Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3.
Season 2 ofThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Powerhas many new faces, and one of them already plays an important part in the first episode:Círdan the Shipwright(Ben Daniels). He initially helpsElrond(Robert Aramayo) in his attempt to destroy the three Elven Rings of Power by throwing them into the sea, but changes his mind when an unusual wave rocks his boat. He is also regarded byGaladriel(Morfydd Clark) andHigh King Gil-Galad(Benjamin Walker) as one of the wisest and most reasonable Elves in Middle-earth. So who is he that commands such respect?
Círdan Is Among the Oldest Elves in Middle-earth
The first-ever thing we hear Círdan say inThe Rings of PowerSeason 2 is that “perfection exists only in Valinor.” The fun thing about this line, though, is that he has never been toValinorhimself. In fact, Círdan is the very last Elf to leave Middle-earth for the Undying Lands after the events ofThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. He is among the oldest Elves in Middle-earth, and his mission has always beento provide safe passage for those who are called beyond the sea.
In the earliest days of Middle-earth, the Elves awoke for the first time and eventually organized themselves into three groups: the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Teleri. Círdan belongs to the latter, who were known to beexpert sailors and shipwrights. When all the Elven groups were first called to Valinor, some of the Teleri decided to stay in Middle-earth, where they became known as Sindar. Círdan was among those.He has never set foot in Valinor, although it’s his greatest desire.
Círdan is also known for a unique physical trait:he is the only Elf to have a beard, emphasizing his great age and wisdom. His beard is symbolic of his ancient lineage and the countless years he has witnessed. While most Elves remain perpetually youthful in appearance, Círdan’s beard marks him as one of the oldest Elves still living in Middle-earth.
Why Has Círdan Chosen To Stay in Middle-earth?
Círdan’s decision to remain in Middle-earth came from the feelingthathis purpose was to aid others in their journeys to Valinor. He became the lord of the Grey Havens, a harbor inthe region of Lindon, so he could continue to provide safe passage to the Elves who were called to the West, and always made sure that, if the Light of the Eldar ever faded from Middle-earth, he would be the last one to leave.
Having always been open and sensible, Círdan was often gifted by the Valar with foresight. This made him aware of the critical role he would play in theSecond and Third Agesof Middle-earth. He foresaw thathis skills and presence would be needed to aid in the fight against eviland to help others find their way to Valinor. He understood that his purpose was not only to build ships, but also to help guide and protect Middle-earth’s people during times of great peril.
What Happens to Círdan’s Ring of Power, Narya?
While inThe Rings of PowerCírdan is naturally convinced that the rings have an important role in protecting Middle-earth, inJ.R.R. Tolkien’s writings his story is a little different. He advises against the forging of thethree Elven rings, like Galadriel. Still, whenCelebrimbor (Charles Edwards)forges the pieces,he chooses Círdan to possess Narya, the Ring of Fire. Narya has the power to inspire hope and courage, and Círdan, being the oldest and wisest Elf in Middle-earth, is a perfect suitor to it.
Círdan kept Narya for some time, but foresaw that its power would be needed by someone with a greater destiny. When the Istari arrive in Middle-earth in the Third Age,Círdan recognizes Gandalf (Ian McKellen) as the one who would most need Narya’s strength. Seeing Gandalf’s wisdom and knowing his crucial role in the comingstruggle against Sauron (Charlie Vickers), Círdan makes the decision to pass Narya to him.
Thus, Narya passed from Círdan to Gandalf,helping the wizard in his mission to combat despair and inspire resistanceagainst Sauron during the Third Age. Círdan’s selflessness and foresight were instrumental in ensuring that Narya was used to aid in the fight against darkness, showing his deep wisdom and commitment to the well-being of Middle-earth.
Season 2 of TheRings of Poweris streaming on Prime Video. New episodes air weekly on Thursdays.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Epic drama set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth.
