The Rings of Powerseason 2, episode 5, saw the character Valandil suffer a tragic death, raising questions about his notability in Tolkien lore. Set in theSecond Age of Middle-earth, Prime Video’sLord of the Ringsprequel series examines an age of Tolkien’s history that’s mostly told through bullet points, lacking direct details. Thus, thetelevision dramatization of this era takes its creative liberties in defining its cast, causing the creation of original characterslike Arondir, Nori Brandyfoot, and more. The name Valandil, on the other hand, creates more direct questions about the character’s relation to Tolkien’s writing.
The Rings of Powerseason 2, episode 5’s ending, saw thepolitical conflict in Númenorbecoming violent, as Kemen, son of Ar-Pharazôn, interrupted a spiritual gathering to shut down a temple. Kemen seems to be acting out of bitterness toward Elendil and Valandil, and ends up in a skirmish with the two of them. Valandil gets the upper hand, disarming Kemen and holding his sword above him. At the command of Elendil,Valandil decides to spare Kemen, dropping the sword and turning his back to him, only to be stabbed in the back.
Valandil Is An Original Character In The Rings Of Power
Valandil Is A Name From Tolkien’s World, But This Character Is Original
Valandil is a name drawn from Tolkien’s world, butthe character depicted inThe Rings of Poweris entirely original to the TV series. He was shown commonly in the show’s first season to be a friend of Isildur, depicted as a determined and honorable soldier in Elendil’s command. He was relatively minor in the series, yetValandil’s death is heartbreakingdue to his noble intentions as one of the few forces for good remaining on the island kingdom of Númenor. While not having a major arc of his own, Valandil’s impact on season 2 should be significant.
his death should light a fire under Elendil to begin acting in defiance of the usurpers
An earlier scene in episode 5 saw Elendil and Miriel discussing Númenor’s future and how Elendil’s vision is crucial to the civilization’s way forward.Lord of the Ringsfans know Elendil will eventually become the first King of Arnor, leading the Númenórean population to Middle-earth as the remainder self-destructs on the island under Ar-Pharazôn. Valandil was a minor character inThe Rings of Power, but his death should light a fire under Elendil to begin acting in defiance of the usurpers, allowing him to lead Númenor into its future.
Valandil Was A King Of Númenor Years Before The Rings Of Power
Before the events ofThe Rings of Power, at some point earlier on in the Second Age, there was a king of Númenor known as Valandil. According to Tolkien’s etymology,the name means “Lover of the Valar,” making the TV show’s version a direct representation of one of Númenor’s political factions. Valandil is the embodiment of the old ways of Númenor, which respect the elves and the Valar for their contributions to their society, opposing Ar-Pharazôn and Kemen’s desire to expand mankind’s power and influence over Arda.
The Rings Of Power All But Confirms This Númenorean As A Future Ringwraith
Lord of the Rings lore says that three of the Ringwraiths were once Númenorean, and Rings of Power season 2 has basically revealed one of them.
According to the legendarium, there are also other characters named Valandil. Valandil is also the name of Elendil’s father, continuing the trend of this name and its representation in Númenor, referring to the old ways of the civilization in aligning with the elves and the Valar. Finally, there’s athird character in Tolkien’s lore named Valandil: Isildur’s son, who becomes the King of Arnorfollowing Isildur’s death in the orc ambush at the Gladden Fields.
Valandil’s The Rings Of Power Death Sets Up Isildur’s Heir
Isildur’s Direct Heir Is Named Valandil
Aside from Kemen becoming the show’s most detestable character, this moment inThe Rings of Powerwill have a lasting influence on Middle-earth. Isildur may not be the most prominent character inThe Rings of Power, but he’ll end the show as one of the most pivotal. As movie fans know from theLord of the Ringsprologue scenes, Isildur kills Sauron but takes the One Ring for himself instead of destroying it, and is then ambushed and loses it, for it to eventually make its way to Gollum. After Isildur dies, his youngest son, Valandil, becomes king.
The Rings Of Power Gives The Best Description Of Sauron’s True Form Yet
Sauron takes on numerous forms in J.R.R. Tolkien’s lore, but The Rings of Power season 2 just gave the best description of his true appearance.
This allowsThe Rings of Powerto set upa memorable name for Isildur’s youngest child, as he’ll be named after the tragic character from season 2. This will distinguish the heir Valandil to television audiences, as otherwise, the youngest son might not carry too much weight. It’s only due to the fact that Isildur’s other sons were also killed at the Gladden Fields that Valandil would eventually become king, though it’s uncertain ifThe Rings of Powerwill make it this far in its narrative.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
