The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Powerhas constantly introduced us to new characters from Tolkien’s universe, including the Silmarillion, and has adapted the story with some creative liberty. Some changes are good, some changes are necessary, but the quality of the show is largely consistent.

One of the legendary characters introduced is Círdan the Shipwright, played by Ben Daniels, one of the oldest and wisest elves in Middle-earth. His story spans from the early ages through the events of Rings of Power and The Lord of the Rings. Círdan is an important figure and is the reason why the elven Rings of Power persist despite Elrond’s insistence on having them destroyed.

Círdan’s History Before The Rings Of Power Explained

Círdan,one of the oldest elves in Middle-earth, was born long before the creation of the sun and moon. He belongs to the clans of elvesthat first awoke in Middle-earth.

Círdan, like many elves,was invited to Valinor, but he remained in Middle-earthbecause of a vision he had receivedfrom the Valar, to stay till he built a great ship, as his destiny wasentwined with that of Middle-earth’s survival. His skills in shipbuilding and knowledge of the sea earned himthe title of Círdan the Shipwright.

After the defeat of Morgoth at the end of the First Age, Círdan made his home in the Grey Havens, which became the port from which elveswould sail west to Valinor, leaving Middle-earth behind. Círdan becamea guardian of this refugeand a custodian of the shipsthat took elves on their final journey.

During the Second Age, Círdan was entrusted with one of the Three Elven Rings,Narya, the Ring of Fire. He was seen as a wise and honorable keeper of the ring, using it for protection. However,during the Third Age, he passed Narya to Gandalf when the wizard arrived in Middle-earth,sensing that Gandalf would have a greater need for itin the fight against Sauron.

Círdan’s Story In Rings Of Power

In The Rings of Power,Círdan has not yet been fully introduced as a character, but he is expected to play a more significant role in future seasons. Elrond comes to Círdan ashe’s carving out a new ship, and as the wisest of the elves in Middle-earth,he’s expected to counsel him on the matter.

After Elrond broaches the subject for adviceagainst the three Elven Rings of Power, he initially takes it upon himselfto get rid of them, but he changes his mind at the last second andputs on one of the rings, Narya. When he decides to use them for their power,the other elves each put their respective rings on and save the elven race from fading away,much to Elrond’s dismay.

Historically,Círdan’s position during the Second Age is crucial, especially as he wasone of the most respected elvesand part of the leadership during the wars against Sauron. He is bound to play a bigger role in the show in future seasons, andeven shows up briefly in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Ringsmovies as a background character just barely in the shot.