The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power introduces viewers to Celebrimbor, a key figure in the history of Middle-earth. While Rings of Power has changed a great deal in its version of the Second Age, Celebrimbor’s importance to this era has remained the same. Ultimately, Sauron’s Rings of Power and domination over Middle-earth might never have happened without this genius craftsman. Celebrimbor wasn’t evil himself, but he aided in creating the most terrible weapons Middle-earth had ever seen.

Prime Video’s The Rings of Power is the first to tackle a screen adaptation of Tolkien’s Second Age. This is no easy task since the 3,441-year span of this period of Middle-earth’s history makes a linear TV series rather complicated. It’s for this reason that Rings of Power has explored such extensive changes, but the foundation of the story remains the same. Sauron distributes his Rings of Power to the Men, Elves, and Dwarves of Middle-earth and controls them with his One Ring—but it’s how the Dark Lord managed this that involves the elf Celebrimbor.

Exactly Who Is Celebrimbor In Lord Of The Rings?

Celebrimbor’s Role In Rings Of Power & Lord Of The Rings Explained

Celebrimbor is mentioned in several of Tolkien’s notes and appendices, although there is conflicting information about him. He’s known to have fought on the front lines in the battles of the First Age, and unlike many of his kin, he chose to remain in Middle-earth after the Fall of Gondolin and the final defeat of Morgoth. According to Tolkien’s notes, in the Second Age, Celebrimbor settled in the realm of Eregion and sought an unusual friendship with the Dwarves, drawing upon their skills as forgers. He was largely responsible for the positive relationships between these races. Unfortunately, that’s not what he is remembered for.

Instead, Celebrimbor went down in Middle-earth history as the creator of Sauron’s Rings of Power. In canon, he was fooled by the Dark Lord, who took the fair form of Annatar. In Rings of Power, this has gone a little differently. In season 1, Sauron came to Eregion in the form of Halbrand, a man. While he did fool Celebrimbor, it didn’t come too much. Galadriel sent Halbrand away, and the smith made the Three Elven Rings. Now, going into The Rings of Power season 2, Annatar’s real deception begins, and the Rings of Power will officially be created.

Celebrimbor’s Forge Explained

Eregion Got A Unique New Forge

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power sees Elrond visit Celebrimbor’s workshop, which features numerous relics, including Feanor’s hammer (used to create the Silmarils). Celebrimbor plans to go one better, however, by constructing a tower with a furnace for smithing. This furnace will become one of the most important locations in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, for it is here that the Rings of Power will be created. Celebrimbor himself will be responsible for forging the three Elven rings, unaware of the binding power Sauron incorporates into them.

Why Celebrimbor Is Important To Lord Of The Rings & Sauron

Sauron Couldn’t Have Done It Without Celebrimbor

Operating under the alias of Annatar, the “Lord of Gifts,” Sauron will travel to Celebrimbor’s forge and befriend the smiths there. Although some Elves are suspicious, including Celebrimbor himself, they will nonetheless be tricked into making the Rings of Power. Nineteen rings will be made: three for the Elves, seven for the Dwarves, and nine for the humans. Although most of the Rings of Power will be made at Celebrimbor’s forge, the One Ring will be made by Sauron in secret. It will be forged at Mount Doom in the land that will become Mordor.

Fortunately for the writers and showrunners, only the broad brushstrokes of his story are known, affording them room to maneuver as they bring Celebrimbor’s story to life.

All this means Celebrimbor is one of the most important characters in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power; indeed, he is one of the most important figures in Middle-earth’s history, for he is the one considered responsible for creating the Rings themselves. Fortunately for the writers and showrunners, only the broad brushstrokes of his story are known, affording them room to maneuver as they bring Celebrimbor’s story to life. It is surely in the details that viewers will find their surprises—something already teased by the trailers for Rings of Power season 2.

How Celebrimbor’s The Rings Of Power Role Changes In Season 2

Things Get A Lot Darker For Celebrimbor

Celebrimbor was an enthusiastic and kindly elf in The Rings of Power season 1, eager to leave his mark on Middle-earth as a craftsman. However, Rings of Power season 2 sees this change. Though he already knows that Halbrand can’t be trusted, Sauron will find a way to wiggle himself into Celebrimbor’s good graces by using Annatar. However, as teased by the trailers, Celebrimbor’s belief that Annatar will be an asset to his creativity will begin to crumble. Sauron’s evil will begin to shine through, and Celeborn will find himself stuck in a sort of psychological thriller.

These are the sorts of details that Tolkien didn’t provide in his history book-like Silmarillion, and while Rings of Power has taken some creative liberties, it’s easy enough to imagine this is how things would have gone. Celebrimbor is a good elf with dreams of fixing the world with his art, but he goes down in history as the one who aided Sauron in creating Middle-earth’s period of darkness. Tragic but profoundly important, the smith of Eregion’s unfolding story is sure to be the backbone of The Rings of Power season 2.