Rings of Power Actors Talk Performing as a Tolkien Elf

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Rings of Power Actors Talk Performing as a Tolkien Elf

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in Middle-earth and its lore, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe as I delve deeper into the world of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The characters of Gil-Galad and Arondir, portrayed by Benjamin Walker and Ismael Cruz Cordova respectively, are a testament to the richness and depth of Tolkien’s creations.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores various storylines during the era in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic centered around Sauron creating the famous rings, particularly focusing on elves who decided to stay in Middle-earth. In every adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, elves are distinctly portrayed as unique from humans, and their traits serve as foundations for common tropes that persist in modern fantasy literature.

In a recent conversation, actors Benjamin Walker (Gil-Galad) and Ismael Cruz Cordova (Arondir) from “The Rings of Power” shared insights about their roles before the upcoming season. They delved into the difficulties of embodying elves with such extensive lifespans, while also offering glimpses into their characters’ driving forces, viewpoints, and development over the first two seasons.

Elves Risk Their Immortal Lives To Remain In Middle-earth

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, Elves are virtually indestructible, only truly dying when they fall in battle. Consequently, many Elves are incredibly old by human measures, having lived through countless generations and witnessed the recurring cycles of life and death. Benjamin Walker emphasizes that accepting and dealing with immortality is crucial to understanding the outlook of Elves, especially a leader like Gil-Galad, as they grapple with the ongoing presence of evil.

Well, one of the big hurdles to understanding this Tolkienian world is the amount of time they’ve experienced. It begs the question: When you’ve lived long enough to see everything and everyone you know and love die, and then over and over and over again, how do you muster the strength to continue to love?…These are the elves that chose to stay, so they have that yearning in spades. I really admire the characters in that they have the stamina to stay in Middle-earth, to understand the inevitability of evil’s resurrection, and in spite of that, fortify themselves as a group and protect a bunch of creatures on a big muddy rock. I think there’s something noble about them.

In the TV series The Rings of Power, the elves depicted are particularly those who refused to journey to the Immortal Lands of Valinor, preferring instead to reside on the perilous continent of Middle-earth alongside mortal beings. Walker admires the idea that these people decided to stay, bravely putting their eternal lives on the line to protect the land and its transient inhabitants in an endless struggle against darkness.

Arondir Actor Ismael Cruz Cordova Was Inspired by Indigenous Cultures

Rings of Power Actors Talk Performing as a Tolkien Elf

Regarding elves from “The Rings of Power”, Arondir stands apart due to his long-standing ties with humans. He’s not only befriended but also fallen in love with Bronwyn, a human woman. Yet, it’s important to remember that Arondir is indeed an elf who has lived for over a millennium. To immerse himself in this role, Ismael Cruz Cordova drew inspiration from various indigenous cultures worldwide, characterized by deep-rooted traditions, spiritual beliefs, and close bond with nature.

In simpler terms, while it may be challenging for you to grasp the concept, my experience as a ‘wannabe’ elf was greatly aided by cultures that share some similarities with elves – indigenous cultures. These cultures embody an ancient, deep-rooted connection to nature and a unique perception of time, space, life, and spirit. Essentially, looking at these cultures provides a glimpse into the essence of what it means to be ‘elven’.

Additionally, Cordova pointed out that Arondir might gradually shift from being purely elvish towards a more human identity. This makes Arondir a character it would be intriguing to watch unfold as the second season progresses.

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2024-08-29 17:36