The second season of The Rings of Power shed more light on Adar’s mysterious past and his duality between orc and elf
Tolkien’s world expands dramatically in The Rings of Power and, with it, the stories of characters like Adar, a being as mysterious as he is fascinating. From the beginning of the series, this character, masterfully played by Joseph Mawle, has sown intrigue. Leading an army of orcs, Adar fought to transform the Southlands into a sunless home for his people. However, it was only when he was captured by Galadriel and Halbrand that he revealed his true and long history, full of suffering and metamorphosis.
Who really is Adar?
Well, The Rings of Power confirmed that Adar was, in his early days, an elf. Captured by Morgoth, this elf underwent torture and manipulation until he became one of the first orcs, known as Moriondor. Adar embodies the most accepted theory of the origin of the orcs, which suggests that they were previously elves corrupted by Morgoth in the latter’s attempt to insult Eru Ilúvatar.
Despite his grim appearance, Adar retains elven immortality and some abilities of his original race, which allow him to feel deeply and maintain elven rituals. This duality between his orc form and his elven roots poses an ongoing internal conflict, visible in his leadership and his treatment of orcs as beings with their own identity, not just pawns of war.
The legacy of the Moriondor and the vision of Adar
The Moriondor, according to Adar, were thirteen elves seduced and transformed by Morgoth. This revelation not only deepens the history of Middle-earth, but also establishes a narrative of survival and resistance against the forces of corruption. The series hints at the possibility that other Moriondors may exist in secret, adding a layer of mystery and anticipation to the story.
The relationship between Adar and Sauron is complex and full of betrayal. Originally allies in torment, the relationship took different turns when Sauron began experimenting with flesh to create the Rings of Power. Adar, disillusioned and betrayed, ended up killing Sauron, not knowing that he could be resurrected. This act not only reveals Adar’s deep desire to protect his new orc “family”, but also his refusal to continue to be an instrument of destruction.
An echo of the past in the shadow of the present
Adar not only represents a bridge between Morgoth’s dark legacy and the current conflicts in Middle-earth, but also highlights the persistence of corruption and hope through the eons. His story resonates especially when compared to other characters in The Lord of the Rings, such as Sauron, whose excessive ambitions and manipulations contrast with Adar’s desire to simply find a home for his people. This comparison enriches the narrativeshowing how different characters respond to the scars of the past.
Additionally, Adar’s impact on The Rings of Power offers a unique opportunity for exploration issues of identity and belonging in a world where the line between good and evil is often blurred by personal stories. The duality of the character as ogre and elf invites viewers to reflect on the nature of evil and redemption, providing a mirror to the internal struggles we all face to find our place in the world.
What does the future hold for us in The Rings of Power?
In the second season of The Rings of Power, Adar emerges as a central character, negotiating with Galadriel and confronting Sauron’s machinations. His role as leader of the orcs and his influence on the events of Middle-earth only intensify, promising further twists and revelations in the chapters to come.
The Uruk, after all, is not just a villain or a mere antagonist of the series. He is a tragic character, searching for purpose and a home for those who, like him, have been deprived of their original essence. As The Rings of Power unfolds, their journey offers a reflection on the internal struggles we all face, between the legacy of our past and our present actions.