Who Is Halbrand In ‘The Rings Of Power’?
Image Source: Looper
Amazon’s The Rings of Power has expanded the Tolkien Lord of the Rings universe quite a bit, maybe even changing some of the original lore a bit too much for fans. However, between younger, varied versions of established characters or seemingly brand new ones, it’s hard to debate the grip of the story’s mystery just a few episodes into its first season.
Halbrand perhaps has emerged as one of the most intriguing new characters. He and some of his crew find Galadriel in the middle of the ocean after she ditches the remaining Elves, who began their journey west to Valinor for all eternity. After encountering a sea worm, she and Halbrand eventually reach Númenor.
RELATED:
So who exactly is Halbrand? While we always knew The Stranger would be shrouded in mystery, Halbrand’s arc has quietly developed into a far more compelling arc. Through five episodes, it’s clear he isn’t just some random sailor who got lost at sea. In fact, with as many nods to Tolkien lore and themes connecting him to beloved Lord of the Rings characters as we’ve seen, he could be anyone.
Episode 5 begs the question of what the Humans’ fate will be, whether they’re doomed to serve whoever commands them, or if they will rise up and establish their own legacy. These are themes toyed with during the original Lords of the Rings trilogy, whether taking a side to help prevent the inevitable spread of darkness instead of sitting idly or wrapping the concept of legacy around one person who refused to live up to his lineage in Aragorn.
The similarities between Viggo Mortensen’s Aragorn character and The Rings of Power’s Halbrand, played by Charlie Vickers, are undeniable. They have the same shaggy, flowing hair and seem to avoid taking their rightful place as heirs to their respective thrones. The scene in Episode 5 when Halbrand forges a sword evokes Aragorn’s imagery. And even a layup of a journey with a fleet of 500 men given to him is not initially enough to convince him to take the crown.
While we know how Aragorn’s fate turned out, Halbrand’s path doesn’t seem as predictable. Perhaps Halbrand’s path is less cliched if theories are to be believed. Halbrand is far more subtle and seemingly less honorable. In Episode 4, Galadriel’s rant to the queen landed her in prison alongside Halbrand. During their discussions, Halbrand cleverly persuades Galadriel that the queen is hiding something about her father—the king in the tower whom no one has seen in years. He advises her not to treat every opponent like a Cave Troll with bullish tactics. He even eggs on Galadriel to get a rouse out of the queen.
Seems like Halbrand isn’t afraid to use deceptive means to manipulate pieces around the board. But he also appears cowardly and dishonorable. This combination has led many to believe Halbrand is not the good guy Galadriel thinks he is. But whom could he be? There are several possibilities.
Image Source: TV Insider
The most obvious answer is he is Sauron himself. In Tolkien’s Númenórean lore, Sauron was captured on an island just like Halbrand was. The lore tells us Sauron manipulated his captor, Pharazôn, and eventually rose to high esteem, just as Halbrand appears to be doing. For a show that has created so many new branches within the established franchise, truly sticking to lore like that would be refreshing (At least the cast of the LotR trilogy appreciates what Amazon is trying to do).
Several other theories could be true, and it’s too early to be sure. Perhaps he does take the crown, becomes rightful king of the Southlands, and rules with honor initially. But that could go awry if it turns out Halbrand is one of the nine men to whom Sauron gifts one of the nine rings, as mentioned in the opening monologue of Fellowship of the Ring. Halbrand doesn’t seem as power-hungry as those kings who desire power above all else.
A dark-horse theory suggests he may be the ghost king who appeared in the final act of Return of the King. This ghost king was banished to eternal damnation until he fulfilled an oath he swore to keep but clearly did not. That’s the shady move Halbrand seems capable of pulling off during The Rings of Power.
Time will tell if Halbrand is more than whom we’re led to think he is.
READ NEXT:
Source(s): Inverse, ScreenRant