Who is Isildur in The Rings of Power?
Isildur, a central figure in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth mythology, holds a significant place in the annals of The Lord of the Rings and its precursor, The Hobbit. In The Rings of Power, Isildur is introduced as a son of Isildur, the second son of Elendil, the High King of Arnor and Gondor. His character is pivotal in the unfolding of the events that lead to the fall of Númenor and the rise of the dark lord Sauron.
Born in the Second Age, Isildur was destined to play a crucial role in the struggle against Sauron. After the fall of Númenor, Isildur, along with his brother Anárion, sought refuge in Middle-earth, where they founded the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor. As the heir to the Elendil line, Isildur was charged with the responsibility of destroying the One Ring, the source of Sauron’s power.
Isildur’s encounter with the One Ring
Isildur’s first encounter with the One Ring came during his reign as the King of Gondor. While on a journey to Mordor, he came across the Ring in the land of the Dead. Drawn by the Ring’s allure, Isildur was unable to resist its power and took it for himself. However, he was unable to destroy it, as the Ring’s power overcame his will. Isildur’s possession of the Ring marked the beginning of his downfall and the rise of Sauron’s power.
The fall of Isildur and the Ring
In the climactic battle against Sauron at the Pelennor Fields, Isildur played a pivotal role. He led the forces of Gondor in the battle, but in the heat of the fight, the Ring slipped from his finger and fell into the river Anduin. Isildur, in a moment of despair, pursued the Ring, but was unable to retrieve it before it was carried away by the river. This event marked the end of Isildur’s reign and the beginning of his legend.
Isildur’s legacy
Isildur’s story is a poignant reminder of the power of the One Ring and the human weakness that it represents. His possession of the Ring led to his downfall, but his legacy lives on through his descendants. His son, Aragorn, would later become the King of Gondor and the last hope for Middle-earth. Isildur’s quest to destroy the Ring serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the importance of humility.
In The Rings of Power, Isildur’s story is a crucial part of the tapestry of Middle-earth’s history. His role in the fall of Númenor and the rise of Sauron is a reminder of the complex and intricate web of events that shape the world of Tolkien’s creation. Isildur’s legacy continues to inspire readers and fans of Middle-earth, reminding us of the eternal struggle between good and evil.
