In the first two episodes of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”, there is constant talk of Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) and his missing father – a mystery possibly connected to the menacing broken sword that the boy discovers and takes away at the end of episode 2. According to Vanity Fair, the sword belongs to his mother Bronwyn and is therefore possibly a reminder of Theo’s father or belonged to him. But who are the possible candidates for it?
IS IT ARONDIR?
It is not said or even explicitly shown in “The Rings of Power”, yet not only the people in the village where Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi) and Theo live know it, the audience has naturally picked up the various hints as well: Bronwyn and Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova) are in love with each other.
It is even conceivable that they have been in a secret, possibly forbidden relationship for a long time, but have to keep a low profile and therefore only interact so cautiously with each other in the series.
We don’t learn how long Bronwyn and Arondir have known each other or even started dating, but only that Arondir has been stationed in the area for 79 years – that would be more than enough time to be the father of teenager Theo – and Theo’s ears are never really shown, but are always hidden under his long hair. Still, this theory is rather unlikely; after all, Theo doesn’t seem particularly enthusiastic about elves. And if he were a half-elf himself, he would probably have noticed his pointed ears before.
IS IT HALBRAND?
The next candidate is Halbrand (Charlie Vickers), whom Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) meets on the sea, but who, as we know, is also from the Southlands. In addition, we can discover a similar symbol on Halbrand’s pendant on his neck as well as on Theo’s cloak – but probably not the same symbol:
Theory time. Halbrand is descended from Southlands royalty from the first age. The sword Theo found belonged to the king of the Southlands during the War of Wrath, Halbrand’s ancestor and Theo’s as well because he’s Halbrand’s son. pic.twitter.com/wJLJFgUZ9q
– Liz Brandyfoot (@AtheistjLiz) September 2, 2022
What these two coats of arms are supposed to mean and what they stand for is still pure speculation. All in all, however, we do not assume that Halbrand is the father of Theo.
IS IT SAURON HIMSELF?
What we do know: The sword Theo found in a barn in his village is emblazoned with the symbol of Sauron – a kind of crown with three prongs:
“Rings of Power” creators: Ooh. Look at this scary Sauron symbol. You’ll never know what this means!
Me: This is clearly a reference to the Chinese character 山, which means mountain. So, it’s obviously Mount Doom. pic.twitter.com/kkBrtQLSxm
– John Lee (@koreanforeigner) September 3, 2022
And somehow the gun seems to be connected to Theo: When Theo first picks up the broken sword, the Sauron crest flares up. And then at the end of episode 2, a drop of blood creeps from his hand towards the sword, whereupon a smoky and fiery blade emerges – because it’s Theo’s blood, or just because it’s blood?
That is the crucial question here, for it is clear that the weapon is somehow connected to Sauron. But that does not necessarily mean that Sauron is Theo’s father. And for Theo’s father, there is another, much more suitable candidate…
IT’S A “GAME OF THRONES” STAR!
One of the most prominent and earliest announced names in the cast of “The Rings of Power” is namely Joseph Mawle, who has already gained experience in fantasy series as Benjen Stark from “Game Of Thrones”. What role he will play has not yet been officially announced.
Halbrand is Theo’s father theory thread pic.twitter.com/0lUHiFdmzw
– Liz Brandyfoot (@AtheistjLiz) August 3, 2022
