#galadriel rop

[apoloadonisandnarcissus]

“There are many stories about what happened…”

I usually try to keep criticism of RoP out of my posts because there is so much vitroil against this show already, but I’m also a Tolkien fan at heart, so, yes, there are several choices I’m not particularly enthusiastic about, but I can understand why the show went with them.

Making Galadriel a warrior and a military commander is one of them. I like “warrior Galadriel”, and it’s a side of her character the general audience isn’t familiar with. Even book fans who have only read the “core” books like “The Hobbit”, “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and even “The Silmarillion” aren’t, because these descriptions are only found in “Unfinished Tales”, “Morgoth’s Ring” or “The Peoples of Middle-earth”.

But even then it has been noted by Tolkien scholars like Douglas C. Kane, that Christopher Tolkien toned down Galadriel a lot in his editions (crossed out mentions of her bravery, for instance), removed her great love for Melian, entirely, and gave her motivations which contradict what Tolkien wrote and published in life. Her refusing to return to Valinor being the major one; Christopher claims it was because of the love she had for her husband, when Tolkien himself says, in several books and in his own letters, it was because of her pride and lust for dominion and a kingdom of her own, outside of the tutelage of the Valar. RoP connected this with hunting down Sauron, which fits the themes of the legendarium, as Sauron represents dominion and rebellion against the Valar.

Christopher views are probably aligned with him not believing Galadriel was truly banished from Valinor, because she didn’t took part in the Oath of Feänor. Nevertheless, Tolkien says in his letters Galadriel was only pardoned by the Valar after resisting the overwhelming temptation of getting the One ring for herself. So something is up and there’s something missing from this story, but Christopher Tolkien is the first to admit how “problematic” (as in full of gaps) Galadriel’s story is, because Tolkien was never able to finish it. Maybe he had ideas on his head he never put on paper. Either way, it’s clear to me that RoP is rejecting many of Christopher Tolkien conclusions, and focusing on what Tolkien himself wrote in his letters to approach the legendarium. Which is probably why many Tolkien fans reject the show, or don’t see how it can fit with the published works.

On a personal level, if I could choose between “warrior Galadriel” or pupil of the Valar and Melian Galadriel, I would go with the second. But that’s my personal preference.

The thing is; the show could never have Galadriel meet Sauron in the Sundering Seas, already with her “power set” (let’s call it, that), because she would have seen right through him, and it would make the story they wanted impossible. The showrunners said their idea was always for Galadriel and Sauron meet, when she was obsessed with hunting him down, and him kind of repentant and lost. Having her with the ability of perceive the hearts and minds of others would never work in this scenario; so they have to find another way for her to have these gifts.

Many say Galadriel not perceiving Halbrand = Sauron is “lore breaking”, because in “Unfinished Tales” it’s said Galadriel was suspicious of Annatar at Eregion, and perceived he was not who be claimed to be, and became his chief adversary. Well, Galadriel also became suspicious of Halbrand was not who he claimed to be, at Eregion.

But in “Unfinished Tales”, Galadriel is also described as the founder of Eregion, and she allows Annatar to stay there for centuries until the Gwaith-i-Mírdain kick her out of power, and, in Tolkien Letters, only Gil-galad and Elrond are mentioned as rejecting Annatar/Sauron, completely. Even then, and since the start of their interactions, Galadriel always suspected Halbrand to be more than he claimed, so this angle isn’t that out of pocket with what many like to call “Tolkien canon”, actually.

[marimosalad]

What was actually going on in his head 🧠💍

[cclumsyart]

"Forodwaith"

My Adariel Secret Santa gift for @crookedmouth-mountainbones

[priestofleviathan]

Yall for the next two days I’m gonna draw Adar. Lots of Adar. Do yall have any suggestions or ideas for said drawings?

Would love to draw yalls ideas 🙏🙏

[a-sweet-potato-63]

I can't believe I'm just getting round to watching His Dark Materials the series adaptation, it was my favourite book series growing up and in another life I pretty much specialised in Daemons!AU fics as a writer (yes I'm currently writing one for Durond (Elrondurin) why do you ask).

The adaptation is gorgeous btw. A very happy and satisfied book fan I am.

[merryverse]

The Rings of Power - The fate of the elves are discussed (so many other stills I wanted to use but I didn't want to make this too long)

[queenmeriadoc]

Rings of Power Summer Celebration Week 1 - Characters: Galadriel - Morfydd Clark

[helenvader]

A prototype. It's horribly unstable, so it needs to be re-built, but it's a start!

[fenharel-enaste]

Bluster || Galadriel x Fem!Reader (Part 2)

Rating: 18+ (Minors DNI)

Word count: 3,3k

Summary: You make your move to visit Galadriel in her chambers and let her teach you some humility... but you're determined not to make it easy for her.

Content: Explicit sexual content, light dom/sub undertones, switch!Galadriel, switch!reader, oral sex, vaginal fingering, scissoring, body fluids, reader is still a brat.

Notes: I know, I know... this part is written in past tense while the first one was written in present tense. It's been a year and my style's changed. I liked it better in a past tense, so that's why I decided to keep it as it is, being just a two chapter fic.

Part 1

You can read it on AO3 as well!

Join my taglist!

You stood at the door to Galadriel's chambers. You felt determined on your way there, but you hesitated now you were about to knock on her door. 

Not long before, while you tried to relax in your bathtub after the exhausting training, your mind kept replaying the words she said to you that morning. It felt like a distant memory now. 

You should come see me later... 

Did she mean what she said? Your heart raced at the memory and you felt the heat rising to your cheeks. Perhaps it was a mistake to show up there, but you simply couldn't forget the touch of her body pressed against yours and the warm caress of her tongue. It made your head spin just thinking about it. You took a deep breath before knocking on her door. It was done. 

You heard her voice inviting you to come in and you found lady Galadriel lying on a beautiful white chaise lounge by a large open window. The balcony seemed to overlook a garden, as the breeze blowing in brought a sweet scent of flowers that permeated the chamber. She was observing you over the top of her book, not looking surprised in the slightest by your presence there. 

“I was wondering if that pride of yours would allow you to come,” she said, placing her book on the chaise. She walked up to you, never looking away - she never looked away when addressing someone. She radiated confidence, even some smugness perhaps. She was wearing a long white robe embroidered with fine gold details, which she trailed loosely behind her bare feet. It was graceful whilst comfortable and its delicate appearance contrasted with the looks of the panoply holding the training clothes she had worn earlier, as well as with her sword leaning against the wall. She looked almost ethereal. 

"But good soldiers never waste an opportunity to learn, as I can see," she grinned, standing inches from you. You could kiss her right there again. And by the Valar if you wanted to. Her hair looked slightly wet, and a delicious fragrance from the oils she had used in her bath emanated from her. You met her questioning eyes and cleared your throat when you realised she was awaiting for an answer. You wanted to say something witty, as you always do to hide your nervousness, but all that bluster vanished the moment she placed her lips on yours on the training ground. Since that moment, you couldn’t think of anything else but pleasing her. 

“They don’t, indeed, lady Galadriel,” you responded in a trembling voice, struggling not to take your eyes from her intense gaze. 

“Good.” She paused as she studied you. “Take off your clothes, love.” 

What? You could see in her eyes she was being serious, so you complied, feeling once again a heat between your legs. She wasn't even touching you, but you could almost feel her gaze like hands caressing every spot she laid it on. You raised a hand towards her cheek, but she stopped you before you could touch it. She didn't grab your hand, she just pushed it away gently with a smirk on her face. However, she did bring her other hand to your cheek, stroking it down to your chin. Her eyes lingered on your lips, it wasn't an accidental fleeting glance, she knew exactly what she was doing. Your heart pounded in your chest, begging for her to stop playing and just kiss you. 

You were barely aware that she was pushing you backwards, slowly guiding you to her bed until you felt a final push. Your back bounced against the mattress. 

“If you wish to touch me, you must first learn to stop being so impulsive... and only observe.” 

You watched in awe as her garments fell down her skin, revealing her breathtaking body. All of it. You looked away, she was too beautiful, too intimidating, not to mention she was your commander. You shouldn't be looking at her like that. But you had to when she climbed onto the bed, placing one leg on either side of your hips, straddling you just like she did during the training. You felt your heart pounding and a burning sensation run through your body. 

She leaned over you and brushed her tongue over your lips, softly and slowly. You instinctively opened your mouth to do the same, but Galadriel took the moment to slip her tongue into you, eliciting a soft moan from your lips. You brought your hands to her waist, but she pulled them away, holding them on either side of your head. 

"I'm sure you'll be a good girl for me and there will be no need to restrain you." It was both a praise and a warning. You nodded your head in obedience, her intoxicating scent keeping you from thinking clearly, to talk back as you wanted. You just kept your arms where you were told, as you welcomed her warm tongue back into your mouth. She tasted deliciously, and she was kissing you very, very slowly, leaving you breathless. You bucked your hips, begging for some friction against her. Galadriel parted her lips from you to give you a warning look. It wasn't harsh, but somewhat mischievous. She loved how desperate you were for her. 

She lowered her hips and you felt a wet warmth on your belly, just below your navel. You gasped at the contact and struggled to keep still as she rubbed her clit against you, making you grip the pillow with your hands. Her mouth reached your jaw and left a trail of kisses and nibbles down to your neck, moaning with lust as she did it. Her body moved over you, her breasts pressing tightly against yours. She was so soft, the sounds she was making made your head spin. You felt your thighs slippery from your own fluids gathered between them. And you didn't even have the option of relieving yourself. 

After a few minutes, Galadriel straightened up and pulled away from you, now sitting on your belly. She kept rolling her hips with her eyes closed, letting her instinct guide her movements. You dared to look at her body more closely now, she looked so fucking perfect, and you were so frustrated at not being allowed to caress it with your hands. The whimpers and gasps leaving her lips didn't ease that frustration, and the feeling of being used like that made it almost unbearable. 

When she reached her climax, her brow was furrowed and loud moans came from her open lips as her mound rubbed even harder and faster against you, leaving a wet, hot spot on your belly. You could almost feel yourself cumming with her, your fists clenched even tighter on the pillow under your head as you cried out from a pleasure you could only feel in your mind. 

When she opened her eyes. She smiled down at you. 

“I knew I could teach you some discipline.” She held your hands and brought them to her body, placing them on her sweating, flushed skin. “And I always reward good, disciplined soldiers.” 

Galadriel allowed you to explore her body, her smooth skin under your hands. You reached them up to her breasts to caress her now hard nipples and marvelled at the way she sighed under your touch. She leaned forward and pressed her lips against yours once again. This time, it was you the first to slip your tongue into her mouth, you were feeling too eager now. But she was soon back in control, biting your lower lip and making you groan when she pressed one of her thighs against the wetness between your legs. Your hips bucked uncontrollably against her leg, your hands clutching at Galadriel’s body to pull her closer to you. 

You whined when she broke the kiss, but you understood her intentions when her mouth travelled down your neck, your shoulders, your breasts, her long hair tickling your heated skin as she placed wet kisses across your belly until she stopped before your soaking cunt. 

She teased you with her tongue, brushing it along the sides of your folds and around your clit, but never touching it. 

“Please...” you breathed out, you knew she could see how wet and needy you were, she was toying with you. And you could tell she was enjoying it by her satisfied chuckle. 

“You look so pretty when you beg, pretty thing,” she praised you, sending her warm breath directly onto your cunt. 

“Please, my lady... ah!” You shivered at the touch of her tongue against you. She flicked it gently once until she reached your clit, then a second time, pausing to suck on it. Her mouth worked slowly at first, patiently, showing skill. It wasn't the first time she'd done it, that was for sure. Gradually, she increased the intensity, making circling movements with her tongue as she pushed two fingers into your drenched entrance. Your legs opened wider involuntarily and you rocked your hips, following her pace. You didn't even remember the moment you tangled her locks in your hand, pressing her mouth against you, her skilled tongue and fingers sending spasms through every fibre of your body, wave after wave, pushing you closer and closer to your peak. Tears were building up in your eyes when you rolled them back in pleasure, arching your back as you rode your mind-shattering orgasm. You bucked your hips, begging for more of that feeling, and Galadriel complied and complied until she felt your body relax and your cries and pleas slowly vanished. 

You saw her looking at you with that satisfied smile when you finally opened your eyes, as if mocking your failure to maintain your composure in her presence. You needed, and were determined, to break her. As soon as she moved back on top of you to kiss you, you rolled your body over, pushing her down to pin her underneath you. 

“Is it insubordination what I see?” Galadriel asked with a defiant gaze, challenging you. 

“Will you stop me, commander?” you teased on her lips before kissing them, tasting yourself on her mouth as you explored her body. You mapped every inch of her with your hands, her face, her neck, her arms, her bucking hips, until you found her soft breasts. You felt her breath hitching in your mouth when you pinched one of her nipples, and you squeezed and pinched once again. You moved lower and lower until your mouth found her breasts and the caresses of your hands were replaced by the warmth of your tongue, which you ran only once over her hardened nipples, teasing her and studying every reaction. 

Just with that you felt her hips bucking up and her legs trying to close at your sides, seeking that friction once again. The thought of that beautiful woman being so needy for you —even if she’d never admit it out loud— made you feel more powerful than you had expected, and that proud smile Galadriel had tried to wipe off your face reappeared as you heard her whimpers, wordlessly imploring you to take her. 

So you obliged and met her nipples again, this time taking them into your mouth and sucking them, flicking your tongue on them as your hand travelled lower until you reached the wetness between her legs. You played with her clit for a while and teased her entrance with your middle finger, always pulling back just before sliding them in. And you repeated the process, over and over again while you looked at her from her breasts. Her eyes were closed, and she breathed heavily as her fist gripped tightly to the pillow at her side. 

“By Eru, just fuck me already...” There it was. You almost had her. 

“Hm, I don’t know commander, that doesn’t sound very convincing,” you teased, eliciting a frustrated groan out of her. 

You kept playing with her folds, giving her hope once again, and again retiring your fingers before giving her what she wanted. After a while, she finally broke, looking at you with pleading, glassy eyes. 

“Please...” 

“I’m sorry, my lady, I think you said something?” 

“Please... please, I need you to fuck me, I... I beg you...” With a proud smirk on your face, you decided to show mercy on her and grant her wish. You slid a finger into her drenched entrance, feeling her walls tighten around it for a moment, so eager to be filled. So, after a few tentative strokes, she welcomed a second finger with ridiculous ease. 

“Oh fuck...” Galadriel gasped the moment you found that spot that so desperately longed to be touched on that day. You took it slow, reading her every reaction, seeking ways to give her greater pleasure, to hear more of those little moans, to see how far you could take her. And while your actions had a selfish purpose, to feed your pride, to show you weren't all talk, deep down you desired nothing more than to please her, to be the obliging soldier under her command, that you could give her whatever she wished for from you. In the battlefield. In bed. In every way. 

Soon you were arching your fingers over and over again against her bundle of nerves. Galadriel bucked her hips, demanding more, practically fucking herself with your hand, accompanying the wet sounds that filled the room with her increasingly frequent cries. Seeing Galadriel in such a state was an obscene sight, and yet absolutely mesmerizing. She looked so beautiful in a way that made you crave for her even more than before. 

With your fingers still working inside her, you used your thumb to play with her clit. Then you placed the palm of your free hand right on her belly and pressed gently, letting her feel your fingers even more intensely on her sweet spot. As soon as you did this, you felt her body tremble under your hands and her walls clench around your fingers, now working much rapidly. At least, that was what you felt, since your eyes were locked on her face, on how her eyes rolled just before shutting tightly when she reached her high once more. On how her hands searched frantically for something to hold onto as the most beautiful cries filled your ears. 

You allowed her to enjoy that moment of bliss while the last waves of pleasure slowly weakened. You lowered your head to her belly to leave soft kisses on it and massaged her thighs, feeling her breathing return to calm. It wasn't until Galadriel sat up in bed to kiss your lips so thirstily that you became aware of your renewed arousal, feeling your clit throbbing with each caress of her tongue. 

“Don’t you think this is over, pretty thing,” she breathed against your lips. She lifted your leg to make room and position herself so her legs were intertwined with yours. Your lustful eyes locked on hers, your heart racing in anticipation, and she pushed you down onto the mattress. She then lowered her body and grinned in amusement when you gasped at the feeling of your clit being coated with her own wetness. She teased you a few times, pulling away every time you bucked your hips towards her, but she finally complied when you grabbed her to bring her closer to you. 

You moved together gently at first, searching for the perfect rhythm, the perfect roll of hips. You marvelled at how warm and soft her pussy felt next to yours, and by the way Galadriel quickened her pace, eyes locked right where your bodies met, you suspected she didn't think much differently than you. It wasn’t long before the room was filled again with moans, whimpers and the squeeky sound of the mattress beneath your bodies moving in sync, rubbing against each other harder and faster now, pursuing your own pleasure. 

You lifted yourself off the bed almost instinctively and crushed your lips against hers in a heated kiss, a kiss she reciprocated eagerly, her hands running all over your skin. Her mouth moved hungrily to your neck and shoulders, leaving a trail of nibbles that sent a shiver down your body to join the building pleasure between your legs. 

“My lady, I’m... keep going, please...” You were so close you didn’t think you could control your movements at this point, but Galadriel held you close, placing her hand on the small of your back and guiding you through your shared rhythm. The built up pressure in your core was released when your orgasm ripped through your body, making you arch your back. Galadriel’s praising words echoed in your ears as you uncontrollably rode her pussy. 

The rock of your hips slowed down as you came down your high, your clit starting to feel overstimulated by the friction against Galadriel's flesh, so you briefly parted the space between your bodies. But she didn't let go of your hips, instead, she held you in place, in a silent command for you to keep going. Her firm grip intended to show control over you, but her dilated pupils and flushed face revealed that it was merely a facade to hide how close she was to cumming, how desperate she was for you to give her her release. You smiled internally, agreeing to play along, and rubbed yourself against her even harder than before, eager to break her once again. 

Just a few seconds later, you felt her thighs trembling against yours, her hands tightly gripping your arms for balance as she kept thrusting against you, her orgasm driving her own hips, and you almost thought you could cum right there again at the sight of your commander using your body to pleasure herself, letting out those cries just for you. In fact, barely had her whimpering ceased when the pressure in your belly became unbearable again. 

You lost count of the times you had made each other cum that way, and stopping didn't seem an option for either of you at any time, nor was it something either of you wanted. You exchanged longing glances, caresses, kisses and nibbles for possibly hours, while your pussies, now covered by your shared fluids, slid on each other with ease, causing wet, lewd sounds that only hastened your orgasms. 

Finally, you fell exhausted on the bed once your bodies collapsed. You held each other close, catching your breath, staring out across the balcony as the dying daylight give way to a starlit sky. But as beautiful as these stars were, you were caught by Galadriel as, instead, you observed with an amused smile at her rosy cheeks and her body covered in the little love marks you had left on it, reminding you of the moans and pleas you had managed to get out of the commander. 

Galadriel chuckles at your foolish expression. "What's that smile on your face, soldier?" she asks mockingly. 

“I was thinking that...” you brushed the small marks on her skin with your fingertips. “You looked so pretty when you begged before... perhaps it is you who has learned a lesson in humility today after all, my lady..." Galadriel's eyes widened in disbelief. 

“I believe it was quite the opposite, darling,” she turned to face you and gently run her fingers over your swollen lips. "I do remember some pretty pleads coming out of these lips," she purred before capturing them with her own. 

“Well, commander, allow me to disagree," you replied with defiant eyes. It was the same flirting from that morning in the courtyard repeating itself. And you both knew where that led. 

“Alright, pretty thing... we still have the night ahead, we have plenty of time to see who’s right,” Galadriel whispered seductively against your lips before kissing them once again. 

Certainly, if that was to be her way of disciplining you from now on, you were going to make sure that lesson was hard to teach. 

Taglist: @starlady66 @queenmeriadoc @bananaphanta @niennawept @ass-deep-in-demons @elithilanor @coraleethroughthelookingglass @thetempleofthemasaigoddess @thesolarangel @lady-of-imladris @elrondscalaquendi @nyctophilic0vitnir 💖💖💖

[not-an-atla-blog]

Has anyone done a phantom of the opera Music Of the Night edit but with Haladriel yet

[littlelenas-blog]

Galadrial's RoP character growth is Very Neat

in this rant I will...

kidding lol, but I think in RoP her character is very well set up: Tolkein said she was a warrior in her youth--and she is--and it doesn't ignore the lives of elves being destroyed by grief the first time it's encountered. They rarely know death, so when they do the emotion is overpowering and longlasting. I think Galadriel's character shaped by the loss of her brother perfectly sets her up for the glimpses we see in the Hobbit and LoTR: it shows the parts of her that gave way to the temptations of the ring in LoTR and shows what she had to go through in her youth to achieve the wisdom she has centuries later. AND she kicks ass without being framed as a rebellious teen angst machine so instead of brooding and throwing fits she's motivated and epic? Love her. I get that she's supposed to be regal, a powerful political figure, and all-knowing but this series shows her experience and the events that lead up to that. I think RoP ventured into some interesting ideas with her character and how her being an elf affects that: addressing how grief might affect elves, the character development she went through ages before LoTR, and showing hints of the traits that led her to show hints of temptation to the One Ring .

So far very neat very cool :))) don't interact if you don't agree just move on with ur day let me be happy about this :))

[apoloadonisandnarcissus]

To put an end to this topic, and since I don't enjoy being accused of having “sexist headcanons" or my theories being dismissed as "shipper's wishful thinking" with no basis in what "Tolkien wrote", I'll accept the challenge of the admin of that RoP blog to admit things.

I’ll only address points about the legendarium in this post. I won’t waste time arguing against the idea that the show will somehow retcon itself when, so far, Galadriel has the most fleshed out backstory of all the characters in the show.

Elves, Magic and Power:

I’ll let Tolkien give you the answers about these topics:

[...] Power" is an ominous and sinister word in all these tales, except as applied to the gods" (Tolkien Letter 131) "Their [Elves] 'magic' is Art, delivered from many of its human limitations: mor effortless, more quick, more complete (product, and vision in unflawed correspondence). And its object is Art not Power, sub-creation not domination and tyrannous re-forming of Creation. The 'Elves' are immortal, at least as far as this world goes: and hence are concerned rather with the griefs and burdens of deathlessness in time and change, than with death. The Enemy in successive forms is always 'naturally' concerned with sheer Domination, and so the Lord of magic and machines; but the problem: that this frightful evil can and does arise from an apparently good root, the desire to benefit the world and others — speedily and according to the benefactor's own plans - is a recurrent motive.His was a sub-creative Fall, and hence the Elves (the representatives of sub-creation par excellence) were peculiarly his enemies, and the special object of his desire and hate - and open to his deceits. Their Fall is into possessiveness and (to a less degree) into perversion of their art to power. (Tolkien Letter 131) "Galadriel's power is not divine" (Tolkien Letter 156)

OP says Galadriel “doesn't need any "power-boost" from Sauron nor would it make sense for him to give her some” and “there is no such thing as “Dark Galadriel” and never was” because this is a Peter Jackson invention. Expect, Galadriel, according to Tolkien himself, perverted her (Elven) Art to power in the legendarium. We don’t know how, but she did.

OP refuses to believe Galadriel is “merely” a warrior, she needs to be something more, too because “Galadriel was one of the Noldor, and that even in the show she's regarded with much respect and deference. It can't be ONLY because she's a good commander of armies.” OP is correct, Galadriel is Noldor nobility, she’s the daughter of former High King Finarfin. She’s also among one of the oldest Elves in the story (she’s older than the sun and the moon). She’s also the great-great aunt of Gil-galad. There is your explanation why she’s regarded with respect even by Adar (also an Elf), and many bow before her.

But many Tolkien fans didn’t appreciate the quiet power struggle between Galadriel and Gil-galad in Season 1, but to me it makes perfect sense. Galadriel should be Queen of the Noldor, but, as Tolkien explains in Letter 214, matriarchies “were regarded with repugnance, as things only done 'under the Shadow'.” She shouldn’t have this ambition, which is why that’s the overwhelming temptation Sauron gives her. He sees her as she wishes to be. And that’s why Galadriel needs to repress all her desires and ambitions in order to “fall in line” with the other Elves. I don’t know, maybe this is the “feminism” OP is looking for.

I see the word “power” being used very freely in this fandom, but “power” has a specific meaning in Tolkien legendarium. It’s connected to the Shadow, to Morgoth and to Sauron. Words have meaning in the lore. You can’t forget Tolkien was a Professor of English Language and Literature at Oxford.

OP very sarcastically says: “by this logic all the Elves are just random people who just happen to be immortal because none of them did any "Elves magic". Surely they need Sauron to teach Galadriel, so she can teach them...”

Actually, it was Sauron who taught the Elves magic, in the legendarium, because Elves don’t have “magic”. That’s the whole point behind the rings of power and the corruption of the Elves of Eregion.

"at Eregion great work began – and the Elves came their nearest to falling to 'magic' and machinery. With the aid of Sauron's lore they made Rings of Power ('power' is an ominous and sinister word in all these tales, except as applied to the gods). (Tolkien Letter 131)

Sauron, as Tolkien describes, is the "Lord of magic and machines"; and the "desire for Power, for making the will more quickly effective, [leads] to the Machine (or Magic)".

I see many still don't understand why the Three rings of power are not as "good" as they seem:

"A sort of second fall or at least 'error' of the Elves. There was nothing wrong essentially in their lingering against counsel, still sadly with the mortal lands of their old heroic deeds. But they wanted to have their cake without eating it. They wanted the peace and bliss and perfect memory of 'The West', and yet to remain on the ordinary earth where their prestige as the highest people, above wild Elves, dwarves, and Men, was greater than at the bottom of the hierarchy of Valinor. They thus became obsessed with 'fading', the mode in which the changes of time (the law of the world under the sun) was perceived by them. They became sad, and their art (shall we say) antiquarian, and their efforts all really a kind of embalming – even though they also retained the old motive of their kind, the adornment of earth, and the healing of its hurts. [...] But many of me Elves listened to Sauron. He was still fair in that early time, and his motives and those of the Elves seemed to go partly together: the healing of the desolate lands. Sauron found their weak point in suggesting that, helping one another, they could make Western Middle-earth as beautiful as Valinor. It was really a veiled attack on the gods, an incitement to try and make a separate independent paradise. Gil-galad repulsed all such overtures, as also did Elrond." Tolkien Letter 131

Galadriel resisting the One Ring:

“But if she was "dark", Galadriel would have not refused the One Ring.” Galadriel refusal to take the One ring is well-explained by Tolkien in his letters. It was an “overwhelming” temptation, because everyone knows the quote “i do not deny that my heart has greatly desired this” from the film adaptation. And in the book she tells Frodo she thought about having the One ring and what she would do with it, for “long years”. Her refusing the One ring was her final test to be pardoned by the Valar:

"The disappearance of the temptation of Galadriel is significant" (Tolkien Letter 210) "Galadriel's rejection of the temptation was founded upon previous thought and resolve." (Tolkien 246) "Galadriel was a penitent: in her youth a leader in the rebellion against the Valar (the angelic guardians). At the end of the First Age she proudly refused forgiveness or permission to return. She was pardoned because of her resistance to the final and overwhelming temptation to take the Ring for herself" (Tolkien Letter 320)

Giving Galadriel credit

OP compels me and others to “Just admit that Galadriel is very strong and always was, which Sauron recognized immediately, instead of doing that mental gymnastics for the sake of giving Sauron more credit than he deserves” because “Sauron recognized her as his equal: it can't be only because she's pretty with shiny hair!”

But OP is also underestimating and misunderstanding Galadriel’s character. OP doesn’t accept she can’t “only” be a mighty warrior. That’s not good enough for OP, nor their headcanons. No, she needs to have the same amount of “power” as the Ainur, which is virtually impossible in the legendarium. Not even Sauron himself can be as powerful as Morgoth or any other Vala (although he came close), because he’s a mere Maia.

Tolkien himself in his Letter 246 says only Gandalf could best Sauron in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy: “only Gandalf might be expected to master him - being an emissary of the Powers and a creature of the same order, an immortal spirit taking a visible physical form.” Precisely because they are both Maiar, but while Sauron is the most powerful, Gandalf is the wisest of all Maiar. And at this time Galadriel already was at the peak of her “power”, sort to speak.

Sauron recognized Galadriel as his equal because, like Morfydd Clark said in one interview with Charlie, they share the same mindset, and look at things the same way. Not because they have equal “power” as OP is suggesting. Sauron underestimates Galadriel in 2x08 because he thought she would not be able to resist his temptation to her. But she did, and that's why she wins that fight. Because it's not a physical battle, it’s a spiritual one. Which is what OP doesn't understand.

In conclusion

The “root” of the problem here is not “what Tolkien wrote” nor a misunderstanding of the legendarium per say, because OP answers what their problem truly is:

“it kinda hurts to see Galadriel's skills in anything being constantly downplayed for propping up Sauron." “How is it so hard to understand that in 2025, most fans don't want to see the female protagonist of TROP artificially "powered up" by Sauron” “giving Sauron more credit than he deserves. Because it's what it is about, isn't it?” “It's tiring (to say the least) to see great characters being so often erased from the narrative for the sake of propping up Sauron.”

Yes, OP we get you are a diehard Galadriel fan and, to put it mildly, you don’t like Sauron’s character that much.

Although I would argue you created your own version of Galadriel, but that proud and shameless Galadriel we saw in Season 1 is exactly what she'll have to contain moving foward. Her character arc in Tolkien legendarium is very much "anti-feminist", actually. She'll have to bury her true nature alongside her darkest desires, which is why she gets pardoned by the Valar at the end. Ironically, “Dark Galadriel” happening would be the most feminist scenario for her character. 

Your argument is “as Sauron himself would say, you think too much of him!”, while you think too little. Your headcanon is that Galadriel is more powerful than she actually is, as in having “power”. When that’s not the point of why she’s wins against Sauron’s temptations, or even what his true purpose is in the story. It’s a theological conflict.

Sauron giving her part of his power would be her greatest temptation yet, actually. And if he did give her power, she accepted it. Because free will is a major theme in Tolkien legendarium. She already accepted being connected to him because Ósanwë has already been introduced to Galadriel’s plot in 2x08, by Sauron (and after he stabs her with the crown). OP is either pretending it didn’t or doesn’t know what Ósanwë is. And this is what Dr. Corey Olsen will explain to the fandom if “blood binding theory” proves correct.

This right here is probably the most important exchange in Galadriel’s plot in “Rings of Power”. This scene gives you her entire character arc in the legendarium. This is a conflict present in every character; a choice between good and evil, light and dark, God (Eru and the Valar) and the Devil (Morgoth and his “satanic satellite” Sauron).

I see PJ “inventions” mentioned quite a lot in these posts, while being used to somewhat prove how “powerful” Galadriel is. And this a contrived argument, because it seems to me, OP wants to have their cake and eat it, too. They want to prove Galadriel is “powerful” while using “Elf Witch Galadriel” but then calling it a Peter Jackson fabrication the next minute (the same with Arwen).

Pick your battles, OP. Because this doesn’t make any sense. You either support Peter Jackson choices or you don’t. You say Peter Jackson choices are not based in anything Tolkien wrote, so why are you using them to make points? “If she was dark, she wouldn't have cast Sauron out with the light of Earendil, she would have tapped in the dark powers she supposedly got from Sauron”. Or even about Arwen: “She doesn't need a conspiracy theory to be true to be able to kick the Nazgul's ass and to summon the waters that protect Rivendell.”

“Most fans” also didn’t want for many plots to happen in RoP, but they did, because we are not the ones writing the show. But I don’t let “what I want” and “what I don’t want” blind me when I’m theorizing about the show, which is the mistake many make. Otherwise my theories would be very different. And quoting OP “Because it's what it is about, isn't it?”, you don’t like it, and you don’t want it.

[marimosalad]

Revealing my Season 2 Haladriel secret art after episode 6 seemed very appropriate. Enjoy ❤️‍🔥

You can buy prints here

[cclumsyart]

Under May’s Moon

[thegreatzombieartisan]

In his not-Sauron form as Halbrand, he’s level-headed, diplomatic, assertive, shrewd, skilled, aggressive, brave, and violent when he needs to be.

The only male character in the show you’d look at and think capable of making both love and war is Halbrand.

So, it makes sense that the man revealed to be Sauron would possess the strongest medieval-esque masculine traits and skills — a big no-no to some leaders at Amazon. Not surprised Calam Lynch was confirmed as Celeborn.

Look at him. He’s adorable. Safe, eager, and bright-eyed like a Golden Retriever or Boy Scout. Not a dig at the actor. I love dogs and nautical knots are useful.

I sampled a couple of clips of his interviews and his role in Bridgerton. Just to get a vibe.

Rather, Galadriel is the Queen archetype. She attracts the King because it takes a powerful man to keep up with a powerful woman. Until Aragorn and Arwen’s reign, Galadriel and Celeborn are the power couple in Middle-Earth. Like Beyoncé and Jay-z.

My concern is, so far, the Good Guys, noticeably, and suspiciously, erred on the side of beta male. That’s not introverted or soft masculinity which are just fine. It’s the zeitgeist of “overcorrection” for historically underpowering female characters of traditional male genres like fantasy. But it's been a trend of lazy writers figuratively "neutering" male characters to disempower them. Essentially, making female character look good by making the males less competent or disarming.

While Celeborn is less powerful than Galadriel, hopefully he’ll be written as a worthy complementary “king” both in his own right and as a partner. Perhaps a steadfast and good-natured yet formidable with his balls still attached.

A quiet strength like a perch for Galadriel’s “bird” to return after she flies around singing her song. The cherisher and the cherished. I am curious about the chemistry Lynch has with Clark, as it was palpable with Vickers.

And I wonder how Celeborn will find out about his wife’s — what did the show runners call it? Galadriel and Sauron’s “buddy cop” adventure (*snort*) plus their “cosmic connection.” We just know he’s finding out. Perhaps that’s the “angst” Clark speaks of in S2.

[a-sweet-potato-63]

Some Fic Excerpts

What I envisioned to be a short little oneshot about Elrond suffering from migraines and getting pampered by Durin has slowly descended into a never-ending abomination that is currently sitting at 10k words, and I have written none of the scenes that first inspired the fic into existence, which I pretty much hallucinated when I myself was suffering from migraines a couple months ago. Durin doesn't even lay eyes on Elrond for the first five pages (3.5k words). Someone stop me from yapping please.

Anyway I figure it will be another week at least until I have the whole thing completed (especially considering I'm writing the next chapter of my daemons!verse story in parallel), so have some excerpts in the meantime:

~~ I ~~

“Perhaps you should like to visit him?” It was the Lady Galadriel who spoke up softly next to him. She too had stayed behind after the council crowd had disbanded. Durin’s heart leaped with relief at the offer. Before he could reply, however, Gil-Galad interjected.  “I do not think such disturbance would be conducive to Elrond’s recovery—“  “Come, Ereinion,” Galadriel coaxed, a hint of teasing in her voice, “seeing his old friend would do Elrond good. Besides, I hardly think he would be pleased if he finds out upon his recovery that he had missed the visit of Prince Durin.” Gil-Galad studied Galadriel for a while, before tilting his head into a single nod, ever regal even in defeat. “Very well.” Turning to Durin, he conceded, “We shall visit the waterfalls another time, then. And I shall see you at supper. Give Elrond my most esteemed regards.”  “I’ll take you to him.” Galadriel offered, holding out her arm amicably, signalling for him to follow. 

~~ II ~~

“Hmph. Anyway, I said I’d stay for a few more days to keep you company until you’re better.” “Who said I would want you to?” Elrond joked without missing a beat, settling back into their familiar style of banter as soon as he had regained some of his strength. It hit Durin like a boulder in that moment how much he had missed his friend after months apart, and he couldn’t help but grin widely at Elrond’s cheeky smile. “Well, don’t make any hasty decisions until you’ve had this.” Durin teased back, presenting the bounty he had gathered from the breakfast table in front of the bedridden elf.  Elrond’s face lit up with utter delight. He accepted the plate happily, picking up the cake without regards for the honey, sticky under his fingertips. “Bribery.” He said as he nibbled on its corner. Durin watched him eat in silence for a while, taking in the way his friend enjoyed the treat. He felt a mild pride at having remembering to bring some back to Elrond, and at the fact that it had been so well-received. The elf did look to be in much better state, liveliness was coming back into his voice, and his movements were no longer lethargic.  A stray curl that had fallen onto Elrond’s face from just above his lip, where it threatened to stick to the side of the cake every time the elf took a bite. Durin suppressed the urge to to lean over and brush it away. Not wanting to break their precious tranquility, he simply sat there, trying to take in as much as he could, carefully holding the moment in his memory like a newborn chick, before tucking it away along with all his years of friendship with Elrond. 

~~ III ~~

And that was how Gil-Galad, as he walked by the clearing on his way to oversee some combat training of young elven soldiers, came to find his herald lying on the soft grass, with his head resting on the lap of the dwarf prince of the greatest dwarven city in Middle Earth, who was supposed to be on an official diplomatic visit to his realm. He wasn’t sure which was more bewildering, hearing a dwarf read in perfectly fluent elvish, or seeing Elrond nestled against said dwarf so contentedly, allowing Durin to run his fingers through his hair with the free hand not holding up the book. Elves rarely displayed overly intimate physical affection, and he recalled the times when Elrond in particular stiffened at being hugged or touched in some way or another. But here he was, head tilted back, a serene look across his face and a light smile on this lips, relishing in the grooming while Durin rattled off some description of vegetation ecosystems in the Southlands. An elf and a dwarf. He’ll be damned. “Ye better not be asleep.” Durin’s voice rang out gruffly through the clearing, clearly unaware of their observer behind the thin ring of trees that marked out their clearing. “I am not!” Elrond responded with a light laugh, clearly sounding like he was in good humour, as his eyes shot open and he gazed at his dwarven friend with equal parts mirth and adoration.

Anyway that is all have a lovely day bai.