Posts

Where is the Ring of Barahir in Rings of Power

Image
 Some minor book and show spoilers Those who have watched the Peter Jackson films may have noticed that Saruman deduces Aragorn's lineage from a particular ring he wears which is described to him by Grima. This ring has a long history and ever since I saw Galadriel and Elendil together I have been wondering whether it will be included in the show and when we might see it. The ring has a long history, while it is a piece of cicular jewellery it has no connection to Sauron. It was brought to Middle-earth from Valinor by Finrod (who you may remember was Galadriel's brother). The tale of this particular ring is so interconnected with the tale of Aragorn's ancestry that I will permit myself a quick dive into Tolkien's mythology before I consider it's potential role in the show. The ring is described in the Silmarilllion as 'like to two serpents, whose eyes were emeralds, and their heads met beneath a crown of golden flowers, that one upheld and the other devoured...
2 comments
Read more

Why I dislike the idea of Halbrand being Sauron

I am making some efforts to reconcile myself with Halbrand being Sauron, I still dislike this as a narrative decision but following episode 7 it seems more likely than ever that they are going down this path. My main issues with this theory are threefold: 1.        - Lack of narrative coherence 2.        - Lack of consistency with my interpretation of Sauron 3.        - Disappointment due to the loss of a potentially fascinating story Lack of Narrative coherence Halbrand being Sauron throws up several issues for me in the narrative we have been presented. The first of these is obvious – Why was he on the raft? There are several possible explanations for this, but all have serious flaws. One of the most important explanations I will need if this theory is true is one for his being on the raft. This theory has the added complication of needing to explain the goings on in Middle Earth spec...
Post a Comment
Read more

Annatar did not need to create 'The Song of the Roots of Hithaeglir'

 SPOILER WARNING  This post contains both spoilers for the show up to episode 6 and also information from the books that could spoil future plotlines within the show.   In episode 5 of the Rings of Power 'Partings' we saw one of the most contraversial stories to come out of the show so far. Following a dinner where Elrond challenges Gil-Galad over his manipulation in sending him to aid Celebrimbor (this was done as they correctly guessed he would ask for his friend Prince Durin IV's help and in the hopes he would discover Mithril). Gil Galad tells him to recount 'The Song of the Roots of Hithaeglir'. The Song is stated by Elrond to be 'An obscure legend regarded by most to be apocryphal' but when pressed he recounts it in the following words: 'It speaks of a battle, high among the peaks of the Misty Mountains. Not over honor or duty. But over a tree. Within which some claim was hidden the last of the lost Silmarils. (There is a distinct pause here as Elr...
Post a Comment
Read more

Analysing the Sauron theories: Least likely to most likely

  Following some interesting discussions on TwitterI wanted to summarise my thoughts on the main theories around who (or where) Sauron is during what we have seen of Rings of Power (up to episode five). Spoiler warning!   The Dweller (Cult of Melkor) – This seemed to be entirely based on the image from the trailer of Bridie Sisson looking shady. Think it is clear at this point that she is not Sauron   Halbrand: The basis for this theory is his willingness to sacrifice his fellows on the raft in episode two, his affinity for smithcraft and his fighting skill. Plus, Charlie Vickers is an attractive man and the whole ‘sexy Sauron’ thing has caught on. This theory is more likely than the previous one, but I do not like it for several reasons. What is Sauron doing on the ocean with just a couple of humans for company? Surely Sauron has the power to fight of a ‘fish-dragon.’ Also, the motivations for Sauron do not seem right here. For this theory to have any chance of w...
Post a Comment
Read more