The following contains spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2, Episode 4, “Eldest,” which debuted Sept. 5 on Prime Video.

Throughout The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2, fans are witnessing Arondir stepping up in a big way. He fought valiantly against the orc army that Adar brought to the Southlands. Sadly, that ended in defeat, and left the alliance in tatters.

However, Arondir has carried on, wanting to heal the refugee camp of Pelargir. He promised the deceased Bronwyn he’d do just that. Now, he’s thrust into yet another mission, kickstarting a chain of events that encapsulate why he’s in many ways better than the legendary Legolas.

Rings of Power’s Arondir Inspires Through Wisdom

Arondir Has a Fierece Yet Diplomatic and Motivating Energy

Season
Episode
Episode Title
Director

IMDb Rating
Metacritic Rating

2
4
“Eldest”
Louise Hooper, Sanaa Hamri
6.8
5.8

Though Legolas is a fan-favorite from the Lord of the Rings movies, he was nothing more than a soldier. He had heroic and comedic moments, but he didn’t feel as layered as Arondir. The latter has no ego, allowing him to craft better, multi-faceted strategies than just wanting to fight and break the enemy. This makes him a mental and physical threat to Adar, as well as the evil Sauron. It shows when Arondir fights with the mud worm outside the Pelargir forest and rips its heart out. He gives Estrid a second chance afterward, making her feel like more than just a former Adar slave.

It’s also evident in how quickly he beats down the Wild Men he meets, reiterating that he’s a one-man army: swift and more effective with his blade, bow and arrow than Legolas. Isildur takes note and hangs on his every word thereafter. A lot comes down to Arondir’s experience and wisdom. It leads to Arondir creating a movement in Pelargir where everyone is inspired and motivated by his sage attitude. It’s why Theo respects him after being found in the woods — he knows the Elf is a symbol of hope to everyone. Granted, he’s a public-facing figure compared to Legolas.

Legolas by contrast was just a follower, albeit an effective, necessary soldier. Arondir, on the other hand, is someone people will listen to. He becomes a big part of Theo wanting to train and protect Pelargir, and Isildur trying to be a better leader himself. Even Estrid admires Arondir’s precepts, as she knows he believes in togetherness rather than just solving problems through stylish brawls. That’s the mark of a very prudent man, or in his case, Elf.

Rings of Power’s Arondir Mends Bridges

Arondir Casts a Wider Net of Unity Than Legolas

It’s worth mentioning that Legolas wasn’t as diplomatic. He eventually had moments where he worked with Dwarves like Gimli for the greater good. But if it was up to him, Legolas would use a strong Elven army to get the jobs done, whether it be the One Ring saga or hunting monsters. In his journey, Legolas ends up learning by circumstances and on the job.

Arondir is the opposite: he is proactive off the cuff and tries to unite as many species as possible. It was seen with Bronywn’s coalition against Adar’s army. Arondir worked with Galadriel and Númenor’s alliance, believing the key to victory wasn’t one fellowship or cool sequences slaying creatures. He needed numbers and people from all walks of life working together. This edict gives Arondir an even more powerful moment than just striking up a friendship with a rival Dwarf.

When Arondir meets the Ents, he apologizes for the orcs slashing and burning trees. He apologizes for all other infractions he had nothing to do with. Arondir is all about compassion and empathy, sensing the Ents have lost so many loved ones over the centuries in many wars. He wants them to know he will create the change and deliver justice they need to feel whole again. It’s trust being built with former enemies through words, not brute strength in Rings of Power Season 2.

This is the mark of a true leader; something Aragorn would do. Given Arondir is a new character to the Tolkien Universe, it does feel like he’s a mix of Legolas and Strider (Aragorn’s Ranger form). In the end, while Legolas was a hero at the surface level, Arondir’s doctrines needle down to people’s core. Ultimately, Arondir mends bridges, as an anchor for rebellion and not just someone executing decrees like Legolas did.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power debuts new episodes Thursdays on Prime Video.