Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker), High King of the Elves, appears intermittently in The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings of Power and is one of the strongest Elves in Tolkien’s lore. He carries an authority respected by his peers and subjects and is typically at the center of decisions that determine the fate of Middle-earth. Yet, despite this central role, it’s still debatable whether The Rings of Power shows the full extent of Gil-galad’s abilities.

Gil-galad is mentioned in Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium, The Simarillion, and The Lord Of The Rings. Before his appearance in The Rings Of Power‘s cast list, he can be seen briefly in Peter Jackson’s The Fellowship Of The Ring, portrayed by Mark Ferguson, during the opening prologue sequence and briefly in the War of the Last Alliance beside Elrond (Hugo Weaving). However, Gil-galad plays a much more significant role in the lore of Tolkien than his limited screen time would suggest.

Gil-galad Is One Of Middle-earth’s Strongest Elves During The Second Age

Gil-galad’s accomplishments, from becoming High King to forming the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, position him as one of Middle-earth’s strongest Elves during the Second Age (the era of The Rings Of Power). At the beginning of the Second Age, Gil-galad ruled the formidable and expansive Noldorin kingdom of Lindon, where he resides for much of The Rings Of Power. Lindon was often at the center of the struggle for Middle-earth, and Gil-galad himself led not one but two wars that ended in Sauron’s defeat (the Battle of the Gwathló and the War of the Last Alliance).

Gil-galad was ultimately killed during the War of the Last Alliance, but only by the burning hands of Sauron himself (a fate thought too gruesome to show on screen). Although Gil-galad was killed, his sacrifice brought about the end of Sauron’s reign during the Second Age, leading to nearly 1,000 years of peace.

Where Gil-galad’s Strength As An Elf Comes From

Gil-galad’s strength comes not only from his many accomplishments but also from his ancestry and the tools at his disposal. Any research into Gil-galad’s lineage will reveal questionable results, but no matter the interpretation, he is clearly a direct descendant of power. Tolkien created different accounts for Gil-galad’s heritage, from Fingor (the second High King of Noldor) to Orodeth (King of Narogthrond) to Finrod (King of Nargthrond and a direct descendant of Fëanor, the creator of the Silmarils).

Gil-galad also has powerful instruments at his disposal. He brandishes a spear named Aeglos, seen in The Fellowship Of The Ring, and which appears in season 1, episode 8 of The Rings Of Power. In the book The Two Towers, Elrond speaks of this weapon, mentioning how none could stand against it. Gil-galad also wields one of three Rings of Power given to the Elves; Vilya, the strongest of the three. Although the ring’s powers are not fully known, outside its ability to prevent deterioration, it is possible it could heal and control elements.

Even though Gil-galad plays a secondary role in The Rings Of Power, he is arguably second to none (Galdriel of the Third Age excluded). Gil-galad led the most significant victories of the Second Age, laying the foundation for Elrond’s power and Galadriel’s rule.