As a dedicated fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s magnificent Middle-earth, I eagerly anticipate the unfolding tale that is The Rings of Power. Having immersed myself in the lore for decades, it’s fascinating to see the Second Age come alive on screen, albeit in a compressed timeline.
Delving into the complexities and layers of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, including its chronology, requires an undertaking of immense scale.
In essence, it encompasses millennia, diverse eras, numerous conflicts, groundbreaking occurrences, and the tale of a Hobbit traversing from his home to a realm of darkness.
Currently, we’ve added The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, a popular series on Amazon Prime Video inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, to our timeline as it unfolds events from the Second Age.
The series “The Rings of Power” is set in an era of Middle-earth that has yet to be depicted on screen, occurring approximately thousands of years prior to Frodo Baggins’s adventure and just as long before Bilbo Baggins’s journey.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly about creating the series, the showrunner Patrick McKay expressed that they didn’t want to make a show focusing on a younger version of the familiar world, instead opting for something more akin to a prequel where it’s not just a retelling of what you already knew.
“Our goal was to delve deeply into a tale that could stand independently, one we believed hadn’t received the appropriate treatment in terms of scope, detail, and depth. We aimed to bring this story to life as it should be.”
In season 1, we traveled alongside the Harfoots, precursors to Hobbits, through long treks across countries, visited the magnificent Elven lands such as Lindon and Eregion, delved into the depths of Khazad-dûm mines, and now, in season 2, our journey will continue on an even more profound and expansive level.
Where does The Rings of Power fit in the Lord of the Rings timeline?
The storyline for “The Rings of Power” unfolds during a period often referred to as the “Second Era of Middle-earth,” also recognized as the “Age of Númenor.”
Spanning a duration of approximately 3,441 years, this era encompasses the formation of the mighty Elven and human realms, right through to the initial fall of Sauron.
Many film enthusiasts would identify that the Second Age concludes, for it is during this period that Sauron’s fall is detailed in the introductory speech given by Cate Blanchett’s character, Galadriel, in The Fellowship of the Ring.
Reflecting on it now, the timeframe detailed here is packed with events that would be difficult for even three movies by Peter Jackson to fully capture.
Starting with the Elves, this period saw the founding of the Elven capital Lindon.
Under the rule of High King Gil-galad, portrayed by Benjamin Walker, this area encompassed the Grey Havens – a coastal city that later served as the departure point for Frodo and Bilbo Baggins as they exited Middle-earth.
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but notice the significant event that unfolded during this period – a group of Elves splitting off and establishing the realm known as Eregion. This fascinating land was pivotal in season 1 and seems poised to take center stage once more in season 2, given the crucial role Charles Edwards’ character, Celebrimbor, appears to be playing in the narrative.
Towards the finale of The Rings of Power season 1, Sauron, under the guise of Halbrand, subtly orchestrates a series of events aimed at influencing the Elven blacksmith. This gradual manipulation sets in motion the crafting of the famous Rings of Power, and eventually, Sauron forges his own One Ring.
It’s been confirmed that Sauron will rejoin Celebrimbor in season 2, and he’ll continue his manipulative tactics, but this time disguised as Annatar – a figure who claims to be an envoy sent by the divine beings known as the Valar.
In Peter Jackson’s trilogy, Lord Elrond was portrayed by Hugo Weaving, but currently he is depicted by Robert Aramayo. Notably, during this era, Lord Elrond separated from Lindon and established the renowned sanctuary of Rivendell.
Alongside the Elves, the Dwarves made their move to the mines of Khazad-dûm.
For those not deeply immersed in Lord of the Rings lore, the name Moria may not ring a bell; yet, it’s a title that no fan would ever forget as it came to be associated with the mines over time.
In a time span of many centuries, we encounter the Mines of Moria once more, as the Fellowship stumbles upon cave trolls, goblins, and the beast nearly defeating Gandalf.
In The Rings of Power, viewers will have an opportunity to witness the bustling and flourishing caves of Khazad-dûm under Prince Durin’s rule. However, as hinted at in the initial season, a sense of ominousness is gradually spreading not only within the depths of Khazad-dûm but also beneath its surface.
In addition, Season 1 delved into the historical accounts of men during the Second Age, covering events from both the Southlands area and the island realm known as Númenor.
In this story, The Southlands are a barren, uninviting expanse, inhabited by the forefathers who chose to align with the Dark Overlord, Morgoth, during the earliest times. As the tale unfolds, it subtly discloses insights into the region’s past, and there remain intriguing characters deserving deeper examination. However, what truly captivates is the enigmatic destiny that hangs over The Southlands itself.
Instead of emerging from the pages, Mordor is now born out of the Southern regions following a clever plot devised by orc commander Adar, who rekindles a dormant volcano (Mount Doom). We’re eagerly anticipating more glimpses of Mordor in the upcoming second season.
In the Second Age, a land called Númenor, which was initially created for men, will eventually perish completely. Although it currently seems prosperous on the show, signs of its impending doom can already be detected.
When our land succumbs, its survivors shall journey to the realm known as Middle-earth in search of sanctuary and banishment. It’s from this royal lineage that Aragorn is expected to emerge, possibly thrusting open a pair of grand doors.
Apart from the locations we’ve previously explored in season 1, season 2 will lead us to the Eastern lands of Rhûn. This journey is connected to the tales of The Stranger and Nori, where they’ll meet an Istar, played by Ciaran Hinds, as well as the mysterious figure of Tom Bombadil, portrayed by Rory Kinnear.
Although significant parts of the Second Age are being condensed for the series’ smooth operation, season 1 demonstrated that such compression need not lessen the story’s impact, and season 2 appears set to continue in this vein.
Although we’re uncertain about the exact conclusion of The Rings of Power, it seems likely that it will depict the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, marking the end of the Second Age and beginning of the Third Age – a period often referred to as the prologue in The Fellowship of the Ring.
Before we get there, though, there’s still plenty of story to get through in this Second Age.
Read more on The Rings of Power:
- How to watch The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies in order
- Meet the cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
- What is Valinor in Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?
- What are Harfoots? The Rings of Power Hobbits and history explained
- Who is Morgoth in Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?
- Who is The Stranger in The Rings of Power? Daniel Weyman role theories
- Who is Galadriel’s brother? Meet Finrod actor Will Fletcher
- Who is Galadriel actress Morfydd Clark in The Rings of Power?
- Who is Elrond actor Robert Aramayo in The Rings of Power?
Get ready to continue your journey in Middle Earth as “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” season 2 debuts on Thursday, 29th August 2024, only on Amazon Prime Video. Don’t miss out, sign up today for a complimentary 30-day trial!
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2024-08-28 20:34