Amazon Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power represents one of the most ambitious television projects ever undertaken, delving into the largely unexplored Second Age of Tolkien’s legendarium. Set millennia before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the series chronicles pivotal events: the forging of the Rings of Power, the rise of Sauron, and the tragic downfall of Númenor.
Production and Vision
Developed by showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, the series carries the distinction of being the most expensive television production in history, with Amazon investing over $1 billion across five planned seasons. Produced in collaboration with the Tolkien Estate and HarperCollins, the project initially filmed in New Zealand before relocating to the UK for subsequent seasons.
The visual craftsmanship is staggering, blending practical sets with CGI-enhanced landscapes to create a Middle-earth that feels both familiar and newly wondrous. Though Wētā Workshop, renowned for their work on Peter Jackson’s films, contributed, the production team largely forged its own aesthetic path, ensuring a fresh interpretation of Tolkien’s world.
Cast and Characters
The ensemble cast breathes life into both established and original characters:
- Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, portraying the elven warrior in her younger, more tempestuous years
- Robert Aramayo as Elrond, depicting the half-elven statesman before his rise to Rivendell’s lordship
- Owain Arthur as Durin IV, a proud yet warm-hearted dwarven prince
- Markella Kavenagh as Elanor ‘Nori’ Brandyfoot, a Harfoot whose curiosity draws her into greater conflicts
- Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Queen Regent Míriel, ruler of the waning island-kingdom of Númenor
- Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir, a Silvan elf entangled in the Southlands’ turmoil
- Charlie Vickers as Halbrand, a mysterious human with a pivotal role
The series weaves canonical figures with new creations, expanding Tolkien’s lore while navigating the constraints of adaptation rights.
Narrative Scope and Adaptation Choices
Spanning from Lindon’s elven courts to Khazad-dûm’s glittering halls, from Númenor’s maritime splendour to the Southlands’ encroaching shadow, The Rings of Power adopts an ensemble approach rather than a single hero’s journey. The showrunners compress the Second Age’s sprawling timeline, allowing characters like Galadriel, Elrond, and Celebrimbor to share the stage, a creative liberty that has sparked debate among purists.
Key arcs include:
- Galadriel’s relentless pursuit of Sauron’s lingering threat
- Elrond and Celebrimbor’s alliance with the Dwarves, setting the stage for the Rings’ creation
- The Harfoots’ nomadic journey, intertwined with the enigmatic Stranger, possibly an early Istari
- Númenor’s political strife, foreshadowing its eventual ruin
While drawing from The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings appendices, the series extrapolates freely where rights limitations apply, balancing Tolkien’s mythic tone with contemporary storytelling rhythms.
Combat and Weaponry
The first season favours intimate skirmishes over large-scale battles, emphasising precision and artistry in its fight choreography:
- Galadriel’s combat style reflects her elven grace and centuries of warfare, particularly in her Númenórean sparring sequences.
- Arondir’s woodland engagements showcase a Silvan elf’s agility, blending archery with close-quarters fluidity.
- Theo’s cursed black hilt and Galadriel’s elegant sword carry narrative weight, their designs hinting at deeper lore connections.
Themes and Dialogue
The writing oscillates between lyrical grandeur and occasional melodrama, though several lines linger in the memory:
“Sometimes to find the light, we must first touch the darkness.”
– Galadriel
“A burden shared may be a burden halved.”
– Elrond
“The sea is always right.”
– Númenórean proverb
Themes of legacy, corruption, and resilience permeate the narrative, echoing Tolkien’s preoccupation with decay and hope.
Reception and Legacy
Critical reactions have been divided yet largely favourable towards the production’s craftsmanship:
- Praise for Bear McCreary’s score, the visual effects, and Clark’s performance.
- Criticism for uneven pacing and underdeveloped subplots.
Audience scores reflect sharper polarisation, particularly regarding lore deviations. Nevertheless, the series has cemented itself as a landmark in fantasy television, pushing the boundaries of streaming-era world-building.
Cultural Impact and Collectables
The series has reinvigorated interest in Middle-earth memorabilia, with licensed replicas of its weapons becoming sought-after pieces:
- Galadriel’s sword (approx. £200 for replicas)
- Halbrand’s dagger (approx. £100)
- High-end custom commissions (£500–£1500) from specialist armourers
Future Prospects
With subsequent seasons in production, the narrative is poised to delve deeper into the Rings’ creation, Sauron’s machinations, and Númenor’s collapse. For now, The Rings of Power stands as a visually sumptuous, if contentious, expansion of Tolkien’s universe, one that dares to imagine the shadows and splendours of an age previously confined to footnotes.
Where to watch: Streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Watch the trailer:
