'LOTR: Rings of Power': Why Halbrand may continue tempting one major character in Season 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 1, Galadriel, one of Middle-earth's most ancient and powerful beings, faced a profound internal struggle. Born in the celestial realm of Valinor, she had witnessed the rise and fall of countless ages, wielding immense wisdom and strength.
Throughout the season, Halbrand's influence played on Galadriel's deepest desires, awakening a darkness within her that she had long tried to suppress. As Season 2 approaches, the question looms: will Halbrand continue to tempt Galadriel, drawing her closer to the very corruption she once feared?
A dangerous alliance between Galadriel and Halbrand
From the moment Galadriel and Halbrand crossed paths, a peculiar tension developed between them. After Galadriel leaped from a ship bound for Valinor, Halbrand's raft conveniently appeared to rescue her.
As they journeyed together throughout Season 1, their initially adversarial relationship began to hint at an unexpected, almost romantic connection—an odd development, especially with Celeborn absent from the story.
However, everything became clearer when Halbrand revealed himself as Sauron. His goal was to forge a bond with Galadriel, hoping to sway her to his side. By winning her over, Sauron aimed to neutralize the one Elf still actively hunting him.
In the season’s climax, he made his boldest move, offering to make Galadriel his queen, promising her power beyond imagination, to be 'fair as the sea and the Sun, stronger than the foundations of the Earth.' This cunning temptation set the stage for further intrigue in their relationship.
Galadriel's journey into darkness is a core theme in 'The Rings of Power'
Galadriel's temptation by power is a recurring theme in 'The Lord of the Rings', and 'The Rings of Power' explores this deeply. In Season 1, she resists Sauron’s offer to make her his queen, but the struggle is far from over.
Galadriel recalled her brother Finrod’s words about finding light only after touching darkness, hinting that her journey into darkness is yet to come. This exploration of her darker impulses would not only make her more relatable but also add depth to her character.
Historically, Galadriel’s ambition led her to remain in Middle-earth after the Doom of Mandos was lifted, driven by her desire to rule. Sauron’s manipulations play directly into these desires, and as seen in 'The Fellowship of the Ring', her temptation by power persists.
Season 2 will likely delve further into this internal conflict, with Sauron continuing to challenge her resolve, making her eventual redemption even more powerful.
'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer