Season 1 - Looking at Halbrand as Sauron – Episode 8

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And here we are at the episode 8 analysis! This episode is a biggie, as it features the big reveal of Halbrand being Sauron, which means a lot of insight into how Halbrand thinks! This will be a long one, so let’s jump into it!

The first scene with Halbrand involves Halbrand and Galadriel riding into Eregion. This scene doesn’t feature Halbrand saying anything. Halbrand is presumably unconscious from his wound’s progression. He and Galadriel arrive in Eregion where they meet Elrond and Celebrimbor.

First Elrond asks “Galadriel?” (not surprising since he probably thought she was hanging out in Valinor) and Galadriel responds with “Elrond.” Celebrimbor asks, “What happened?” to which Galadriel responds with “Enemy lance. Six days ago. We rode without rest. Can you help him?”

So, we get some additional information (the wound was caused by an enemy lance) and a time jump (six days since they left the Numenorean camp or six days since the wound). Did Halbrand tell Galadriel of the source of the wound off screen? Or was it that, while Galadriel treated his wound during the journey, she could ascertain what caused the wound just based on her own medical knowledge?

Halbrand is lugged off during this conversation. Then we cut to Elrond and Galadriel talking while in the background elvish healers tend to Halbrand. Elrond and Galadriel only chat for a moment before leaving. But as Galadriel leaves, she keeps looking at the unconscious Halbrand. It seems that she is very worried about him since she is slow to depart and keeps looking back at him. I think this is important, given how she will treat Halbrand once she is suspicious of him and after his identity is revealed. Before the Sauron suspicions are sown, Galadriel seems to care for Halbrand in some way.

Our next moment with Halbrand is sometime later, when he is at least well enough to walk (though whether he should be walking is another question). During the scene he talks with Celebrimbor and eventually inspires Celebrimbor with a means of effectively utilizing the little Mithril the elves possess.

Before jumping into it, I do want to pose a question: during this scene does Halbrand know about the threat of the elves fading? In addition, does Halbrand know about the solution to the fading problem? Whether Halbrand knows or doesn’t really changes how one may interpret his actions in this scene. If Halbrand doesn’t know, then his actions seem more innocent and helpful. But if he knows, then his words are carefully selected manipulation (for he talks as though he doesn’t know). Since this is Sauron we are talking about, I am tempted to assume that he knows and he is working his manipulation craft. But at the same time, we have seen no evidence so far that Halbrand knows about the fading or the need for some mithril construction to halt it.

For me, I believe that Halbrand doesn’t know. Given what Halbrand says in this scene, he either doesn’t know about it or he is pretending not to know. If he is pretending not to know then he had to have found out about it from somewhere. But where?

There were no elves at the Numenorean war-camp (other than Galadriel and Arondir, who do not know about the elvish fading problem to our knowledge) and I doubt the Numenoreans or Southlanders know about the elvish fading problem, let alone Celebrimbor’s plans to fix it. The people in Numenor wouldn’t know, considering they have forsaken the elves. And the people on the raft didn’t seem that knowledgeable about elven affairs either. Halbrand could have learned of it before the raft, but I’m hesitant to make that assumption without proof that he actually knows about the fading problem.

But that’s just my opinion on the question. For now, it is just a question to keep in mind as we take apart the scene!

Now for the scene! Celebrimbor is in his workshop, which is silent and empty. At the start of the episode Celebrimbor and Elrond were discussing how Gil-Galad was arriving the next day hoping for an answer to the fading problem. Since Gil-Galad has not arrived yet then it must mean Halbrand is up and walking on the same day Halbrand arrived. One could argue it was the day after Halbrand arrived, just before Gil-Galad arrives. Either way, this is a pretty short timeframe for a seemingly lethal wound to have healed enough for Halbrand to go walking. Is elvish medicine just that good? Is it because Halbrand heals faster as a Maiar? Did Halbrand feign sickness and weakness to get inside Eregion?

I believe in the advanced healing factor idea. Celebrimbor is about to question whether or not Halbrand is well enough to walk, so if Celebrimbor is surprised/uncertain then it must not be the quality of Elvish medicine. If elvish medicine was this good at healing, Celebrimbor wouldn’t have said anything.

If Halbrand had pretended the wound was worse than it was, I feel like the various healers (human and elvish) who had attended to him would have commented about the wound not being as bad as Halbrand made it seem.

Anyway, the scene begins with Celebrimbor in his workshop. He hears something in the main chamber, so he calls out and begins walking to out to investigate. “Who’s there? …. Who’s there? Reveal yourself.” Celebrimbor isn’t expecting any visitors and likely expects unexpected visitors to have announced themselves rather than sneaking around.

It doesn’t look like Halbrand is sneaking about, as he descends a small set of stairs into the forge chamber. He asks, “Is Galadriel here?”

Now, was Halbrand genuinely looking for Galadriel? Or is he asking that question to cover his own exploring/sneaking? He doesn’t say he was looking for Galadriel, so he isn’t lying. As in the past, Halbrand carefully words what he says so that those listening to him assume something, without Halbrand having to lie. Based on Halbrand’s question, Celebrimbor will likely assume Halbrand was wandering around looking for Galadriel. But despite his careful wording, I personally do not think he was sneaking around with ill intent. Exploring? Yes. Sneaking? I doubt it myself.

Celebrimbor responds by saying “No. Shouldn’t you be resting?”

As I mentioned earlier, it seems Celebrimbor believes that a human who has been treated with elvish medicine should still be abed. Or, perhaps, this is just Celebrimbor’s way of saying ‘get out of here’, akin to Bilbo’s “Good morning!” in the Hobbit.

Halbrand ignores the question, which reminds me of Halbrand’s first conversation with Galadriel on their personal raft and how he ignored or dodged questions to push his own. Perhaps Halbrand treats all strangers this way? Or, if he has healed due to a Maiar advanced healing factor, then he likely would want to dodge that question, lest his true identity be revealed. Or he could be so taken by the amazing workshop that he would rather ignore the boring question to ask, “What is this place?”

We know, from Halbrand’s time in Numenor, that he adores blacksmithing. Is this wonderous workshop so impressive that Halbrand asks out of curious awe? Or does he already know what this place is and is feigning ignorance? Personally, I believe the former (mainly based on his actions & reactions to smithing in Numenor).

Celebrimbor responds by saying, “This was the workshop of Celebrimbor.” (Not that this is an analysis of Celebrimbor, but note that he said “was”. Celebrimbor sees himself as out-of-business)

Halbrand replies excitedly, “The Celebrimbor? He’s not here, is he?”

When Halbrand says this, Celebrimbor smiles. To me, it seems clear that Celebrimbor enjoys praise and fame. It, perhaps, could feel even better to be recognized now, having just faced a tremendous defeat? While at his lowest, Celebrimbor is likely happy to be reminded of how great he is.

Now, is this Halbrand fanboying over a legendary craftsman? Or is he trying to get into Celebrimbor’s good graces? It could be both.

Celebrimbor responds with “Well… as a matter of fact, he is.” Implying that he, himself, is Celebrimbor. He pulls a lever that causes the roof to open, shedding light upon the workshop. Celebrimbor looks fairly proud/smug when he says this line. Halbrand walks further into the workshop to look at the opening roof and reacts in a stunned sort of way at first, then moves into more fanboying.

“Celebrimbor… The master I apprenticed to used to speak of the wonders of your craft. I never dreamed that I’d get the chance to see them in person.”

Is Halbrand fanboying? His tone sounds like it, but he doesn’t specifically say that he finds Celebrimbor’s works wonderful or amazing. Just because Morgoth praised Celebrimbor’s work doesn’t mean that Halbrand is impressed. And though Halbrand had never dreamed he’d see Celebrimbor’s craft, that doesn’t mean that he desired to see it. That said, I personally read Halbrand as being genuine here; that he is happy to meet Celebrimbor.

In response to Halbrand’s comment Celebrimbor asks, “Are you a smith?” to which Halbrand answers with “Well… nothing like your artistry… These gemstones, I’ve never seen anything like them. What do you plan to use them for?”

Halbrand’s response implies that he is a blacksmith but not one that operates in artistic works like Celebrimbor’s. This makes sense as Sauron’s work was… not art. As Halbrand speaks the line, he takes in Celebrimbor’s workplace and is drawn to the jewels laid out on the table.

Celebrimbor answers with “Feanor’s jewel craft managed to capture the essence of Valinor. I had hoped to do the same for Middle Earth.”

Again Celebrimbor’s ego and ambition is blatant. He desires to see himself as the Middle Earth version of Feanor.

 

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Halbrand doesn’t comment on that statement. Instead, his attention is drawn to the chunk of mithril. Halbrand says “This is a peculiar ore. What is it?”

Now, both the gemstones and the mithril were laid out (quite plainly) on the same table. While not shocking or inconceivable that Halbrand noticed them, it is still interesting that Halbrand is drawn to the two things that will (eventually) go into the elven rings of power. Is it because he senses their power? Or is it just that they are materials he has not utilized before? I mean, the forge is cool, but Halbrand has seen those before. Same with anvils and hammers, iron and bronze, but these gems and mithril are likely quite new to him.

If Halbrand knew about the anti-fading plan, then his interest in the mithril & jewels could be explained by him knowing how they would be used. If Halbrand wants to get in on the project, asking leading questions about the gems and mithril could be a means of talking his way into getting involved. I mean, that is effectively what Halbrand does. He asks about the ore and jewels, Celebrimbor offers a little info, Halbrand offers some advice, Celebrimbor starts seeking Halbrand’s aid more, and all of a sudden Halbrand is almost Celebrimbor’s partner! If Halbrand knows about the fading and the plan to combat it, then he is utilizing manipulation very well to get in on the action.

But, again, I personally think Halbrand is inquiring from a basis of ignorance. That isn’t to say he may not be thinking about whether he could forge something with these materials to aid in his own mission, but I don’t believe Halbrand knows what they are or what they are to be used for right now.

Celebrimbor answer’s Halbrand’s question vaguely by saying “Not enough.”

“Enough for what?” Halbrand responds. But Halbrand’s question goes un-answered. Celebrimbor gestures for Halbrand to give the mithril back, saying “Please.”

Halbrand then offers an idea. “Have you tried combining it with other ores? To better stretch it out?”

Without knowing the context of the issue, Halbrand offers a way to fix the lack of sufficient mithril. Not only does this set up Halbrand as trying to be helpful, but it also gets Celebrimbor to talk more about the mithril. If Halbrand doesn’t know about mithril, then he may be attempting to manipulate Celebrimbor into giving out more information. Or Halbrand may just want to be helpful.

Celebrimbor counters Halbrand’s advice by saying “That wouldn’t be suitable for this ore.”

This doesn’t offer too much beyond saying that, for some reason, the ore couldn’t/shouldn’t be mixed with other ores. This doesn’t give any information about the mithril itself. Halbrand pushes further by asking “Why not?”

Again, is Halbrand asking to try and learn more about this mysterious mithril ore? Or is he just trying to be helpful? If the latter, does he maybe recognize the apathy in Celebrimbor that had once gripped his own heart? Does he connect with a master smith who cannot achieve the creation he dreams of?

Celebrimbor gives a plainer answer than he has up until now. “Because in the amounts we need, it would too greatly dilute its unique qualities.”

This is some juicy information. The ore has unique qualities and Celebrimbor needs/wants lots of mithril to harness said qualities. There are still holes of knowledge, like what those qualities are, exactly how much does Celebrimbor need, and what it is all for. But it is a start.

Halbrand doesn’t push for more information though. This must mean that he doesn’t need/want them, at least right now. In my mind that would be because he either already knows the answers (which I personally doubt) or he is genuine about helping Celebrimbor address the problem at hand (that being that there is “not enough”). If Halbrand just wants to help, then he doesn’t need any information that isn’t related to fixing the amount problem.

Currently there is not enough of the ore and (presumably) they can’t get more. They can’t just add other ores to stretch it out, as it would weaken the mithril. So what can they do? Halbrand offers an answer by saying, “Forgive me, but, uh, at the risk of sounding a fool, couldn’t the right alloy also amplify those qualities?”

Halbrand speaks rather humbly here (intentionally or not depends on what one think’s Halbrand’s motivations are in this scene). Is it because Halbrand feels this is common enough knowledge that he feels silly pointing out the obvious? Or does he think highly enough of Celebrimbor that he feels like anything he says will seem foolish to Celebrimbor? Or is this a play at being humble to manipulate?

Celebrimbor seems confused or curious answering, “Uh…amplify?”

The idea of combining metals is not foreign to Celebrimbor. The way he responds to Halbrand’s initial combination idea (“would not be suitable for this ore”) speaks to the fact that Celebrimbor already thought of it. So why is Celebrimbor stunned by this alloy idea?

Is it because Celebrimbor has never considered alloys before (I doubt this, personally, since he is a master smith)? Or did he always assume that an alloy with mithril was impossible (like, mithril is just so amazing that the idea that adding something to it could make it stronger is just ludicrous)?

I believe that it isn’t exactly the idea of an alloy that stuns Celebrimbor, but the idea of amplification. He says it himself. He doesn’t say “Uh… alloy?” he says “Uh… Amplify?”

In Celebrimbor’s mind, he had intended some massive work, be that a ring/crown for every elf, or a giant tower or tree made of mithril. In a future scene, where Celebrimbor is pitching the new idea of a single smaller object to Gil-Galad, the scene opens with this discussion:

Gil-Galad: “One object. For all Middle Earth.”
Elrond: “I know it sounds strange, High King. But surely, we should exhaust every possible solution.”
Gil-Galad: “Precisely what manner of object?”
Celebrimbor: “It would be smaller than previously imagined. Something that could be carried…”

First there is mention of one object, an idea that ‘sounds strange’ which means it hasn’t come up before or isn’t expected to work. Then the size of the object is described as being “smaller than previously imagined”. The size and number comments imply that before Halbrand and Celebrimbor spoke, Celebrimbor had planned to create multiple large projects or a great number of medium sized objects. If Celebrimbor’s mind was always stuck on maintaining size or number, then I think it makes sense that an alloy wouldn’t help. The ratio of ores is important.

Halbrand’s words may be inspiring Celebrimbor to think small. Something small, but powerful enough to work. Celebrimbor may now be thinking ‘could I somehow create a single small object with enough power amplification to encompass all elvendom?’

There is also the note that Celebrimbor mentions at the end of the episode, that being the mithril needs the purest of metals (from Valinor). Given the mithril is so picky in its alloy needs, it is possible that Celebrimbor had considered an alloy in the past but quickly gave up when it didn’t work. Halbrand’s comment could make Celebrimbor realize that the situation is not hopeless, though there is no guarantee that an alloy would work (I mean, they spend the rest of the episode trying to find and create such an alloy with many setbacks between now and then).

Halbrand goes on to explain his alloy idea further. “Where I came up, precious metals were scarce as hens’ teeth. So we learnt to combine them to harness strengths and hide flaws. I’ve seen a trace of nickel added to iron to make a blade lighter and stronger. Might there not be some alloy to amplify the qualities of your ore?”

Halbrand is basically explaining the concept of an alloy here. Celebrimbor continues to chew on this idea saying, “Well, that is… an intriguing suggestion.”

To which Halbrand replies “Call it… a gift.”

It is interesting that Halbrand clarifies that his advice was not just a suggestion but a gift. Why? I mean, I feel like the writers probably put it in to reference Annatar. But in the context of Halbrand talking to Celebrimbor, why? A suggestion is to offer something for consideration, while a gift is something given freely. They are not exclusive to one another, I suppose. So the advice being a gift doesn’t mean that it isn’t a suggestion. Is Halbrand just emphasizing that his suggestion was given freely? That he wanted to offer it? That he wanted to be helpful? I don’t really know.

But that wraps up that scene!

 

[SecretSpy97]

Now, Halbrand is not in it, but the scene of Gil-Galad speaking to Elrond, Celebrimbor, and Galadriel is an important one for the unveiling of Sauron so I thought I would touch on it.

In the scene Celebrimbor expands on his new plan, that being a single small object (at the moment a crown). He mentions that a round form is best for enhancing the power of the object. Gil-Galad is against the proposal due the potential problems with giving such power to one person (even if that person is him) and due to the time crunch they have (for it seems that Orodruin’s eruption is expediting the fading of the elves?). Then we get to the juicy stuff.

Celebrimbor says “But I almost had it sooner. It was only in speaking with the Southlander that I realized-”

Gil-Galad jumps in with “The low man? This idea was his?”

Celebrimbor referred to Halbrand as the Southlander. This implies a level of respect that Gil-Galad, who referred to Halbrand as the low man, does not.

Celebrimbor defends himself with “His suggestions were but the key that unlocked the dam. We are on the cusp of crafting a new kind of power. Not of strength, but of spirit. Not of the flesh, but over flesh. This is… This is power of the Unseen World.”

Halbrand mentioned using an alloy to enhance the power of the mithril which was the “key” that inspired Celebrimbor’s current plans/designs. Now, did Halbrand offer more than just the “key” and Celebrimbor is trying to downplay Halbrand’s role? Or was that all that Halbrand did and Celebrimbor is being honest? I don’t know, myself.

Celebrimbor then (unknowingly) quotes the words spoken by Adar back in episode 6: “not of the flesh, but over flesh”. This triggers alarm bells for Galadriel, for she would remember those words being spoken in relation to Sauron during her conversation with Adar. After the meeting is adjourned, Galadriel stops Celebrimbor and asks him “Those words ‘a power over flesh.’ Where did you hear them?”

Celebrimbor answers with “Uh… I was conferring with my smiths. I think I… I believe those are my words.”

Now I don’t think Celebrimbor is a liar, but I do believe he is capable of talking around the truth as well as any. So, I think it important to look at what Celebrimbor says carefully, in case he is trying to hide something.

Celebrimbor’s pauses and stammering could be him trying to think about how to avoid telling the truth without lying (as I imagine he isn’t as good at dodging questions as Halbrand is). But why wouldn’t he want to tell the truth?

We (and Galadriel) know that Adar said the whole ‘power over flesh’ bit in reference to Sauron’s work. So it makes sense that the words Celebrimbor had heard were spoken by Sauron. If that is the case, then Halbrand must have mentioned this (since he is Sauron). So why is Celebrimbor uncertain here, pausing and thinking about who said it? Why not say he heard it from Halbrand? Celebrimbor doesn’t know Halbrand is Sauron, so it isn’t like Celebrimbor needs to hide the fact that the learned all of this from a great evil. To Celebrimbor, Halbrand is just a regular human. But could that be the problem?

Though Celebrimbor may respect Halbrand more than Gil-Galad does, that doesn’t mean he will want to give Halbrand credit for this discovery. Perhaps Celebrimbor wants all the glory for himself? He has spoken all season of wanting to create something grand, likening himself to Faenor (so, very egotistical). Would he really want to be seen as a co-creator for his greatest work? Or, perhaps, Celebrimbor is worried of how it would look if this breakthrough began with Halbrand? Gil-Galad sees Halbrand as a low man, how many other elves would think the same? I doubt Celebrimbor want’s the elves to think a “low man” was a better smith than him.

Another alternative is Celebrimbor’s mind was messed with. As will be seen later in the episode, Halbrand can use illusion/mind-interfering powers. Could Halbrand have messed with Celebrimbor’s mind without Celebrimbor knowing? Just as Galadriel will be given a vision of her brother, could Halbrand have provided a vision of Celebrimbor’s smiths, figuring out how to craft the rings (or crown, at that point)? If so, Celebrimbor’s pauses and stammering could be him trying to sort through the foggy memories from the vision. This theory is a bit too farfetched for my taste, but I thought it worth mentioning!

A final option is that Celebrimbor actually just forgot or wasn’t paying attention during his conversation with his smiths. His pauses could be him trying to remember something that, to him, was inconsequential or unimportant. Why does he care who said what during his meeting? What mattered was the content, not the speakers. I mean, we already know that he has a bit of an ego, considering his reactions to Halbrand buttering him up. So maybe when he was conferring with his smiths, he didn’t really consider who said what, just what was said and how that would help his project. So perhaps now he is being forced to try and remember faces and voices that he didn’t care to take note of?

For myself, the first take (that of Celebrimbor trying to think about how to word his response in a way to exclude Halbrand) is most likely, but I don’t really know! Let me know what you think!

Galadriel asks “Was Halbrand with you?” but Celebrimbor doesn’t answer, giving the excuse of “What does it matter? It’s over.”

Galadriel’s questions clearly shows that she suspects Halbrand. Why Halbrand though? Why did ‘over flesh’ comment lead her to suspect Halbrand over just assuming that Sauron is hiding as one of Celebrimbor’s smiths?

Since Halbrand never lied about his origins, the breadcrumbs are all there for Galadriel to follow. All she needed was the right clue to set her on the path. I mean, now Galadriel can effectively do what I have been doing: looking back on all her conversations where she thought Halbrand was a normal human and re-assess Halbrand’s words now that it is possible he is Sauron.

Meanwhile, Elrond is able to convince Gil-Galad to give them more time to attempt Celebrimbor’s idea. Then we cut to Celebrimbor’s team getting to work in the workshop. The first shot of the workshop getting started is of Halbrand cranking the forge. Later Halbrand can be seen working with Celebrimbor over a worktable while Galadriel watches them suspiciously.

This just shows how hands-on Halbrand is with the process. He not only rubs shoulders with the big-boss himself (Celebrimbor) but also does manual work. In a way, he is involved with every step of the process.

 

[SecretSpy97]

Later Galadriel speaks to an elven scribe about researching the Southland kings. Galadriel pulls the scribe away upon hearing Elrond and Celebrimbor approach. I would guess that she was just worried that Halbrand would have been with them or that they would ask what she was doing (which, if she answered truthfully, may make her sound paranoid).

After the scribe leaves, Halbrand arrives, spooking Galadriel (as she was probably worried that she was caught). Halbrand says “Don’t be afraid. Celebrimbor will find a way. I’m certain of it.”

Halbrand’s words are carefully laid out to imply that he believes Galadriel is afraid because of the fading problem. But that may not be the case. He could just be telling her to not be afraid and, speaking a separate truth, saying that Celebrimbor will find a way to solve the problem at hand. Two separate statements.

Was he listening in and/or did he notice that he was the one that spooked her, so now he is trying to convince her to not worry? Or is he genuine in thinking her fear was due to the fading threat? Given what he says and does later in the episode, my guess is that he has been clued in that Galadriel is suspicious (either before this or right now) and is trying to play things cool, like there is nothing to worry about. Galadriel’s actions just show that she is curious about the Southland king lineage. Those actions don’t even mean that Galadriel is suspicious of Halbrand. For all he knows, she may want to know who Halbrand’s grandfather is. But regardless of what motivations Halbrand thinks Galadriel has, he would know that this line of inquiry would lead to the discovery that he is no Southland king. From there, he may fear that Galadriel (who he knows is always on the hunt for evil) may make the jump to guessing he is Sauron.

Galadriel asks “All of a sudden, the two of you seem quite familiar.”

Halbrands reponds by saying “I’m just offering whatever humble aid I can. To tell you the truth, I can still hardly believe it. Someone like me, here, working with the Elven Smiths of Eregion. Thank you, Galadriel.”

Halbrand mentions offering his humble aid. While we haven’t gone in-depth on his and Celebrimbor’s working relationship, that one scene they had together did feature Halbrand being/acting humble. So this seems true. But is this a genuine statement (Halbrand really does just want to help) or is Halbrand saying this to dodge having to address just how familiar he and Celebrimbor are?

I find Halbrand’s comment about working in Eregion funny. In his mind he likely means that it is wild that he, Sauron, is working here. But his words are said in a way to imply (to those not suspicious of his origins) that it is just surprising that a “low man” could be there.

By the tone of Halbrand’s voice, I believe his thanks is genuine too. Regardless of whether he is trying to manipulate Celebrimbor or genuinely trying to solve the elf-fading problem, neither would have been possible without Galadriel.

Galadriel asks, “For bringing you here?”

But Halbrand clarifies, saying “For saving my life.” Is this about saving him from the wound? It very well could be, as that seems to be what he is saying on the surface. It is possible, given what he is about to say, he also means that he had given up on life and then Galadriel pulled him out of his apathy.

Galadriel says “As you saved mine. Our scales are balanced.” Is she trying to distance or disconnect herself from Halbrand? If she suspects Halbrand is Sauron, could she already be worried that she helped Sauron? So rather than letting it sound like she happily helped Sauron, she is trying to phrase it like she needed to help him to balance their scales?

Halbrand doesn’t accept that though. He says “No. No, you’ve done far more than that for me. I’d all but given up. But you, you believed in me. You saw strength in me. You pushed me to heights that no one else could have. I will never forget that. And I’ll see to it that no one else does either.”

Most of that monologue seems heartfelt and genuine. But that last sentence, when he leans in close, the music shifts and it suddenly sounds sinister. And it could be a threat. A subtle ‘if you reveal I am Sauron then I will tell everyone you helped me’. But I find it strange that he has this whole heartfelt speech and then punctuates it with a threat. I mean, Halbrand has spent all this time with Galadriel, so he should know that threats don’t really work on her. Plus, later on he is going to try and win her over to his side. If Halbrand’s goal is to have Galadriel be his Queen, how does threatening her help convince her to join him? He will eventually threaten her, but that comes after she refuses his initial offer.

Plus, Halbrand doesn’t act on this threat (at least not in this season, maybe he’ll try and carry it out in season 2). After saying this he could go around and start telling every elf who will listen how close he and Galadriel are and how much she helped him get to where he was today. Or, after she outs him and while she is still trapped in the vision, he could have quickly run to Celebrimbor and said something that could have made Celebrimbor suspicious of Galadriel. But Halbrand does no such thing. Maybe it is an empty threat, or maybe it is trying to play into Galadriel’s fears?

I wonder, what if the threatening feeling of Halbrand’s words is just how Galadriel perceives them? It is primarily the music and camera angle that makes Halbrand’s words seem threatening. But in the world of the story there is no soundtrack or camera. So perhaps the music and camera angle are there to convey how Galadriel is perceiving his words? Now that she is suspicious, she may be reflecting on all that she has done to help Halbrand and imagining how better it would have been for Halbrand to have remained stranded on the raft.

But then if Halbrand was being genuine and not intending to threaten, why did he lean in to whisper that sentence specifically? And his tone, while not blatantly threatening, didn’t sound very sweet either. So maybe Halbrand is threatening her here! Hard to tell! While I want to assume he isn’t threatening her, without more evidence I will defer to the meaning that the scene portrays, so I’ll read this as Halbrand threatening Galadriel. But let me know what you all think!

Halbrand’s next appearance is after the workshop explodes. While he doesn’t appear right away, his presence in the workshop means that he is still actively helping with the project. And since the project is encountering setbacks (it exploded) it means that Halbrand doesn’t know how to craft this particular object of power. I find this important when thinking of Halbrand’s motivations here.

If Halbrand had known how to craft the rings of power, and was using his time in Eregion to manipulate Celebrimbor into making the rings that he desired, then I feel like there would not be so many setbacks. The fact that they are encountering all these issues, combined with Adar’s statement that Sauron wasn’t able to craft the power Sauron wanted, leads me to believe that Halbrand does not know how to make an object of power like the rings.

If Halbrand doesn’t know how to create an object of power and is learning alongside Celebrimbor, then that means that Halbrand is either using Celebrimbor’s project to learn how to create an object of power himself (so that the can go home and make his own ring of power) or he is being genuine about wanting to help.

Galadriel enters the workshop to investigate the explosion and Celebrimbor and Elrond explain that the mithril is not melding with other metals. Tensions rise, with Gil-Galad’s deadline looming, so an argument begins. Galadriel halts the argument by saying “Perhaps that is enough for today. Perhaps we’ve been pushing ourselves too hard.”

This seems to inspire Halbrand (or he just uses it as an excuse to give the answer) as he says “ ‘Pushing ourselves too hard.’ Supposing that’s the trouble. Supposing we’ve been using too much force?”

This advice proves to be exactly what is needed to progress the project.

Everyone gets back to work, but Halbrand notices Galadriel being approached by the elven scribe. Halbrand’s face tells that he is concerned, stressed, worried, or something similar. I take this to mean that Halbrand either knows that Galadriel is suspicious or is worried that her line of inquiry will reveal his true identity. And it could act as confirmation that he overheard Galadriel’s conversation with the scribe earlier in the episode.

If Halbrand hadn’t overheard the conversation, then why would he look concerned over seeing Galadriel talking to a random elf? Halbrand’s reaction only makes sense if he knows what that elf’s task had been. This is why I thought that, in the last scene, Halbrand had either overheard some of Galadriel’s conversation or had otherwise become aware of her suspicions before.

However, given how Halbrand starts the next scene (going to Galadriel to share good news about the project) perhaps he doesn’t know that she thinks he could be Sauron. Maybe Halbrand just thinks that there is some unknown tension between him and her? Or (what I believe to be the case) that he suspects Galadriel is catching on that he isn’t actually a king? But I think the next scene will help clarify where Halbrand is at!

 

[SecretSpy97]

For the next scene, Galadriel is alone. She has the scribe’s scroll in hand and is staring off into the distance. Halbrand arrives, beginning to descend a set of stairs to the area where Galadriel is standing. Halbrand says “Galadriel! We found it. I don’t know how we missed it before. It’s too much power for one object. We need two. We’re making two.”

Halbrand sounds excited with this news. Another discovery! Another piece of the puzzle! Did he learn this news and immediately run to find Galadriel? Or did he use the news as an excuse to seek out Galadriel while she was alone? If Halbrand is worried Galadriel is becoming suspicious of him, then it would be better to talk with her away from others. But in a moment, when Galadriel asks Halbrand who he is, he continues to pretend he doesn’t know what she is talking about. If he came out here to talk about Galadriel’s suspicions while alone with her, it is weird that he avoids the subject for so long.

Perhaps his excitement over the project overpowers his fears of Galadriel’s suspicion? Maybe he thought Galadriel would confront him about her suspicions at a later time? Or maybe he thought he could deceive her by just playing it cool?

Galadriel responds to Halbrand’s declaration with “Two crowns?”

To which Halbrand replies with “Not exactly. It’ll need to be something… smaller. Come, see for yourself.”

Halbrand starts to leave. If his plans were confrontation, then why ask Galadriel to follow him?

Galadriel speaks before Halbrand can depart saying, “Not until you tell me who you are.”

Halbrand says “You know who I am.”

Galadriel responds with “Who you really are.”

Halbrand replies with “Galadriel, I’m afraid I don’t-”

Now, Galadriel’s statement of “Not until you tell me who you are” implies that if she were to know who Halbrand was she might go with him. If Galadriel, before this confrontation, was 100% certain Halbrand was Sauron would she have said this? I doubt it. She likely would have said something more akin to ‘I would never go with you, for you are not who you claim to be.’ If Galadriel considers it a possibility that she would be willing to go with Halbrand after he reveals his identity, that would mean that Galadriel believes there is a chance (be it big or small) that Halbrand is not Sauron.

The only fact Galadriel knows right now is that Halbrand is not a Southlands king. It doesn’t prove he is Sauron. The only hints of Halbrand being Sauron are the repeated words of Adar and Celebrimbor, which is rocky evidence (could be coincidence or maybe it was one of the elven smiths). Galadriel may have reflected on all that Halbrand has said and seen it in a different (Sauron) light, but nonetheless she doesn’t have hard proof. So, Galadriel is confronting Halbrand. She knows that the Halbrand she believed in is false. Though as we’ve seen, Halbrand hasn’t lied about anything, he just allowed Galadriel to believe what she wanted.

Now, Halbrand’s first response to the question/accusation involves stating that Galadriel knows who he is. Halbrand is playing dumb, acting as though Galadriel doesn’t know he is Sauron. So I doubt that Halbrand is meaning ‘you know that I am actually Sauron.’ But I doubt Halbrand is lying by meaning ‘You know that I am Halbrand the human Southland king.’ So what does Halbrand mean here, if he is telling the truth? What does Halbrand think Galadriel knows about him?

I think Halbrand is saying that Galadriel knows the person behind the names and actions. It doesn’t matter if he is Halbrand or Sauron, if he is human or maiar, whether his past is good or evil, his heart and personality are the same. Galadriel has spent enough time with Halbrand that Halbrand may believe Galadriel knows the individual underneath Halbrand’s many names. That Galadriel understands him. I believe that is the truth that Halbrand is saying. I believe this is proven later, when Halbrand says that he is her friend (but we’ll get to that).

Galadriel isn’t having it though. She doubles down, asking the question of who Halbrand is. Halbrand’s “I’m afraid I don’t-“ is spoken in a tone of confusion. What was he going to say before he gets cut off by Galadriel? Is he genuinely confused or just pretending to be?

If we are reading Halbrand as suspecting of Galadriel catching on, then his confused tone must be a false one. I feel like only a non-suspicious Halbrand would be confused at this point. So I would guess that Halbrand is just trying to sow doubt in Galadriel’s mind (out of fear for being uncovered or out of devious manipulation depends on one’s reading of Halbrand’s motivations at the moment).

Galadriel throws down the Southlands scroll and declares “There is no King of the Southlands. The line was broken. The last man to bear your crest died over a thousand years ago. He had no heir.”

Halbrand is quiet. He descends the stairs and glances at the scroll, likely recognizing that the scroll is the source of Galadriel’s new information. As he does this his facial expression changes to a neutral one. His voice is emotionless (maybe even cold and calculating). He says, “I told you I found it on a dead man.”

I like that his defense to Galadriel’s accusation is to basically say ‘I never lied to you. I told you where I got it.’

I read his tone and expression shift as meaning that Halbrand knows the jig is up at this point. Since he shifts into it so quickly it makes me think that he had come here knowing Galadriel may confront him. That he came here prepared for this eventuality. At the moment I believe there are two possibilities. One is Halbrand came here solely with the project update and shifted tones so easily because Sauron would likely be good at remaining in control of a conversation. The other is that Halbrand was concerned Galadriel would discover something and so he came out under the pretense of good news to try to goad her into confronting him while they were alone. He would play ignorant at first to see just how suspicious Galadriel is, but if she proves to suspect Halbrand then he is ready to shift tactics on a whim.

I don’t know which of the two I like more. The latter makes more sense within the context of Halbrand’s actions this episode (seeming to threaten Galadriel after possibly overhearing her and being concerned when the scribe delivers the scroll to Galadriel), so I’ll roll with that assumption, but I’m not entirely convinced. Let me know what you think on Halbrand’s motivations at the start of this scene!

Galadriel responds to this by saying “No. No, on the raft, you saved me“

Halbrand responds with “On the raft you saved me”

Galadriel’s response makes me think that she is now largely convinced that Halbrand is Sauron. Her somewhat incredulous and panicked tone, plus her denial seems to say that she thinks Halbrand is Sauron but doesn’t want to believe it. In my opinion Galadriel’s denial being because Halbrand had saved her lines up with that reading, for in Galadriel’s mind Sauron would never risk himself to save another.

Halbrand states that Galadriel saved him. An interesting statement, for his life was never directly saved by the actions of Galadriel while on the raft. He escaped from the monster on his own, he wasn’t drowning at any point, or anything of that sort. Perhaps Halbrand means that he had succumbed to apathy, but Galadriel’s arrival freed him from the apathy, and in that way ‘saved’ him?

This does offer some more potential insight as to why Halbrand saved Galadriel when she was drowning during the storm. If their debate/argument/discussion on the raft had pulled Halbrand out of his apathy (maybe not fully) then he may have thought Galadriel saved him. Seeing Galadriel drowning, Halbrand might have opted to save her because she had saved him. Or, perhaps, the act of saving Galadriel (a good selfless act) could have been the action that “saved” Halbrand, for it may have given him hope that there was, well, hope for him. Personally, I like the latter reading since I didn’t see much ‘Galadriel pulling Halbrand out of his apathy’ during their episode 2 conversation.

Galadriel is still in denial, attempting to find more excuses for Halbrand to not be Sauron. Next, she says “You convinced Miriel to save the Men of Middle Earth.”

Halbrand responds with “You convinced her. I wanted to remain in Numenor.” Halbrand has been calm throughout this. Despite fearing that Galadriel would cast him out if she found out (per his words in episode 5), he is handling her revelation well. Now he doesn’t come out and say that he is Sauron (not yet). He is just clarifying the truth. For a long time, he allowed Galadriel to assume who he was. But not anymore. Now he corrects Galadriel’s assumptions. I find it interesting that now that his identity has been revealed (well, mostly revealed) he does away with all manner of deception. His words still speak the truth, as they always have, but now he no longer allows Galadriel to deceive herself.

And again, Galadriel tries to deny Halbrand’s true identity by citing a good deed he performed.

 

[SecretSpy97]

So Halbrand corrects Galadriel by saying, “You convinced her. I wanted to remain in Numenor.”

Again, another true statement. That is what happened. Halbrand was always resistant. It was Galadriel pushing Miriel (and Halbrand) to go to the Southlands.

Galadriel continues to try to justify her denial. “You fought beside me.”

Each of Galadriel’s excuses has been stating something ‘good’ that Halbrand has done (or that she perceived he had done). It seems clear that she doesn’t believe it possible for Sauron to perform a good act. Sauron is anathema to all that is ‘good’.

Halbrand responds with “Against your enemy. And mine.”

Halbrand’s counterpoints do not focus on good or evil. He doesn’t make himself out as a hero or a villain. But he does paint his actions as being more self-centered. Halbrand fought Galadriel’s enemy, but it was also Halbrand’s enemy. He wanted to stay in Numenor. He saved Galadriel, but she also saved him. This may act as a hint to why Halbrand succumbed to the pull of evil. For even when he wasn’t doing evil deeds, he was only acting for himself.

Galadriel just goes out and asks it (or rather, commands it). “Tell me your name.”

Halbrand says it as best he can, “I have been awake since before the breaking of the first silence. In that time… I have had many names.”

Why doesn’t he say he is Sauron? Or Mairon? I think it is because, as Halbrand says, he has “had many names.” He has identified with many names since he came into being, so offering a single name just wouldn’t do. Or Halbrand simply doesn’t identify with any particular name, so any/many different names would work. This could be why calling himself Halbrand wasn’t a lie. For if he doesn’t identify as Mairon or Sauron or any other particular name, then he can offer whatever name he is currently working with and not have it be a lie.

Also, as a quick side note, I will still talk using ‘Halbrand’ to identify the current Sauron/Halbrand character, despite the reveal.

Halbrand delivers his line softly. Not in a menacing tone (I think). I believe it is because in Halbrand’s mind the discovery of his identity does not mean that Galadriel and his’ relationship needs to change. Halbrand doesn’t need to be scared or angry if he feels comfortable enough that Galadriel may accept him for who he is.

The conversation’s menace all comes from Galadriel (in my opinion) for she immediately pulls out her dagger and goes for a killing blow. But Halbrand catches her arm. There is a sudden ringing sound and suddenly Galadriel has fallen to the ground in Valinor. Specifically in the set of the opening scene to series.

What comes next is a scene between Galadriel and Finrod. But considering this is some sort of vision or dream created by Halbrand (heavily implied to the point of certainty, though never directly stated), I will treat what Finrod says as being rooted in Halbrand.

Finrod starts by saying “Lose your footing again, sister? It was just a little tumble, is all.” He is off screen as he says this. The voice is clearly Finrod’s but we are left to wonder whether it is Finrod or Halbrand playing tricks. Finrod walks up to Galadriel, though we don’t see his face.

Finrod’s line calls back to the very first scene of the show, when child Galadriel tackles one of the elven bullies. Now, if Finrod is Halbrand (or is being controlled by him), how does Finrod know to call back to that memory? I mean, it could be pure coincidence, but I doubt it. We (the audience) see that scene of Galadriel as a child because it is an important memory for Galadriel. For Halbrand to reference it in this vision, he either must be able to access Galadriel’s memories or Galadriel had told him about the memory off-screen at some point. Considering how cagey Galadriel has been regarding her past, I doubt she shared the details of the memory with Halbrand. So, in my opinion this must mean that Halbrand is able to access Galadriel’s memories.

Another theory, though not one I believe, is that Halbrand is only manipulating Galadriel’s memories. Instead of delving into her memories and then recreating the same scene using the vision, the vision thrusts Galadriel back into her memory, but an edited version. In this way, Finrod still generally acts like Finrod and knows what Finrod knows, but Halbrand can “edit” what Finrod thinks and says (and edit out the elven children). If this were the case then Halbrand pulls the memory of Galadriel’s brother, letting Galadriel’s memory of Finrod fill in the blanks of how he is supposed to act and react, while Halbrand influences memory-Finrod to say certain things.

Now, if I am going with my ‘access Galadriel’s memories’ theory, then this means that either Halbrand can only access memories while in this vision/dream or he can access memories and minds at any point. Personally, I believe the former. Halbrand’s actions throughout the show wouldn’t make as much sense if he could access anyone’s memories at any point, in my opinion. I mean, it would explain some of his insightful jumps and would recontextualize some of his conversations. But Halbrand pries for information too much for it to make sense that he could just get the answers through mind reading (in my opinion).

To continue, Galadriel seems to recognize that this must be Halbrand’s doing. She says, “Get out of my mind.”

Finrod, kneeling next to Galadriel but face still obscured, says “Please, sister. Look at me… Galadriel.”

When Finrod says Galadriel’s name, she turns and looks at him. His face is revealed to the audience at the same time, revealing that it is Finrod’s face. Galadriel’s face breaks out in a smile. Findrod carefully removes the dagger from Galadriel’s hand, and she doesn’t resist.

Galadriel knew that Halbrand was messing with her mind, given her previous line. So I don’t think she was simply convinced otherwise just by seeing Finrod’s face. I believe that the “enchantment” of the vision finally gained hold of her. The “enchantment” slowly gaining control is represented by how much of Finrod is being shown on screen. The “enchantment” starts out weak (no sight if Finrod) but grows in strength when he walks on screen, which Galadriel recognizes but can’t fully resist, until it finally “enchants” her and she gazes upon Finrod, now “magically” coerced into believing the illusion. Personally, I see no other reason why she would surrender the dagger to Finrod and then follow him to the tree to sit and chat.

 

[SecretSpy97]

We cut to the tree where Finrod and Galadriel had their original talk about the light and darkness in episode 1. Again, Halbrand must have some access to Galadriel’s memories to have known to bring Galadriel here.

Finrod begins by saying (while inspecting his dagger) “My old dagger. You’ve kept it safe all this time. You have been very brave. You have fought so hard. For so many years. To complete the task that I could not.”

These are all true to what Galadriel has been doing and doesn’t require any memory-access to be able to state (Halbrand was told by Galadriel that the dagger was her brother’s). They are also compliments. Maybe Halbrand is trying to give Galadriel the feeling of resolution she has sought?

Galadriel responds by saying “Your task was hunting Sauron.” Is this Galadriel resisting the “enchantment”? She is still speaking to Finrod as if he is actually Finrod (rather than an illusion created by Halbrand), but she isn’t buying into Finrod’s sweet words. Does she say this because she hasn’t completed the task yet, so she doesn’t feel deserving of Finrod’s praise?

Finrod “corrects” her by saying “My task was to ensure peace. But I learned that was Sauron’s task as well.”

These are also true, in a way. Finrod may have been hunting down Sauron, but he was likely doing so with the intent to ensure peace upon Middle Earth. Whether the actual Finrod learned Sauron intended to ensure his own kind of peace, we do not know. But Sauron did want to heal Middle Earth.

Galadriel says, “No. No, you died. Along with countless others, because of him.” This appears to intended to refute Finrod’s claim that Sauron seeks for peace. I mean, if Sauron wanted peace then why did he kill so many, even after Morgoth fell? This may be meant to touch on how the ends do not justify the means. Sauron is evil not because he claims to want peace, but because he is willing to kill as many people as he needs to for him to achieve it.

Finrod says, “No, Galadriel. He was seeking a power not to destroy Middle Earth, but to heal it. Just as your fellow Elves are seeking to do this very moment. You needn’t lie to them. Simply let the work proceed… Do you remember what I whispered to you under this very tree? Touch the darkness once more.”

Finrod begins by refuting Galadriel’s claim. Finrod’s explanation doesn’t really counter the fact that Sauron killed ‘countless others’. But I believe that Finrod is saying that Sauron’s actions, even the deaths, were in pursuit of peace. Specifically in pursuit of a power to be used to heal Middle Earth. If Halbrand believes the ends justify the means, then this would be a genuine claim.

Finrod then compares Sauron’s work to what the Elves are attempting. He asks that Galadriel let the work proceed. This means that Halbrand wants the rings completed. Did he not want the elves to fade? Was he planning on corrupting them? Was he already thinking of trying to forge a One Ring to control them? Or does he want the rings to be completed to prove that it is possible? For if it is possible then he, himself, may be able to craft the power he seeks. Or he wasn’t planning to make his own but rather take one of the rings Celebrimbor crafts? Personally I believe Halbrand sees the elven rings as prototypes and was planning to take what he learned to create something for his own use, but I could easily be wrong with that reading!

I do find it interesting that Halbrand wants the rings to be completed and asks Galadriel to let it happen. Galadriel does, in the end. The only change she makes is having a creation of a third ring. But Halbrand still gets what he asks for.

For that final sentence, Finrod leans in like he did in episode 1 and whispers it softly to Galadriel. That, plus the fact he references that episode 1 conversation, means that memory access was definitely necessary here. What is Finrod saying here, though? Is he/Halbrand misunderstanding the real Finrod’s advice and is just saying ‘join the dark side’? Or is Finrod saying that Galadriel is at a crossroads of light and darkness and is implying that Galadriel doesn’t know which is which and so she should ‘touch the darkness’ to know which side to join? I don’t really know how to read this and would love folks’ thoughts!

Galadriel resists Finrod’s temptation/offer and declares “My brother is dead. Because of you.”

I believe this is the moment that the “enchantment” is broken for Galadriel. Was her will fighting this whole time and was making slow headway? Or was it what Finrod said that snapped her out of it? It seemed that every time Finrod did something out-of-character Galadriel became more resistant.

Finrod is shocked and hurt. As Finrod speaks Galadriel gets up and begins to walk away. “Galadriel. Why would you say that? Why would you say such a thing? Galadriel. Galadriel. Come back to me. Galadriel! Look at me!”

Finrod sounds very pained when speaking. Good acting by Halbrand/Halbrand’s illusion? Probably. Though if we were to go with the reading that Halbrand is merely manipulating the memory of Finrod, then this could be Finrod’s genuine reaction.

The final “look at me” is very loud and angry. And suddenly Galadriel finds herself on the raft. Halbrand is sitting down behind her, in the rough position of where Finrod had been a moment ago. He speaks, “Galadriel. Look at me… You know who I am… I am your friend.”

Halbrand seems calm, like he sounded before the Finrod vision. And he repeats what he had said earlier too but expands on it. It doesn’t matter whether his name is Halbrand or Sauron or what happened in his past. He is still the same person he has always been. If Galadriel saw Halbrand as a friend, then he is still that friend despite Galadriel’s revelation.

Galadriel resists this and counters by saying “You are a friend of Morgoth’s”

At this Halbrand stands up from his seat and says, “When Morgoth was defeated, it was as if a great, clenched fist had released its grasp from my neck. And in the stillness of that first sunrise, at last, I felt the light of The One again. And I knew if ever I was to be forgiven… That I had to heal everything that I had helped ruin.”

Galadriel had essentially said that she could not be friends with someone who is a friend of Morgoth. Halbrand counters that by saying that Morgoth’s defeat freed him. He was no longer Morgoth’s servant (let alone Morgoth’s “friend”). He sought only forgiveness for his sins and believed the only way to earn it was to heal was he had destroyed.

Galadriel refuses to believe that Sauron could be redeemed, so she says, “No penance could ever erase the evil you have done.”

Halbrand is firm but calm when he replies with “That is not what you believe”

Galadriel tries to break off this branch of the conversation by saying “Do not tell me what I believe”

It is true that one shouldn’t dictate what others believe. But is Galadriel saying that because she truly doesn’t believe Sauron could be redeemed or because she herself doesn’t want to forgive him? I believe in the latter, for the reasons that Halbrand is about to point out.

“No. You told me. After our victory, you said that whatever I’d done before I could be free of it now.”

Halbrand has more emotion behind his words now. Hard to tell if it is anger (at the hypocrisy that he perceives on Galadriel’s part) or desperation (because he wants what he is saying to be true), but he is losing his calm demeanor.

Halbrand’s justification is that Galadriel said that his past actions no longer meant anything. Which is sort of true. Galadriel did say that, but she was also under the impression that Halbrand’s “sins” were less extensive then they actually were. But if a regular human who committed unknown evil deeds could be forgiven (which is what Galadriel said before) then why not Sauron? From Halbrand’s point of view, there is no difference. It doesn’t matter what deeds were committed, so long as one is willing to repent.

 

[SecretSpy97]

Galadriel’s defense is based on the fact that when she told Halbrand to be free of his past, she was telling that to a regular human. Not Sauron. She saysm, “You deceived me.”

Halbrand may not have lied to her, but he never corrected her wrong assumptions, so he did deceive her. Or, at least, allowed her to deceive herself.

But Halbrand counters by saying, “I told you the truth. I told you that I had done evil, and you did not care. Because you knew that our past meant nothing, weighed against our future.”

From my re-watching of the show I do believe that Halbrand hasn’t lied to Galadriel. He has spoken true. In his conversations with Galadriel he often said that he had a dark past and had done evil things, but Galadriel always insisted that his past wasn’t an issue. Now, she had been speaking from an incorrect point of view. But should the question of who deserves redemption and forgiveness be dependent on the individual? The argument here between Galadriel and Halbrand is a philosophical one. Galadriel is arguing that there are some people who inherently cannot be redeemed, not matter what they do or say. Halbrand’s seems to believe that redemption should be applied to everyone, not individually dependent.

Now, as a quick aside, while Halbrand seems to believe in redemption, that does not mean his current course of action will redeem him. This gets to the whole ‘ends justify the means’ bit. Halbrand may believe he is repentant and is pursuing the path of good, but that doesn’t mean that he actually is (in the eyes of Valinor and Iluvatar, where it counts).

Halbrand concluded his line by stating “our future” which lumps Halbrand’s future in with Galadriel. Galadriel notices that and says “There is no such future.” Galadriel doesn’t want to have anything to do with Halbrand, now knowing that he is Sauron.

Halbrand asks, “Isn’t there?” and the vision shifts. The water stills, allowing their reflections in it to be better seen. But their reflections are not mirrors of their current forms. Instead, in the water we see “Dark Lord” and “Dark Lady” variants of Halbrand and Galadriel. It is clear that Halbrand sees their future intertwined, working as partners if not something more.

Halbrand continues with, “All others look on you with doubt. I alone can see your greatness. I alone can see your light.”

Here Halbrand is wrong, though I don’t think he is telling a lie. It is true that many have doubted (and still doubt, in the case of Gil-Galad) Galadriel. Some who had believed in her have become disheartened by her (like Elendil). But there are some who do currently value her, such as Elrond and Miriel, Theo and Arondir.

I believe Halbrand hasn’t noticed the relationships that Galadriel has developed with others (primarily because Halbrand hasn’t been around for those conversations) and that is why he thinks that all others look at her with doubt. Halbrand then compliments Galadriel and phrases it to seem like he is the only person in the world who appreciates her. He also mentions Galadriel’s “light” which paints her as a Good person.

It does make me wonder though, if the “light” that Halbrand sees is just ‘light reflected off the dark water’? Halbrand will soon say that he thinks that bringing Galadriel to his side would help ensure that his cause remains good and just, but that may not be the case. If Galadriel joined Halbrand, the two would likely succumb to evil, in my opinion. Galadriel’s light is reflected off the waters of evil.

Galadriel responds to this by saying. “You would make me a tyrant.”

Halbrand attempts to clarify things by saying “I would make you a queen. Fair as the sea and the sun. Stronger than the foundations of the earth.”

A queen sounds better than a tyrant. But, then, a queen can still be a tyrant. Halbrand doesn’t say that Galadriel wouldn’t be a tyrant. Just that she would be a queen. Which implies (as Galadriel will soon point out) that there will be a king. Halbrand continues to heap praise and promise upon Galadriel. I imagine he does this in the hopes that it will win Galadriel over. Who doesn’t want to be the strongest and most beautiful in the world?

Galadriel responds with “And you. My king. The Dark Lord.”

Galadriel recognizes that Halbrand must intend for himself to be king if she were to be queen. But then immediately likens this ‘king’ to be The Dark Lord. An evil role. Galadriel recognizes that Halbrand’s vision of a better future is, in truth, an evil one.

Halbrand tries to counter that by saying “No. Not dark. Not with you at my side. You told me once, that we were brought together for a purpose. This is it. You bind me to the light. And I bind you to power. Together, we can save this Middle Earth.”

So, Halbrand is saying that Galadriel could ensure that Halbrand remains Good. He harkens back to the conversation on the two of them being meant to meet. Halbrand’s interpretation is that they met so that they could team up and save Middle Earth from evil and ruin. Galadriel keeps the two of them good while Halbrand wields the power needed to enact that good.

Galadriel asks “Save? Or rule?”

Now, Halbrand’s pitch doesn’t actually sound too bad. Halbrand (intentionally or unintentionally) has addressed Galadriel’s concern that Halbrand is Evil beyond redemption. He claims he is good and his intentions are good, but if Galadriel doesn’t trust him, then she should team up with him. Galadriel can keep Halbrand on track while the two work together. They have already done good work in the past and it isn’t like, since teaming up with eachother, Halbrand has done anything evil.

The fact that Galadriel is asking this question means that at least part of her is tempted by the offer. If Galadriel felt that Halbrand solely desired to rule Middle Earth she could have stated as much, like ‘You simply mean you wish to rule Middle Earth.’ But she still doubts that Halbrand actually wants to save Middle Earth.

How she phrased her question does imply (in my opinion) that Galadriel is suspicious of Halbrand’s motives. But if Halbrand had responded to this question by saying ‘I do not want to rule. Only save. Only heal.’ Do you think that Galadriel may have given Halbrand’s offer more thought?

Halbrand doesn’t provide such a response to Galadriel’s question though. Instead, he says “I see no difference.”

This brings Halbrand’s “darkness” to the forefront. Saving Middle Earth isn’t a bad thing. But Halbrand believes that to save Middle Earth, he needs to be the one calling the shots. If Middle Earth isn’t following Halbrand’s orders, then it is not orderly but chaotic. It also re-casts all the previous times Sauron or Halbrand has mentioned healing Middle Earth. If Halbrand sees no difference between healing and ruling, then every time healing Middle Earth has come up in relation to Sauron or Halbrand, we can effectively replace the word “heal” with “rule”.

So when Finrod (via Halbrand) says “he seeks not to destroy Middle Earth, but heal it.” He is also saying “he seeks not to destroy Middle Earth, but rule it.” When Adar says that Sauron was seeking an Unseen Power to heal Middle Earth. Sauron was seeking an Unseen Power to rule Middle Earth.

Galadriel recognizes that Halbrand’s views are dark, and responds with “And that is why… I will never be at your side.”

 

[SecretSpy97]

Halbrand responds to this by saying “You have no choice. Without me, your people will fade. And the shadow will spread and darken to cover all the world. You need me.”

Having failed to convince Galadriel by being open and genuine, Halbrand shifts tactics to try and intimidate and bully Galadriel into joining him. Perhaps this is his next tactic because it was the tactic Galadriel frequently used to try and convince Halbrand to join the expedition?

Galadriel would cite needing to save the Southlands and fight evil as being the reasons Halbrand needed to go. Here, Halbrand says to save the elves and fight evil, Galadriel needs to join him.

Galadriel doesn’t address Halbrand’s statement, instead saying “I should have left you on the sea.”

A bit odd, considering there wasn’t a point that we saw on the raft where Galadriel had a choice to go herself and leave Halbrand behind. I mean, she could have gone to Valinor, I suppose, but she hadn’t known Halbrand existed at that point. So, once meeting Halbrand she didn’t really have a moment where she could have cast him aside.

Could Galadriel mean that she wished the two of them had perished at sea? Sacrificing herself to destroy Sauron does sound like something that Galadriel would have gladly done.

During Halbrand’s next line, he gets progressively angrier with each sentence. During the final sentence, Halbrand’s voice becomes sort of warped and spooky. He says, “A sea you were on because the Elves cast you out. They cast you out for deigning to beg them for a few petty soldiers. What will they do when you tell them that you were my ally? When you tell them that Sauron lives because of you?”

Halbrand begins by trying to attack Galadriel’s insecurities. Galadriel had opened up about Gil-Galad and Elrond and her soldiers betraying her because they couldn’t tell her apart from the evil she was fighting. Those memories are painful for Galadriel. Halbrand relies on that pain to drive home his threat: that if the elves cast out Galadriel for just wanting to hunt down Sauron, imagine how much worse they will react when they discover that Galadriel helped bring him out of apathy and turn him onto the path of war and conquest.

Galadriel responds with “And you will die because of me.”

The two scream at each other, just as lightning strikes. Then, suddenly, Galadriel is underwater again, tied to the mast of the raft, and drowning. It drives the thought: Halbrand saved Galadriel.

Does Halbrand do this to remind Galadriel that she lives because of him? Or is it a warning that without Halbrand she may drown? For it wasn’t just during the storm that Halbrand saved Galadriel. His actions helped her in Numenor and in the Southlands. So, without Halbrand, Galadriel may drown metaphorically. Or does Halbrand simply do this to give himself time to escape Eregion?

Galadriel is woken from the vision by Elrond, and Halbrand is gone.

The next we see Halbrand is at the very end, where we see him entering Mordor. Not too much to analyze there, beyond assuming that the first/next part of Halbrand’s plan is in Mordor.

So with the whole first season behind us, what can we get from Halbrand/Sauron? Personally, I am still sticking with my repentant Sauron reading. But I see there as being two levels of Repentant Sauron. One is “Repentant” Sauron. This is the Sauron who wishes to create a power to heal/rule Middle Earth. One who wants to be forgiven for his sins, but is going about it in all the wrong ways. The other is Repentant Sauron (no air quotes here). This is the Sauron who didn’t want to heal/rule Middle Earth. The one who just wanted to smith in Numenor, or perhaps just the one who was suffering from apathy. One who felt the guilt and shame of his past.

My personal timeline for Halbrand is as follows: Morgoth is defeated and thus Sauron becomes “Repentant” Sauron. Sauron believes that to be forgiven for his sins he must heal (rule) Middle Earth. Sauron gathers what forces he can in Durnost where he experiments with powers of the Unseen World. His experiments cost the lives of countless Uruks which drives Adar to betray Sauron. Sauron is either wounded enough to convince Adar that Sauron would die (but he recovers) or Sauron died and re-formed (again, I don’t know whether Sauron would reform since he hasn’t created the ring yet). Sauron does something in the Southlands, perhaps becoming Halbrand during this time. Sauron/Halbrand’s time in the Southlands ended recently through some unknown event (which would explain how he knows the movements of the Uruks). Halbrand somehow ended up on the raft (perhaps connected to the Southlands backstory?) where he has given up on life, seeing no way to be forgiven (i.e. no way to heal Middle Earth/rule Middle Earth). The shift between “Repentant” Sauron and Repentant Sauron must have occurred sometime between Adar’s betrayal and Galadriel finding Halbrand on the raft.

Galadriel arrives and helps Halbrand set aside his apathy. In Numenor Halbrand believes that, even though he cannot heal/rule Middle Earth, he may be able to find his own peace through smithing. Galadriel convinces Halbrand otherwise, at which point Halbrand decides that he should try to heal/rule Middle Earth, returning to “Repentant” Sauron. In defeating Adar, Halbrand feels surer than ever that he is on the right course, so he openly accepts the Southland’s kingship. Orodruin’s destruction is upsetting to Halbrand but he vows not to give up. In Eregion he is inspired to help the elves prevent their fading and to learn how to craft a power of the Unseen World.

What I wonder now, which will rely on future seasons, is what Halbrand’s connection to the Southlands is (if any), how he ended up on the raft, and what his motivation was for helping the elves address their fading problem.

But, please, let me know your takes and readings (not just for this episode, but the whole season)! What are some alternate interpretations? Did I miss any critical meanings in Halbrand’s words? What is your Halbrand timeline? Do this episode’s revelations recontextualize anything from previous episodes?

Thanks for reading! Looking forward to Season 2!

 

[Odola]

Since Halbrand never lied about his origins, the breadcrumbs are all there for Galadriel to follow. All she needed was the right clue to set her on the path.

Indeed, and this one clue was missing in the plot. It was not there. There was no reason for her to associate Adar's words in any way with Halbrand - Halbrand was not present when Adar spoke those to her, she has no reason whatsoever to assume Halbrand ever heard this expression and that he ever met Adar any sooner than she herself did. She still showed no suspicion when Halbrand did not die from his wound as he should were he a mere mortal. But now Celebrimbor citing Adar somehow makes her suspect Halbrand? Why? She has no reason whatsoever to do it.

This could have been resolved very easily in the show - just let one of the healers go to her after their healing session and whisper in her ear that the being she brought in with her is for sure not a mortal.Then she would have had a reason to start to suspect him and look back on all that he said - but in the show as it is her sudden suspicion seems random and comes completely out of the blue.

 

[SecretSpy97]

Indeed, and this one clue was missing in the plot. It was not there. There was no reason for her to associate Adar's words in any way with Halbrand - Halbrand was not present when Adar spoke those to her, she has no reason whatsoever to assume Halbrand ever heard this expression and that th ever met Adar any sooner than she herself did. She still showed no suspicion when Halbrand did not die from his wound as he should were he a mere mortal. But now Celebrimbor citing Adar somehow makes her suspect Halbrand? Why? She has no reason whatsoever to do it.

This could have been resolved very easily in the show - just let one of the healers go to her after their healing session and whisper in her ear that the being she brought in with her is for sure not a mortal.Then she would have had a reason to start to suspect him and look back on all that he said - but in the show as it is her sudden suspicion seems random and comes completely out of the blue.

A good point!

The Halbrand super-healing is definitely pretty suspicious and it is interesting that they don't look more into that. Maybe the elves just don't know enough about mortal physiology? They could have thought 'Oh, you are up really fast. I guess that is just how humans work?" Or maybe the Elves just thought that mortals may recover faster from Elvish healing than elves do? Like, they assume Elvish medicine is more potent/powerful on humans?

For Galadriel's connection of Adar's/Celebrimbor's words with Halbrand, it definitely seems like a logic jump on Galadriel's part. Adar claimed that Sauron said the words. So Galadriel can associate the words with Sauron. But how does she connect them to Halbrand? She knows Celebrimbor said the words, but he could have heard them from anyone or he (or someone else) could have coincidentally come up with it themselves! So the only facts are that Celebrimbor said them and Adar said them (with the presumption being that Adar heard from Sauron). How do these combined facts get to Halbrand?

Just trying to interpret using what is shown in the show, my best guess is that Celebrimbor says that the idea for this breakthrough came from Halbrand. Removing the lines from other characters and only getting Celebrimbor's words we have: "But I almost had it sooner. It was only in speaking with the Southlander that I realized-... His suggestions were but the key that unlocked the dam. We are on the cusp of crafting a new kind of power. Not of strength, but of spirit. Not of the flesh, but over flesh. This is… This is power of the Unseen World.”

So just before jumping into the Sauron-connection-phrase Celebrimbor was talking about Halbrand and how the idea for this breakthrough originated from Halbrand. Could that be what led to Galadriel assuming it was Halbrand? If the breakthrough was from Halbrand, then why not these words? Otherwise Galadriel would just be assuming that after Halbrand initiated this breakthrough idea Celebrimbor coincidentally makes up (or hears from one of his smiths) this particular phrase worded the same way that Adar worded it? So if I had to bet on a reason for Galadriel to make the Halbrand connection, that would be it.

The only other reasoning that I could think of for how Galadriel makes the jump (which is a logical stretch) is this: Trying to look at it from Galadriel's train of thought, first Celebrimbor says the Sauron-connection-phrase. This triggers Galadriel ('Didn't Adar say the same thing about Sauron? Interesting that Celebrimbor is saying the same words. Coincidence or could Sauron be involved?'). Galadriel has proven to be too paranoid about the return of Sauron to write it off as coincidence (in my opinion). But how could she narrow it down to Halbrand? Elves being immortal means that Galadriel has had thousands of years to get to know her fellow elves. So unless Sauron killed/kidnapped an elf and took their place as one of Celebrimbor's smiths/assistants (for it would have to be someone who had Celebrimbor's ear), it would have had to have been some newcomer. A newcomer such as Halbrand? But I like my first reason better, if I had to pick one.

I don't really know though! Definitely a good question to try and turn over!