When it comes to the creepiest villains in Middle-earth, the list is long: from the indomitable Dark Lord Sauron to the wicked dragon Smaug in The Hobbit. While Peter Jackson’s adaptations brought many of these eerie creatures to life, some of Tolkien’s creations were notably absent. However, with Season 2 of The Rings of Power, one particularly overlooked group of monsters is set to make its grand debut: the Barrow-wights.

As revealed by Jason Smith, VFX supervisor for The Rings of Power, in Empire magazine, these creatures will introduce a new level of horror in Middle-earth. He mentioned, We’ve seen undead before, but not like this. We’re doing a little horror movie in Middle-earth.

Diving into the Origins of Barrow-wights

Barrow-wights are ancient entities, described as “Evil spirits from Angmar” that haunted the Great Barrows after their defeat in The Third Age (1639). These malevolent beings are driven by dark forces to entrap and sacrifice any unfortunate souls who cross their path.

Tom Bombadil’s Role Expanded

The Barrow-wights’ connection to Tom Bombadil has always been intriguing. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, Tom rescues Frodo and his friends from these ghoulish hands. Rory Kinnear’s portrayal of Tom Bombadil in The Rings of Power serves as a fresh face for this enigmatic character. Notably, fans will see a much younger version than what’s depicted in Jackson’s trilogy.

Preserving Tolkien’s Horror Element

The exclusion of certain chapters by Peter Jackson has always sparked discussion among fans about missing narrative depth and detail. Specifically, chapters involving Tom Bombadil were omitted to maintain a brisk film pace. Yet these segments are instrumental in heightening the stakes as Frodo and his companions navigate their perilous journey.

BALROG: Undead Threats Reimagined

Though Peter Jackson’s films delivered magnificently terrifying scenes with Orcs and Balrogs, the introduction of Barrow-wights brings another layer of horror intrinsic to Tolkien’s lore. Smith notes, I’d venture to say it’s that Tolkien brings horror to Middle-earth. It’s a nod back to how Tolkien masterfully built suspense and fear into his narratives.

A Nostalgic Comeback for Hardcore Fans

The arrival of Barrow-wights ties directly into restoring an often-overlooked part of the original lore. As Frodo once mused about being “under the dreadful spells of the Barrow-wights about which whispered tales spoke,” so too might modern audiences find themselves ensnared by these ancient horrors.

This reinvigoration is more than a nod; it’s a resurgence that emphasizes the timeless depth and terror woven throughout Tolkien’s world-building brilliance.

Season 2 of The Rings of Power hits Prime Video on August 29, 2024, promising fans an experience filled with spine-chilling entries straight from Middle-earth’s most shadowy corners.