# Amazon Lord of the Rings series; The Rings of Power

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Tags:** middle-earth, amazon-prime, tv-shows-scripted\
**Created:** [March 3, 2019, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497 "2019-03-03T20:01:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 51

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**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1003 "2022-10-09T14:28:02Z")

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Maybe the cruise tickets are _way_ expensive?

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**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1004 "2022-10-09T14:48:36Z")

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> [@MrDibble](#):
>
> You know, now that I think about it, you’re right. You can’t place watch towers over people and not be said to dominate them (even if they were evil).

Side note, who actually built that tower?

I didn’t really understand the significance of the carving that Arondir revealed under the vines, but I thought that it was a tribute to the evil side. So, I got the impression that the tower was actually built by allies of Morgoth, and taken over by the elves who were tasked to keep watch over the humans who once allied with evil.

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**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1005 "2022-10-09T15:04:10Z")

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Yes, the fact that he knew about the carving would support your conclusion. So those lands were settled by Morgoth and his allies, then pushed back by the elves, made into the Southlands, and now Sauron has taken them back?

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**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1006 "2022-10-09T18:41:33Z")

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Is Halbrand actually Sauron? Is he a new character for the show?

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**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1007 "2022-10-09T18:43:38Z")

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He’s probably a new character, though he might end up one of the Ring Wraiths. It would be odd if he was Sauron.

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**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1008 "2022-10-09T18:54:04Z")

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Oh, a Ring Wraith might make sense and would make for a very interesting story-line. Maybe even the Witch King?

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**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1009 "2022-10-09T18:55:51Z")

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A lot of people from his first appearance have speculated he might end up the Witch King. The Ring Wraiths were all of course mortal men and Kings and Lords. So I find the idea of a Ring Wraith likely and Witch King very possible.

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**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1010 "2022-10-09T19:00:42Z")

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I just hope we learn at least a bit about who or what The Stranger is in the finale this year.

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**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1011 "2022-10-09T19:05:29Z")

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That would be nice. I’m still thinking he’s a Wizard. Originally when I thought the Show Runners were following known lore, I thought the Stranger would probably be a Blue Wizard. Now I suspect Gandalf or Radagast.

I can’t think of anything from all the Lore for the 3 White Robes hostiles. They’re a new mystery I guess.

Will we get to see Glorfindel or Tom Bombadil next season?  
Maybe Treebeard and some Entwives?  
Maybe Tom, Bert & Bill? (The 3 trolls from the Hobbit)

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**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1012 "2022-10-09T19:57:08Z")

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I keep saying this, but this show needed to heed Eric Kripke’s advice about TV shows. It can NOT be an 8-episode movie that only reaches its climax in the final episode. You need payoffs throughout and Rings of Power has had few payoffs throughout.

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**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1013 "2022-10-09T20:00:58Z")

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> [@Mahaloth](#):
>
> Rings of Power has had few payoffs throughout

Yeah, pretty much the only one has been the creation of Orodruin and the plain of Gorgoroth. It was pretty exciting to watch … although it’s a leeeetle bit disappointing that it was a public works project instead of something more mystical and gradual.

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**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1014 "2022-10-09T20:27:28Z")

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> [@Mahaloth](#):
>
> Is Halbrand actually Sauron? Is he a new character for the show?

I think he’s going to end up being the king of the ghosts, who swore fealty to Isuldur, and fulfilled that oath by marching for Aragorn, in the final battle of the LOTR.

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**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1015 "2022-10-09T20:30:38Z")

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Also possible. They are removing to that general area I think they said.

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**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1016 "2022-10-09T20:53:57Z")

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> [@Maserschmidt](#):
>
> Are Arondir, Theo, Bronwyn, or Adar canonical? You could certainly kill one of them.
> 
> But I do understand that they won’t, and that’s exactly my point

They might- never say never. In High Fantasy they don’t just go killing off character willy-nilly for shock value and ratings. But Boromir and Theoden had heroic deaths. So, maybe there will be a couple heroic deaths.

> [@Whack-a-Mole](#):
>
> I’m not sure what it is but those in Middle Earth seem committed to it and while some could go back to Valinor at almost any time they never do (at least not until they kinda have to).

You can’t have children in Valinor. Children are very fulfilling to many. No great life works, no risks.

> [@Love\_Rhombus](#):
>
> So from what I gather, in theory all the elves _could_ just leave Middle-Earth if they wanted?

It seems more like getting into Heaven. You had to be worthy- but anyElf can be worthy.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1017 "2022-10-09T20:56:28Z")

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> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> You can’t have children in Valinor. Children are very fulfilling to many. No great life works, no risks.

This is not accurate. Galadriel and many others were born there.  
Nothing indicates the Elves in Valinor stopped having kids.

* * *

* * *

I’m on my phone currently, but most of the Noldor were forgiven at the end of the first age and given a chance to return to Valinor. Elves born in Middle Earth were always allowed.

The sons of Feanor were not allowed but others were and chose to tary in Middle Earth.

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**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1018 "2022-10-09T20:59:43Z")

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> [@Mahaloth](#):
>
> Is Halbrand actually Sauron? Is he a new character for the show?

Yes, New. Almost certainly not Sauron. He is there as the Strider role.

> [@What\_Exit](#):
>
> I can’t think of anything from all the Lore for the 3 White Robes hostiles. They’re a new mystery I guess.
> 
> Will we get to see Glorfindel or Tom Bombadil next season?  
> Maybe Treebeard and some Entwives?

Yeah- weird.

I want Bombadil!

I think we saw an Ent with an Entwife briefly watching the meteor, others disagree.

> [@What\_Exit](#):
>
> This is not accurate. Galadriel and many others were born there.  
> Nothing indicates the Elves in Valinor stopped having kids.

Yes, but at the start? I am taking this from Arwens reaction to the fact she might have children if she stayed.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1019 "2022-10-09T21:01:40Z")

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> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> Yes, but at the start? I am taking this from Arwens reaction to the fact she might have children if she stayed.

What? In the movie?

There was nothing like that in the books. I mean all the books, including the histories and letters.

* * *

We did see some Ents and maybe Entwives, I want to meet them. 🙂

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1020 "2022-10-09T21:18:36Z")

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> [@What\_Exit](#):
>
> We did see some Ents and maybe Entwives, I want to meet them. 🙂

Me, too.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1021 "2022-10-09T21:27:45Z")

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> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> I want Bombadil!

If they can introduce Tom Bomba-dillo and not make him suck, they deserve a special Emmy award.

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**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2022, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-series-the-rings-of-power/830497/1022 "2022-10-09T21:36:32Z")

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> [@Atamasama](#):
>
> If they can introduce Tom Bomba-dillo and not make him suck, they deserve a special Emmy award.

He sucks so bad that my last reading(January of this year), I committed to skip his two chapters every time I re-read it from now on.

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