Warning! Spoilers for Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 ahead!
Elrond and Galadriel shared a pretty intense kiss in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, implying that there is more going on between them than just friendship. These two characters have gone through a lot over the last two seasons, both together and apart, and this moment isn’t the first that the dynamic of their relationship has come into question. There seemed to be moments of chemistry between Galadriel and Elrond, though it was difficult to say whether this was typical Tolkien-style affection or a real romance. Strangely, their big kiss hasn’t entirely cleared things up.
The big moment happened in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7, when Galadriel was being held captive by Adar and his army. The father or Orcs demanded that Elrond hand over Nenya, the Elven Ring, or watch Galadriel die. Refusing to comply, Elrond asked to say a final goodbye to Galadriel, which involved a rather passionate kiss (which was clearly reciprocated). Of course, as he did this, Elrond subtly handed over the pin from his cloak, which Galadriel used to free herself later. So, was this Rings of Power kiss a trick or true love?
Was Elrond Kissing Galadriel Just A Trick In The Rings Of Power Season 2?
Elrond Didn’t HAVE To Kiss Galadriel To Pass Her The Pin
Elrond and Galadriel’s relationship has been pretty strained in Rings of Power season 2, and this big kiss served as a release of all this built-up tension. There was a great deal of tenderness and passion here, but the fact that Elrond used this moment to pass over his pin cast some doubt on whether this was a genuinely romantic moment. It’s possible that he did not believe a simple, friendly embrace would be enough to distract Adar and Orcs from what he was really doing. Or, perhaps Elrond thought a kiss was the only way to keep Galadriel from expressing surprise over being handed a tool for her escape.
Elrond is seen passing Galadriel the pin only after they break apart from their kiss, further indicating that the interaction wasn’t just a coverup.
While trickery may have been Elrond’s motivation for kissing Galadriel, it really doesn’t seem likely. Galadriel isn’t the type to gasp or give anything away if Elrond slipped her the pin while giving a comforting squeeze of the hand. Similarly, a hug or friendly caress on the face would have been more than enough. Instead, it really feels in this Rings of Power scene that Elrond was giving a final kiss to an elf he loves, not knowing whether his attempt at granting her freedom would succeed. Galadriel, equally as unsure whether Elrond or she would survive, returned the kiss (and love) fully.
Did Elrond & Galadriel Ever Love Each Other In The Lord Of The Rings’ Book Lore?
Elrond & Galadriel Definitely Don’t End Up Together
Of course, if Rings of Power truly implies that Elrond and Galadriel are in love, this is a significant divergence from the Lord of the Rings canon. It’s also a rather awkward situation to place the characters since these two are destined to become in-laws. Elrond eventually marries Celebrian, Galadriel’s daughter and eventual mother to Arwen. Therefore, any romance between these two will lead nowhere in the long run since Prime Video eliminating Celebrian would take canon changes way too far.
A brief romance in their several thousand years of life certainly could have happened…
Still, though controversial, a prior romance between Elrond and Galadriel wouldn’t be outside the realm of Prime Video’s creative liberties. In canon, Galadriel was essentially irresistible. It was said that the three Silmarils themselves were inspired by her beauty, and Elves like Celebrimbor were known to have fallen madly in love with her. Though there was never any mention of Elrond having ever felt the same way, a brief romance in their several thousand years of life certainly could have happened—though that’s not likely how Tolkien intended their relationship.
Why Elrond & Galadriel’s Kiss Is Controversial (& Should It Be?)
Rings Of Power’s Changes To Canon Continue To Be An Issue
Elrond and Galadriel’s kiss in Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 isn’t the first time that the Prime Video series seemed to imply that there was something between the pair. Their moments together in season 1 were also full of chemistry, though it was easier to shrug these scenes off as only being part of audiences’ own imaginations. This idea itself was controversial since any relationship here would be another big change to canon—something Rings of Power is already heavily criticized for. Now, the season 2 kiss scene seems to hint that Prime Video is sticking to its guns.
Backlash as a result of Elrond and Galadriel’s kiss isn’t unfounded. These two never having been romantic in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings is enough reason for some to be upset, while others are frustrated that Galadriel is seemingly in another controversial relationship after her chemistry-charged moments with Sauron in season 1. Still, Galadriel being generally desirable by the beings of Middle-earth is nothing new, so riffing off this might not be so out of pocket. For now, the jury may need to hold out until Rings of Power reveals how far it plans to go with Elrond and Galadriel’s romance.
How Elrond & Galadriel’s Romance Changes The Rings Of Power’s Future
Rings Of Power Can’t Take This Romance Too Far
Galadriel and Elrond’s romantic connection isn’t too big of a deal now, but it could become a problem down the line. It’s possible that the chemistry here went long unexplored and emerged only in the desperate moment when both elves believed that they might not survive the night. Once the Siege of Eregion is concluded and both come out alive, a discussion may put any idea of a romance to rest as the two continue toward their respective journies. Only if Elrond and Galadriel keep the romance going would it really become a problem.
During this time, he is destined to meet Galadriel’s daughter, Celebrian, and fall immediately in love.
Following the Battle of Eregion, Elrond is destined to lead the survivors to a valley that will serve as their safe haven from Sauron and his armies. This location will eventually be dubbed Rivendell and is where Elrond will continue to live and govern until he departs Middle-earth after the events of The Lord of the Rings. Following a siege of Rivendell, Elrond will call a council with Galadriel, High King Gil-galad, and others about what is to be done with the Three Elven Rings. During this time, he is destined to meet Galadriel’s daughter, Celebrian, and fall immediately in love.
So far in Rings of Power, there has been no mention of Celebrian, and Galadriel’s marriage with Celeborn has been a point of controversy since she stated in season 1 that her husband had died. So, Prime Video already has a lot of work to do to connect its version of the story with that of Lord of the Rings. An extended romance between Elrond and Galadriel would only make this more complicated—especially if it leads to a messy love triangle involving Galadriel and her apparently long-lost daughter. Overall, Rings of Power will have to tread carefully moving forward.
