Who is Elendil in The Rings of Power? Lloyd Owen character explained
It's been a traumatic season 2 for Elendil.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Rings of Power season 2 episodes 1 to 6.
Season 2 of The Rings of Power has proven rather traumatic for Elendil, played by Lloyd Owen.
His son Isildur (Maxim Baldry) is presumed dead, his queen Tar-Míriel's throne has been usurped by Chancellor Pharazon and, in season 2 episode 6, he's almost forced to face the Valar.
That's all after seeing Valandil (Alex Tarrant) killed at the hands of Kemen, Pharazon's menace of a son.
Here's everything you need to know about the down-trodden Elendil.
Who is Elendil in The Rings of Power?
Captain Elendil is a Sea Guard captain from the Island Kingdom of Númenor. He is the father of sons Isildur and Anárion and daughter Eärien who, in season 2, has been pleading with her father to pledge fealty to Pharazon.
Elendil is descended from Elros, the brother of Elrond (Robert Aramayo), who was also Half-Elven but chose to live a mortal life on Númenor.
In season 2, we've seen Elendil fighting against Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle), after he usurped the throne from Tar-Míriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson). He's a loyal servant of Tar-Míriel's and will clearly go to any lengths to support her.
That was proven in season 2 episode 6, the latest episode, which saw Tar-Míriel herself plead with Elendil to bend the knee and pledge fealty to Pharazon as she says Numenor needs men like him.
While he refused and was sent to face the Valar, Tar-Míriel faced the creatures in his stead - and was declared innocent.
While this is a major victory, Elendil has seen loss this season, including the death of Valandil and the presumed death of his son Isildur.
As the son of Amandil, Lord of Andúnië, Elendil is part of a bloodline that remained faithful to the Valar, spoke Elvish and continued to build strong friendships with Elves.
In JRR Tolkien lore, Lord Amandil had been a great admiral of the Númenórean fleet and a close friend to Pharazôn, who in the series is depicted as the chancellor of Númenor.
After rescuing Galadriel and Halbrand from the Sundering Sea, Elendil is an ally to them and has the desire to protect the world from the evil of Sauron.
In Tolkien lore, Elendil and his family flee the fall of Númenor, and he eventually becomes the High King of Arnor and Gondor.
Elendil leads the Last Alliance of Men and Elves alongside High-King Gil-galad against the Dark Lord Sauron, and in their defeat of the villain, Elendil is killed and succeeded by his son, Isildur.
The late king is the ancestor of Aragorn, son of Arathorn, one of the protagonists of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The character of Elendil appears in the prologue of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, portrayed by actor Peter McKenzie.
Who plays Elendil in The Rings of Power?
Elendil is portrayed by Lloyd Owen in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
The British actor is best known for his roles as Dr Henry Jones Sr in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles and Paul Bowman-MacDonald in Monarch of the Glen.
Owen has also appeared in the film Miss Potter, the Sky series You, Me and the Apocalypse, Heart and Bones, and The Originals.
Having studied at the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Owen has had an extensive theatre career.
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Authors
Lewis Knight is the Trends Editor for Radio Times, covering trending titles from TV, Film and more. He previously worked at The Mirror in TV, Film, and Showbiz coverage alongside work on SEO. Alongside his past work in advertising, he possesses a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Film Studies.
Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.