The Rings Of Power Is Switching Main Characters In Season 3
From ScreenRant, bAngel Shaw
Prime Video's The Rings of Power will again shift its focus with season 3. This Lord of the Rings prequel series, set in Middle-earth's Second Age, follows an ensemble cast, with attention spread across various characters of different races across the map. Still, each installment has paid special attention to a different character. This has allowed Rings of Power seasons 1 and 2 to cover different perspectives, and, based on what we know from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, that will continue with a certain character in season 3.
Season 1 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power revolved predominantly around Galadriel. We got to know her past and various motivations, all the while she built a friendship with the very villain she sought to seek vengeance against. Going into the Prime Video series' second season, the attention shifted more to Elrond—his mistrust of the Three Elven Rings and uncertainty about Galadriel's choices and connection to Sauron.
This brings us into The Rings of Power season 3. This coming installment is expected to pick up after a time jump, diving into the meat of the War of the Elves and Sauron. This is when the Dark Lord truly begins to exercise his evil in Middle-earth. Given this focus, it's evident that Sauron will take over the role of the main character in Rings of Power season 3.
Sauron Will Be The Rings Of Power Season 3's Main Character (According To The Books)
Sauron has always taken up a lot of space in Rings of Power. We weren't aware of his secret identity in season 1, but the Dark Lord was still there all along, disguised as Halbrand. Then, in season 2, Sauron took on the identity of Annatar, created his titular Rings of Power, and tormented poor Celebrimbor. Season 3 will be when the villain casts aside the covert deception and begins his work of conquering Eriador. His disguises will be abandoned, and, even more critically, Sauron will create his One Ring to Rule Them All.
The One Ring stands at the very center of the overarching The Lord of the Rings franchise. It's this weapon that makes it necessary for Frodo to leave the Shire, and why the war of the Third Age broke out. Clearly, the Ring's creation will be an absolutely massive deal in Rings of Power. Beyond this, Sauron's creation will begin the process of turning the nine Men who receive Rings of Power into the Nazgul—another central element to The Lord of the Rings.
All of this will feel like a significant victory for the Dark Lord (at least at first). Rings of Power has devoted time to exploring Sauron's motivations and emotional state, and since season 3 will mark his Big Moment, this is when the show will truly dive deep into the villain's mind. It's a shift in focus for Rings of Power, and certainly something to look forward to.
Elrond & Galadriel Will Still Have Big Roles In The Rings Of Power Season 3
Of course, just because Sauron will take center stage in The Rings of Power season 3 doesn't mean the other members of the ensemble won't get their moments to shine. After all, even while seasons 1 and 2 primarily explored the actions of others, Sauron remained a consistent presence on screen. Galadriel and Elrond have key parts to play in the War of the Elves and Sauron, as they are two of the most important figures among Middle-earth's forces of good during the Second Age.
The ending of The Rings of Power season 2 saw the Elves of Eregion, led by Elrond, arrive in the valley that will become Rivendell. Considering the time jump, season 3 is sure to pick up when this Elvish stronghold is more established, and Elrond has taken his leadership role. Galadriel, on the other hand, remains the bearer of the Ring Nenya and will use it to safeguard her people. It's also possible that we will see Galadriel's first visit to Lothlórien, the realm that will become her home and sanctuary. Suffice it to say, these characters are still moving forward.
Images credit: ScreenRant/Angel Shaw
Angel Shaw is a Lead Writer and Critic on ScreenRant's TV team, covering new-release and classic TV shows across all major streaming platforms. She has been a writer with ScreenRant since 2022 and specializes in Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and fantasy.
