a significant role in defeating Morgoth, are the reason for Sauron’s lack of a ruler and his people’s subjugation. However, the Halbrand portrayed in The Rings of Power appears friendly towards both the Númenóreans and Galadriel, which could be strategic if he were indeed Sauron. By cultivating trust, he can approach his enemies closely to eventually destroy them from within. The fact that everything Halbrand says would still hold true if he is actually the “Lord of the Rings’ Sauron makes his deceptions harder to spot. This is because they are not lies, but rather concealed truths.

That includes even saying he’s sorry to Galadriel about her brother, whom Sauron killed.

Saving Galadriel

If Halbrand is indeed the Dark Lord from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, it’s logical that he’d save Galadriel, a sworn enemy of Sauron. This act could win him favor among all elves, especially since she was their most valiant general. By rescuing Galadriel, Halbrand might conceal his true intentions from her, making her comments like “Bind yourself to me” significant in a way she didn’t anticipate. They are already bound by mutual hatred and their destinies are interwoven, which could explain why Sauron’s symbol appeared in Galadriel’s eyes when Halbrand mentioned orcs.

Halbrand in Númenor

Translating Halbrand as Sauron would also validate Galadriel’s statement that Halbrand is “more than he appears” with an eerie twist. Similarly, it would imbue his counsel to both her and Pharazôn with a chilling undercurrent of deception, making the situation far more menacing.

In the fourth episode of “The Rings of Power,” Halbrand advised Galadriel to figure out her enemy’s deepest fears as a strategy for controlling them, not to manipulate them, but to gain dominion over them instead. This is reminiscent of Sauron’s plan for Númenor, whose inhabitants are envious of the everlasting life granted by the Valar to elves.

In essence, Ar-Pharazôn’s decision to allow Galadriel to depart, with the ulterior motive of manipulation by Sauron, could potentially sow discord among the people of Númenor. Many still harbor doubts about elves, and this act may exacerbate these feelings. This tension is foretold as a significant event, akin to a massive wave, that threatens the island. Queen-Regent Míriel, through her prophetic visions and the use of Númenor’s Seeing Stone, foresees this impending calamity.

Sauron and Halbrand Are Both Smiths in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Moreover, not only does Halbrand possess exceptional skills as a blacksmith, much like Sauron, but he’s also an adept swordsman – a rare combination among all smiths that even Galadriel has encountered. Interestingly, Sauron is one of the few who can both craft and wield a sword with proficiency.

Halbrand and Adar

In the series The Rings of Power, Halbrand comes close to slaying the orc-father Adar. Though he suggests his motive is revenge for Adar and the orcs causing him harm, there might be more to it – perhaps because he is actually Sauron, who feels betrayed by Adar’s defiance and attempted assassination. Killing Adar would eliminate a potential adversary and further persuade Galadriel of his allegiance. Yet, preserving Adar’s life, as Halbrand eventually does, might serve an even greater function on The Rings of Power, making Galadriel empathetic towards him while also providing a diversion from his influence and actions. Interestingly, Adar’s conduct in The Rings of Power may have inadvertently made Halbrand the ruler of Mordor – or Sauron.

Final Verdict: Who Is Sauron on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?

As a devoted fan, I’m eagerly anticipating rewatching scenes from The Rings of Power, as the finale has unveiled that Halbrand is none other than the enigmatic figure we know as Sauron. All the details previously shared now make perfect sense in light of this revelation.

In the second season of The Rings of Power, we see Halbrand for the last time. Disguised as Sauron, Halbrand travels to Mordor where he deceives Adar into thinking he can provide information about Sauron. He claims that Sauron has allied with the elves. Later, Halbrand, still in disguise as Sauron, visits Celebrimbor, an elf smith. To convince Celebrimbor to create the Rings of Power together, Sauron transforms from Halbrand into his guise as Annatar. Thus, Halbrand’s story comes to a close. Farewell Halbrand, we shall remember you fondly!


But even if Halbrand had been nothing more than a flawed man desperate to survive a world of growing evil and his family’s own heinous acts, the fact we questioned his real identity and motives for so long is what’s really important. As is the fact that the show itself was begging us to think Halbrand is Sauron.

The Coming of Sauron and Identifying Evil

The true identity of Halbrand as Sauron in “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” carries significance. However, what stands out more is the omnipresent aura of Sauron that permeates every character and event. As “The Rings of Power” reaches its conclusion, it’s challenging not to recall Halbrand rather than Sauron. This serves as a stark reminder that evil can hide in any corner. Charlie Vickers points out in an interview with TopMob:

The extraordinary trait of this villain lies in his ability to earn trust and skillfully manipulate situations. Unlike other antagonists who often exhibit an unstable demeanor, he may share similarities with Sauron, but only occasionally. What sets him apart is that during his dealings with people, he can come across as genuinely friendly, kind, and caring. This double-edged charm is chilling because it makes one question the sincerity of his interactions.

It is terrifying. Because if anyone can be the Dark Lord—even an ally who saves you from death—merely identifying the forces of evil will continue to be a great battle on Middle-earth. We will have to wait and see what Halbrand’s Sauron brings us in season two of The Rings of Power.

Jump to: Where Does Halbrand Came From? // What Is the Meaning of Halbrand’s Necklace? // Is Halbrand a Hero or Villain? // What Is Halbrand’s Identity on The Rings of Power? // Finale Verdict on Halbrand and Sauron

Mikey Walsh serves as a staff writer for TopMob, and you can find his updates on Twitter by following him @burgermike. Moreover, he’s often recognized for his rankings of the Targaryen monarchs in various platforms.

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2024-08-29 21:34