Galadriel came across as pretty unlikable in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 1, but adding one Lord of the Rings character could turn this around. Galadriel was downright abrasive in the prequel series compared to the version of the ethereal elf that audiences were used to in Peter Jackson’s film trilogy. Her journey of vengeance and determination to find and take down Sauron made her forget to consider anyone around her, and this selfishness wasn’t a great look. However, The Rings of Power could see a change in Galadriel, especially considering everything she went through in season 1.
In The Lord of the Rings, Galadriel was the gentle and beautiful elf that ruled Lothlórien along with her husband, Celeborn. However, The Rings of Power showed audiences a significantly different interpretation of the character. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, Galadriel had been a powerful force, but she was typically loved by anyone she met. This wasn’t the case for the Prime Video version of the elf. She was quick to anger, dismissed anyone who didn’t immediately agree with her, and disregarded the lives of those around her—but that can all change in The Rings of Power season 2.
Galadriel’s Vengence Made Her Hard To Like In Rings Of Power S1
The differences in Galadriel’s character between The Lord of the Rings and The Rings of Power are explained with the new motivation added to her character arc. Season 1 revealed that her brother Finrod had made a vow to take down Sauron but was murdered by the Dark Lord before he could. Galadriel took up this unfulfilled oath and made it her own, and in her rage and sorrow, she gained a one-track mind and lost sight of everything that made life worth living to begin with.
The Rings of Power hinted that Galadriel sought vengeance for more than just her brother’s death. She confided in Theo that her husband, Celeborn, had been killed, and though she wasn’t clear about the details, this likely had something to do with Sauron. So, Galadriel had faced a lot of tragedy when audiences first saw her in The Rings of Power season 1, and the Prime Video series has implied that this is why she is so bitter. However, hints from The Lord of the Rings could indicate that this will all change.
Celeborn’s Return In Rings Of Power Season 2 Can Fix Galadriel’s Character
Fans of The Lord of the Rings know that Celeborn and Galadriel were happily married when Frodo and the rest of the Fellowship of the Ring came to Lothlórien during the Third Age. Therefore, it’s safe to say that Celeborn isn’t actually dead during Galadriel’s Second Age adventures. This information seems to promise that a reunion will be in The Rings of Power‘s future, which could mean a return to the light for Galadriel. If she once again has something to live for other than her unhealthy need for revenge, audiences might see a version of Galadriel that is more similar to the one they are used to.
This becomes even more likely when considering that Galadriel and Celeborn were supposed to have already had a daughter together by the time of The Rings of Power season 1. Of course, the Prime Video series has made so many changes to Middle-earth’s timeline that anything could go for season 2. Perhaps Galadriel thinks that her daughter is also dead and will be that much more renewed in identity after learning that this is not true. Or, maybe a rekindled relationship with her past love will mean a baby on the way. Either way, Galadriel’s mood (and likability) is sure to improve.
The Rings Of Power Season 2 Has Teased Big Changes For Galadriel
Whether Celebron and Celebrian return in The Rings of Power season 2 or later, Galadriel will surely see some significant changes moving forward. Actress Morfydd Clark said as much in an interview with Vanity Fair. She stated that Galadriel had become “self-obsessed” in season 1 due to the hardships she had faced but that she hoped the elf would “[rediscover] the beauty of life” and see a shift in her identity in season 2. This is excellent news, especially for those who weren’t pleased with Galadriel’s behavior in the Prime Video series.
Though The Rings of Power received a lot of criticism for its changes to Galadriel’s character, it is reasonable to assume that an immortal being would have several highs and lows throughout their long life. One of the things that Clark said she loved about playing the character is that, as a Lord of the Rings fan, she knew that Galadriel would achieve a certain peace in her life. Imagining that she had earned that through hardship and temptations—such as with Halbrand’s lies—can make the character all the better. Of course, Galadriel’s bad attitude in The Rings of Power could wear thin very fast, so hopefully, peace will come sooner rather than later.
Source: Vanity Fair
