Prime Video
Before you proceed, be warned that this article contains full spoilers for the season 2 finale of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” “Rings of Power” is an excellent fantasy series that also serves as a compelling prequel to “Lord of the Rings.” It successfully fills the gaps in the Second Age of Middle-earth, setting the stage for many elements familiar from the Peter Jackson films, such as the creation of the titular rings of power and the Doors of Durin. The show’s success lies in its focus on providing a rich backstory that enhances future narratives, rather than answering unasked questions.
In the finale of the second season, “Rings of Power” reveals a significant object that will forever alter Middle-earth’s history and plays a crucial role in “Lord of the Rings” — Narsil, The White Flame. In the fourth episode of the first season, attentive viewers had an early look at Narsil. In this episode, Tar-MÃriel presents Galadriel with a room full of ancient artifacts and heirlooms, including the palantÃr, artifacts from the War of the Great Jewels, and a sword with a design familiar from Jackson’s films.
Narsil, also known as the Sword That Was Broken, is an heirloom of the house of Elros. Its shards were kept in the halls of Rivendell by Elrond, Elros’s brother. These shards were reforged into Andúril, Flame of the West, and given to Aragorn, son of Arathorn, to claim his rightful place as the heir of Isildur and the king of Gondor in the War of the Ring’s final days. The history of Narsil is extensive, and we are only now starting to catch glimpses of it.
The forging of the sword destined to break
Warner Bros.
In Tolkien’s lore, the renowned Dwarven smith Telchar of Nogrod forged Narsil during the First Age. Telchar, who also created the Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin worn by the hero Húrin, is celebrated as one of the greatest smiths, alongside Celebrimbor and Fëanor. Although the sword’s history is not extensively detailed, it eventually ended up in Númenor, where it became the property of the Andúnië line. It was Elendil who brought fame to the sword, using it in his duel against Sauron to help defeat the Dark Lord. His son Isildur later used its shards to cut Sauron’s ring off his hand.
In the final episode of “Rings of Power” season 2, Ar-Pharazôn initiates his inquisition on Númenor, imprisoning any member of the Faithful (elf-friendly Númenoreans). The former queen, Tar-MÃriel, urges Elendil to flee the city and head west to reclaim his lordship and destiny. She directs him to the sword we saw in the first season, identifying it as Narsil, the White Flame. This sword shares the same design as Andúril in the Jackson films. We even get a near shot-for-shot remake of the scene where Aragorn picks up Andúril from Elrond in “The Return of the King.”
Interestingly, “Rings of Power” appears to give Elendil a similar arc to Aragorn in the “Lord of the Rings” films, where he initially rejects his nobility and heritage. It is yet to be seen how Elendil transitions from not acknowledging his noble lineage to becoming the High King of the Dúnedain, king of both Gondor and Arnor at the age’s end.
Seasons 1 and 2 of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” are currently streaming on Prime Video.
FAQs
What is Narsil?
Narsil is a significant object in “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” It’s a sword known as the Sword That Was Broken and plays a crucial role in the storyline.
Who forged Narsil?
Narsil was forged by the renowned Dwarven smith Telchar of Nogrod during the First Age.
What role does Narsil play in “The Lord of the Rings”?
In “The Lord of the Rings,” the shards of Narsil were reforged into Andúril, Flame of the West, and given to Aragorn to claim his rightful place as the heir of Isildur and the king of Gondor.
Where can I watch “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”?
You can stream seasons 1 and 2 of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” on Prime Video.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
