As a lifelong Tolkien enthusiast who has lost count of the number of times I’ve traversed Middle-earth, it’s fascinating to see how the creators of “The Rings of Power” are drawing from J.R.R.’s rich lore to expand the world we all know and love. The eastern region of Rhûn, with its complex history and enigmatic inhabitants, presents a captivating backdrop for the ongoing narrative.
Season 2 of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” has begun its journey, with J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay’s Middle-earth saga continuing to unfold in the expansive landscapes of Rhûn. While the initial episodes effectively streamline the numerous plotlines from Season 1, a compelling narrative that gains momentum is the tale of The Stranger (Daniel Weyman) alongside the Harfoots Nori and Poppy (Markella Kavenagh and Megan Richards). As the season progresses, this trio ventures deeper into Rhûn, encountering marauders, mysterious staffs, and an acute scarcity of water.
If you’re curious about how much of this lore aligns with J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings, it’s important to note that the author from Oxford didn’t delve deeply into the region of Rhûn. Although some inhabitants of Rhûn appear in “The Lord of the Rings,” the land itself is not directly featured in the story (but I’ll discuss its residents further momentarily). Despite occupying a significant portion of the continent and housing numerous human nations as well as distant Dwarven outposts, Tolkien provides relatively little information about Rhûn itself.
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the intricate details that are being carefully woven into the “Rings of Power,” especially when it comes to the mysterious land of Rhûn. Although Tolkien didn’t provide a wealth of information about this part of Middle-earth, it seems that the showrunners and writers are meticulously using what we do know as their blueprint for this captivating adaptation. Let’s delve into what Tolkien said about Rhûn to see how it aligns with the series.
Rhûn is close to the origin of Men and Elves
One significant link between Rhûn in J.R.R. Tolkien’s tales and the broader storyline is that it borders the region where the Elves and then Humans first awoke or emerged. Over time, these two groups would periodically journey westward across the continent. Initially, the Elves moved towards the Western Lands, which were said to be everlasting. Later, Men trekked in their footsteps, but at a more scattered pace.
The book “The Peoples of Middle-earth” mentions that several groups reside near the Sea of Rhûn (a large body of water in that region). It further explains that these people traveled and eventually dispersed, with their languages having already developed distinct forms. Some of these human groups ventured westward, while others even established the Kingdom of Númenor. However, this division resulted in the eastern part of Rhûn being inhabited not only by various human tribes but also Dwarven communities that awoke in the area.
Is Rhûn supposed to be a desert?
The accuracy of the arid approach to Rhûn is a complicated question. For the most part, J.R.R. Tolkien doesn’t actually tell us what the place is like. The map in this area is mostly blank. However, in an interview in 1966, the Middle-earth creator did say, “Rhûn is the Elvish word for ‘east’. Asia, China, Japan, and all the things which people in the west regard as far away.” This broad definition implies that at least some parts of Rhûn could be desert. In “The Hobbit” book, Bilbo also references trying to “walk from here to the East of East and fight the wild Were-worms in the Last Desert.”
To clarify, the map of Middle-earth includes various geographical features like mountains, forests, and a massive body of water known as the Sea of Rhûn. This region is not only home to vast Human communities and societies that rely on farming for survival, but it’s also a fact, not speculation. This detail is evident in “The Hobbit,” where Bilbo Baggins and the Dwarves escape through barrels by slipping past an Elven guard who had been drinking wine from Dorwinion, a region bordering Rhûn. Furthermore, the appendices of “The Return of the King” mention “wild white cattle,” which are cows that dwell near the Sea of Rhûn.
The Easterlings live in Rhûn
In the fictional world created by J.R.R. Tolkien, the Easterlings are the human tribes residing in the eastern region called Rhûn. Unlike the Edain, who journey westward and primarily inhabit Númenor, these Eastern men often fall under the control of Morgoth and later Sauron. As depicted in “The Silmarillion,” these mortals from the East participated early on in the conflicts between Morgoth and the Elves, sometimes betraying both the Elves and the Edain during battles, acting treacherously.
In the Second Age, as detailed in the book, it’s mentioned that Men increasingly populated regions to the east. Unfortunately, many of these people succumbed to evil due to Sauron’s influence. As time passed, nearly all Men in the east and south came under Sauron’s control. They became powerful during this period, constructing numerous towns and stone fortifications. They were also numerous and fierce warriors, armed with iron. Sauron held a terrifying reign over them; he was both their ruler and deity. The people feared him greatly, for his stronghold was encircled by fire.
The book “The Peoples of Middle-earth” elaborates on the state in Rhûn and the east, stating that Sauron had gained control over numerous fierce tribes in the eastern regions (once corrupted by Morgoth). He then incited these tribes to seize territory and wealth in the west. This establishes a longstanding conflict between the eastern and western parts of the continent. For millennia, Easterlings are portrayed as a persistent threat to the western realms of Middle-earth. Occasionally, invasions occur, and many Easterlings fight in Sauron’s forces during “The Lord of the Rings.”
There are also Wizards in Rhûn
It’s plausible that “The Rings of Power” series is sending their Istar (Wizard) towards the eastern lands, as it’s already established that another Wizard is present there. Notably, one of the key aspects about Rhûn is its association with Wizards. For example, Saruman had been in those parts before the events of “The Lord of the Rings.” Most significantly, in J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings, Rhûn and the East are regions where the Blue Wizards, named Alatar and Pallando, predominantly reside.
In the books “Unfinished Tales” and “The Peoples of Middle-earth,” we get a glimpse into the enigmatic Blues. Initially, these beings journeyed to the East alongside Saruman; however, it was only Saruman who returned. In his earlier accounts, Tolkien admitted that he wasn’t privy to much information regarding their fate, but speculated that they may have corrupted and formed secret cults. Later in life, he reconsidered, hinting at the possibility that they played significant roles in opposing Sauron across Middle-earth; however, he never fully expanded on this aspect of their story.
In the series thus far, it remains uncertain whether the Wizards from Rhûn are Blue Wizards or if they resemble Saruman and Gandalf. Yet, their contrasting nature – one being good while the other is evil – aligns with different characterizations found in Tolkien’s writings for both possibilities. At this point, we’re only left to figure out which wizard corresponds to whom.
Although Rhûn is not extensively mentioned in the Middle-earth lore, it offers enough intriguing details for “The Rings of Power” to craft an engaging segment within its expansive narrative. We’ll be eagerly anticipating the series to see if it successfully concludes this part of its tale.
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2024-08-29 16:30