Two years after the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, actor Lloyd Owen joined the cast as Elendil, captain of Numenor’s southern fleet who, along with his son Isildur and wife, survives the cataclysmic Downfall of Numenor and eventually becomes a leader in the last alliance between Elves and Men in Middle-earth, who triumphs over Sauron with the help of Gil-galad and Elrond. I recently sat down with him to discuss his role in Peter Jackson’s cinematic masterpiece. Lloyd Owen as Elendil: A Numenorean Sailor’s Tale
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Who was Elendil?
Elendil was the father of Isildur and the best Numenorean sailor in Middle-earth at the time. He, along with a small party, were sent out to seek for Valinor after Sauron had been driven out of Eregion and defeated by Gil-galad and the Elves. When he finally arrived there, he petitioned with High King Amandil for aid from the Valar. As they came near the shore, they were met by three mighty lords who they knew must be Ilúvatar’s sons: Olórin (Gandalf), Curunír (Saruman), and one that was like a brother to them all.
Lloyd Owen as Elendil
Lloyd Owen portrays Elendil in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which is a two-part epic adaptation from Tolkein’s The Silmarillion. He was a Numenorean sailor and Isildur’s father. And he will eventually be a leader in the last alliance between Elves and Men, where Sauron himself will be vanquished. When he becomes King of Gondor and Arnor, he tells his son that all who live must strive against evil in themselves – they are not to be merely lords of other peoples who live on their bounty. All whom I rule are my kin.
How did Lloyd land this role?
In the new film The Lord of the Rings, there is a character named Elendil who Lloyd Owen plays. Elendil was the son of King Isildur and heir to the kingship before being killed in the War of Sauron. Elendil is best known for bearing one of The Rings of Power (Nenya) during his time in Middle-earth which eventually passed down to Isildur and then Boromir. But how did Lloyd land this role?
Book vs. Movie Comparison
The Lord of the Rings is well known by many, thanks to both its book and movie adaptations. In the books, Isildur is not mentioned at all. In fact, there are no references to any kings at all until after the fall of Sauron. However, in the movies, Isildur and his father Elendil are featured prominently throughout different parts of Tolkien’s tale.
Fan Reaction
Elendil, father of Isildur, is an ordinary man who begins life on the sea. Once he sets sail for Valinor, everything changes for him. He becomes a powerful leader in the last alliance between Elves and Men. The trailer of Amazon Prime Studios’ The Lord of the Rings show hints at what might be coming in the series, which will tell this lesser-known story of The Lord of the Rings before the Fellowship Of The Ring took place in Middle Earth.
Who is Lloyd Owen?
Lloyd Owen is a Welsh actor who most recently played the role of Elendil in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Prior to this, he acted on stage and film. He was born in Wrexham, Wales on January 6th 1956. In 1987 he performed as Nick Danger in Who Shot Roger Rabbit? starring Bob Hoskins.
Did you know…
We know from Appendix A that Isildur had two children with his wife, Anarwen–Elendur and Aratan. The eldest son, Elendur, becomes the successor to Isildur after his death in Sauron’s War. When Gil-galad learns of Isildur’s death, he takes it upon himself to warn all the leaders of Middle-earth, even those who would oppose him and Sauron–men like Ondoher and Valandil of Andunie.
Did you know… part II
It is significant that Isildur be the father of Elendil. The king had been a sailor before he was called to his responsibility and was especially knowledgeable about things maritime.
To conclude…
This interpretation of Elendil is a brave one, and leaves the actor with a long-lasting legacy. It will be difficult to see another actor play this character in any new film or production of The Lord of the Rings. However, I can’t see anyone but Lloyd Owen playing him in any type of role from here on out. His energy and talent are undeniable and he brings every ounce of it to his role as Elendil.
