Thread by @DrNosy10

S1.E4 Breakdown of #TheRingsOfPower 🧵

I’ve watched E4 5x now. Still like it but can’t shake the feeling that it could've been better. Feeling a bit nervous about the Númenor storyline now that S1 is finally taking off.

The gorgeous sail-master tho 😍

#TheOneRingQuisition

NIGHTMARE

`We gather daily to hammer out our island's future...at the Blessing of the Children, we gather to welcome those who will live that future. One as boundless as a sunrise over the rolling sea.`

1. Is Númenor's future as 'boundless' as Míriel dreams it might be?

(1/4)

(2/4)

The 23 kings Númenor following in the footsteps of Eärendil & his wife Elwing [the bird]

[There should be 23 kings but I only see 21 excluding Eärendil...]

(3/4)

Second group— possibly a mix of the leaders of the King's Men (a.k.a. King's Party) & the various Guildhouses

The King's Men were founded under Númenor's 13th king (the 1st anti-Valar king) & were the group that opposed the Faithful

(4/4)

Reoccurring motif of the statues— beardless one appears to be Elven (right) and the other Númenor (left)

2. `Alinel`

This is a heavily invented name. The name is certainly not Adûnaic (Númenor's language).

[Spitballing here— what if this is Inception?]

'Alinel' seems to have some roots in Quenya:
- ālie: 'growing'
- nelladel: 'ringing bells'

Is 'Alinel' a warning to Míriel?

3. The Great Wave + Nimloth

This is interesting bc Nimloth is still around when the Great Wave arrives. Hinting that this is a dream sequence.

In the Tolkien legendarium, the death of Nimloth signified the end of Númenor's line of kings.

(1/2)

(2/2)

This adaptation, however, uses Nimloth's falling leaves as a metaphor for the Valar's judgement upon Númenor.

But taking the juxtaposition of Míriel's observation of the falling leaves with a babe in her hands, I suppose we can also infer that her line will end as well.

4. `It's a perfect day, Queen Regent`

Míriel awakes. Her bed unslept in. She has only one thing on her mind.

CHANCELLOR

1. `And while the Elf whispers poison in our Queen's ear, who's speaking for us?`

Our first look at Tamar was of him chatting with Pharazôn in court in E3.

Here he seems bent on inciting the other Guildsmen to react against the Elf who's arrived— what's he up to?

2. The art of the politick

A man of the people— Pharazôn smilingly greets the traders even as he schools Kemen on 'statecraft'.

He seems to be a man that takes immense pride in his people. And feels joy to be the one who is known and loved by his people.

(1/5)

(2/5)

Pharazôn's renown came as the greatest land captain of Númenor. Known for his generosity— he shared his wealth with the people.

His father Gimilkhâd (younger brother of Tar-Palantir) was the leader of the King's Men. Pharazôn assumed leadership upon his father's death.

(3/5)

Pharazôn and Kemen— Is there no love lost between them?

Kemen (an OC for this show) seems to be a disappointment to Pharazôn.

As Pharazôn heir, he must've been raised in the ways of the King's Men and is expected to succeed his father.

I wonder if Kemen will learn.

(4/5)

Ambition seems to drive Pharazôn but it still isn't clear what he wants yet.

He's the second-most powerful man in the realm.

A man loved by all.

What then is he missing?

(5/5)

Pharazôn seems to be genuinely unhappy to hear about the 'squall' in the markets.

[Even if Pharazôn and Tamar are working together behind Númenor's politcal scenes, I don't see a reason he'd fake his reaction to Kemen.]

3. `Elf lover!`

Eärien feels uneasy listening to the crowd chanting "Elf lover". After all, her father is named Elendil ('Elf-friend').

4. Rhetoric

`We are sons and daughters of the Edain. Of Elros Tar-Minyatur, whose host conquered Morgoth`

Edain— 3 tribes ("Houses") of Men who fought valiantly against Morgoth in the Beleriand wars:
-Bëor
-Haleth
-Hador

They were kin of Eärendil thru his father Tuor.

(1/6)

(2/5)

`But now one Elf could threaten us?`

[Oh, how these words will come back to haunt him at the end of this episode!]

(3/6)

`Look down, each of you, at the guild crests you bear. The heritage of mighty hands.`

'The Edain brought with them to Númenor the knowledge of many crafts, and many craftsmen who had learned from the Eldar, besides preserving lore and traditions of their own.' (UT)

(4/6)

`Of men who laid the Sea Wall. Who raised Armenelos, triumph of our civilization`

Left: Partial view of the sea gates and the walls that extend from it
Right: Armenelos

(5/6)

`For by the calluses on my hands, I swear that Elven hands will never take Númenor's helm`

[This picture is worth a thousand words!]

(6/6)

Tamar offers Pharazôn a small nod. Did Pharazôn whisper something into his ear?

VINEYARDS

Eärien is taken in by Pharazôn's rhetoric. Kemen takes an interest in her.

The vineyards were actually in the southwestern region of Númenor— 'Hyarnustar was in its western part a mountainous region...eastwards were great vineyards in a warm and fertile land.' (UT)

SEDITION

1. `ancient scrolls`

Mystery solved from E3. The scrolls are "ancient" in Númenor probs acquired by Edain spies in Morgoth's dungeon during Beleriand wars

[Fun speculation: It'd be bananas if that spy was a Easterling Faithful— House of Bór. Pass as a double agent.]

2. `petty lord`

Elendil confirmed as a lord. He would be Lord of Andúnië on Númenor's Western shores. A titled inherited from his father Amandil.

Guess this means Amandil (also Pharazôn's best friend) isn't alive.

[I really wanted Amandil & Pharazôn to have one scene!]

(1/2)

(2/2)

Left to Right: Pharazôn, Amandil (center), and Elendil (Artist: Turner Mohan).

Having a father like Gimilkhâd meant that Pharazôn was naturally drawn to Amandil as a second father figure.

That friendship broke after Pharazôn turned to Sauron.

3. `tempest`

'In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night!...Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning!...All shall love me and despair!' (Mirror of Galadriel)

Nicely played 'Go to Jail' card!

SABOTAGE

1. Sailing near the Western shores of Númenor, Isildur hears the call once more

[We now have a pretty good idea whose voice this is. I won't say who, but my guess in the breakdown for S1.E3 was spot on]

2. Isildur's choice destroys the naval career of his friends Valandil & Ontamo

Valandil remarks that Isildur (son of a Lord) has immense privilege unlike himself

Númenorean society appears to be a meritocracy. But the likes of Isildur & Kemen have more options than other Men.

FATHER

1. Arondir awakes to the Orcs who have surrounded him— it's clear they intend to kill him but are holding off for his audience with Adar

The Orcs bow with reverence as Adar approaches a
dying Magrot.

2. Adar

Dressed in the armor of the Noldor. Adar is an Elf of old— could he be one who was captured & corrupted by Morgoth during the Wars of Beleriand?

(1/4)

(2/4)

F.A.— The Union of Maedhros attempted to assail Morgoth in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Timing & betrayal (by Easterling Uldor) led to the defeat of the Elves & Edain

"[Morgoth]'s victory was so complete...vast number of the Noldo[r] became his thralls" (Lost T. V1)

(3/4)

"Nigh were the sad chambers where the thrall-Noldol[r] laboured bitterly under the Orcs..."

Thralled (enslaved) Noldor labored in Morgoth's mines as they were known for their craft in metals & jewels.

At end of F.A., the Valar released these Elves from Morgoth's spell.

(4/4)

As described in #TheSilmarillion, Morgoth bred the Orcs from 'corrupted' Elves.

Could these Orcs, unlike the ones Finrod fought, be the first-Orc generation after Beleriand? Are they Adar's kin?

3. `Nampak uglursha`

'Uglu' means “to fear" — unsure of its meaning in this phrase (folk.uib.no/hnohf/orkish.h…)

The Black Speech itself was devised by Sauron for the purpose of making it the language of all those that served him. (Appendix F, LOTR)

4. `Valariandë`

When Adar asks where Arondir was born, he answers 'Valariandë' which is Quenya for "Beleriand".

"Mouth of the river" can only ref to the Mouths of Sirion near Arvernien. As a Noldorian, was Adar's youth spent near his kin at Nargothrond (Finrod's realm)?

(1/2)

(2/2)

“A few bay-leaves, some thyme and sage, will do—
before the water boils,” said Sam (Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit, LOTR)

In T.A., sage was found by Sam near Ithilien (Gondor).
Tolkien makes no other mention of the plant outside of LOTR.

5. `To untangle it...would all but require the creation of a new world. But that is something only the gods can do`

The world was created anew by the Valar (the gods) at the end of F.A.
- Beleriand was sunk
- Númenor was created for the Edain
- Evil was thought to be gone

(1/2)

(2/2)

`And I am no god. At least not yet.`

Adar wants to create a new world. His campaign to create a wasteland in the Southlands already seems to be underway with the poisoning of grass, the slaughter of domesticated animals, the abduction & enslavement of Men/Elves for labor

NO FOOD

1. `Orodruin`

Gandalf was first to mention Orodruin to Frodo: ‘There is only one way [to destroy the One Ring]: to find the Cracks of Doom in the depths of Orodruin...and cast the Ring in there...to put it beyond the grasp of the Enemy forever.’ (Shadow of the Past)

2. Broken blade

Theo is attacked by Vrath who takes note of the broken blade. Theo pierces himself with the hilt to "activating" the blade.

The effect seems short-lived.

LIES

1. In Eregion, Elves & Dwarves are speedily at work building Celebrimbor's forge.

It's been over a week since Galadriel left Middle-earth. Perhaps 2 weeks in the Southlands. But the work in Eregion/Khazad-dûm must've taken months.

Timelines aren't what they seem.

2. Celebrimbor would've known the child Eärendil in Gondolin. Both he & Eärendil's family would've fled to the Mouths of Sirion (Arvernien) following the Fall of the Gondolin.

Eärendil began his family in Arvernien but would often leave on long sea-voyages aboard Vingilot.

3. `Do you know, I remember once, he said to me, one day, my future would be in his son's hands.`

We'll perhaps never get to the truth of this statement. Celebrimbor seems to place the weight of expectation on Elrond's shoulders by comparing him to Eärendil.

(1/2)

(2/2)

`No, I promised myself I wouldn't mention it. He's your friend.`

Elrond seems to wholly trust Celebrimbor following the conversation abt Eärendil. But Celebrimbor wants more...

Will Elrond seek to find the truth and tell Celebrimbor what he finds?

4. Having been alerted to Celebrimbor's suspicions about Durin, Elrond returns to the Khazad-dûm to find out what Durin is hiding.

Elrond seems determined to find out the truth.

(1/3)

(2/3)

Elrond's lip reads Durin & Disa's conversation from a distance (ref #LOTR films: "Legolas, what do your elf eyes see?")

Mirrormere— located on East-side of the Misty Mts (above Khazad-dûm) where Frodo & Gimili see Durin's crown of stars in the waters.

(3/3)

`Break your promise...the power of this stone will doom you and your kin to sorrow`

This scene foreshadows a sorrowful event in Elrond's life— `Celebrían wife of Elrond...was waylaid in the [Carahadras (above Khazad-dûm)]...by the sudden assault of the Orcs..` (App. A)

5. Mithril

In LOTR, we read that Mithril was also found in Aman & Númenor:
- Mithril is used on the ship the Valar gifted Eärendil to carry the Evening Star
- Heirs of Elendil wore heirloom crowns of Mithril

In this adaptation, mithril might be exclusive to Khazad-dûm.

(1/2)

(2/2)

Celebrimbor and the Elves of Eregion dearly loved mithril. They made an alloy out of mithril called ithildin ("star moon") which was put on the Doors of Durin. It was visible only by starlight or moonlight.

MASTERY

1. Eärien expertly sketches the doors to the Builder's Guild. She's wearing the Guild crest of the Builders.

2. Halbrand teaches Galadriel the art of conquering one's enemy

[Master the master— that's rule #1 in the Sauron playbook!]

We could discuss *ad nauseam* how these Númenoreans aren't all that "super human" as #Tolkien readers ought to expect 😂

#TheRingsOfPower

ISIL'S REGRET

Isildur & Eärien discuss his dismissal from the sea-guard

The mural behind them shows Elves & Men working together against a Sea Serpent. The mural appears to be faded/unkept

[Númenor is beautiful— I don't want to ever leave! I don't mind a little water🌊]

Assassin's Creed: Númenor

#TheRingsOfPower

PALANTIR

1. `Few know the full extent of his decline`

Míriel explains Tar-Palantir was restrained in his beliefs. Things changed after his coronation. Númenor rebelled against him. Míriel was chosen to rule in his stead.

Some lore flexibility is present— let's unpack!

(1/7)

(2/7)

Tar-Palantir— 24th Númenorean ruler descended from Elros. His brother was Gimilkhâd (Pharazôn's father).

Míriel & Pharazôn's grandfather was Ar-Gimilzôr

Note: 'Ar' & 'Tar' both mean "king" but the former term is in the Adûnaic tongue; carries anti-Eru/Valar sentiment

(3/7)

Ar-Gimilzôr made Númenor a living hell for the Faithful (those that worshipped Eru) who retreated to Andûnië (Western Númenor)

He decreed—
-Quenya speaking be forbidden
-Elven ships be banished
-Faithful who welcomed Elves to be punished

He did marry a lady of Andûnië

(4/7)

Ar-Gimilzôr's sons Inziladûn (who became Tar-Palantir) & Gimilkhâd were very unlike each other

Inziladûn followed his mother as a Faithful, but Gimilkhâd was like his father. Gimilkhâd became leader of the King's Party & resisted his brother/king as openly as he was able

(5/7)

Tar-Palantir repented of Ar-Gimilzôr's ways. He attempted to return his line back to following Eru & the Valar. He spent most of his rule in Andúnië

This meant Gimilkhâd's influence in Armenelos grew; Tar-Palantir might've been unpopular but there was no rebellion yet

(6/7)

#TheRingsOfPower makes some creative choices—

-We've an infirm Faithful King whose people rebelled for not wanting to align with Elves

-Míriel is 'chosen' as Regent

-Númenor is anti-Elven; possibly out of envy to Elves. But there's no anti-Eru/Valar sentiment (yet)

(7/7)

Here's what not in question— Míriel's claim to become Queen (Númenor has had female rulers)

With the rebellion arc (per #LOTR App. B), it seems individuals might be chosen to lead

Anti-Valar sentiment is expressed as judgment; the fear of which drives Míriel's choices

2. `How did you...`

While Galadriel was doing Assassin's Creed: Númenor, Halbrand snitches to Pharazôn who rings Míriel on his cell to warn her

[Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy explanation. Then again Elrond time-travels btwn Khazad-dûm & Eregion— #Interstellar: Middle-earth]

3. Narsil & Lúthien

Narsil (sword later owned by Elendil) was made by the Dwarven-smith Telchar for Elf-King Thingol of Doriath. His only daughter was Lúthien who was Elros & Elrond's great grandmother.

Finrod saved Beren (Lúthien's husband) from Sauron's werewolves.

4. Tuor's axe & shield

'Upon a time the king...fashion a suit of armour for Tuor as a great gift...made of Ñoldorin steel overlaid with silver, but his helm was adorned two swan-wings, one on either side, and a swan's wing was wrought on his shield' (Lost Tales, II)

5. Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin

Heirloom of the Edain (House of Hador) considered lost; worn by Túrin

The Dragon-helm was crafted for a Dwarf. Men & Elves it to be massive. Only Hador & some of his descendants had the strength to wear it.

6. Seeing Stones

We're very familiar with palantíri in #LOTR. Sauron, Saruman, & Denethor had one each

(1/3) was also the palantír that Gildor visited at Tower Hills (west of Shire) to communicate with the Master-palantir in Avallónë (near Valinor). Other 3 were lost.3

(1/4)

(2/4)

Palantíri were used for communication (w/ each other) or even show visions from the future. The stones were unreliable, i.e., what was not shown could be more important than what was seen

Elendil & his sons as having escaped Númenor with all 7 Seeing-stones (#LOTR App. A)

(3/4)

Númenor's fate is sealed but it is also what the stone does not show that'll bring her Downfall

Míriel believes her kingdom will fall if she disturbs the balance, but Galadriel is convinced that Númenor's Downfall is the result of disloyalty— who is right?

(4/4)

`Decision based in fear`

Míriel's decisions aligning with her fear of the Valar— a very Tolkienian aspect concerning Númenor

'their hearts were turned against the Valar and the Eldar; but wisdom they still kept...they feared the Lords of the West, and did not defy them'

MOTHER

1. More Orcish words

`Izmûmbogh`
`Kishdibatoth`

[I cannot find anything for in Black Speech or Adûnaic word lists]

2. While I appreciate the sunrise & that Arondir will run out of arrows...

-How did Bronywn find the duo in the middle of a forest?

-Neither the sunrise nor their arrows should've stopped the Orcs from maiming the trio— Revion was killed from a much greater distance at midday!

RESONATING

I'm told this scene was filmed with a pre-recording of @SophiaNomvete singing— It was played LIVE on set during the scene. Cast & crew were completely stunned by how powerful it sounded. The "acting" is a genuine reaction to the song. C:@bearmccreary

#TheRingsOfPower

1. `What was that?`

Well, dearest Elrond, let me explain.

Resonance is when waves (sound) interacting w an object cause that object to generate its own more enhanced waves. It can only happen if the interacting wave is 'similar' to the wave that the object can produce.

(1/3)

(2/3)

Think of how sound can shatter glass

If sound waves of precise pitch (556 Hz) & high intensity (105 dB) are aimed at glass, particles in the glass will start to vibrate. Bc glass particles are fixed, vibrations causes glass particles to no longer stay fixed— it shatters!

(3/3)

As Disa sings out, the pitch & intensity of her voice echoes through the mountain (probably the Caradhras— since the lost miners were mining mithril)

Her voice resonates perfectly with the 'freer' particles of the mountain here. Not enough to bring down the Caradhras!

FATHERS/SONS

1. In #Tolkien lore, heirs/descendants are often the greatest legacy of any character

In #LOTR— Frodo is Blibo's legacy. Had Bilbo not chosen Frodo as his heir, no one would've been able to carry the ring to Mordor

Hence Tolkien's emphasis on family trees!

2. Elrond: Son of Eärendil

Elrond bears the weight of expectation of being his father's son. His endeavor to do right is driven by his father's heroism; mingled with the grief of his absence

Whom does Elrond seek to guide him? Is this why he seeks to please Gil-galad?

3. `You need not wait for that day to hear my voice`

Unlike Elrond, Durin IV has always had and will continue to have the counsel of his father— even after Durin III passes from this world

[We shouldn't have two Durins but I really cannot hate this 'deviation' from the lore]

4. `Intuition's a powerful tonic`

Elves for Elves, no?

A BEAUTIFUL SERVANT

The broken blade fashioned by the Master's [Sauron's] own hand for their Southland ancestors— ones `who swore a blood oath to Morgoth` (Halbrand, S1.E3)

Does the drawing of one's blood from the piercing hilt how a Man makes a blood oath to the Master?

WHITE LEAVES

1. `Go in Peace`

Númenor's civil war has left deep wounds on the psyche of her people & rulers. The Crown had survived one rebellion, it mightn't survive another. The kingdom hangs by a thread

"3175: Repentance of Tar-Palantir. Civil war in Númenor" (#LOTR)

(1/2)

(2/2)

Bc Míriel believes the Valar has already judged Númenor she cannot see how helping Galadriel will delay Númenor's judgement.

Her strategy is for Númenor to remain unperturbed by any tempest (*Galadriel*) while the kingdom recovers from their unresolved past.

2. `Your people will be relieved`

Pharazôn assures Míriel that her decision was right

While 'one Elf' could not threaten the 'sons and daughters of the Edain', her presence had disturbed the peace

Pharazôn speaks for the people— they will be relieved that Galadriel is gone!

3. `when the petals of the White Tree fall`

Seeing the falling white petals for the first time ever, Míriel now sees her worst fears coming true.

Númenor can't tarry any longer to be saved. Míriel must act to assist Galadriel's mission— Her decision is based in fear.

(1/3)

(2/3)

Míriel's gaze is fixed upon Galadriel. Elendil sees the falling petals and then looks to Míriel. He sees the fear in her face with dawning realization. He follows her gaze towards Galadriel's boat.

(3/3)

Pharazôn calls out to Míriel— Apart from the non-verbal cues, it's our first peek at a private moment between them. Calling her 'Míriel' shows they're actually close confidantes outside court.

Míriel turns to face him— he sees her fear; he sees she's changed her mind.

4. `Is our valor confined to the graves of our slumbering fathers? Or is it here, amongst us...waiting to burst forth as the rising Sun?`

Míriel announces a volunteer force to assist her in the Southlands— Does Númenor not have a standing army?

What awaits them in Middle-earth?

BONUS

This clip features my fav choreography on the show to date. Haunting & beautiful.

But like @MaggieParke I also immensely disliked that voiceover at the end. I made a tiny & imperfect edit to remove it.

Wondering if people notice any differences w/o v.o.

#TheRingsOfPower

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