Summary
With season 2 ofThe Lord of the Rings: TheRings of Powerreleasing on August 04, 2025, Galadriel’s portrayal promises to further deviate from her character in the books and otherLord of the Ringsfilms, undermining her true abilities. Season 1 sparked conversation because of her character’s bent for combat and shows a problematic relationship with Gil-galad. He’s presented as the more powerful and authoritative elf, dismissing her concerns and sending her to Valinor in one scene. While this season 1 characterization created problems, there is evidence to suggest that season 2 is continuing the trend.
Because ofTheRings of Power’s backdrop in the Second Age, Galadriel is only 3,422 years old and driven by strong emotion, a departure from the calculated Galadriel of the books and theLord of the Ringsfilms. InTheRings of Power,she creates tension with other characters through abrasive interactions. This show’s decision to make her more reckless and fierce aligns with the audience’s demand for flawed characters, but this could be a bad sign forThe Rings of Powerseason 2, particularly when it comes to her inability to make sensible decisions.
Galadriel Insists On Wearing Nenya In The Rings Of Power Season 2 (Despite Elrond’s Warning)
It’s A Mistake That Speaks To A Character Flaw
TheRings of Powerseason 2 trailershows Galadriel slipping Nenya onto her finger, despite Elrond’s protest. Although this decision is backed by various details inLord of the Ringslore,Galadriel takes a huge risk in wearing the ring. This immediately marks her as a very different character from the Galadriel who turns down wearing the One Ring from Frodo inTheLord of the Rings.Galadriel could be faced with some challenges in season 2, since the ring is a significant burden and can be a temptation for those who wear it to use it for personal gain.
Galadriel’s desire for guidance from other sources seems to encourage her choice to wear Nenya, but this aspect weakens her character compared to the much more all-knowing Galadriel that was originally depicted.
Galadriel’s use of Nenya makes her much more susceptible to Sauron’s attention, potentially overpowering her. Galadriel’s desire for guidance from other sources seems to encourage her choice to wear Nenya, but this aspect weakens her character compared to the much more all-knowing Galadriel that was originally depicted. There’s no strong evidence that she intends to use her power wisely in season 2, given that the trailer continues to show characters heading off to engage in warfare. There’s alsosome connection between Galadriel the morally ambiguous Adarthat threatens to change her character further.
Galadriel Appears To Be Teaming Up With Adar In The Rings Of Power Season 2
Such An Alliance Would Be A Major Change
During theRings of Powerseason 2 trailer scene in which Adar says, “Leave Sauron to me,” circumstantial details indicate that he’s speaking to Galadriel. Their partnership is already foreshadowed from season 1, after Galadriel captures him and he reveals that she is also “transformed by darkness.”There are striking similarities between the two charactersrooted in the fact that both are driven by deeply personal motivations. Galadriel loses her brother Finrod and vows to prevent Sauron’s return, and Adar is inspired by his vision for the Orcs. Their partnership in season 2 would signal a dramatic shift in the storyline, but could compromise Galadriel’s development.
TheoriginalLord of the Ringsfranchiserelies on stark contrasts between the good and bad characters, but Galadriel and Adar cross the lines between corruption and nobility, seeking to protect their interests and others' interests at the same time. Because they are neither friends nor enemies,their partnership might be impacted by trust issues. Galadriel is once again shown to be unstable and reliant on others to help her resist darker forces. Given her strength and purity in traditional adaptations, this new ambiguity is a major change – and not necessarily beneficial.
Galadriel Already Looked Silly After Trusting Sauron In The Rings Of Power Season 1
The Show Needs To Start Redeeming Her
Before Sauron’s identity is revealed in season 1, Galadriel’s misplaced trust in him leaves her with a reputation as a gullible character. She ignores her intuition throughout their companionship and doesn’t pick up on clues that he could be deceitful. His background is shrouded in mystery, which should have been a clear indicator. There’s no explanation as to how he ended up adrift at sea, andhe blatantly manipulates Galadriel throughout their journeywith his story about Orcs invading his homeland. She’s underneath his influence and dark magic, an association she’s going to have to overcome in season 2.
Galadriel has plenty of explaining to do with the Elves as they question her about Sauron’s true nature. . She will also have to continue receiving distressing visions and dreams related to Sauron in the aftermath of their friendship, coming to terms with her prophetic tendencies and inner struggles. By focusing on her petulance,TheRings of Powerhas replaced Galadriel’s otherworldly qualities with juvenile tendencies, a sad interpretation of the Galadriel that viewers have come to know and love. Eventually, the show must address this problem – or else risk creating a character incompatible with the original story.
