In the richly layered world of The Rings of Power, Adar, portrayed by Sam Hazeldine, emerges as one of the most compelling and unique characters introduced to Middle-earth’s mythology. Unlike other orc characters seen in previous adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, Adar brings a fresh and unexpected complexity. His character, an invention of the series, stands apart from the more traditional, mindlessly evil orcs of the original The Lord of the Rings lore. The very essence of Adar’s portrayal in The Rings of Power subverts many of the assumptions fans may have about the classic antagonists of Middle-earth, shedding light on how even Tolkien’s monsters could possess depth, emotions, and conflicting loyalties.
A Unique Creation for The Rings of Power
Unlike the familiar figures like Galadriel, Elrond, and Sauron, Adar is not rooted in Tolkien’s texts but rather a fresh creation from the show’s writers. What sets Adar apart is his dual nature—both as an elf turned into an orc by Morgoth and as a leader who rejects the rule of Sauron. This element of Adar’s backstory, wherein he shares a tragic past linked to both Morgoth and Sauron, opens up new narrative possibilities. His rebellion against Sauron, while also being an orc leader, is a new concept for the Lord of the Rings universe, one that challenges preconceptions about loyalty, morality, and identity.
Adar’s leadership among the orcs is also unprecedented in its empathetic framing. He presents himself not as a brutal overseer but as a father figure—one who has a vision for the orcs beyond their traditional roles as mindless servants of evil. This depiction of the orcs under Adar’s command, as beings capable of more than just violence, gives the audience a fresh take on what it means to be an orc in the world of Middle-earth. It expands on Tolkien’s lore, suggesting that even creatures born from darkness might have their own desires, motivations, and potential for growth.
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Adar taking off the ring of his own accord, thereby affirming his identity as an Uruk, and offering it back to Galadriel, will be forever one of my favorite scenes. It shows such strength of character 🖤 pic.twitter.com/q882oKMa1T
— Lefty (@uruk_art) October 3, 2024
The Father of Orcs
One of the most fascinating aspects of Adar is his fatherly role among the Orcs. Rather than being a tyrant like Sauron or Morgoth, Adar actually cares for his “children.” This makes him a tragic figure, as his failure to free the Orcs from Sauron’s grip mirrors a father’s struggle to lead his children to a better path. His defiance of Sauron, driven by both pride and an instinct to protect the Orcs, positions him as a morally complex figure—a rarity among Orcish leaders.
This depiction also taps into the broader philosophical questions that underlie much of Tolkien’s work: What is evil? Are those born of evil truly beyond redemption? Adar’s existence offers a potential answer to these questions, suggesting that creatures like the Orcs may be capable of much more, if they have the right guidance. He seeks to uplift the Orcs, teaching them to see themselves not as mere warriors of Sauron, but as a race worthy of their own future, free from the oppressive shadow of the Dark Lord.
However, Adar’s tragic flaw lies in his reliance on violence. Ultimately, he still sees war as the path to liberation for the Orcs, leading him to pursue Sauron’s death with single-minded determination. This irony underscores his character arc: despite his efforts to show the Orcs a different way, he is ultimately trapped in the same cycle of violence that has defined their existence for millennia. His inability to escape this violence leads to his downfall, further cementing the tragedy of his story.
Adar’s Complex Relationship with Sauron
A pivotal part of Adar’s arc is his rebellion against Sauron, who is, of course, the main antagonist of the broader Lord of the Rings mythology. Adar’s knowledge of Morgoth, the original Dark Lord, gives him a unique perspective on the nature of power and evil in Middle-earth. He has little respect for Sauron, whom he views as a pale imitation of his former master. This disdain drives his defiance, as Adar attempts to rally the orcs against Sauron, aiming to kill him and secure a new future for his followers.
Adar’s past as one of the elves who were captured and twisted into the first orcs under Morgoth’s regime adds layers to his hatred of Sauron. Having witnessed the horrors of Morgoth’s rule firsthand, Adar understands that serving Sauron would only condemn the orcs to the same fate. His attempts to prevent Sauron from rising to power again can be seen as a desperate act of preservation for his people—a flawed, but understandable, attempt to save them from the fate he knows awaits them under Sauron’s rule.
This rebellion, however, is doomed from the start. The orcs, despite their loyalty to Adar, ultimately choose Sauron, lured by promises of eternal glory and power. Adar’s downfall at the hands of his own “children” is a poignant moment that highlights the tragedy of his character. Despite his efforts to lead the orcs to a new future, they fall back into their old ways, choosing the path of least resistance rather than the harder road to freedom.
Philosophical Depth: The Orcs as Sentient Beings
One of the most significant contributions Adar makes to The Rings of Power is the philosophical question of the orcs’ nature. In Tolkien’s original works, orcs are often portrayed as inherently evil, corrupted by dark powers with little room for moral complexity. Adar challenges this view, suggesting that orcs, as sentient beings, deserve more than to be dismissed as mere cannon fodder. His attempts to humanize the orcs, to present them as a people capable of growth and change, adds a new dimension to their portrayal in the show.
The idea that orcs, under the right circumstances, could be something other than mindless killers is a radical departure from previous interpretations of Tolkien’s work. It raises questions about the nature of evil and whether creatures born from darkness are doomed to remain in it. Adar, in many ways, represents the possibility of redemption for the orcs—a chance for them to become something more than they have been allowed to be.
However, the show also grapples with the limitations of this idea. Adar’s efforts to lead the orcs away from their violent past ultimately fail because he himself is still trapped in that mindset. His belief that the orcs can only survive through war and bloodshed undermines his attempts to free them from Sauron’s influence. This tension between Adar’s aspirations and his actions adds to the complexity of his character, making him one of the most fascinating figures in The Rings of Power.
A Tragic Ending
Adar’s death in The Rings of Power season two finale marks the end of his brief but impactful presence in the series. Struck down by the very orcs he sought to protect, his demise is both tragic and inevitable. It is a poignant reminder of the difficulty of breaking free from cycles of violence and oppression, even for those who desire change. Despite his best efforts, Adar’s vision for the orcs’ future could not overcome the lure of Sauron’s power.
However, Adar’s legacy may live on in the show. His example proves that there are other possibilities for Middle-earth’s future—paths that don’t necessarily lead to the same binary opposition of good versus evil. His character challenges viewers to rethink what they know about the world of The Lord of the Rings, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of its inhabitants, even its monsters.
In the end, Adar’s story serves as a powerful exploration of the complexities of leadership, loyalty, and the nature of evil. His character, though short-lived, leaves a lasting impact on both the orcs he led and the audience watching his journey. The Rings of Power may have more surprises in store for its viewers, but Adar’s tragic tale will remain one of its most thought-provoking contributions to the Lord of the Rings universe.
Conclusion: Adar’s Legacy in The Rings of Power
Adar’s introduction to The Rings of Power opened up new possibilities for storytelling within Middle-earth. His character broke the mold of traditional orc leaders by showing compassion and vision, all while grappling with his dark past. By offering a more empathetic portrayal of orcs, Adar challenged long-standing notions of good and evil in Tolkien’s world. Though his rebellion against Sauron ended in tragedy, Adar’s influence on the show and its portrayal of Middle-earth’s darker characters will be remembered as a crucial step in expanding the scope of the Lord of the Rings universe.
