Will 'Rings of Power' Serve as the Closest Adaptation to the 'Silmarillion'?

In the realm of Tolkien adaptations, 'Rings of Power' holds a unique place, often being mistaken for a direct translation of The Silmarillion. However, this analysis will explore the actual connection and provide clarity on the potential for a true Silmarillion adaptation.

The Dissimilarities: 'Rings of Power' vs. 'The Silmarillion'

Rings of Power is not in any way a direct adaptation of The Silmarillion. While both fall under the expansive universe of Tolkien, they serve different narratives and periods of Middle-earth. 'Rings of Power' spans the Second Age, largely focusing on events surrounding the rings and the emergence of kings and wizards. It is a 45-hour-long TV series and, fittingly, a production by Amazon Prime Video. In contrast, The Silmarillion is a collection of myths, tales, and genealogies that cover the First Age and some of the Mythic Age, with a rich tapestry of characters and stories.

First, it's important to note that 'Rings of Power' does not have the rights to The Silmarillion. It specifically focuses on the later parts of the Second Age, primarily 'The Akallabêth' and 'Of the Rings and the Third Age,' omitting much of the richer and earlier content of the book. This alone sets it apart from an adaptation of the larger work. In a broader sense, The Silmarillion is essentially a vast collection of interconnected stories rather than a cohesive narrative, which makes it challenging to adapt into a medium like a TV series.

Future Prospects: The Public Domain and Adaptation

As Tolkien's works pass out of copyright in the coming decades, the possibility for a Silmarillion movie or series becomes more realistic. By 2030, works in the United States will be out of copyright, and by 2040, that will extend to the United Kingdom. This means that in the future, any aspiring filmmaker or production company can explore the entirety of Tolkien's works without the need for extensive licensing or permission.

One day, perhaps a producer or studio—much like Jeff Bezos—may decide to take on the challenge. However, it's worth noting that the rights to the earliest works, including the Book of Lost Tales, will not become public domain until 2100, meaning a full adaptation would take a very long time to get off the ground.

The Critique of 'Rings of Power'

While 'Rings of Power' is an ambitious and well-executed adaptation, it does not capture the essence of the earlier works in the same way as the bleak and expansive Silmarillion. The show takes a condensation approach, focusing on a few key events and characters from the Second Age and combining them into a relatively short narrative arc. This results in some of the stories feeling loosely connected and lacking the depth and continuity of the original books.

For example, while 'Rings of Power' captures the essence of characters like Turgon and the events leading up to the fall of N destroys much of the emotional and narrative richness of Tolkien's works. It's a coherent and engaging adaptation in its own right, but it doesn't fully encapsulate the vast storytelling and myth-making present in The Silmarillion.

Comparison with 'The Lord of the Rings' Adaptations

Regarding whether Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings' (PJ) is closer to Tolkien's original works, it's worth examining the merits of both adaptations. PJ's trilogy, while criticized for alterations to character motivations and timelines, remains closer to the essence of Tolkien's narrative. It provides a focused and emotional exploration of themes and characters present in the main storylines. On the other hand, 'Rings of Power' takes a more expansive approach, revealing a broader timeline but sometimes at the cost of cohesiveness and depth. Both versions have their strengths and weaknesses but lack the comprehensive breadth and depth needed to fully realize The Silmarillion.

In conclusion, while 'Rings of Power' is a significant and admirable adaptation, it does not serve as a comprehensive or faithful portrayal of the complex and multifaceted stories of The Silmarillion. Future filmmakers, however, can look forward to an expanded opportunity to delve into these rich and ancient tales as the works enter the public domain.