Adar: Fallen Angel or Misunderstood Savior in *The Rings of Power*?
Introduction
Was Adar truly a malevolent force, another agent of Morgoth perpetuating darkness in Middle-earth? Or was he a product of an earlier corruption, a twisted being driven by a desperate, albeit misguided, desire to protect the vulnerable? Adar, the corrupted elf who became a central figure in the first season of *The Rings of Power*, challenges viewers to grapple with the complex nature of evil and the enduring consequences of trauma. A fallen elf, twisted by Morgoth’s cruelty, Adar emerged as a figure of both terror and, surprisingly, empathy. He commanded legions of orcs, reshaped landscapes, and orchestrated events that laid the foundation for the very land of Mordor. But beneath the surface of this seemingly straightforward antagonist lies a character driven by a compelling, if warped, moral code. This article will explore the multifaceted nature of Adar, examining his origins, motivations, his peculiar relationship with the orcs, and his ultimate impact on the fate of Middle-earth, questioning whether he was simply a villain or something far more complex. Was he truly the malevolent force as portrayed by the elven kind or was he a misunderstood character looking for a place for his children?
The Forging of a Fallen Elf
To understand Adar, we must first delve into his origins. He was not born a creature of shadow. He was once an elf, one of the *Moriondor*, or “Dark Elves,” some of the very first of their kind to awaken in Middle-earth. He witnessed the dawn of creation, but he also witnessed the rise of Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. Captured and subjected to unspeakable experiments, Adar was twisted and corrupted, becoming one of the first orcs, or *Uruk* as he calls them. This transformation was not merely physical; it shattered his identity, leaving him scarred both inside and out. His once-fair elven form was warped into something monstrous, a constant reminder of the cruelty he had endured.
This history is crucial to understanding his actions. He carries within him the burden of that original sin, the trauma of his own defilement. The pain he suffered fuels his resentment towards the elves, whom he sees as abandoning him to his fate. This betrayal, in his eyes, justifies his own actions, even those that inflict suffering on others. “We are not tools,” he declares to Galadriel, articulating the profound sense of agency and defiance that defines him. He refuses to be defined by the past but rather be seen by his actions.
Specific scenes throughout *The Rings of Power* subtly hint at this deep-seated trauma. The flickering pain in his eyes, the fleeting moments of melancholy, and the intensity with which he defends the orcs—all betray the enduring wounds of his past. When Galadriel forces him to acknowledge his elven origins, his rage is palpable, a testament to the psychological torment he has endured. Adar’s trauma is further heightened as he also acknowledges that he killed Sauron, a being who had tortured him and his children mercilessly. His actions can almost be perceived as those of freedom and redemption for himself and the orcs.
A Father’s Love in the Shadows
Adar’s relationship with the orcs is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of his character. He views them not as expendable soldiers, but as his *children*. He seeks to provide them with a home, a place where they can thrive free from the sun, which burns and torments them. This paternalistic concern is evident in his interactions with them, from his stern but protective demeanor to his willingness to risk his own life for their safety. He provides for them and protects them from a society that does not accept them.
His desire for a “home” for the orcs is not simply about physical comfort. It’s about providing them with dignity and a sense of belonging. They are outcasts, reviled and hunted by elves and men alike. Adar believes they deserve a place in Middle-earth, a land of their own where they can live without fear. This aspiration, though achieved through violence and destruction, is rooted in a genuine desire to alleviate suffering.
However, the nature of this bond remains complex. Is it true affection, or a form of manipulation? Does he genuinely care for the orcs’ well-being, or does he simply see them as instruments to achieve his own goals? The show leaves these questions open to interpretation, adding to the ambiguity of his character. Some may argue that his control over them is a reflection of Morgoth’s dominance while others may see his control as protection for them.
Creating Mordor: A Dark Paradise?
Adar’s plan to transform the Southlands into Mordor is the culmination of his ambitions. By unleashing the power of the broken dam, he triggers a volcanic eruption that reshapes the landscape, creating a sunless realm where the orcs can flourish. This act of ecological destruction is undeniably evil, causing immense suffering to the human inhabitants of the region. The human lives were exchanged for a better land for his children.
However, from Adar’s perspective, this destruction is a necessary sacrifice. He sees the Southlands as a barren, lifeless place, and he believes that Mordor will be a vibrant, fertile land for the orcs. He is willing to inflict pain on others to achieve his vision, believing that the ends justify the means. He is an environmentalist for the orcs.
This raises profound ethical questions. Can a good end ever justify evil means? Is it acceptable to sacrifice the well-being of one group to benefit another? Adar’s actions force viewers to confront these difficult moral dilemmas, challenging their own assumptions about right and wrong. Was he right to sacrifice those lives for the benefit of his children?
A Moral Grey Area: Anti-Hero or Simple Villain?
The question of Adar’s morality lies at the heart of the *Rings of Power*’s narrative. He is not a purely evil character, but neither is he a heroic one. He occupies a grey area, a space where good intentions are twisted by trauma and ambition. Some may see him as an anti-hero, a flawed character who strives for a noble goal but resorts to morally questionable methods. Others may view him as a villain, whose actions are ultimately destructive and harmful. Adar does not care what others see him as because he is on a quest for his children’s freedom.
His interactions with Galadriel are particularly revealing. She sees him as a monster, a servant of Morgoth who must be stopped at all costs. He, in turn, views her as an arrogant, self-righteous elf who fails to understand the suffering of the orcs. Their conflict highlights the fundamental clash between their worldviews, a battle between those who seek to preserve the existing order and those who seek to overthrow it.
The show deliberately avoids providing easy answers. It presents Adar as a complex character, with both redeeming qualities and significant flaws. Ultimately, it is up to the viewer to decide how to judge him. He could easily be seen as a rebel against Valar and the elven kind due to the torture he endured under Morgoth and Sauron. The elven kind are not innocent in this case either as they left him to his fate, alone.
Mordor’s Architect: Reshaping the Narrative
Adar’s actions have profound consequences for the future of Middle-earth. He is the architect of Mordor, the dark land that will become a symbol of evil in the ages to come. His decision to unleash the power of the broken dam sets in motion a chain of events that will ultimately lead to the rise of Sauron and the War of the Ring. He is the architect of his children’s new home.
His influence extends beyond the physical landscape. He shapes the destinies of other characters, most notably Theo, the young man who becomes fascinated by the dark sword. Adar manipulates Theo’s desire for power, drawing him closer to the darkness and setting him on a path that could lead to his corruption.
The creation of Mordor can be seen as a pivotal moment in the history of Middle-earth, a turning point that sets the stage for the events of *The Lord of the Rings*. Adar’s actions serve as a reminder that even seemingly insignificant choices can have far-reaching consequences, shaping the fate of entire worlds. His impact on the narrative will be felt and questioned for years to come.
Conclusion
Adar: Was he the fallen angel or the misunderstood savior? Adar remains a complex and morally ambiguous character. His desire to create a home for the orcs, born from his own suffering and a twisted sense of paternalism, clashes with his brutal methods and the devastation he unleashes. He embodies the idea that even the most noble intentions can be corrupted by trauma and power. He set the rest of the series in motion and showed the world that good and evil can be blurred.
His legacy remains open to interpretation, forcing us to confront uncomfortable questions about the nature of good and evil, the consequences of trauma, and the price of ambition. The fact that he inspires such debate and analysis is a testament to the strength of his character and the depth of *The Rings of Power*’s narrative. Was he correct for doing the things that he did or did his quest for freedom end in ruin for many? Adar’s legacy will forever be a reminder that the line between a fallen angel and a misunderstood savior can be incredibly thin.
