Rings Of Power: Exploring The Problematic Elven Occupation Of The Southlands
The Rings of Power series has already introduced its audience to a whole range of power imbalances across the lands. Such conflicts range from the Numenorian hatred of elves despite a peace that once existed between them, to the fear that lowly harfoots have of of anyone outside their small world. But one of the most pressing and problematic of all the races struggling with their rule in the recent Amazon show is the people of the Southlands, and their oppression at the hands of the elves. This is one of the first times in any Tolkien adaptation that the race of elves have been portrayed in a less than savory light. There is an interesting dynamic already emerging with the Southlanders, who appear, at first glance, to be being punished for sins that were committed by their ancestors thousands of years ago.
The systemic subjugation of any one race of beings by another is a dangerous and unjust occurrence. Such a dynamic is bound to cause tension between the two, especially when the oppressed peoples begin to grow in number and decide that it’s time to rise up against their captors, and claim what was once theirs back again. It is unusual for the Rings of Power to frame the elves as the ones in the wrong, and the humans as the ones who are fighting for freedom and survival under a cruel reign. However, this presents plenty of interesting opportunities for main characters such as Arondir, Bronwyn, and her son Theo. Theo has already been shown to possess a shard of Sauron’s fatal blade, and there is a subtle hint that he may try to use it to stand up against the elves and emancipate his kin from their control. But will he become corrupted in the process?
LOTR: Why Does Frodo Spare Saruman's Life?
One of the biggest problems of
Read more on gamerant.com
