The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power embarks on a multitude of storylines, but its attempt to uphold a tradition established by Tolkien might be undermining its overall strength. During the inaugural season, it was revealed that Halbrand, an original character, is actually Sauron, while season 2 further develops him into the Annatar persona. Concurrently, Galadriel’s narrative takes a separate path, leaving Sauron to deal with the consequences of his actions in the company of Celebrimbor. The narratives span from the fantastical to the deeply embedded in Tolkien lore, yet not all of them resonate as authentically Tolkienian.
J.R.R. Tolkien, the pioneer of British high fantasy, released his celebrated work, The Lord of the Rings, between 1954 and 1955. Today’s audience may not engage with Tolkienian plots as enthusiastically as earlier readers did, or perhaps, subplots intended to reflect Tolkien’s spirit simply struggle to integrate with the show’s broader themes. However, the conclusion of season 2 showcased that the essence of Tolkien’s Silmarillion is woven into the fabric of the series, adeptly concluding Annatar’s arc. Yet, it is the trajectory of the Stranger that appears surprisingly uninspired, especially considering its origins in Tolkien’s mythos.
Nori & The Stranger’s Narrative: An Original Addition with Tolkien’s Echo
An Abundance of Original Narratives in The Rings of Power
Among the various arcs presented in The Rings of Power, the journey of Nori and the Stranger emerges as one of its less compelling narratives, despite drawing from established Tolkien traditions. Tolkien’s celebrated children’s book, The Hobbit, first published in 1935, introduced readers to a Hobbit (Bilbo Baggins) supported by a Wizard (Gandalf). This dynamic was further explored in The Lord of the Rings and adapted into films by Peter Jackson, each interpretation varying in its fidelity to the source material. Notably, Hobbits were depicted as deeply relatable entities, often reflecting contemporary values in stark contrast to the medieval structures of Men.
This blend of characteristics allowed readers to form strong attachments to Hobbit-centric narratives. Much like Gandalf’s mentorship helped propel Bilbo’s adventure in The Hobbit, he similarly guided Frodo in The Lord of the Rings. It was anticipated that a partnership between Gandalf and Nori in The Rings of Power would resonate equally well; however, this storyline has emerged as one of the least captivating aspects of the series. This shortcoming could stem from Nori being an original character, but numerous factors might be influencing the reception of this subplot.
Despite Strong Roots in Tolkien’s Lore, Nori & The Stranger Represent the Show’s Weaker Narrative
The Inconsistency of Nori’s Journey in The Rings of Power
Markella Kavenagh portrays Elanor ‘Nori’ Brandyfoot in The Rings of Power
While Nori and the Stranger’s storyline in season 2 clearly draws on Tolkien’s influences, it occasionally falls short of the series’ other arcs. In season 1, at least, this narrative seemed more aligned with Tolkien’s ethos compared to Galadriel’s rather whimsical subplot involving an unlikely romance with her adversary. The Númenor storyline appeared more loyal to the source material, despite occurring concurrently with the ring forges. Yet, some fans suggested that the Stranger’s arc felt like unnecessary filler amidst the more compelling narratives.
Although the Hobbit-and-Wizard formula has proven successful in past adaptations, the dynamic between Nori and the Stranger might have been adversely affected by the influx of original content infused into it. For instance, integrating Tom Bombadil’s essence into the narrative adds layers of complexity that might detract from its core cohesion. Viewers have gravitated more towards the arcs involving Galadriel, Celebrimbor, Isildur, Arondir, Theo, or Elendil, which presented more dynamic action sequences.
Enhancing Nori’s Arc in The Rings of Power Season 3
Nori & Gandalf: A Journey Still Unfolding
There’s potential for Nori to evolve beyond her current portrayal, enriching her storyline significantly.
If Nori is transformed into the great ancestor of Frodo, it would infuse the narrative with more authenticity, tension, and unexpected twists throughout her forthcoming journey in season 3. As she moves westward from Rhûn, leading the Stoors along with the Harfoots, she could find herself narrowly escaping Sauron’s wrath and possibly progressing towards what will eventually become the Shire. This evolution could position Nori as a foundational figure in Hobbit history.
Tolkien himself outlined the Hobbit lineage intricately in the prologue of the first volume of The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring. There is ample opportunity for The Rings of Power to refine Nori’s narrative trajectory in future seasons to enhance her significance. Markella Kavenagh’s portrayal has been commendable, and her chemistry with Poppy is consistently delightful, providing humor and warmth. Should Nori and Gandalf face a divergence in their paths in season 3 — having already introduced him to Tom Bombadil — the series will face the challenge of enhancing her relevance while sustaining her intrinsic charm and connection with Poppy.