Amazon’s ‘The Rings of Power’ and Its Divergence from Tolkien’s Canon

The recent release of The Rings of Power has sparked much debate among fans of J.R.R.

Is the Show Accurately Depicting its Source Material?

Some critics argue that the show is inaccurately portraying characters and events from J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, suggesting that it shames itself and the source material. It is understandable that dedicated fans may misinterpret the show and believe that its portrayal is faithful to Tolkien’s lore. However, this is a misplaced concern.

The Long-Term Impact of the Show and Tolkien’s Work

In ten years, people may look back on The Rings of Power and view it as a fleeting cultural phenomenon, perhaps even forgotten. On the other hand, Tolkien’s works and some of Peter Jackson’s adaptations are expected to remain beloved cultural touchstones. These enduring works continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring their legacy long after the show leaves our screens.

Addressing Misinterpretations

Tolkien’s work is not undermined by the presence of diverse characters in the show. If Tolkien were alive and aware of the white supremacists who might misuse his works, his response would likely be to explicitly make his works more inclusive. For instance, if he knew that these individuals admired the “heroic whites/villainous POC” undertones, it would be reasonable to assume that he would make the heroes explicitly people of color (POC) purely out of spite, were it within his power to do so.

The Character of Galadriel

The show’s portrayal of Galadriel is notably different from the character as depicted in the books. In the Lord of the Rings novels, Galadriel is described as an imposing and powerful creature, with a deep voice that can cause physical and mental destruction. She is respected as a leader and is an excellent judge of character, particularly when dealing with shady men. In The Rings of Power, however, she is portrayed as less powerful and not as formidable, resulting in her infantilization. This change reduces her gravitas and diminishes her significance.

Moreover, the show fails to capture the depth and complexity of Tolkien’s literary universe. In the books, characters who seek revenge are often depicted as antiheroes or tragic figures who meet tragic ends. In contrast, Galadriel in the show is vindicated by proving Sauron wrong. This diverges significantly from Tolkien’s portrayal of revenge and its consequences, which often lead to negative outcomes for the characters involved.

Can J.R.R. Tolkien Approve of the Show?

Given the extent to which the show veers from Tolkien’s values and narrative, it is highly unlikely that he would approve of the show’s choices. Additionally, it would be unfair to criticize viewers of The Rings of Power and compare it to other shows like Good Omens, The Boys, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. These shows also have their own unique histories and respective justifications for their creative liberties.

Moreover, it is worth noting that even the Peter Jackson films, while falling short, did not completely destroy the integrity of Tolkien’s stories. The extensive fan franchise and its enduring appeal suggest that one mediocre production does not significantly harm the underpinnings of the original work.