'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power': Why Durin revealing his name matters and what it means for Season 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Episode 7 was an emotional rollercoaster, with Durin IV (Owain Arthur) coming close to sharing his secret name with his half-elf friend, Elrond (Robert Aramayo).
The heartwarming bond between Durin and Elrond is a highlight of the series and a key aspect of JRR Tolkien's original works.
As Durin's voice cracked with emotion, it was clear that his trust in Elrond was genuine. The tears welling up in his eyes showed that this was no impulsive mistake, but a testament to their unbreakable friendship.
This emotional moment highlighted the depth of their relationship, making 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' a must-watch for fans of the beloved books.
But we had one burning question, why was it such a big deal for Durin to share his name with his best friend? Let's find out.
Why is Durin's secret name so sacred?
In 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power', Durin's secret name is particularly significant because dwarves are notoriously private. Their language, Khuzdul, is complex and reserved for only a trusted few.
Durin reveals that secret names are only shared with family, making his willingness to share it with Elrond a significant moment.
Elrond's interruption shows he understands the gravity of Durin's gesture. Without needing words, Elrond acknowledges the depth of their friendship.
Durin's readiness to share his secret name speaks volumes about his trust and affection for Elrond. Their spiritual bond had reached new heights, making their relationship a truly remarkable aspect of the show.
Why is Khuzdul such a secret language?
In JRR Tolkien's world, Khuzdul, the Dwarven language, is a unique creation of Aulë, the creator of the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves.
Unlike other languages, Khuzdul doesn't borrow from Elvish or any other tongue but instead draws inspiration from real-world Hebrew.
The Dwarves didn’t actively hide their language, but its complexity—designed by Aulë—kept it exclusive to their kin. Over time, Khuzdul evolved slowly, like weathered rock, and remained consistent across clans, allowing easy communication.
However, the Dwarves kept their names secretive, believing them to be intimate secrets, only shared with closest friends and family.
They were so protective of Khuzdul that their names vanished with them upon death, never appearing on epitaphs. Over time, even among themselves, the Dwarves only revealed their inner names to those they trusted most.
This secrecy surrounding names adds depth to the moment in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' when Durin considers sharing his secret name with Elrond.
What does this mean for Durin and Elrond’s friendship in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2?
Durin's near-reveal of his secret name to Elrond in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' carries significant weight, underscoring the profound depth of their friendship.
Their bond has surpassed mere convenience, becoming a strong and meaningful kinship.
However, their relationship may be doomed by the complicated history between their races, hinting at a potential future rift or even enmity.
This looming possibility makes Durin's willingness to share his secret name even more important, underscoring the gravity of their friendship.
As tensions rise, Durin and Elrond may find themselves on opposite sides of a brewing conflict, forcing them to confront the possibility of becoming enemies in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2.
'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer
'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' returns to Prime Video on Thursday, August 29.