Amazon’s The Rings of Power doesn’t hesitate to reimagine Tolkien’s world to suit its own epic goals. Episode 7 is a game-changer—both for the plot and for how far the show is prepared to push the limits of established lore.While some of them have been controversial, others add fresh depthand emotional meaning to the Second Age. Here are some of the most significant departures and creative decisions.
1. The Creation of Mordor: Green Lands to Ash
One of the most daring things the show does is create its backstory for Mordor. In Tolkien’s books, the formation of Mordor is mysterious, forged long past by Morgoth and subsequently taken up by Sauron. In The Rings of Power, the process is quicker and more graphic. The erstwhile lovely Southlands are intentionally razed by Adar’s scheme with a volcanic chain reaction to transformthe area into the barren place we recognize as Mordor. It’s a cinematic reinterpretation that places us at the front lines of Middle-earth’s darkest transformation.
2. Mount Doom: A New Key to an Ancient Threat
Historically, Mount Doom had been understood as a holdover of Morgoth’s First Age divine corruption. In this instance, the franchise adds a new mechanism: a cryptic hilt of a sword is used as a literal key to open a dam and cause the volcanic eruption that gives birth to Mount Doom. It’s an imaginative reinterpretation that puts the ability to unleash destruction into the hands of mortals (and corrupted ones)—a change from divineintervention tocalculated sabotage.
3. The Rings of Men and Sauron’s Blood
A dramatic reveal in Episode 7 recontextualizes the history of the Rings of Men. What has been presented as Mithril turns out to be something much darker: Sauron’s blood. This twist introduces a level of biological taint into the making of the rings, implying that the roots of tyranny were sown right from the start. It’s a far cry from Tolkien’s more mystical, symbolic mythology, but it adds new weight to the Nazgûl’s fall into darkness.
4. Adar: Father of Orcs, Breaker of Chains
The Adar is one of the most fascinating additions to the books. A Moriondor—corrupted Elves of Morgoth, as well as those of other noble Elven stock who would not submit to Morgoth’s will and resisted him- he is a different sort of villain. After the defeat of Morgoth, Adar carves out his path, fighting for Orc freedom and reclaiming the Southlands as homeland to his children. His motives are multifaceted, his methods brutal, and his philosophy unexpectedly compassionate. He nowhere appears in Tolkien’s books, but he’s a welcome guest on the map of the story.
5. Galadriel’s Arc and Creative Liberties
Galadriel’s arc remains divisive. Her relentless quest against Sauron and the tragedies all build up to this moment, only to have her end up exactly where she began after Mount Doom is destroyed. Most debatable of all is one inherently uncomfortable instance—Elrond furtively kissing Galadriel’s forehead to secretly give her a pin—and the feeling that it doesn’t feel true to their established canon. While her arc remains emotionally rich, such instances highlight the tension between creative freedom and Tolkienism.
6. Celebrimbor’s Fall and Moment of Redemption
Celebrimbor, the famous Elven smith, is represented with tragic hubris in The Rings of Power.Attempting to outdo his grandfather, he is too readily manipulated, especially by Sauron, in disguise as Annatar. In a turn toward redemption, he perishes after forging the Nine Rings and leaving them to Galadriel and acknowledging his failure. While not canonically based, the series expands Celebrimbor’s character into a compelling cautionary figure about the cost of pride.
7. The War of Eregion: Alliance Under Fire
The centuries-long Dwarves-Elves hostility reaches its peak in the battle of Eregion. Drawing inspiration from the lore but placing its spin, the episode is filled with acts of heroism, including the Dwarves helping the Elven evacuation through the mines and a combined front against the armies of Sauron. The morning arrival of Dwarves is an echo of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films—a throwback flourish that’s well-deserved and effective.
8. Evolving Relations: Elrond, Durin, and Gil-galad
Episode 7 explores some of the show’s richest emotional character development relationships. Elrond is shown to be a true leader, showing determination even in the face of political betrayal. The rebellion of Durin against his father to join with Elrond is rich in character development. Gil-galad, on the other hand, finally embraces the role of a true High King, leading through courage rather than aloofness. These story arcs lean on canon, but enrich the drama in heart and humanity.
9. Blended Fan Reactions: Daring or Blasphemous?
Not surprisingly, those creative liberties have polarized the fan base. Some fans appreciate the unapologetic storytelling, gorgeous cinematography, and tone of emotional weight that the series brings to Middle-earth. Some fans believe that the interpretations of Tolkien’s works wander too far from those books, especially in the issues. However one stands, The Rings of Power has gotten something right: sparking fresh argument about how to adapt—and how stories evolve across the decades.
A New Chapter in an Old World
The Rings of Power is not re-creating Tolkien—it’s reimagining his world for a new generation. Episode 7 proves the show won’t be hesitant to bet big, reinterpret characters, and cut fresh paths through familiar terrain. Not all the bets win, but the result is a series that takes risks to be both respectful and revolutionary. Love it or loathe it, this Middle-earth is creating the kind of passionate debate that Tolkien’s invention has always fostered.