Amid multiple cast announcements for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power comes one huge revelation with consequences so far-reaching that they even relate to Aragorn. The Rings of Power season 2 is on track to bring more characters into the fold as it continues the adventures of key figures like Galadriel and Sauron, whose stories have already featured major lore connections. With actors such as Amelia Kenworthy, Calam Lynch, and Sam Hazeldine set to join the cast, there is one new addition that could significantly change things for the story.

The Second Age in The Rings of Power covers stories known from The Silmarillion and the appendices to The Return of the King. However, Tolkien wrote a complex, intricate history for his Middle-earth world, and these Second Age stories have far-reaching effects, coloring the lives and destinies of characters in the Third Age. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are set in the Third Age, and already many of The Rings of Power’s events are setting up this epoch and its characters.

The Rings Of Power Season 2’s Estrid Could Be Isildur’s Wife

Estrid Will Be Joining The Rings Of Power Season 2

An IGN article confirmed that Nia Towle will be joining the cast of The Rings of Power season 2 as original character Estrid, who may become Isildur’s wife. According to the report, Estrid will join Isildur at the start of season 2, immediately earning his trust, which is compounded by set photos of the two looking intimate. Isildur is married with children in lore, but his wife is neither named nor explored in the texts. While Estrid may not represent Isildur’s future wife, this would make sense for Isildur’s story in The Rings of Power season 2.

Isildur was obviously not dead in Rings of Power season 1 because he has an instrumental role to play in the story, cutting the One Ring off Sauron’s finger before the events of The Hobbit. With the set photos confirming that Isildur survived the fire in season 1, the show now must get Isildur married with a son before the fall of Númenor, if it wants to stick to canon. According to the show’s current pacing, the fall may come around season 3, leaving Isildur only season 2 to get to it. This makes Estrid the perfect candidate for Isildur’s wife.

Isildur’s Wife In The Rings Of Power Season 2 Would Fill A Major Gap In Aragorn’s History

Isildur’s Wife Is Actually A Key Character

Isildur’s wife joining Rings of Power could have big consequences, such as Isildur having children and therefore continuing the bloodline that eventually results in Aragorn. The show may or may not opt to show Isildur and his wife having the canonical child that comes before the fall of Númenor. However, it may well introduce Isildur’s most pivotal son, Valandil, from whom Aragorn is descended. While Isildur’s other sons die tragically on the battlefield, Valandil’s survival spurs the origin of The Return of the King’s titular character, the iconic Aragorn.

The idea of the show introducing Estrid as Isildur’s wife, and subsequently introducing their children, makes even more sense when considering one of the new Lord of the Rings characters in Rings of Power, introduced in season 1. Valandil is a historical Númenórean name, but also the name of Isildur’s best friend in the show. This sets up a namesake story for Isildur’s most important son, and even foreshadows a sad end for Isildur’s friend. Isildur’s friend meeting a heroic, untimely death would set him apart as a worthy namesake. With that in mind, his outlook in the show isn’t good.

Isildur’s Wife Would Be A Perfect Addition For The Rings Of Power Season 2

It Makes Sense To Include Isildur’s Wife In Season 2

Although much of The Rings of Power’s original material proved controversial, ideation around a marginalized but canonically existent character is an example of where the show’s invention may actually pay dividends. J.R.R. Tolkien had mixed views on adaptations, but insisted on them at least staying true to his work’s central tenets, which is fair. Isildur and Estrid in the show can be explored in a canonical context, setting up important themes and plot devices for stories to come. Their bond exemplifies how romance could develop organically in the show as a relevant relationship to the plot.

If the show can create a convincing and fitting characterization for Estrid, and she does turn out to be Isildur’s wife, then the show can use the pair to explore the theme of lineage, which is prevalent in Tolkien’s work. Tolkien celebrated the power of love time and time again throughout his legendarium. Isildur and Estrid would be joining the middle of a famous line of couples, from Maia Melian and Elf Thingol, down to the union of their descendant Lúthien with Beren, and further, down to Aragorn and Arwen.

Beyond love, Tolkien celebrated marriage and its consummation, which was central to his Catholic beliefs. In addition, the political and romantic union of different races and families crossed bridges in Middle-earth, creating characters more powerful for their mixed heritage or background – Lúthien, for instance. Reportedly, Arondir will be suspicious of Estrid at first in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2. Perhaps these two also have differences to overcome before their relationship can join the pantheon of Lord of the Rings’ major relationships and continue the bloodline that ends up reuniting Gondor and Arnor.

Source: IGN