The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 introduces the new and powerful elf, Círdan, played by Ben Daniels. However, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a hazy past for Círdan, but The Rings of Power follows a new story of how Círdan got his ring of power. It’s no secret that The Rings of Power isn’t afraid to alter The Lord of the Rings canon, as the series should stand apart from the other adaptations of the story. However, The Rings of Power season 1 ending set the story on a new path for the narrative’s next installment.

While most of season 1 left the viewer in the dark about where Sauron was and how the rings of power would be forged, all of this becomes clear in the first few episodes of season 2. This is when Círdan enters as one of the elves who obtains a ring of power.Who Círdan is in The Rings of Power goes back to a time before the events of the series and suggests that Círdan is one of the oldest and wisest elves in Middle-earth. Changing his origins to match the show’s darkness is an interesting choice.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 Official Trailer

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The Rings Of Power Season 2 Changes How Círdan Obtains The Ring Narya

Círdan holds one of the elven rings of power

In The Lord of the Rings, Galadriel, Elrond, and Gandalf carry the elven rings of power. However, little is mentioned about Círdan or the history of their forgery presented in the prequel series. Unlike the past explained in the movies and in Tolkien’s work, The Rings of Power suggests that the elven rings were created to restore the elves’ fading magic and restore balance to their world. Celebrimbor and the elves are tricked into forging the rings based on Sauron’s plan, but Galadriel convinces them to forge three instead of one just in time.

The three elven rings are Vilya, Nenya, and Narya, and Círdan ends up with Narya. In the books, this unfolds with the elf king Gil-galad giving Narya to Círdan, who later gives up the ring to Gandalf. When and how Gandalf will appear in The Rings of Power still remains a mystery. However, it’s likely that the Stranger, played by Daniel Weyman, will be revealed to be the great wizard before season 2 concludes. Círdan’s peaceful acquiring of the ring is changed in the show, with him claiming Narya for his own after Elrond gives him the rings to destroy.

Círdan’s Character Is Much More Ambiguous In The Rings Of Power

He remains a mystery thanks to his age and wisdom

Círdan’s character will likely have much more to do in The Rings of Power as season 2 progresses. So far, his great history and impressive feats have only been hinted at by Gil-galad and Elrond. However, Círan’s past goes back much further than the audience might realize. In the books, Círan is born from the first generation of elves created by the gods and fought in the war against Morgoth. He also has the gift of foresight, like Galadriel, which might be the reason he doesn’t destroy the rings.

By having Círdan be the one to make the decision to keep the rings despite the risk that they’re tied to Sauron, he becomes a much more nuanced character.

However, his personal desire to keep Narya for himself and what he might know about Sauron’s plan to forge the One Ring has not been discussed. There are great powers brewing in The Rings of Power, and the elves will play a pivotal role in the coming battle. By having Círdan be the one to make the decision to keep the rings despite the risk that they’re tied to Sauron, he becomes a much more nuanced character. Instead of being the steadfast but one-dimensional soldier he is in the books, he has a mind of his own.

Círdan & Galadriel Are Both “Chosen” By Their Respective Rings Of Power

The rings of power seek out the right wearers for their goals

Just like how the One Ring moves with the forces of chaos and wants to be found to be returned to Sauron, all the individual rings have their own personalities. Galadriel wears Nenya, the Ring of Water, that later brings safety and concealment, which is more in line with Galadriel’s personality in The Lord of the Rings rather than The Rings of Power. Conversely, Círdan wears Narya, the Ring of Fire, which bolsters its wearer to act against the wrongful rule of corrupt kings. This connects directly to the fact that the ring is passed to Gandalf.

The Rings of Power has already confirmed Galadriel will break her promise to Elrond to stop at nothing to defeat Sauron. Both Galadriel and Círdan play significant roles in the fight against Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, but neither is as active during Frodo’s quest in the future. However, for now, both elves wear their rings proudly and are drawn to them because of their mutual power of foresight and belief in the cause of the elves.

Season
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

1
83%
38%

2
92%
68%