Rings of Power Season 3 Faces a Tolkien Change With No Easy Scenario
A new orc in Rivendell
The Rings of Power is set in Middle-earth’s Second Age, which J.R.R. Tolkien described as broad history rather than a detailed narrative. The series therefore takes creative liberties, though some changes have proved divisive.
Season 3 introduces Marnûkh, played by Adam Young. In the trailer, and in comments from showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, the orc comes to Rivendell offering help to the Elves. Tolkien did not write about this character, and his eventual fate is not yet known.
Two paths, both difficult
The central uncertainty is whether Marnûkh genuinely wants to help the Elves or is manipulating them as part of Sauron’s scheme. Either outcome could prompt complaints from viewers.
If he is a deceiver, the reveal might counter the sympathetic portrayal of orcs in season 2, which included an orc family embracing. But the series has already featured repeated betrayals and deception, including Sauron’s schemes, so another such turn may feel familiar.
Sympathy and Tolkien’s writings
If Marnûkh sincerely helps the Elves, the series would further invite sympathy for orcs, a choice the article says is likely to be unpopular. The story argues that the show faces criticism whichever direction it takes.
Tolkien said orcs reproduce in the same way as Elves, which implies the existence of orc babies. He did not discuss whether orc parents love their children, and he debated the question of orcs’ inherent morality. The article notes that Tolkien was famously critical of screen adaptations, though his view of this series cannot be known for certain.
Key points
- Marnûkh, played by Adam Young, approaches the Elves in Rivendell offering help.
- Season 3 may reveal that Marnûkh is sincere or acting as a deceiver.
- The series has faced criticism over sympathetic portrayals of orcs and repeated deception plots.
- Tolkien said orcs reproduce like Elves but did not address whether they can love.