The Shadows Lengthen: How ‘Rings of Power’ Season Two Redefines Elven Identity in the Face of Sauron’s Rise
The second season of Amazon’s Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power promises to dive headlong into one of the Second Age’s most devastating conflicts: the war between the Elves and Sauron. But before the swords clash and the earth trembles under the weight of battle, the series is already exploring the profound impact of Sauron’s growing influence on Elven society, pushing both high-ranking leaders and ordinary Elves to confront their deepest anxieties and redefine their place in a world rapidly changing under the shadow of darkness.
Season one skillfully laid the groundwork for this thematic exploration, contrasting the experiences of High King Gil-Galad, the leader of the Elves in Middle-earth, and Arondir, a lone ranger ostracized from his people for his love of a human woman. While Gil-Galad grappled with the fading of the Elves’ connection to their home in Valinor, Arondir sought refuge in the human village of Southlands, only to witness its destruction at the hands of Adar, a corrupted Elf who believed himself to be Sauron’s only true disciple.
As the second season unfolds, the consequences of these events become increasingly apparent. Gil-Galad, once seemingly untouched by doubt, faces the grim reality of the Elves’ mortality and the growing darkness that threatens their very existence. Meanwhile, Arondir, forced from the comfort of his chosen life, finds himself thrust into the center of the war, battling alongside his fellow Elves.
Ismael Cruz Cordova, the actor portraying Arondir, emphasizes the transformative impact of these events: "We see how they both have to deal with the situation, and I think it humbles the High Elves. While the lower class of Elves [like Arondir] are elevated. It kind of makes them a bit more in the middle, because these people thought they had this whole thing. [Arondir’s] been grinding and struggling for seven episodes in the mud, so when [the rest of the Elves] are like ‘Oh, what’s happening!?’, [he’s] just like ‘ugh…’. It’s a beautiful complication of the whole thing, of Elven-ness as a concept—it’s really turned on its head."
This shifting perspective challenges preconceived notions about the Elves, forcing audiences to reconsider the perceived superiority of high-born Elves like Gil-Galad. In the face of Sauron’s manipulation and the threat of total annihilation, the Elves are forced to abandon their rigid hierarchies and embrace a sense of shared vulnerability.
Benjamin Walker, who plays Gil-Galad, observes this shared reckoning as a testament to the insidious nature of Sauron’s influence: “They are in a state of becoming, and it’s unique that this is where our show begins, because of all the experience we know they’ve had in the books. In spite of that, where we find them, they seem to be the most unsure-footed that they’ve ever been. They’re in this state of becoming, and relearning some things they may have forgotten. As powerful as they are, it’s a testament to how powerful this evil is, that it’s blossomed right under our noses.”
The second season’s trailers promise to showcase the escalating tensions between the Elves and Sauron’s forces, highlighting the epic scale of the upcoming conflict. The war in Eregion will bring these two distinct storylines together, forcing Gil-Galad and Arondir to confront their shared fears and find common ground in the face of a common enemy.
Rings of Power is not afraid to go beyond the conventional portrayal of Elves as wise and ethereal beings, delving into their internal conflicts and anxieties. By exploring the impact of Sauron’s growing darkness on both the high and low ranks of Elven society, the series offers a more nuanced and compelling portrayal of these ancient beings, revealing their vulnerability and resilience in the face of a growing darkness.
This redefinition of Elven identity is both timely and relevant in a world increasingly grappling with complex geopolitical issues and the fear of global instability. It reminds us that even those who seem powerful and invincible are vulnerable to the destructive forces of hatred and intolerance, and that overcoming such threats requires unity, compassion, and a willingness to confront our own prejudices.
As the season progresses, we can expect to see Gil-Galad and Arondir, along with other Elves, navigate the treacherous path ahead, forging alliances with humans and other races while confronting the growing threat of Sauron’s ambition. The series promises an epic and thrilling journey that will redefine our perception of the Elves and their place in the unfolding history of Middle-earth.
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is set to return with its second season on August 29th, 2023, on Amazon Prime Video, so prepare for a season filled with high-stakes conflicts, epic battles, and a deeper understanding of the Elven race and its struggle against the encroaching darkness.
