Before the fellowship of the ring was formed, before Frodo Baggins stepped foot outside his cozy Shire, before all the epic events of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit series took place, there was the Second Age of Middle Earth. During this time, kingdoms rose in glory then fell in ruins, friendships and alliances were forged, and great, powerful villains roamed the earth, reigning terror down on all those unfortunate enough to cross paths with them. This period of politics and adventure, the Second Age of Middle Earth, is what Prime Video’s new streaming series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, chronicles, bringing to life the history of events leading up to The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Prime Video has indeed undertaken quite a feat with its new show and its attempt to forge an epic history for the stories that Lord of the Rings fans know and love. In doing this, Rings of Power has reintroduced us to familiar faces like Galadriel, now played by Welsh actress Morfydd Clark, and Elrond, played by English actor Robert Aramayo. In addition, we have also met some new characters who will soon play a major role in Middle Earth’s history.
Elves
Galadriel (Morfydd Clark)
It’s fitting to start with elves as they were the firstborn over all races. Although elves are immortal beings that do not grow old as other races do, elves can still be slain in battle. The Lord of the Rings fans will already be familiar with Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), a skilled warrior and commander of the Northern Armies. Courageous and strong-willed, she is determined to finish the work her brother started by slaying Sauron and vanquishing all evil from the land. Galadriel is probably the main protagonist of The Rings of Power, at least in season one.
Elrond (Robert Aramayo)
Next up is Elrond (Robert Aramayo), the half-elf who chose to live in immortality. A trusted friend of Galadriel, Elrond is trying to carve his own path in life and is often torn between remaining loyal to those close to him and doing what is right for the kingdom. He is good friends with the dwarven Prince Durin IV, and although in the past Elrond may have neglected their friendship, he is eager to repair the damage and make amends for his absence, especially if a rekindled friendship with the prince benefits his kingdom.
Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova)
Prime Video brings diversity to Middle Earth with Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova), the woodland Silvan Elf. A fierce fighter, he has kept watch for years over the villagers of the Southlands and holds one of them, Bronwyn close to his heart. Arondir along with his secret flame, Bronwyn, and her son Theo, were characters created specifically for The Rings of Power and do not appear in any of Tolkien’s stories.
Lord Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards)
Lord Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) is a supporting character in The Rings of Power and his appearances in season 1 are minimal. However, while supporting, he has a big role to play in Middle Earth. Born in the Undying Lands, Lord Celebrimbor has made a name for himself as the Elf-lord of Eregion and is renowned for his skills as a jewel smith and ring maker.
High King Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker)
High King Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker) is a wise and powerful Elven ruler and warrior baring many names including High King of the Elves of the West, King of the Eldar, King of Lindon, Lord of the High Elves, and the Lord of Eriador. High King Gil-galad rules with the gentle but firm touch of a caring father; however, he harbors a great secret that threatens the lives and very fabric of Middle Earth.
Dwarves
Prince Durin IV (Owain Arthur)
While we see an entire kingdom full of dwarves when Elrond visits their realm, there are only two prominent dwarves in season one. The first of these is Prince Durin IV (Owain Arthur), friend to Elrond and heir to the throne of Khazad-dûm. As is custom with many dwarves, Durin may appear quiet and reserved to strangers but in the company of friends, he is outgoing, rowdy, and full of life.
Princess Disa (Sophia Nomvete)
Durin’s wife, or better half as she may consider herself, is Princess Disa (Sophia Nomvete). Disa is kind, and warm, and will do anything to protect and keep her people safe. She loves her husband but is not afraid to gently push him to make the right decisions.
The Southlanders
Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi)
To the south lies the Southlands, a village of humans living peacefully, until evil comes to their lands. Among them is Bronwyn, a single mother, and healer, trying to do the best she can to care for her son, Theo. As the story unfolds, we learn that she has great feelings for the Silvan Elf Arondir.
Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin)
Theo is Bronwyn’s only son and while young, he has seen much beyond his years, including a dark weapon wielding evil forces beyond his wildest imagination. He is protective of his mother but seeks to prove himself to her and everyone else around him.
Halbrand (Charlie Vickers)
Played by actor Charlie Vickers, Halbrand is a runaway castaway trying to put distance between himself and his past. However, his past may be his undeniable destiny and like fate, will eventually catch up to him. While rough around the edges, Halbrand has a kind heart, and eventually, is convinced to do what is right.
Harfoots
Ealanor 'Nori' Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh)
The Harfoots are a wandering breed of halflings who will one day evolve into Hobbits. One such Harfoot is Elanor “Nori” Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh), a young Harfoot who longs to explore the rest of the world. She is brave and adventurous and dares to do the unthinkable by helping a giant man she discovers and inviting him to stay with her while he figures out his purpose.
Poppy Proudfellow (Megan Richards)
Every hero needs a best friend sidekick and for Nori, that’s Poppy Proudfellow, played by actress Megan Richards. Like any best friend, Poppy is supportive of Nori and although weary of the unknown, she is always willing to stand by her best friend. Poppy is an orphan and has suffered much loss in her life but she is always willing to put her best foot forward. She is a gifted singer and enchants her friends with her melodic voice.
Largo Brandyfoot (Dylan Smith)
Largo Brandyfoot (Dylan Smith) is Nori’s caring father who adores his daughter and indulges her wildest fantasies, perhaps to a fault. He is a humble wheelmaker content with his family and life.
Marigold Brandyfoot (Sara Zwangobani)
Wife of Largo, Marigold Brandyfoot (Sara Zwangobani) tries to keep her stepdaughter, Nori, levelheaded. She once had dreams of her own but had to learn that dreams aren’t always reality. While Marigold loves Nori, she often scolds her for breaking the rules.
Sadoc Burrows (Lenny Henry)
Sadoc Burrows (Lenny Henry) is the wise and gentle leader of the Harfoots. He looks after his own and guides his clan along their annual migrations. However, being the leader often means that he has to make tough decisions for the good of the community.
Númenóreans
Queen-Regent Míriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson)
In the first age, the Númenóreans, or Dúnedain, were a noble race of man. Among those is Queen-Regent Míriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) who rules the island realm of Númenor in her aging father’s stead. Like so many other characters on this list, she too carries the weight and burden of a terrible secret.
Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle)
Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle) is the righthand man of Queen-Regent Míriel. In addition, he is also a man of the people and has great influence over them. While Pharazôn seems loyal and true, he has his own intentions and ambitions.
Kemen (Leon Wadham)
Kemen (Leon Wadham) may be arrogant but he makes up for it with his charms. Like any dutiful son, he is eager and hopeful to win his father, Pharazôn’s approval. However, such a task may result in him going too far to support his father’s plans.
Captain Elendil (Lloyd Owen)
Captain Elendil (Lloyd Owen) is a true man of the sea and is happiest when he is sailing on the water. However, he has also known great sorrow and lost his wife to the sea many years ago. Now a widower, he is the father of Isildur and Eärien.
Isildur (Maxim Baldry)
Many fans will remember Isildur from Peter Jackson’s movies as the one who crossed blades with Sauron and won but ultimately refused to cast the ring of power into the fires of Mount Doom to destroy it. In The Rings of Power, Isildur (Maxim Baldry) is a young man wanting to make his own way in life and is hesitant to take the path set out before him by his father.
Eärien (Ema Horvath)
Sister to Isildur and daughter of Elendil, Eärien (Ema Horvath) loves her family but must make her own choices in life. She is talented and ambitious and has dreams of her own, that may not align with what is expected of her.