10 Things in ‘Rings of Power’ That Made Absolutely No Sense

Amazon’s ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ dives into Middle-earth’s Second Age, delivering stunning visuals and a fresh take on J.R.R. Tolkien’s world. With a sprawling cast including Morfydd Clark as Galadriel and Charlie Vickers as Sauron, the show aims to flesh out the forging of the iconic rings.

While I enjoyed the epic scope, some moments felt off, clashing with Tolkien’s lore or just plain confusing. Here are ten things from the series that didn’t quite add up, leaving me baffled by their inclusion.

Harfoots’ Strange Accents

The Harfoots, early hobbit-like folk, all sport thick Irish accents in Season 1, which feels jarring for Middle-earth. It’s a choice that seems more like a caricature than a natural fit for these wandering nomads.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was a forced attempt to give them personality. It pulls you out of the story, making their scenes feel like a different show altogether.

Adar’s Orc Origin Story

Adar, played by Joseph Mawle in Season 1, claims orcs are his ‘children’ and prefers the term Uruk, hinting at a complex backstory. But the show never explains how he, an elf, became their leader, leaving a big gap.

This vague setup frustrated me, as it teases depth without delivering. It’s a missed chance to explore one of the show’s most intriguing characters.

Númenor’s Sudden Navy

In Season 1, Númenor assembles a massive fleet in days to sail to the Southlands, despite being an isolationist island. The logistics of this rapid mobilization feel impossible for a kingdom shown as politically divided.

I was left wondering how they pulled off such a feat so quickly. It undermines Númenor’s internal struggles and makes their power seem too convenient.

Elrond and Galadriel’s Odd Dynamic

Elrond and Galadriel act like peers in Season 1, despite Galadriel being far older and, in Tolkien’s lore, his future mother-in-law. Their casual banter feels out of place.

This dynamic threw me off, as it ignores their established relationship. It’s a strange choice that muddies their roles in the story.

The Stranger’s Early Arrival

The Stranger, heavily implied to be Gandalf, crashes into Middle-earth via meteor in Season 1, long before Tolkien’s timeline places him in the Third Age. This early appearance feels like a forced nod to fans.

I found this jarring, as it bends the lore to fit a familiar face. It risks making the story feel less like a prequel and more like fan fiction.

Dwarven Women Without Beards

Princess Disa in Season 1 has no beard, despite Tolkien’s lore stating dwarven women are nearly indistinguishable from men due to facial hair. This choice stands out as a break from canon.

It bugged me because it ignores a unique trait of dwarven culture. A bearded Disa could’ve added authenticity without losing her charm.

The Mithril-Silmaril Connection

Season 1 suggests mithril comes from a Silmaril, tied to a mythical tree and a battle with a Balrog. This invented backstory feels like a stretch, as Tolkien never linked mithril to such a fantastical origin.

I was puzzled by this addition, which complicates a simple resource. It feels like an attempt to make mithril more magical than needed.

Galadriel’s Warrior Role

Galadriel is portrayed as a sword-wielding warrior in Season 1, leading battles and chasing Sauron. In Tolkien’s works, she’s a wise, mystical figure, not a frontline fighter, making this depiction feel off.

This change confused me, as it shifts her character from a powerful leader to an action hero. It sacrifices her established grace for unnecessary grit.

The Compressed Timeline

The show squeezes events spanning thousands of years in Tolkien’s Second Age into a single period. Major moments like the rings’ forging and Númenor’s fall happen too quickly, losing their weight.

I found this rushed pace disorienting, as it flattens Middle-earth’s rich history. It makes epic events feel like they’re happening in weeks, not centuries.

Sauron’s Quick Disguises

Sauron, posing as Halbrand and Annatar, switches identities effortlessly in Seasons 1 and 2, fooling everyone. The ease with which he deceives major characters like Galadriel and Celebrimbor feels unrealistic.

This rapid shapeshifting left me questioning how no one saw through him. It makes Middle-earth’s heroes seem oddly gullible for such a cunning foe.

Which confusing moment from ‘The Rings of Power’ bugged you the most, or did I miss something else that didn’t add up? Share your thoughts in the comments!