Finrod in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
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Among the multitude of characters inhabiting the world of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, few can be considered as truly great as Finrod Felagund, the elven king whose courage and self-sacrifice made a great impact on the history of Arda. Brought to life in Amazon's epic series "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” by the gifted actor Will Fletcher, Finrod becomes one of the main characters of the fight against evil, his plot is connected with the story of the sister Galadriel and the destiny of all the free peoples. Despite being shown for a brief period and dying a rather miserable death, Finrod’s influence is seen throughout the series, whether it is the large scale wars against Morgoth’s forces or the small moments of love and despair that define the characters’ arcs. In Finrod, we have a hero who fights for the good of the people, is compassionate and loyal to the end, a symbol of the Eldar race and their devotion for the realms of Middle-earth.
A Bond Unbreakable
The core of Finrod’s tale is the brotherly-sisterly love with Galadriel that does not disappear even after death. From their infancy in the happiness of the paradise Valinor to the terrible wars of Beleriand the only thing that remained constant and inviolable is their affection and devotion to each other. From time to time we see them as children, innocent and happy, discovering the world together, playing and asking questions; these scenes are meant to show the extent of the characters’ bond, the solid ground on which their fate is to be sealed.
When the darkness of Morgoth spreads over Middle-earth, both the siblings join the battle against the forces of the Dark Lord and his minions. In these moments, their relationship is defined and strengthened by the hardship of the war and the lives they lose, yet they hold on to one another and the hope that is in their love and the fact that they are fighting for something much bigger than themselves.
Thus, the bond between Finrod and Galadriel remains eternal even after the death: Finrod’s memory remains a living part of Galadriel and she continues the fight against Sauron and his servants. The dagger he gives her when they are young represents their love and the things he has done for her; the responsibility that lies on her now[1]. In Galadriel’s despair and fury, one can judge the extent of affection she had for her brother, affection that is beyond the mortal world and pushes her forward on the path of her revenge and salvation.
A Warrior's Valor
Being a commander of the elven forces Finrod also reflects the military might and determination of the Firstborn, his fighting abilities and leadership on the battlefield being a proof of that. In the series’ first episodes, we see him leading his men against armies of Morgoth, his sword gleaming in the heat of the battle and encouraging other warriors to hold their ground. Such scenes are used to depict Finrod as a great warrior and a brave leader who is capable of commanding the loyalty of his followers in combat.
However, even in the middle of the war, Finrod’s kind-heartedness and responsibility are evident, he acts wisely knowing the consequences of the war and the effects of the war on everyone involved. He does not fight to gain personal fame or to subdue the world but to protect the helpless and to safeguard all that is right and pure in Middle-earth, such purity of purpose makes him a light in the darkness that has descended upon Middle-earth.
Finally, it is in the battlefield that Finrod dies with the werewolves of Sauron clawing and biting him to death. Even though his death is a loss for the elves, the loss becomes a motivation for the remaining people to fight against the evil forces. In Galadriel’s eyes we get to see the burden of this loss, the burning agony of a hurt that will never fade away, but we also get to see the spark of hope that comes from the ashes of despair, the flame of a soul that cannot be extinguished.
The Price of Heroism
It is a point in the series which changes the course of the events and creates the forces that will determine the destiny of Middle-earth. To Galadriel, death of her brother is the trigger or the rallying cry that sets her off on a path of retribution and identity. In her search for Sauron and his servants she has the memory of Finrod’s death, he died so that others could live.
But once again the price of heroism is not paid only by the heroine – the consequences of Finrod’s death are felt far and wide, and anyone who knew and loved him has lost him. In the halls of Nargothrond his absence is deeply felt, a gap that cannot be replaced and in the fields of Beleriand his name becomes a battle cry, a symbol of the elven’s fighting spirit.
All in all, Finrod’s spirit remains, a symbol of love and the tenacity of the righteous hearts. Thus he remains in the minds of those he left behind as the light in the darkness, the hope that exists even in grief and suffering. Yet, despite the fact that the way is still long and filled with dangers, his spirit is still alive and inspires people who are treading the path after him.
Echoes of the Past
Thus, the series goes on, showing how the life and death of Finrod influence Middle-earth and its every corner. In this film we get to see glimpses of his past and events in his life that explain the circumstances of his death and his actions. These scenes are informative to his character, showing how profound his knowledge, his benevolence, and his valour when confronted with the odds.
All the same, the series suggests the part that Finrod had in the history of Middle-Earth, the partnerships he formed and the wars he waged for the sake of order and good. While his reign of King of Nargothrond is not depicted in the first season, there are glimpses of how he influenced the world, how he influenced the events and the events that led to the struggles that are depicted in the show.
Ultimately, it is through the lens of those who cared for him that one gets to see the extent of Finrod’s impact and how his spirit continues to live on with those who continue the battle against evil. From Galadriel’s unflinching resolve to the simple act of remembering shared by the other elves in the presence of their lost kin, he serves as a constant embodiment of the cost and the hope that are never lost even in the face of darkness.
Conclusion: A Light in the Darkness
Thus, the story of Finrod Felagund can be considered as a symbol of love, sacrifice, and the inviolability of the family’s values. With the excellent play by Will Fletcher and the colorful fabric designed by the authors of “The Rings of Power”, this legendary character comes to life and captures the hearts and minds of the viewers all over the world.
Despite the fact that his screen presence is rather limited by the cruel fate of the character, Finrod plays an enormous role in the series and in the grand tapestry of Middle-earth. His courage when facing evil, his determination to fight for the helpless, and the deep affection for his sister Galadriel are the major components of heroism in the Tolkien’s Middle-earth. In his death we get to witness the price that is paid for the battle against the darkness, the price that has to be paid by those who are fighting this battle every day and night.
However, even in death, Finrod’s light is still burning, as a source of inspiration to all those who come after him. In this way, the protagonist’s spirit stays alive, people remember him and the things he did, they continue his fight and keep his memory alive.
All in all, the story of Finrod Felagund is one of those that will continue to be told long after the credits are rolled, and it is a perfect example of how the power of story is immortal, as well as the power of Tolkien’s mythos. But we must remember that the path is long and dangerous and that is why characters like Finrod will always exist to show that even in the darkness there is hope and beauty.
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