What Is The Significance of the Trial by Sea?
The Númenórean tradition of the Sea Trial is a mysterious ritual practiced in The Rings of Power. While Tolkien’s lore is expansive and touches on all those events surrounding Númenor and its eventual fall, it does not feature the trial by sea, however, in the series, the custom of placing those accused in the sea, as if this were a test of their character and moral standing, serves as an element for the court of Númenor, but has come to be a part of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
A critical point of the story revolves around Míriel - and Míriel's trial in The Rings Of Power Season 2. The court in Númenor and its members are skeptical of Míriel's innocence and decide to use the tradition, which may also be used to eliminate her in the hopes of establishing an absolute control of the Númenórean court.
How Did Míriel Survive Her Sea Trial?
In The Rings of Power season 2 - specifically in The Rings of Power season 2, Episode 6 fans witness how Míriel was thrust into a sea trial that almost brought about a tragic end. She was thrown into the sea and immediately confronted with a sea monster, forcing Míriel to swim to safety while trying to evade the creature. Although she does make it back to shore - she had to be protected by an unseen force. The answer is the Valar of the Rings - powerful deities, and Tolkien demigods.
Ulmo is considered a Valar , one whose powers influence water, the sea, and other aquatic events - those who have studied Tolkien’s lore recognize his role in Arda, the overall universe that surrounds Middle-earth. He served as the power to keep Míriel safe as the sea monster appeared as if it was intent on ending Míriel's journey and to kill her.
What Role Does Ulmo Play in the Lord of the Rings?
Within The Lord of the Rings lore - Ulmo is often seen as one of those beings who have served as one of the most powerful of the Valar - the Tolkien demigods who were influential during the First Age of Middle-earth and even the Second Age of Middle-earth.
Even those who follow the Lord of the Rings timeline - especially as it deals with Eärendil's (one of the most notable heroes) quest to seek the aid of the Valar to confront Morgoth - will recognize Ulmo's powerful position. Ulmo is known as the creator of the Seas, and often makes his presence known during those who sail in these oceans as well as when he chooses to act in certain key moments throughout Middle-earth’s long history.
How Did Míriel Lose Her Faith in The Valar?
The Valar were a core part of Middle-earth's long history. Their role was essential - and often focused on bringing order to those regions, as well as influencing how humans, elves and even those who make up other Tolkien creatures are able to prosper, ultimately shaping evEnts.
However, in The Rings of Power those who have been studying the show and following the characters in Númenor - specifically Míriel, and the characters that serve on the Númenórean court - will notice that she has had a change in heart. The reasons stem from a series of unforeseen, unpredictable, and very chaotic events as the show continues.
How Do the Valar Affect the Rings of Power Storyline?
The Rings of Power, with its series of characters from those connected to the Lord of the Rings franchise as they seek a path through an era before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings (with those two stories providing a key backdrop) continues to unfold - with the story for The Rings of Power centered on the Second Age of Middle-earth - and those events that unfold surrounding the forging of the rings - and even the return of Sauron, the Dark Lord. The Rings of Power gives those who are interested in J.R.R. Tolkien a more nuanced exploration of those events, characters and a chance to explore Middle-earth as if it was an ongoing epic story - and also serving as an expansion to The Lord of the Rings lore.
The role that The Valar take is not always clear. It’s evident they will continue to be key beings, influencing those in the Second Age of Middle-earth. These include Elendil (one of those heroic individuals whose fate plays an important role in how the series progresses), who continues to take an active role in guiding the world. In many ways, it's clear that they are those who will continuously play a pivotal role in shaping the fate of those races within Middle-earth.
What Are The Sea Monsters of the Second Age of Middle-earth Like?
Those familiar with The Rings of Power - which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video , with new episodes coming out each Thursday, may be intrigued by the variety of sea monsters that have been shown. They often take on a powerful and even deadly role - a great threat, in many ways, for the sailors that travel the sea.
Some of the most noteworthy creatures - those who were also introduced into Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series - are The Watcher in the Water - one of the biggest creatures to appear, especially in The Lord of the Rings and was seen to have incredible power and the capacity to cause terror among those traveling the ocean waters. And even the Barrow-wights, as well as the Ents who have a similar history.
