Elrond and Galadriel shared a pretty intense kiss in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, implying that there is more going on between them than just friendship. These two characters have gone through a lot over the last two seasons, both together and apart, and this moment isn’t the first that the dynamic of their relationship has come into question. There seemed to be moments of chemistry between Galadriel and Elrond, though it was difficult to say whether this was typical Tolkien-style affection or a real romance. Strangely, their big kiss hasn’t entirely cleared things up.

The big moment happened in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7, when Galadriel was being held captive by Adar and his army. The father or Orcs demanded that Elrond hand over Nenya, the Elven Ring, or watch Galadriel die. Refusing to comply, Elrond asked to say a final goodbye to Galadriel, which involved a rather passionate kiss (which was clearly reciprocated). Of course, as he did this, Elrond subtly handed over the pin from his cloak, which Galadriel used to free herself later. So, was this Rings of Power kiss a trick or true love?

Was Elrond Kissing Galadriel Just A Trick In The Rings Of Power Season 2?

Elrond Didn’t HAVE To Kiss Galadriel To Pass Her The Pin

Elrond and Galadriel’s relationship has been pretty strained in Rings of Power season 2, and this big kiss served as a release of all this built-up tension. There was a great deal of tenderness and passion here, but the fact that Elrond used this moment to pass over his pin cast some doubt on whether this was a genuinely romantic moment. It’s possible that he did not believe a simple, friendly embrace would be enough to distract Adar and Orcs from what he was really doing. Or, perhaps Elrond thought a kiss was the only way to keep Galadriel from expressing surprise over being handed a tool for her escape.

While trickery may have been Elrond’s motivation for kissing Galadriel, it really doesn’t seem likely. Galadriel isn’t the type to gasp or give anything away if Elrond slipped her the pin while giving a comforting squeeze of the hand. Similarly, a hug or friendly caress on the face would have been more than enough. Instead, it really feels in this Rings of Power scene that Elrond was giving a final kiss to an elf he loves, not knowing whether his attempt at granting her freedom would succeed. Galadriel, equally as unsure whether Elrond or she would survive, returned the kiss (and love) fully.

Though it appears to be a kiss of genuine love (and passion), this does not necessarily mean a traditional romance between Elrond and Galadriel in Rings of Power .

Did Elrond & Galadriel Ever Love Each Other In The Lord Of The Rings’ Book Lore?

Elrond & Galadriel Definitely Don’t End Up Together

Of course, if Rings of Power truly implies that Elrond and Galadriel are in love, this is a significant divergence from the Lord of the Rings canon. It’s also a rather awkward situation to place the characters since these two are destined to become in-laws. Elrond eventually marries Celebrian, Galadriel’s daughter and eventual mother to Arwen. Therefore, any romance between these two will lead nowhere in the long run since Prime Video eliminating Celebrian would take canon changes way too far.

A brief romance in their several thousand years of life certainly could have happened…

Still, though controversial, a prior romance between Elrond and Galadriel wouldn’t be outside the realm of Prime Video’s creative liberties. In canon, Galadriel was essentially irresistible. It was said that the three Silmarils themselves were inspired by her beauty, and Elves like Celebrimbor were known to have fallen madly in love with her. Though there was never any mention of Elrond having ever felt the same way, a brief romance in their several thousand years of life certainly could have happened—though that’s not likely how Tolkien intended their relationship.

Why Elrond & Galadriel’s Kiss Is Controversial (& Should It Be?)

Rings Of Power’s Changes To Canon Continue To Be An Issue

Elrond and Galadriel’s kiss in Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 isn’t the first time that the Prime Video series seemed to imply that there was something between the pair. Their moments together in season 1 were also full of chemistry, though it was easier to shrug these scenes off as only being part of audiences’ own imaginations. This idea itself was controversial since any relationship here would be another big change to canon—something Rings of Power is already heavily criticized for. Now, the season 2 kiss scene seems to hint that Prime Video is sticking to its guns.

Why Elrond & Galadriel’s Kiss Is Controversial (& Should It Be?)

Rings Of Power’s Changes To Canon Continue To Be An Issue

Elrond and Galadriel’s kiss in Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 isn’t the first time that the Prime Video series seemed to imply that there was something between the pair. Their moments together in season 1 were also full of chemistry, though it was easier to shrug these scenes off as only being part of audiences’ own imaginations. This idea itself was controversial since any relationship here would be another big change to canon—something Rings of Power is already heavily criticized for. Now, the season 2 kiss scene seems to hint that Prime Video is sticking to its guns.

So far in Rings of Power, there has been no mention of Celebrian, and Galadriel’s marriage with Celeborn has been a point of controversy since she stated in season 1 that her husband had died. So, Prime Video already has a lot of work to do to connect its version of the story with that of Lord of the Rings. An extended romance between Elrond and Galadriel would only make this more complicated—especially if it leads to a messy love triangle involving Galadriel and her apparently long-lost daughter. Overall, Rings of Power will have to tread carefully moving forward.