Lord of the Rings is a classic series that multiple generations can recall fondly. To say that the series has influenced the entire modern fantasy genre is no understatement. Moreso, it’s even believed that Dungeons & Dragons was directly based on the Tolkien world. All that aside, the series has been relatively quiet since The Hobbit. That’s no longer the case, though, as Amazon Studios is divulging secrets of their Rings of Power show. They’ve been extremely reticent about it until now. The best we’ve received is a vague trailer and some indistinct photos. Finally, earlier today, Amazon Studios released their first official look at The Rings of Power series.
An Ensemble Look Into the Second Age
Not much was known about The Rings of Power series besides a general plot synopsis before now. To reiterate this synopsis, the focus will be on the fabled Second Age. To those unaware, the Second Age is set 1000 years before The Hobbit. This was created by Tolkien himself after the success of LOTR but never made it to completion. Tolkien’s son Christopher compiled any background info he could find into the Silmarillion, as well as The Appendices that go with it. Through these stories, we learn the background of Middle Earth, from its creation by Eru to the rise of Sauron.
Thanks to the first look, we now have a better idea of what’s at play. The story will focus on Galadriel when she is a fearsome warrior during the Second Age. She commands the Northern Armies and accomplishes many incredible feats during this era. Further, Elrond will make an appearance as a young elven politician, vying to rise in power among his people. Overall, the story will focus on an ensemble cast of 22 characters that shape the events of the Second Age. Ultimately, it will show the rise of these great figures, along with Sauron himself. Of course, that also means creating and distributing the Rings of Power themselves.
The series is at no shortage of funds, thanks to Bezos’ obsession with the series. Hopefully, it will live up to its predecessors. One last detail about the Rings of Power show we learned from the first look is the release date. The show will debut on Amazon Prime Video on September 2.