Spoilers Alert for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2, Episode 5
The latest season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power dives deeper into the intricate dynamics of Middle-earth, with a particular focus on the city of Númenor. In this captivating narrative, Ema Horvath, who plays Eärien, sheds light on her character’s decision to align with Pharazôn, portrayed by Trystan Gravelle, instead of her father, Captain Elendil, played by Lloyd Owen. This choice is pivotal as it showcases the ongoing power struggle that defines the current season.
Eärien’s Complex Decision
In an insightful interview with Screen Rant, Horvath delves into Eärien’s motivations, revealing a blend of self-doubt, ambition, and societal influence that drive her choices. Eärien’s decision to side with Pharazôn stems from her perception of Númenor’s prevailing beliefs, which are not fringe but rather mainstream.
Understanding Eärien’s Motivations
Horvath explains that Eärien’s actions are guided by three main factors. Firstly, there is a deep-seated belief that she is unworthy of love, leading her to seek power and respect as substitutes. This sentiment is amplified by her fractured family dynamics, as she feels abandoned by her father and mourns the loss of her brother.
Secondly, Eärien harbors ambitions to become an architect, and Pharazôn’s position as head of the Builder’s Guild presents a clear path to achieve her goals. Lastly, the political and cultural climate of Númenor favors Pharazôn’s views, making it difficult for Eärien to oppose them despite her family ties.
Implications for Númenor
Elendil’s Diminishing Ties to Númenor
Season 2 of The Rings of Power paints a grim picture of Númenor’s future, contrasting with the relative peace of the first season. As Queen Regent Míriel struggles to maintain control, Pharazôn’s influence grows, impacting Elendil’s narrative. Following the disbanding of the Sea Guard and the loss of Valandil in episode 5, Elendil finds himself questioning his place in the city, particularly with the presumed death of his son, Isildur.
Exactly Where Is Numenor Compared To Valinor & Middle-earth
Elendil’s alienation is compounded by Eärien’s alliance with Pharazôn’s oppressive regime. This tension may push Elendil to leave Númenor, leaving Eärien and the city vulnerable to darker times.
Analyzing Eärien’s Allegiance
Future of Eärien and Elendil’s Relationship
Eärien remains unaware of Kemen’s role in Valandil’s murder, and this revelation could shift her loyalties. Her commitment to Pharazôn’s cause appears shaky, suggesting that she might not condone such treachery. However, Kemen may manipulate the narrative to maintain her trust.
Reconciliation between Eärien and Elendil hinges on open dialogue, a notion supported by Horvath. Yet, the escalating tensions in Númenor make such a meeting unlikely in the immediate future.
New episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 are available every Thursday on Prime Video.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
- Adventure
- Fantasy
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth's history for the very first time. Set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, The Rings of Power will explore a time in the franchise where kingdoms rose and fell, where The One Ring itself was forged and tells the tale of the rise of the greatest foe in the Lord of the Rings Franchise, the Dark Lord Sauron. Beginning in a time of peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of familiar and new characters as they confront the long-feared reemergence of evil in Middle-earth. From the depths of the Misty Mountains to the forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the island kingdom of Númenor, to the farthest reaches of the map, The Rings of Power promises to condense the extended works of Tolkien in a condensed but all-encompassing TV show format. The first season of The Rings of Power began airing exclusively on Prime Video on September 2, 2022..