Several characters in The Rings of Power are still alive in The Lord of the Rings, but I’m worried about one of the Amazon show’s major players, despite knowing his Third Age fate. The Rings of Power takes place during the Second Age of Middle-earth, but thanks to the longer life spans of certain races, the oldest Lord of the Rings‘ characters can still appear in the series. Elves like Galadriel and Elrond play significant roles, and the Amazon show depicts Gandalf’s journey to becoming the wizard we meet in LOTR.

In general, I’ve been less concerned about characters like these, as I know they won’t meet untimely ends. The fates of Arondir, Theo, Nori and other original players are far more daunting. After all, The Rings of Power will need to explain their absences in Frodo’s story before it comes to a close. But even knowing what’s coming for J.R.R. Tolkien’s established characters isn’t easing my concerns about one of them. Elrond may survive to see The Return of the King‘s ending, but that doesn’t mean upcoming seasons will be easy for Robert Aramayo’s character.

I’m Worried About Elrond’s Future In The Rings Of Power Despite Knowing His LOTR Fate

The Showrunners Promised To “Break Him” (& That Fits His Story)

In an interview with Rings and Realms, The Rings of Power showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne discussed the future of Elrond’s character arc. On the topic of Aramayo’s character, they said, “We’re going to take him on a journey, we’re going to break him because that’s the story of Elrond.” They also explained how this connects to Elrond’s casting, confirming that Aramayo was supposed to come off as young, optimistic, and even a bit naive at the outset of The Rings of Power. By the end of the series, he’ll move away from all those attributes.

Elrond’s survival doesn’t shield him from tragedy and disappointment, and if The Rings of Power sticks to Tolkien’s canon, he’ll be on the receiving end of both soon enough.

And this is precisely why I’m worried about Elrond in future seasons, even knowing that he survives the events of The Rings of Power and even The Lord of the Rings. It’s still going to be difficult to watch his character’s journey, as the creators have committed to giving him a tragic story. And to be fair, that’s in line with Tolkien’s writings. Elrond’s survival doesn’t shield him from tragedy and disappointment, and if The Rings of Power sticks to Tolkien’s canon, he’ll be on the receiving end of both soon enough.

This will be harder to swallow with Aramayo in the role, as the actor has done a great job of selling the younger version of Elrond’s character. He makes viewers want to root for him — impressively, just as much as Hugo Weaving’s take on the Elf — and that will make what’s coming even more devastating.

Elrond Is Shaping Up To Have One Of The Amazon Show’s Most Tragic Stories

The Rings Of Power Season 2 Teases His Future

The Rings of Power season 2 sees Elrond becoming disillusioned with the people around him, from Galadriel and Gil-galad to Durin IV. However, The Rings of Power season 2’s ending places him back on good terms with all of them, painting a more hopeful march forward for the Elves. Unfortunately, that’s unlikely to last for Elrond. He’ll face more losses as Tolkien’s Second Age story continues, from Gil-galad to many other Elves opposing Sauron. This will likely harden him, especially as he founds and takes on a leadership role in Rivendell.

As Elrond and Durin IV’s friendship seemingly doesn’t exist during The Lord of the Rings, the two of them could have some sort of falling out in the future — an end that has already been teased multiple times. And Elrond will also face the harsh reality of power and its corruption when he fails to stop Isildur from keeping the One Ring. Needless to say, Elrond is shaping up to have one of the saddest narratives of Amazon’s LOTR series. I’m worried it could be even more heart-wrenching, though I know whatever the writers do is necessary for his character.

The Rings Of Power Needs To Make Elrond’s Character Arc Sad To Get To LOTR

Elrond Is A Much Different Person During The Third Age

The prospect of Elrond breaking in future seasons of The Rings of Power is upsetting, but it needs to happen for him to become the Elf we meet in The Lord of the Rings. Elrond is a much different character in the Third Age, as he’s more stoic and cynical during Sauron’s second rise to power. Aramayo’s portrayal of the character doesn’t fit with this depiction at all, but The Rings of Power promises to get him to that point by facing him with betrayal and tragedy. It’s a necessary transition, but that won’t make it any less heartbreaking to watch unfold.