The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has confirmed the introduction of one of the most dangerous and deadliest creatures called the Barrow-wights. J.R.R. Tolkien’s world is full of dark elements that have kept fans up all night. With the Barrow-wights arrival in season 2, it will be interesting to see how these evil spirits create difficulties for the the world of the living.
In The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2, Barrow-wights are dark, undead foes with phantomlike skeletal features. These figures dwell in the darkness and bring with them an eerie atmosphere. These shape-shifters are believed to be reanimated heroes who are compelled to perform evil deeds for the Dark Lord.
The Lord of the Rings saga is an epic adventure fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novel set in the fictional world of Middle Earth. These creatures have an important role to play in The Fellowship of the Ring novel, but Peter Jackson did not adopt them in the original film series. However, we will get to witness them in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2, as depicted in the official trailer.
Exploring timeline changes in The Rings of Power
The events depicted in the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power occur during the Second Age of Middle-earth, spanning 3,441 years. However, the timeline of the show differs from that of the books. The show has not yet revealed Tom Bombadil's backstory. But based on the books, we know that he is one of the oldest creatures of Middle-earth, suggesting that his presence could be implied.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 will introduce both Tom, with actor Rory Kinnear playing the role, and the Barrow-wights to the screen. Showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay have recently stated that they do not mind changing Tolkein's timeline, thus moving the emergence of Balrog by a thousand years.
What are the Barrow-wights?
In the books, Barrow-wights are defined as ancient spirits of reanimated heroes, acting against their will to perform evil deeds. These spirits are horrifying in their skeletal form, haunting over dark places of Eriador, such as the ancient burial ground of Barrow-downs, located near the Brandywine River.
Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will bring more action, accompanied by horror onto the screens. The Wights' eyes are the most important feature, and the creators have decided to keep them true to their depiction in the novels. These creatures have luminous eyes and a scary, hypnotic voice. Their icy-cold hands have the deadliest grip.
How are the Barrow-wights depicted in the books?
Barrow-wights are evil spirits mentioned in the three-volume saga of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Barrow-wights are not a single creature but an army of them; these creatures thrive in the darkness of the Barrow-downs, east of the Old Forest.
The Barrow-wights are first mentioned when Frodo Baggins, accompanied by Sam Gamgee, Merry, and Pippin, pass through the Barrow-downs on their way to Bree. This is not an ideal situation, as Tom had already warned them to stay on the green path. Although Sam, Pippin, and Merry fall asleep, Frodo manages to resist being tempted by the Barrow-wights' voices and calls Tom for aid by singing his song.
Fortunately, all the hobbits manage to escape, along with a sword called the Dagger of Westernesse.
For more of the Barrow-wights, catch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2, set to premiere on Prime Videos on 29th August 2024.
