One of the critical plotlines in The Rings of Power season 2 examines the political situation on the island kingdom of Númenor. Following the death of Tar-Palantir, Númenor has found itself in a conflict with succession, as Ar-Pharazôn seized power from Míriel, the rightful heir. The kingdom is essentially divided into two factions: those who believe Númenor should distinguish itself from the Valar and the traditionalists who are grateful for the gifts they’ve been granted. Pharazôn is the chief representative of the Númenóreans who’ve grown jealous of the elves for their immortality and seek to separate from the Valar.
The Rings Of Power Season 2 Is Teasing Romance Between Elendil & Míriel
Elendiel & Míriel’s Romance Is Repressed By Númenor’s Political Conflict
A romantic subplot between Elendil and Míriel has been teased since season 1, and the pair have become the forefront of the traditionalists on Númenor. Season 2, episode 6, nearly saw Elendil executed for the violent encounter in episode 5, where Pharazôn’s son and his lackeys disturbed a peaceful ceremony at a temple. At the end of the episode, Míriel takes his place and survives the sea trial, allegedly proving that their cause is supported by the Valar.
As for the romance, Elendil and Míriel have had a great fondness for each other for some time, though they’ve likely not acted on it fully due to their political roles. Only now are they finally starting to be more open in expressing their romantic interest. The pair align politically and morally, making their affection for one another in such tumultuous times fairly straightforward. However, this will likely remain just a tease, as both characters have far more pressing matters to attend to, and Míriel has already noted the disparity in their futures through their respective visions.
The Rings Of Power Could Be Building Toward Pharazôn Marrying Míriel
Pharazôn & Míriel’s Marriage Could Put The Political Conflict On Pause
Ar-Pharazôn’s usurping of the throne of Númenor goes down a bit differently in Tolkien’s mythology, and it’s more disturbing. Following Tar-Palantir’s death in the books, Pharazôn, who is Míriel’s cousin, takes her as his wife forcefully, seizing the throne. Now, the TV series could see things take a turn for the worse in a similar manner. Pharazôn doesn’t seem to have the political strength to force Míriel into marriage in the TV series, but it’s not an impossible route for him to take now that she’s gained some support following the sea trial.
Ar-Pharazôn could make Míriel a tempting offer through marriage or find some way to force her into it through the code of law, which seems to be being used as a consistent plot device. Given her love for Elendil, forcing her into a marriage with her worst enemy could be a terrific, dramatic angle for the TV series to take, as it would be rather upsetting to see. Míriel could try to steer the Númenor ship to safety as Pharazôn’s queen, which would create an interesting new power dynamic for the show.
Are Elendil & Míriel Romantically Connected In Tolkien’s Lore?
Míriel Isn’t As Prominent In The Book, And They Aren’t Linked Romantically
Simply put, Elendiel and Míriel aren’t connected romantically, though both characters were alive at the same time. The book version of Míriel isn’t as prominent, with The Rings of Power giving her far more autonomy and power in the Númenor’s political situation. Thus, much of her description surrounds her relationship with Pharazôn and her eventual death in the Downfall of Númenor. Elendil, on the other hand, is a far more prominent character due to the fact that his influence lives on beyond Númenor. Season 2 has already begun foreshadowing this with the visions.
Elendil will go on to establish what would eventually become Gondor
When Númenor’s downfall becomes inevitable, Elendil heeds warnings from his father and brings everyone he can on nine ships to sail to Middle-earth. The TV series will likely follow a similar narrative, though the love between Elendil and Míriel will make the island kingdom’s destruction even more terrible. Elendil will go on to establish what would eventually become Gondor, becoming the first king in the line that would eventually lead down to Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings. This is one of The Rings of Power’s most important stories to fulfill.
