Why this LOTR: The Rings of Power’s villain can change his form
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Prime Video's 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' has cast Jack Lowden as a new incarnation of Sauron for Season 2, addressing a significant question from the previous season. The show's debut in 2022 left fans wondering how much of Sauron's story would be explored. Season 1 used mystery and suspense to reveal Sauron's true identity as Halbrand, setting up 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 to dive deeper into his journey.
In 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2, Sauron's story will unfold similarly to how Galadriel's origins were explored in Season 1. Charlie Vickers will reprise his role as Halbrand/Sauron, using both the Halbrand form and a blonde, Elvish form in dealings with Celebrimbor. However, a new clip released by Prime Video on Thursday, August 22 revealed Jack Lowden playing a third form of Sauron, resolving some unanswered questions from Season 1.
Why can Sauron change forms in 'LOTR: The Rings of Power'?
In JRR Tolkien's lore, Sauron is a corrupted Maia spirit with shape-shifting powers. He initially serves the dark lord Morgoth but tries to take his place after Morgoth's defeat. Jack Lowden plays this version of Sauron in 'LOTR: The Rings of Power'.
However, the show takes creative liberties with Sauron's story. Unlike in Tolkien's works, Sauron is killed by Adar, a character created for the show, and reborn into a new form. After his death, Sauron transforms into a dark, amorphous substance and consumes the flesh of various beings to take on a humanoid form. He then assumes Halbrand's identity, pretending to be the long-lost King of the Southlands. This deviation from Tolkien's original story allows the show to explore new dimensions of Sauron's character and powers.
Why does Sauron take on a new body?
Sauron's shape-shifting power allows him to take on various forms, but he chooses not to reuse his previous appearance, played by Jack Lowden. This is because many, including Adar and Galadriel, would recognize and be mindful of him in that form. By adopting a new disguise, Sauron can deceive his enemies and achieve his goals sooner.
In 'The Rings of Power', Sauron's Halbrand form allows him to infiltrate the Southlands and gain Adar's trust. Adar remains unaware of Sauron's true identity, believing he had killed him earlier. Even when Adar captures Halbrand in 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2, he still does not recognize the dark lord in disguise.
Sauron's ability to change forms also helps him avoid detection by Galadriel, who has been hunting him since his brother Finrod's death at Sauron's hands. By adopting a new appearance, Sauron successfully evades recognition, allowing him to concentrate more fully on his quest for power.
Why does Annatar look like Halbrand?
You might be wondering why Annatar looks like Halbrand rather than Jack Lowden's version of Sauron. The explanation is that in 'The Rings of Power', Sauron tricks Celebrimbor by changing his appearance. Initially, he looks like Halbrand and helps Celebrimbor with a special metal called mithril. However, he later reveals his true identity to Galadriel
To trick Celebrimbor again, Sauron goes back to looking like Halbrand before shifting into an elf-like form and claiming to be a messenger from the gods. Celebrimbor believes and works with him again, not knowing Sauron's true intentions. Sauron's shape-shifting and cunning words effectively manipulate Celebrimbor, advancing his dark agenda.
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer