The Rings of Power: An Ideal Chance to Correct Errors from Two Different LOTR Adaptations

Amazon Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power provides a promising platform to fulfill some of the unmet expectations set by earlier adaptations of the iconic works by J.R.R. Tolkien. Despite generating considerable debate among fan communities regarding its interpretation of Tolkien’s universe, the live-action series has garnered a generally positive critical reception. As it anticipates its third season, the show is poised to explore an unprecedented narrative segment that has previously been overlooked by other film adaptations.

The upcoming season aims to delve into Sauron’s (played by Charlie Vickers) distribution of the Rings of Men and the intricate process of forging the One Ring. This narrative promises to introduce unique elements that could either solidify the show’s faithful representation of Tolkien’s world or further provoke discussion within its discerning fanbase. Additionally, there remains a tantalizing possibility for the introduction of the beloved character Glorfindel.

The Omission of Glorfindel in Past Adaptations

Historical Exclusion of Glorfindel

For the first time, Rings of Power may finally introduce Glorfindel to the audience, a character who has been largely absent from English-language adaptations of Tolkien’s works. Notably, both Ralph Bakshi’s animated film and Peter Jackson’s The Fellowship of the Ring omitted him, despite his significant presence in the source material. While Glorfindel plays a crucial role in the early chapters of The Fellowship of the Ring, his contributions have often been minimized, with the character Jarl Benzon receiving lesser recognition for portraying him in associated trading card games.

In the adaptations of The Return of the King film, Benzon is credited as the “Coronation Elf.”However, during the early 2000s, game company Decipher collaborated with Wētā Workshop’s Daniel Falconer to envision characters for a trading card game, with Glorfindel among them. Falconer’s extensive experience on the Jackson films allowed him to bring a level of authenticity to various character designs. Additionally, a version of Glorfindel was fleetingly depicted in Sweden’s 1971 adaptation, Sagan om Ringen, which offered a convincing portrayal of the character. As The Rings of Power continues, it may finally present Glorfindel to audiences in the U.S. and U.K.

Potential Storyline Involving Glorfindel in Season 3

Glorfindel’s Unique Timeline

Tolkienian Age	Event Marking The Start	Years	Total Length In Solar Years
Before time	Indeterminate	Indeterminate	Indeterminate
Pre-First Age Years of the Trees (Y.T.)	Yavanna created the Two Trees	Y.T. 1 – 1050	10,061
First Age (F.A.)	Elves awoke in Cuiviénen	Y.T. 1050 – Y.T. 1500, F.A. 1 – 590	4,902
Second Age (S.A.)	War of Wrath ended	S.A. 1 – 3441	3,441
Third Age (T.A.)	Last Alliance defeated Sauron	T.A. 1 – 3021	3,021
Fourth Age (Fo.A)	Elven-rings left Middle-earth	Fo.A 1 – unknown	Unknown

To understand Glorfindel’s narrative, fans often reference lesser-known Tolkien writings compiled in The Peoples of Middle-earth. Though these drafts were published posthumously, they reveal Tolkien’s evolving lore. Of note is that Glorfindel, an elite Elf, was granted the opportunity to be reincarnated for his valiant efforts—making him one of the rare instances of Elf reembodiment. Remarkably, he was dispatched to Middle-earth during the Second Age by the Vala Manwë, positioning him to make a possible cameo in The Rings of Power during its third season.

Why Glorfindel Appears in Middle-earth’s Second Age Despite Earlier Death

Glorfindel’s Unusual Reincarnation

A close up of Finrod from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power looking down with short blonde hair.

Tolkien frequently wavered on the concept of Elvish immortality within his narratives, yet his writings ultimately indicate that Glorfindel, along with Finrod and Lúthien, experienced unusually rapid reincarnation after their deaths. Typically, Elven spirits linger in the Halls of Mandos for extended periods prior to being considered for reembodiment, highlighting the tragedy of legendary Elves like Fingolfin and Finwë. Unlike Finrod, who remained in Aman post-reincarnation and Lúthien, who returned as a mortal, Glorfindel’s journey remains unique within Tolkien’s mythology.

Second Age Event	S. A. Year
Sauron began construction on Barad-dûr	1000
Sauron befriended the Elves of Eregion as Annatar	1200
Rings of Power were forged	1500
The three great Elven-rings were forged	1590
The One Ring was forged, Barad-dûr was completed, Sauron openly proclaimed himself	1600
Sauron began to prepare to invade Eriador	1605
The War of the Elves and Sauron began	1693
Sauron invaded Eriador	1695
Sauron sacked Eregion and killed Celebrimbor. Rivendell was founded. The Dwarves assailed Sauron. Khazad-dûm closed.	1697
Sauron overran Eriador	1699
Númenóreans defeated Sauron	1700
Sauron was driven from Eriador and fled to Mordor. First White Council held	1701
Ar-Pharazôn seized the scepter	3255
Sauron became Pharaoh’s prisoner in Númenor	3262
Numenor fell	3319

Glorfindel’s arrival to Middle-earth occurred during the Second Age, likely between S.A. 1200 and 1600, at a critical time when Elrond and Gil-galad were gearing up to resist Sauron’s ascent. With Sauron’s manipulations in Eregion starting in 1200 and concluding with the forging of the One Ring in 1600, the conditions are ripe for Glorfindel’s dramatic entrance in the narrative of The Rings of Power. As Sauron’s threat escalates, assistance from Glorfindel becomes increasingly vital. While the series has yet to reveal how far it will detail the War of the Elves, the introduction of Glorfindel could serve as a pivotal moment regardless.

Additionally, the connection of Finrod and Galadriel, with Galadriel being described as one of the most formidable Noldor, hints at rich narrative possibilities for exploring their legacies.

The Rings of Power holds the rights not only to the core Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit narratives but has also secured access to lesser-known texts, including Unfinished Tales. Even though The Peoples of Middle-earth is primarily where Glorfindel’s Second Age storyline is elaborated, the character’s numerous appearances across Tolkien’s oeuvre provide ample opportunity for creative and compelling storytelling in the series. With the right casting, Glorfindel could become a standout character in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Source & Images