The Rings of Power have changed the habitat of the Strong, known as the River People, into a wasteland for the sake of the plot.

In Amazon’s latest addition to the Tolkien universe, The Rings of Power, there was a twist that surprised die-hard fans: the appearance of the Fortresses in a completely unexpected setting. Although traditionally known for their affinity with water and plains, these hobbits were depicted in a barren desert in the second season of the show, generating both bafflement and fascination.

History reinvented

From the moment JRR Tolkien first captured the diversity of hobbits in his writings, the Holdfasts were known for their hardiness and proximity to rivers, while also being skilled swimmers and fishermen, traits that seemed to vanish with their settlement in the Shire. However, in The Rings of Power, these river hobbits find themselves in Rhûn, a barren and barren landscape that seems to contradict everything that had been known until now.

The show’s creators, JD Payne and Patrick McKay, seem to be exploring an even more distant era, the so-called “Wandering Days” of the hobbits, suggesting a nomadic past long before they settled in the places readers and viewers know. This approach not only adds a layer of historical depth, but also raises interesting questions about the race’s adaptation and survival in different environments.

Meetings in Rhûn

In the episode Ancient, Nori and Poppy come across Nobody, a stronghold that reveals that, although they now live in a desert, their people still long to find a new home, one that reflects the watery landscapes of their past. This desire to return to their roots is shared by the Stoors’ leader, Gundabale, who suggests that the stories of the Hairy One and the Strong One are more intertwined than Nori and Poppy imagined.

The plot is complicated by the inclusion of Gollum, whose Strong legacy is crucial but less explored in previous film adaptations. “The Hunt for Gollum,” directed by Andy Serkis, promises to delve deeper into the character’s origins, potentially aligning with the narratives presented in Rings of Power. This film could offer new insights into the history of the Fortresses, providing a richer and more complex connection to the hobbit legacy.

The connection between Fuertes and the other Hobbits

They Strongin their search for a new home, they not only tell us their own story, but also shed light on the stories of other branches of the hobbits such as Hairy and the album. This interconnectedness reflects Tolkien’s rich narrative of cultures, with each group having its own set of traditions and historical relationships. Particularly notable is the way in which The Rings of Power uses these details to build bridges between the different eras of Middle-earth, demonstrating that the history of the hobbits is as much a history of migration as it is of settlement.

The integration of these elements into The Rings of Power not only enriches the current narrative, but also establish a dialogue between Tolkien’s works and the new adaptations. In this way, the series invites fans to review what they know about their favorite characters and anticipate what the next reveals might be expand further our understanding of Tolkien’s world. This not only maintains the interest and relevance of the series, but also promotes a deeper appreciation of the original work and its broad narrative possibilities.

Tolkien’s Influence and Creative Licenses

Despite the creative liberties taken, The Rings of Power retains several elements of Tolkien’s texts, such as the matriarchal structure of the Fortresses and their shared history with the Hairy Ones and the White Ones. These narrative decisions not only respect the source material, but also expand upon it, inviting fans to see these familiar worlds from entirely new angles.

The changes introduced by The Rings of Power are a testament to the continuing evolution of Tolkien’s stories in popular culture, proving that even the most established aspects of his legendarium can offer new stories and meanings. With each episode revealing these changes, the series not only pays homage to Middle-earth’s past, but also weaves the future into its narrative, keeping fans intrigued and engaged.

The journey through Tolkien’s vast and sometimes unexpected lands continues, promising further discoveries and, no doubt, further debates about fidelity and innovation within this beloved universe.