Who plays Galadriel in The Rings of Power? Character arc and storyline explored

In the Amazon Prime series adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, The Rings of Power, Galadriel is one of the most pivotal characters. The role is played by the Welsh actor Morfydd Clark. You might have seen Clark in her other works too, like Saint Maud, Love & Friendship, Dracula, and His Dark Materials.

With Sauron's ascent, Numenor's terrible demise, and the surprising alliance between Elves and Men, Season 1 of The Rings of Power portrays a turbulent period.

Galadriel is a strong warrior commander of the Northern Armies. She is skeptical as she feels Sauron, the most devoted servant of Morgoth, is alive. Her character arc is shaped by determination, temptation, transformation, and betrayal.

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Galadriel's journey of redemption in The Rings of Power Season 1

Galadriel's mission from the beginning of The Rings of Power series was to hunt down Sauron and avenge her brother's death. As she does not think that Sauron is dead, she defies the orders of High King Gil-galad and leaves Valinor to destroy Sauron. In her dangerous journey, she gets lost in the seas when she meets Halbrand (Charlie Vickers). They get recused by a Numenor island resident, Elendil.

She joins hands with Queen Mirel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) to save the Southlands from Adar and his evil forces. On the other hand, Halbrand continues to charm her, so much so that she believes him to be the lawful king of the Southlands. Halbrand, initially hesitant, joins the venture to save the Southlands. Even though the Queen, Galadriel, and the Numenorians bravely fight against Adar, Adar and his evil army unleash the Mount Doom. The fire engulfs the island, transforming it into Mordor (Adar renames it).

However, by the end of Season 1, it is revealed that Halbrand is Sauron in disguise, and he had manipulated Galadriel to regain power. After the shocking revelation, Halbrand, aka Sauron, offers Galadriel to rule the Southlands as his queen, but she turns down the offer.

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Galadriel's determination to defeat Sauron in The Rings of Power Season 2

Galadriel's character arc faces a major shift in Season 2 as she now faces a changed version of herself. In this part of the series, she finds it hard to grapple with Halbrand's revelation and struggles with her friendship with Elrod while figuring out her connection to the Elven rings of power.

From the beginning of Season 2, we understand that Galadriel is affected by Sauron aka Halbrand's betrayal. Galadriel again sets out on the journey to redeem herself by defeating Sauron. On the other hand, she also possesses Nenya (Ring of Adamant), one of the three Elven rings, which increases her abilities. However, all of these put a strain on her friendship with Elrond initially, but their bond heals by the end of the season.

This season also portrays her vulnerability as she is captured by Adar and the Orcs, and she spills all the secrets she knows to Adar. Including Halbrand's true identity, his plan of securing Rings of Power to gain control, and that the three Elven rings could be used to defeat him. Later, Galadriel, in disguise as an Orc, escapes Adar's captivity with the help of Elrond.

In The Rings of Power Season 2, Episode 8, the viewers get to witness the ultimate clash between Sauron and Galadriel. In the epic battle, Sauron shapeshifts himself as Annatar, Halbrand, Celebrimbor, and Galadriel herself. The fight intensifies as he stabs Galadriel with a crown and drags her violently. When Sauron keeps on asking for Nenya, she falls backward off a cliff. However, Galadriel is saved as Gil-galad uses the Ring's mystical powers to save her.

Galadriel's arc in Season 2 deals with her personal growth, her struggles, and her determination to fight against the darkness.

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To know more about whether Galadriel could take down Sauron or not, viewers have to wait for The Rings of Power Season 3.

Also read: Will The Rings of Power Season 3 have a time jump? Star Cynthia Addai-Robinson reveals the answer