This is the first post under Rings of Power. I will go over the first three episodes of Amzon’s show, in short format.
Galadriel’s story is, in my mind, canon enough. The specific events that have happened with her so far are maybe not perfect, but acceptable enough for me. I feel Tar-Miriel and Elendil are not portrayed very well based on what we’ve been given, but that can be fixed. So far, so good.
Elrond’s story is wonderful. Almost perfectly faithful to the lore. Elrond was friends with Durin, and this conflict is not mentioned, but can be expected, due to the life expectancy difference. Some points:
- The Rite of Sigin-Tarag is not 100% well portrayed
- Disa doesn’t have a beard!!!!!!!
Nori’s story is not the type of thing Tolkien would write yet. So far, it could 100% have happened, aside from Meteor Man, but he just didn’t write it, because it just isn’t that important.
Arondir’s story is, in my opinion, not even worth following. It’s nice to see the Southlands get transformed into Mordor, but with my specific-ness on the non-existence of black elves, and Tolkien’s specific-ness about the number of human-elf romances across the ages, I just cannot accept this as canon. Orcs would never use an elvish name, such as Adar, or father, for their leader, so there’s yet another strike.
So far, I’m excited to see what this evolves into, but skeptical and scared at the same time. Overall I’d say 7 / 10. But we shall see.