As a dedicated fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth and a binge-watcher of fantasy series, I must say that Adar from The Rings of Power is an intriguing character who adds a unique depth to the orcs in this adaptation. His journey from an Elf to becoming the leader of the orcs is captivating, and it’s refreshing to see a humanizing aspect of these often feared creatures.
Among the intriguing characters in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 1, there’s Adar – a formidable orc leader who commands intense loyalty from his followers, affectionately called his “offspring,” as he plots to seize control over the Southlands.
In the role made famous by Joseph Mawle (Game of Thrones, 1923), the character was swiftly embraced by fans due to his heartfelt compassion, with Mawle himself adding a subtle yet powerful sense of strength to the part.
Adar will be returning in season 2, but with one major change.
Here’s everything you need to know about the character.
Who plays Adar in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I found myself parting ways with my role as Adar following the conclusion of the first season, which graced our screens all the way back in December 2022.
For the upcoming second season and possibly beyond, the role of Adar will be assumed by Sam Hazeldine.
In addition to Slow Horses, The Sandman, and Peaky Blinders, Hazeldine has also graced the screens of several other notable series.
As I chatted with Entertainment Weekly, I shared my excitement about stepping into the shoes of Adar, originally portrayed by Mawle. You see, we worked together years ago, and I’ve always admired his acting skills. He was simply brilliant in the first season, and I can’t wait to bring my own interpretation to this character!
It was truly enjoyable to step into his role, even though our physical appearances differ, the essence of the character is unmistakably similar.
In the same interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hazeldine expressed that what attracted him to the character of Adar was his complexity: “Adar is a complex figure who doesn’t view himself as a villain despite his dark nature.”
“He’s just trying to protect his children, the Uruk.
So, he’s taking actions necessary to protect them against genocide, regardless of whether it’s Sauron, who views them as disposable, or the Elves.
Why was the role recast?
Every time a significant role in a production gets reassigned, it’s normal for people to have many queries regarding both the circumstances and the reasons behind this change.
For Joseph Mawle and Adar, their motivations were clear – they sought to venture into different on-screen roles for professional growth.
Mawle took to Twitter (now X) to explain his own decision to step away from the role.
I thoroughly enjoyed delving into Middle-earth’s mysteries and immersing myself in Tolkien’s lore. I’m truly humbled by the positive response to my character. He was genuinely passionate about sharing his tale with all of you.
“As an actor, I always aim to delve into fresh characters and realms. I’m sending my best wishes to the cast and crew for Season 2; I’ll be rooting for you from the bleachers with a smile!”
Who is Adar?
It’s thought that not much is yet clear about Adar and his genuine background, but Galadriel believes he may have originated from the Moriondor – the original Elves who were corrupted by Morgoth, a forerunner of Sauron.
This detail would highlight his more ethereal physique and characteristics, along with his articulate and kind-hearted demeanor. Additionally, he maintains many Elven traditions, such as sowing seeds prior to conflict – “a symbol of growth amidst mortality”.
In his charge, the Orcs are connected to him as if they were his children, for the term “Adar” in the ancient language of Sindarin signifies “Father”.
What was Adar’s goal in season 1 of The Rings of Power?
In the first season of The Rings of Power, Adar is dedicated to establishing a safe haven for his kin, away from Sauron’s manipulation, as he thinks he had slain Sauron long prior to the show’s timeline.
The character doesn’t make an appearance until the concluding scene of the third episode. Moreover, when he does appear, he’s somewhat blurred in the frame, with Arondir being escorted by orcs to his location.
In the fourth installment, Arondir observes Adar euthanizing a dying orc. Remarkably, Adar seems to reminisce about his past as an Elf. Curiously, Arondir inquires why the orcs refer to Adar as “Father”, but Adar explains to Arondir that much of what he has been told throughout his life was fabricated.
Adar admits he’s not a deity, not just yet. Subsequently, he grants Arondir permission to return to his ancient lookout post, carrying a special message along the way.
Upon reaching the lookout tower, Arondir communicates to Bronwyn, a human, that Adar has extended an offer: either pledge loyalty to him and accompany him, or face destruction for the Southlanders.
Adar was seeking the mysterious Hilt that was then possessed by Bronwyn’s son Theo.
As a dedicated cinephile, in the pivotal sixth episode, I found myself witnessing Adar’s army charging towards their watchtower, only to stumble upon a cleverly laid trap by Arondir. In retaliation, the orcs that remained under Adar’s command unleashed a relentless and devastating assault on the Southlanders.
In the end, the third onslaught of orcs overpowered the Southlanders, causing Bronwyn to feel threatened. Faced with this danger, Theo relinquished the Hilt to Adar.
As the forces from Numenor come to free the Southern lands, Adar implements his strategy and gives the enigmatic Hilt, which we’ve seen many times during the season, to Waldreg – a human ally of the dark forces.
Walder places the Staff within a sanctuary atop the tower, setting off a colossal deluge that cascades through the intricate network of tunnels constructed by Adar and his kin. This flood eventually pours into a volcano, inciting a catastrophic volcanic explosion.
This marked the birth of Mordor, and the awakening of Mount Doom.
Amidst the turmoil, Adar managed to break free from his imprisonment by Galadriel and Halbrand; however, he didn’t get away unscathed as the series subtly hinted at potential conflicts looming between him and Sauron in the future.
What role does Adar play in the books?
In the series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, many characters hail from J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythos, but Adar stands out as one of the rare new characters specifically developed for the television adaptation.
Though the character’s exact function remains mysterious, he brings a touch of humanity to the orcs – a quality that no other adaptation of Tolkien’s stories has successfully captured.
Throughout season 1, many theories circulated suggesting that Adar might actually be Sauron in disguise. However, the unveiling of Halbrand’s real identity in the final episode effectively quashed all such speculations.
Other theories have questioned whether he is an adaptation of the Witch-king of Angmar, or one of the other Ringwraiths – but it seems unlikely, given their characters all being men is a central point of their fall to Sauron.
In August 29th, 2024, the second season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” will debut on Amazon’s Prime Video. Don’t miss it! You can sign up today for a complimentary 30-day trial of Prime Video.
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2024-08-29 10:36