This ‘Rings of Power’ Fan Theory Suggests Kemen Is Secretly The Mouth of Sauron

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As a long-time Tolkien enthusiast who has spent countless hours poring over every detail of Middle-earth’s lore, I must say that the fan theory about Kemen becoming The Mouth of Sauron is as tantalizing as a freshly baked lembas bread. While it’s important to remember that theories are just that – theories – the circumstantial evidence supporting this one is as thick as a barrel of ale from the Prancing Pony.

The parallels between Kemen’s role as the Mouth of Pharazôn and The Mouth of Sauron, coupled with his mother’s ominous warning about “ill ends,” make for a compelling case. Add to that Kemen’s increasingly villainous actions, and it seems we might be witnessing the birth of one of Middle-earth’s most notorious lackeys.

Of course, as with any good theory, there are still questions left unanswered. How will Kemen become a servant of Sauron? Will he undergo some dark transformation like Frodo was tempted by the Ring? Or perhaps he’ll be tricked into serving the Dark Lord, much like poor Gollum was before him?

Only time (and Season 3 of The Rings of Power) will tell. Until then, I’ll continue to savor this theory like a fine wine from the Shire, knowing that it could very well prove to be the truth we’ve all been waiting for. And if Kemen does indeed become The Mouth of Sauron, I can’t help but wonder – who will be the next poor soul to be tempted by the Dark Lord? Could it be Samwise Gamgee and his second breakfasts? We’ll just have to wait and see!

Two months following the end of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” Season 2, a passionate fan speculation concerning Kemen (Leon Wadham) has persisted in gaining traction. Debuted in Season 1 as the proud and ambitious aristocrat from Númenor, Kemen additionally functions as the Herald for King Al-Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle), articulating his authoritarian father’s commands.

As a devoted fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga, I have spent countless hours immersed in Middle-earth, and I can confidently say that the parallels between Kemen’s character arc and The Mouth of Sauron are striking. It is not a stretch to imagine Kemen’s transformation into one of Sauron’s most formidable lieutenants as we delve deeper into “The Rings of Power.”

While the evidence may be circumstantial at this stage, I find myself convinced by the similarities between their backgrounds and personalities. Kemen’s ruthless ambition and cunning manipulation of others mirror The Mouth of Sauron’s actions in the original story. Moreover, Kemen’s enigmatic past hints at a darker side that could easily align with the sinister figure we know from Tolkien’s lore.

Though we must wait until Season 3 arrives in 2026 for definitive answers, I eagerly anticipate witnessing Kemen’s evolution into The Mouth of Sauron. In the meantime, I will continue to analyze every scene and piece of evidence that supports this theory, confident in my belief that “The Rings of Power” is setting up an intriguing twist for one of its most enigmatic characters.

Who is The Mouth of Sauron in ‘LotR’ Canon?

In the fantasy series “The Rings of Power”, it draws some plot points from the appendices found in J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel “The Two Towers”, which is the second book in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. One of these towers, Barad-dûr, is vigilantly protected by a character known as The Mouth of Sauron. This individual was once a living man, but his name has been erased from memory, not just by others, but even himself. He functions as Sauron’s emissary and spokesperson during the War for the Ring, rising to become Barad-dûr’s commander and Sauron’s main warrior in this conflict.

Outside the scope of the film, The Mouth of Sauron makes a brief appearance in the extended cut of Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”. This character towers over others and dons black robes, a metallic mask, and a helmet that conceals half his face. The mask and helmet display a terrifying row of sharp teeth and scars around his mouth, suggesting his ominous presence.

Although Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) executed The Mouth of Sauron, considering the sequence of events in The Rings of Power and The Mouth of Sauron’s role in defending Barad-dûr in The Two Towers, it’s plausible that Kemen could serve as Sauron’s top lieutenant instead.

Who is Kemen in ‘The Rings of Power’?

In the television series, the character Kemen was specifically created and doesn’t stem from Tolkien’s original works. Instead, he’s introduced as the human son of King Ar-Pharazôn, who is the 25th ruler of Númenor. Eager to emulate his father’s prestige and outrank him, Kemen rises to become The Mouth of Pharazôn, essentially serving as a spokesperson for his father and delivering messages on his behalf. However, lacking any independent power, Kemen is confined to relaying his father’s commands and issuing instructions.

In the second season of The Rings of Power, it’s disclosed that on his birthday, Kemen’s mother predicted a troubling prophecy, warning him about a grim future ending. Many fans speculate that this omen hinted at Kemen becoming The Mouth of Sauron, suggesting a dark destiny for the character.

As Kemen transforms into a more malevolent character throughout the season, it’s clear to see the progression of his sinister decline as he strives to win over his father’s approval. Given that power often leads to corruption, many spectators anticipate that Kemen is embarking on a journey toward pure evil, ultimately exposing his true identity as The Mouth of Sauron.

How Kemen’s Arc Hints at his Role as The Mouth of Sauron, Explained

In a simpler, more conversational manner, you could say: Just like the Mouth of Sauron, Kemen serves as a loyal messenger for his powerful master, Pharazôn. While their roles alone don’t prove that they are identical, some theories suggest a connection due to the ominous prophecies about Kemen’s fate and the similarities in the sequence of events.

In Season 2 of “The Rings of Power,” Kemen grows increasingly malevolent, calling for the destruction of the Southland forest to supply his realm with timber. Despite being unfit for combat and cowardly in battle, Kemen asserts his power, seizing control from his father and making significant decisions on his behalf.

Kemen disobeys his father’s instructions, attempts to set fire to a ship during an exploration, and prevents Estrid (Nia Towle) from joining Isildur (Maxim Baldry) in their journey back to Númenor. This action emphasizes Kemen’s developing role as a villain. Although it seems challenging to transform Kemen into The Mouth of Sauron for The Rings of Power Season 3, his actions suggest that this may be his destiny.

Given his common origins, biological humanity, unknown identity, previous role as Pharazôn’s herald, his mother’s ominous prediction of a tragic destiny, his treacherous seizure of his father’s authority, and his unwavering duty to protect the Tower of Barad-dûr, there is substantial circumstantial evidence that suggests Kemen will eventually assume the position of The Mouth of Sauron.

Previously in “The Rings of Power” Season 2, Kemen stayed put in Southland alongside Isildur, while Estrid and Hagen (Gabriel Akuwudike) departed for Númenor. Concurrently, Sauron continued his reign of terror over Eregion, steadily expanding his forces across Middle-earth, foreshadowing a climactic confrontation with the Elves.

Given the circumstances, it seems inevitable that Kemen and Sauron will clash, perhaps leading to Kemen pledging allegiance to Sauron in The Rings of Power Season 3.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

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2024-12-29 00:03