The Enemy of My Enemy: Exploring the Complicated Partnership in "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" Season 2
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Amazon Prime Video’s ambitious prequel series exploring the Second Age of Middle-earth, is set to return for its highly anticipated second season on August 29th, bringing with it a myriad of new challenges and unexpected alliances. In a world dominated by the shadow of Sauron, even the most unlikely of partnerships may be forged in the name of survival.
The season’s trailer has already revealed a surprising pairing: Galadriel, the powerful and driven Elf warrior, and Adar, the enigmatic and troubled Orcish leader who orchestrated the creation of Mordor. These two characters, despite their shared enmity for Sauron, are seemingly forced into an uneasy alliance, driven by a shared history of betrayal and an understanding of the immense threat Sauron poses.
A Tale of Two Betrayals
The first season of "The Rings of Power" saw Galadriel grappling with the trauma of losing her brother, Finrod, to Sauron’s previous incarnation, Morgoth. Her relentless pursuit of the Dark Lord led her to Halbrand, a mysterious man who held a secret that would forever change her: he was, in fact, Sauron himself. This revelation, leaving Galadriel devastated and disillusioned, left her questioning her own choices and her ability to truly understand the enemy she sought to vanquish.
As Morfydd Clark, the actress playing Galadriel, states: “She is forever changed. Her sense of who she is and who she could become had been shattered—and she’s also had to face up to her selfishness, really. Even though her selfishness was because of her grief [over her brother’s death], her pursuit of Sauron was an individual pursuit. Now she’s got to learn that she’s got to fight, not just for herself, but for every part of Middle-earth.”
Adar, on the other hand, carries a different brand of trauma. He is a product of the First Age, a time when Morgoth reigned supreme, ultimately corrupting and manipulating him into furthering his nefarious plans. This manipulation, however, is a theme that runs deep in Adar’s history. He explains, "Adar certainly wasn’t evil to begin with. He’s kind of been forged, gone through this evil transformation… he’s really just protecting his children, and he’s had to do some evil stuff to get there. He’s such an interesting character, with so much complexity, because he doesn’t think of himself as evil at all."
Adar, despite his actions as a creator of Mordor, sees himself as someone forced into a position of power, someone who is merely protecting his people from the even greater evil of Sauron. This internal conflict, driven by his past manipulations and the burden of his choices, leaves Adar a complex character, capable of both brutality and compassion.
A Shared Enemy, A Shared Burden
This commonality of betrayal, being manipulated by Sauron and Morgoth respectively, is what ultimately forms the foundation for Galadriel and Adar’s uneasy alliance. Both have suffered at the hands of the Dark Lord, and both recognize the threat he poses to the entire world. As Sam Hazeldine, the actor portraying Adar, explains, “He’s certainly been deeply affected, by having been deceived by both Sauron and Morgoth in the past, to become what he is now. There’s a huge, kind of crushing wave of responsibility [for Adar], that all of these uruk that wouldn’t exist had he not succumbed to Sauron’s power in the first place. He’s a cautionary tale for Galadriel, as well.”
This shared history of manipulation provides a foundation of understanding between these two seemingly incompatible characters. It is something that binds them together, despite their conflicting ideologies and motivations. As Clark highlights, “It was lost of fun because they are so at odds, and yet they’re forced into a situation that’s deeply uncomfortable for both of them.” She goes on to say that, “Ultimately, all of their decisions [with each other] are based on Sauron. He’s still got them. They’ve lost their confidence, and Sauron’s taken it.”
This shared fear of Sauron’s power, of the potential for further manipulation, is what drives this unlikely alliance forward. They are both trying to fight against a common enemy, but they also struggle with the knowledge that, in some ways, their actions might be a part of Sauron’s grand plan. As Hazeldine remarks, “The only thing that the share is that they’ve both been kind of abused by Sauron. It’s a horrible thing, but that’s what they have in common. They’re trying to do something about the threat of Sauron, but you’re wondering while you’re doing it if what you’re doing is exactly what he had intended.”
The Promise of Season Two
The upcoming season of "The Rings of Power" promises to be a whirlwind of conflict, intrigue, and unexpected partnerships. The alliance between Galadriel and Adar is sure to be a highlight, demonstrating the complex dynamic of trust and betrayal that defines the fight against the encroaching darkness. The juxtaposition of these two characters, one a valiant and righteous Elf, the other a troubled Orcish leader, serves to highlight the multifaceted nature of good and evil in Tolkien’s world.
The season will explore the lengths to which these characters are willing to go to achieve their goals, the lines they are ready to cross in the name of survival. It is certain to challenge our preconceived notions of heroes and villains, showcasing the complexities of morality and the precarious nature of alliances forged in the shadow of war. As we wait for the season’s premiere, the question remains: will this uneasy alliance between Galadriel and Adar be a beacon of hope against Sauron’s growing power, or simply another pawn in the Dark Lord’s intricate game?
