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Middle Earth has, of course, had many ages, and by the time the audience reaches Frodo’s story, and the quest that the fellowship undertakes to destroy the ring of power, it’s already nearing the end of the Third Age. This means that there are several thousand years before the known and loved trilogy to be explored. Luckily for fans who have read the Silmarillion and the Unfinished Tales, Tolkien wrote a great deal about what happened during these long ages in his other works.

The advantage though, that the Rings of Power has, is that these stories will be set so far apart from those already adored, that it will allow fans to approach the series with a fresh perspective, and create a little distance from comparisons that could ultimately be crushing for the new series viewership.

In keeping some of the same characters, but telling vastly different tales from a very different era of an idolized world, the creators did something very clever, because they have brought a new and surprising perspective on an old golden classic, whilst still allowing audiences to relate to characters they have been surrounded by since childhood. And with many recent films and TV Series playing into the tropes of character histories, (including Maleficent not being so evil after all, Cruella simply having a flair for the dramatic, and the recent hit Arcane) and how they became who they are, it is a tried and tested theory that is almost guaranteed to work. After all, who doesn’t love an origin story?

The other major advantage that the Rings of Power has in its time and distance from the originals, is that it creates space to modernize and embellish the world, without it feeling like it’s being disrespectful of a work that was written in a certain time period, with certain societal mindsets and influences being prevalent.

One of the most important aspects of the Rings of Power is the use of diversity and representation within the cast, something that was definitely lacking in the original films. Although this was definitely a product of Tolkien’s time, it is essential to address and rectify some of the issues and disparities over race, sexuality, identity, and many other aspects, that will be far more inclusive in the 2022 rendition of Middle Earth. Increased representation in the new series is one of the most fundamental improvements that the creators could have made, and fans are excited to finally have some Middle Earth heroes that symbolize all cultures and peoples.

With around 6 months to go until the new series is released, fans are hoping for more trailers, posters, and other tantalizing tidbits to be released soon. They are hoping for a new range of mythical beasts and creatures to bring the world alive, an exploration into some of the unknown worlds and lands surrounding Middle Earth, and above all, a new and compelling story that will stay with them, long after the series is finished, just as the originals have done.

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