The Rings of Power’s Adar has expanded Tolkien’s Middle-earth for the better

In this period after Adaroundsystemicproblems,thesehistoriesaredeeplyrootedinoursharedexperiences,valuesandwisdom.

Transforming Tolkien’s work is no walk in the park. It’s an expansive, intricate, layered universe that has a massive fanbase who feel quite protective and connected to it. Consequently, when the showrunners of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, JD Payne and Patrick McKay decide to focus on new characters for their adaptation, it’s understandable that some fans might react with a particular emotion

Among these initial characters, Adar, also known as the Lord Father of Uruk, stands out. In the first season, he was portrayed by Joseph Mawle, while Sam Hazeldine took on the role in the second. Initially presented as a sort of antagonist, Adar straddles the line between a truly sympathetic character and a villain destined to be defeated by our main characters (or perhaps even Sauron himself)

A significant portion of fans have expressed reservations about this particular character, but their opinions are outnumbered by people such as myself who view his creation as an enriching contribution and progression within Tolkien’s universe. Adar offers a more human perspective on the Orcs, or Uruk, as they prefer to be recognized, while simultaneously establishing himself as a complex and multidimensional character in his own right

To provide some context, if you’re still uncertain about who Adar is, let me fill you in: Adar is among the earliest Orcs, originally an Elf named before he was transformed. This transformation occurred under the influence of Morgoth, a being who preceded Sauron. Essentially, Adar was altered, becoming a different kind of life form

Gradually, Adar grew disenchanted, and following Morgoth’s downfall, he switched allegiances against his new overlord, worried about the potential loss of Orc lives under Sauron’s command. For a comprehensive understanding, we’ve prepared an overview which you can find here

After Adar’s slaying of Sauron, this character truly flourishes, not just as the chief of the Orcs, but also as an enriching element in Tolkien’s mythos and universe, contributing significantly to its depth

Although nobody, including myself, would ever speak ill of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy or the less recognized Hobbit trilogy, it is accurate to note that these films do not delve into the growth and complexity of Orcs as a race. Instead, they primarily portray Orcs as a largely featureless evil force that needs to be vanquished repeatedly

The series “The Rings of Power” has put forth significant and focused efforts to alter this, and it originates primarily from the character Adar

His name derives from the Sindarin language – a fancy way of saying Elvish – and it means ‘father’, and that truly is a role he took on when it came to his people. What could have easily descended into being a by-the-book secondary villain, Adar delivered some of the most thought-provoking and poignant scenes of season 1 thanks to Joseph Mawle, and with three episodes down in season 2, Sam Hazeldine has taken that mantle and run with it.

In episode 6 of season 1, titled “Udûn”, character Galadriel, portrayed by Morfydd Clark, interrogates a captive Adar in an attempt to discover Sauron’s whereabouts. This moment provides a unique shift in perspective that leaves you feeling refreshed and offers a fresh viewpoint on the story

In a different phraseology, Galadriel exhibits certain xenophobic notions towards the Uruk, but Adar challenges her assertions effectively. When she labels the Orcs as “slaves,” Adar retorts with these words: “Indeed, each one bears a name and a heart… We are all creations of the One, wielder of the Secret Fire, no different from you in our worthiness of life and deserving of a home.”

In those concise exchanges, Adar invites you to rethink the Orcs, viewing them not solely as embodiments of evil, but as intelligent, self-aware entities with personal aspirations and motivations. Their actions can be traced back not merely to their inherent malice, but to the influence of Morgoth (and Sauron)

In the three-part premiere of season 2 for The Rings of Power, we saw Glûg (played by Robert Strange), a key figure in Adar’s circle, tenderly care for what appears to be his child with his partner. This scene, which has sparked controversy among some online viewers, underscores the message that Orcs are essentially like people, as the show aims to portray through Adar’s narrative

As a devoted movie critic, I must admit that “The Rings of Power” doesn’t resonate equally with everyone, including myself. The series has faced legitimate critiques regarding its pacing and the delicate balance it strives to maintain amidst numerous interwoven narratives. There are certainly details that could be refined, but these points are beyond the scope of this discussion

2024-09-04 20:52

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