Why 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' rewrote Mithril’s origin story
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Throughout its first five episodes, 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' has placed significant emphasis on the discovery of Mithril, a rare and powerful ore.
Described by Prince Durin IV as 'lighter than silk' and 'harder than iron', Mithril becomes an obsession for the dwarves of Khazad-dûm, who are driven by the allure of its extraordinary properties. However, this relentless pursuit will ultimately contribute to the downfall of their great kingdom.
As we delve deeper into the series, it's intriguing to explore why 'The Rings of Power' chose to rewrite Mithril’s origin story, adding new layers to its mythos and impact on Middle-earth's fate.
How was Mithril really created in 'The Rings of Power'?
'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' introduces a fresh origin for Mithril. According to an ancient Elven legend, known as the Song of the Roots of Hithaeglir, an unnamed elf-warrior once fought a Balrog on the Misty Mountains, with both seeking a Silmaril hidden in a tree.
In this intense duel, the elf infused the tree with his light, while the Balrog attacked it with darkness. A lightning strike then fused these opposing forces with the Silmaril's essence, creating an extraordinary ore deep within the mountain.
This ore, combining Silmaril's brilliance, the Balrog's strength, and the elf's grace, was later discovered by the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, giving birth to Mithril.
How the Rings of Power's Silmaril Myth got rewritten?
'The Rings of Power' significantly alters Tolkien's lore with its Mithril origin story. In Tolkien's canon, the Silmarils's fates are well-documented, with no mention of one being hidden in a tree atop the Misty Mountains.
The series's portrayal of an elf infusing light into a tree is a creative departure from Tolkien's mythology, where the Calaquendi, elves who witnessed the Two Trees of Valinor, gained their power from this experience rather than being literal sources of light.
Furthermore, the show reframes Mithril as a magical fusion of light, darkness, and a Silmaril, contrasting Tolkien's depiction of it as a naturally occurring mineral, simply a rare and valuable resource. This reinterpretation of Mithril's creation highlights The Rings of Power's bold approach to reimagining aspects of Middle-earth's lore, adding new layers to its mythos.
'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer