A new image from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 teases the introduction of a chilling creature from J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary universe. Barrow-wights bring with them an eerie aspect of the expansive mythology of the series. Described as reanimated heroes who are compelled to enact evil deeds against their will, these spirits present a type of undead never quite seen before in the depiction of Middle-earth.

The photo, released by Empire Magazine, gives fans their first look at the Barrow-wights, spectral figures first introduced in Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring." Jason Smith, the show’s VFX supervisor, expressed his excitement about bringing these creatures to life, noting,

“The Barrow-wights are ancient, reanimated heroes, acting for evil against their will. It was super-exciting to take on something I hadn’t seen before. We’ve seen undead before, but not like this. We’re doing a little horror movie in Middle-earth.”

The Rings of Power, which premiered on Prime Video in 2022, has been crafted by creators Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne. It narrates the spread of Sauron's malevolence throughout Middle-earth during the less chronicled Second Age. Following a successful first season, the show promises to integrate darker and more thrilling elements in its sophomore season.

The Barrow-wights, spectral and skeletal in nature, are reminiscent of the terrifying Ringwraiths, yet distinct in their origins and characteristics. These phantoms haunt the Barrow-downs, a sprawling, ancient burial ground located near the Brandywine River. It is here in Tolkien’s narrative that Frodo and his fellow Hobbits encounter these menacing figures, narrowly escaping their grasp thanks to the timely intervention of the enigmatic Tom Bombadil, a character also absent from Jackson’s cinematic trilogy.

The Rings of Power Season 2 Also Brings Tolkien's Elusive Character Tom Bombadil to Screen

The upcoming season of The Rings of Power not only introduces the Barrow-wights but also Tom Bombadil, portrayed by Rory Kinnear of Skyfall fame. This inclusion marks a significant nod to Tolkien purists and expands the series' exploration into the robust lore of the author’s work.

Tom Bombadil's introduction to the series may possibly shed light on some long-standing mysteries surrounding his character. His character, known for his profound connection to nature and mystical powers, remains one of the most puzzling figures in the Tolkien universe. He is depicted as a joyous being, seemingly unaffected by the One Ring, which suggests his immense power, potentially rivaling even that of Sauron. His true nature is undefined in Tolkien’s texts, leaving open questions about whether he is a wizard, a spirit, or something entirely different.

The decision to introduce Bombadil in The Rings of Power is significant because his character was notably absent from Peter Jackson's film adaptations. Jackson omitted Bombadil, citing his lack of direct involvement in the War of the Ring and his complex narrative that did not align smoothly with the cinematic storytelling required for the films. This preserved the mystery of Bombadil's character but left a gap in the cinematic exploration of Middle-earth.

The Rings of Power faces a delicate challenge in portraying Bombadil. The series has the opportunity to explore his origins and identity, providing insights that the books and films have not. However, it also risks demystifying a character whose allure is largely due to his mysterious nature. Tolkien himself seemed to revel in the ambiguity of Bombadil, using his character as a symbol of the intrinsic and ineffable nature of true power, which stands apart from the worldly conflicts and politics of Middle-earth.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is set to premiere on Prime Video on August 29, 2024.