A particular moment in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power inspired a heated debate – but such a topic is not really new for Tolkiens Lord of the Rings. Some of the most controversial aspects of the Prime Video series revolve around changes made to canon, and the same is true for this season 2 moment. There is the implication of a romance that was never described by Tolkien and, therefore, seems to break apart the established story fans know and love. However, the gray area that Rings of power Built in this scene fits right in with similar Relationships in The Lord of the Rings.
The moment in question is, of course, The big kiss scene between Elrond and Galadriel in Rings of power Season 2, Episode 7. Galadriel was captured by Adar’s forces, and Elrond was unwilling to sell the elvish ring of power, Nenia, for her freedom. However, he is given a chance to say goodbye, and the two elves share a rather tender and touching kiss. After pulling away, Elrond placed a pin in Galadriel’s hand, which she could (and did) use to escape. However, the big question and debate is whether this Rings of power moment was romance or just a moment of deep friendship.
Elrond & Galadriel’s Rings of Power kiss sparked a heated debate
Is it romance or a strong friendship?
Since Elrond passed Galadriel a pin during their big kiss in Rings of power season 2, it can easily be argued that the “RomanticHowever, others said that Elrond could have used virtually No Other means of distraction to help Galadriel escape and that he chose a kiss because of genuine affection for her. The debate here is ongoing, and the fact that such a kiss has never been described in Lord of the Rings Canon made the claims all the fired.
yet, The basis of this debate is really nothing new. Certainly, there was never a question about Elrond and Galadriel’s relationship in Tolkien’s work, however Rings of power Season 2 effectively reintroduced the same question that modern audiences have been asking of almost everyone Lord of the Rings Friendship – are they romantic or just Indeed Lover Buddies.
Tolkien’s friendships have always been romance coded
Rings of Power continued this trend
Friendships in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings They always came with a lot of physical and poetic love. The author brings attention to the physical moments between Frodo and Sam, from holding hands to hugging. What’s more, they often described their love for each other, and there wasn’t much difference between these poetic exclamations and real romances, like Aragon and Arwen or Beren and Luthien. The same is true for Legolas and Gimli, whose love was so strong that the dwarf was the first of his kind ever to be welcomed to the Undying Lands alongside his friend.
Although these relationships are presented as friendships, the extra level of affection has inspired endless debate about whether Tolkien secretly intended for Frodo and Sam or Legolas and Gimli to appear romantic. It’s an argument that will, frustratingly, never come with a definitive answerAnd it means Rings of power held the same energy with Elrond and Galadriel. It seems unlikely that Prime Video will ever have a clear answer as to whether their big kiss was intended as romantic or friendly, and that’s perfectly fine for The Lord of the Rings.
Elrond’s kiss doesn’t make perfect sense (but it works for Lord of the Rings)
The Lord of the Rings themes tie it all together
There are still frustrating elements involved with Elrond and Galadriel’s kiss, one way or another. Elrond could have actually worked out a different way to distract Adar and the orcs apart from laying one on his friend. Furthermore, it could also be argued that Prime Video was purposefully inflammatory by including this moment, knowing that such a change in Rings of power would create negative buzz. Still, there is no way to prove this, especially since The great romantic debate here fits so well with other relationships Tolkien himself created.
One way or another, it’s clear that Elrond loves Galadriel, whether as a potential love interest or a very dear friend.
One way or another, it’s clear that Elrond loves Galadriel, whether as a potential love interest or a very dear friend. Canon dictates that he will end up with Galadriel’s daughter, Celebrian, so there is no question that the connection between the characters in Rings of power is end game. Instead, it’s just another relationship to add to those that have been hotly debated for decades.