The Inaccuracy of 'The Rings of Power' to J.R.R. Tolkien's Canon

Many viewers of The Rings of Power have noticed significant deviations from J.R.R. Tolkien's detailed works, particularly in relation to the Second Age. This article explores the discrepancies between the show and the canon, highlighting the key differences that detract from the immersive experience for fans of Tolkien's universe.

Overview of Canon vs. 'The Rings of Power'

When it comes to adhering to Tolkien's established canon, The Rings of Power has several notable inaccuracies. The showrunners are legally restricted from directly using much of the material related to the Second Age, leading them to make substantial changes and creative additions. This results in a show that, while aimed at capturing the essence of Middle-earth, often deviates significantly from Tolkien's original works.

Events and Characters in 'The Rings of Power' that Disrupt the Canon

Several pivotal moments and character developments in The Rings of Power are quite different from what Tolkien wrote. Here are some notable examples:

Galadriel

Canonically, Galadriel does not appear in a meteor and did not appear in the Second Age at all. She knows who she is from the very beginning and never visits Númenor or meets Sauron on a raft in the ocean. Her role in the show has been significantly reimagined, with her swimming back to Middle-earth, a plotpoint that would have been anathema to Tolkien.

Sauron

The big reveal in the first season, where Halbrand is revealed to be Sauron, is a departure from the canon. In Tolkien's works, Sauron advised Celebrimbor, but he was not a human and did not call himself Annatar. The show portrays a lowly human becoming Sauron, which contradicts Tolkien's descriptions.

Elrond

Elrond did not have any involvement in the creation of the Rings. In fact, The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings reveal that he was wary of Annatar and warned other elves to be wary of him. This detail is completely absent in the show, altering Elrond's character and role in the narrative.

Mithril

Mithril, often described as a magical substance, is not supported by Tolkien's canon. The idea that the Elves' survival is tied to mithril is a creative addition. The primary function of the Rings was to delay the decays of time, but there was no indication that the Elves were immediately in danger of their existence.

Númenor

The fall of Númenor, which occurred about 1700 years after the Rings were forged, is misrepresented in The Rings of Power. The events in the show, as described, suggest that the two events are contemporary, which is historically inaccurate.

Gandalf

There is no evidence in Tolkien's canon of any of the Istari arriving in Middle-earth in the Second Age. The character who appears from the sky, initially thought to be Sauron, may either be an out-of-place Gandalf or a similar plot device. This is a significant deviation from the established narrative.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

While The Rings of Power offers an engaging and visually spectacular portrayal of Middle-earth, it diverges significantly from the detailed chronicles that make the world so rich and intricate. Viewers with a deep connection to Tolkien's work may find these discrepancies frustrating, as they disrupt the immersive and faithful rendering of the author's creation.

The creative liberties taken in The Rings of Power do not diminish its entertainment value but do highlight the importance of canonical accuracy, especially for fans seeking a deeper engagement with Middle-earth's mythology and history.