More than just a kiss, The Rings of Power upends the Lord of the Rings timeline with an episode packed with changes to Tolkien’s work.
If you’re a fan of battles with cavalry charges, magic, elves, and dark powers lurking in the shadows and other “dragonades,” The Rings of Power is a magnificent fantasy series that spectacularly brings many of these elements to the screen. However, if you consider yourself a true fan of JRR Tolkien’s work and are looking for a faithful adaptation of his texts in this Prime Video original series, you’ll likely be very disappointed. The series continues to introduce changes to the mythology of Middle-earth, some of which are monumental.
Spoiler alert: this article delves into the plot of episode 7 of season 2 of The Rings of Power
Chapter 7 of season 2 features significant changes to the chronology and character relationships that have left Tolkien's followers speechless. Are the changes justified? It's true that the creators of the series don't have particularly detailed material on these stories, as much of the data is provided by Tolkien in short stories, notes, and even personal correspondence. But some of these narrative elements are well established in the lore of The Lord of the Rings, are they worth changing to enrich or enhance the plots of the series?
The Prime Video series once again introduces changes to the mythology of Middle-earth
One of the most significant changes is the compression of the chronology of the Second Age into a single timeline. From the beginning, the series had limited access to Tolkien's texts, and the narrative had to condense events from 3,500 years into a shorter period to maintain continuity between the characters. This decision, while understandable for the television narrative, profoundly changed the way the story unfolds.
In episode 7, Sauron remains in Eregion when Adar’s forces attack, while in the books Annatar’s arrival occurs 1,200 years later, with a more linear development. Character interactions and events are interwoven in ways that do not occur in the source material, such as Galadriel’s presence in Eregion during the battle, a role she does not have in Tolkien’s writings.
One of the most surprising aspects of The Rings of Power, and one that will make even fans of the original work gnash their teeth, is the way it departs from the tone Tolkien established in his books. In the Professor’s work, each character has their defined role in the course of the history of Middle-earth, but in the series, these roles have been altered, often without apparent justification. For example, episode 7 shows Galadriel and Elrond interacting in circumstances that do not correspond to their stories in the original texts.
Galadriel, as Tolkien presents her, is a powerful and wise figure, but her participation in the Battle of Eregion is problematic from a narrative perspective. In Tolkien’s texts, Galadriel is not present in this crucial conflict; instead, she plays a more significant role in subsequent events. The series takes creative license that has led to Galadriel being included in scenes that defy the logic of Tolkien’s chronology, but that play up the romantic tension between two characters who, in the books, do not maintain such a relationship. This change not only alters Galadriel’s development as a character but also affects the dynamic between her and Elrond, who, according to tradition, was not supposed to have a romantic relationship.
Galadriel and Elrond’s Kiss
One of the most talked about moments in episode 7 is the unexpected kiss between Galadriel and Elrond. This moment has generated a wave of debate among fans, not only because of its romantic nature but also because it contradicts what is known about the characters in the books. Galadriel and Elrond do not share any emotional tension in Tolkien’s work, and their relationship is based on mutual respect and cooperation in the fight against Sauron.
In the series, however, this kiss occurs amid a tense situation, where Galadriel is trapped in an orc camp. Here, Elrond seems to show a more daring side, using the kiss as part of a strategy to obtain an object that will help them escape. It is true that, within the plot presented in the series, it makes sense. However, the presentation of this relationship alters the fabric of the stories that are adapted so radically that it already begins to be unrecognizable. As their connection develops, the question arises as to how these changes will affect the larger narrative of The Lord of the Rings.
Also striking is the reduced importance in the series of key characters such as Celeborn, Galadriel's husband, and Celebrán, her daughter. In the Rings of Power series, Galadriel states that, after going to war, she never saw Celeborn again, suggesting that he may be dead. Despite the possibility that Celeborn is not actually dead, but rather a prisoner, waiting to make a surprise appearance to add further tension to Galadriel and Elrond’s relationship, his fate is still up in the air in the series.
In Tolkien’s work, Celeborn is a vital figure who shares many adventures with Galadriel, and his absence from the series leaves a void that should be filled with a richer story that is more faithful to the original sources. Without the presence of these characters, Galadriel and Elrond’s relationship continues to feel forced at times, with very illogical encounters and disagreements, merely trying to create drama where none exists in Tolkien’s mythology. Given that actor Calam Lynch has now been confirmed to play Celeborn, it’s not hard to imagine that either his character has been written out to power this new romance or his return will force a “coup” in the Galadriel/Elrond storyline in future seasons.
What are the implications for the future of the series?
The changes to the series, particularly in terms of the timeline and character relationships, raise serious questions about the future of the series. If showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay continue on this path of changes and creative license, it may no longer be possible for fans to reconcile the stories of the books with the new narratives presented.
The decision to introduce a romantic relationship between Galadriel and Elrond not only seems unjustified but could also lead to further twists as the series progresses. Thus, The Rings of Power has proven to be more than just an adaptation of Tolkien’s work. With its changes to the timeline and character relationships, the series has become a phenomenon that, while it may be enjoyed by new viewers, is leaving Tolkien readers in a sea of confusion and disillusionment.
The kiss between Galadriel and Elrond is an example of his desire to create drama at the expense of fidelity to the original text. For now, the only way to know what the future holds is to watch what the season finale has in store on Prime Video, to see what new surprises await fans of Professor Tolkien, and to see how this alternate version of Middle-earth unfolds.