Clever Power Rings Theory Reveals Theo Is Lord of the Rings Character, Not a Nazgûl

Since appearing on Prime Video’s premiere The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) has been a topic of heated debate, with many fans wondering why a character who doesn’t appear in Tolkien lore would play such a seemingly important role in the series. Throughout his story arc, different theories about Theo’s future appeared, with the credibility of many deteriorating as his character slowly evolved throughout the series’ progression.

After Theo discovered the mysterious sword hilt linked to the Dark Lord (Charlie Vickers), fans speculated that he had an important connection to Sauron. Throughout his journey, fans have conjectured that this link to Sauron foretells that Theo will become a Nazgûl (possibly the Witch-King of Angmar) or the Mouth of Sauron. As soon as Theo interacted with Isildur (Maxim Baldry), fans wondered if he could become the founder of Rohan or even the King of the Dead. After Rings of Power season 2 finale, One theory stands out: Theo will likely become King of the Dead.

What The Lord of the Rings reveals about the King of the Dead

He ruled the mountain men and was cursed by Isildur

Many fans will remember the appearance of the King of the Dead (Paul Norell) in Peter Jackson’s film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, who found Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) seeking his help to face the forces of Sauron (Alan Howard). His brief but influential appearance in The Return of the King raised questions on who Tolkien wrote to be this character. In Tolkien’s books, the King of the Dead also appeared predominantly in The Return of the King.

Tolkien revealed that the King of the Dead was once a man who ruled the Mountain Mena pre-Númenórean people who worshiped Sauron during the Second Age. Near the end of the Second Age, the Mountain Men swore allegiance to Isildur and Gondor. Isildur then called upon them to fulfill their oath and aid in the fight against Sauron’s growing forces. They abandoned Isildur, breaking their word. The Mountain Men came to be known as the Perjurers, ruled by the anonymous King of the Dead – although unofficial sources designated him as Rioc.

After they abandoned Isildur, he cursed them, ensuring that they would never rest until they fulfilled the vow previously made to him. Cursed, the Oathbreakers became specters, haunting Dwimorberg Mountain. The specters were feared by many who resided near the Harrowdale Valley. Isildur’s heir, Aragorn, then called upon them to complete their oath by helping him, which they did. After fulfilling their promise, they departed Middle Earth to rest in peace.

Why Theo from The Rings Of Power could become LotR’s King of the Dead

Theo’s location and introduction hint at a dark future for him

There are several compelling reasons to believe that Theo could become The Lord of the Rings‘King of the Dead. Theo’s village, Tirharad, was home to men who once worshiped Sauronincluding Waldreg (Geoff Morrell), whose barn hid the Dark Lord’s fist. After Adar (Sam Hazeldine) appeared, many townspeople swore allegiance to him, some thinking he was Sauron. Tirharad’s location in what would become Mordor also strongly linked its ancient residents to Sauron’s domain.

All over The Rings of PowerIn the first two seasons, Theo’s character also fluctuated between being fair and corrupt. The death of Theo’s mother, Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi) – who often reminded him of “find the light”- created in him a desire for battle. It also disconnected him from his most vital base forever. Theo then distanced himself from his closest source of morality, the elven warrior Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova). Theo despised the Elves who watched Tirharad, but seemed attracted to the Wild Men, most of whom supported Adar.

Theo also established a relationship with Isildur (Maxim Baldry) in The Rings of Power 2nd seasonpotentially triggering a bond and then betrayal between them. The two connected over the loss of their mothers and dealt with what it meant to feel responsible for their deaths. Theo then spent considerable time with Isildur in Pelargir before the two parted ways.

Theo’s mysterious parentage also positions him to become a future king. Theo’s father was kept visibly anonymous in The Rings of Powerwhich leads many to believe that this important detail will be revealed later. Fans have previously speculated that Theo’s father could be a member of Southland’s long-lost royal lineage, grooming Theo to wear a crown. In season 2, Arondir also gave the title to Theo “Lord of Pelargir”, which could prepare him for a greater leadership role.

How Becoming King of the Dead Would Fit Into Theo’s The Rings Of Power Arc

His inner conflict may cause him to turn against Isildur

Theo’s inner conflicts, location, relationships, and not-so-subtle attraction to Sauron’s dark power prepare him to become the future King of the Dead. The Rings of Power spent considerable time trying to create a more complex and sometimes likable villain in Sauron. It is sensible to think that the Lord of the Rings show could do the same thing with the King of Oathbreakers.

By allowing the audience to empathize with Theo, it could create a tragic arc with complexity and nuance comparable to the portrayal of the Dark Lord himself. Theo’s character is being impeccably crafted for Isildur’s future betrayal, as well as eventual redemption through Aragorn.

Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) makes several blunt statements to Theo: “It darkens the heart to call dark deeds ‘good’. It gives room for evil to thrive within us. Every war is fought from both the outside and the inside.” Theo is internally conflicted and may turn against Isildur, believing the lie that he is doing this for the good of his suffering people. However, This internal conflict would also lead to the eventual redemption of his people during the War of the Ring.

Being LotR’s King of the Dead makes more sense than Theo’s other theories

He has already demonstrated all the characteristics and relationships necessary to achieve this path

Becoming King of the Dead makes a lot more sense for Theo’s character than any other theory about him. Although Theo’s name sounds like that of Théoden, the King of Rohan, and his mother finds the Simbelmynë flower that grows in the tombs of Rohan’s ancestors, some details strongly contradict the theory. Eorl the Young was the true name of the founder of Rohanand he was never associated with the Southern Lands. Rohan emerged in the Third Age, at least 2,500 years after the forging of the Rings of Power.

Theo could gain possession of one of the Rings of Power, transforming him into one of the feared Nazgûl, especially since he has the potential to be a strong warrior and leader who encountered Sauron. However, as intriguing as this theory is, it doesn’t line up as well as the King of the Dead theory for one important reason: his relationship with Isildur. The Rings of Power spent considerable time establishing this relationship. And Theo’s connection to Pelargir, who is allied with Gondor, suggests a future partnership.

Theo as the Mouth of Sauron is also intriguing, although less likely. The Mouth of Sauron was a living, evil man with a forgotten history. Additionally, the Mouth of Sauron was thought to be a Black Númenórean, something Theo is not. And despite The Rings of Power teasing a dark turn for his character, It’s hard to believe that Theo would be cunning or evil enough to play Sauron’s emissary.

Amidst the many theories surrounding Theo, the one that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power What’s most invested is his position as the conflicted, fallen, and eventually redeemed King of the Dead. Theo has already presented all the characteristics and relationships necessary to achieve this path, and his constant internal struggles are consistent with this.