*Honourable Mentions* There are so many! Among the Men of Númenor there are some great kings and lords that I didn't have time to mention. Elendil, father of Isildur, is an obvious one, along with Isildur's brother Anárion, and his grandfather Amandil. All of these guys were crucial in bringing about Sauron's defeat at the end of the War of the Last Alliance. I could also have included Tar-Palantir, the twenty-fourth King of Númenor who tried to return his nation to a more positive mindset, and redeem them from the Shadow that had fallen. And there's also Tar-Minyatur, the first King of Númenor, and the twin brother of Elrond. Also: Durin III (Lord of Khazad-dum and friend of Celebrimbor), Fimbrethil (the ent-wife of Treebeard), and, or course, Galadriel.

Isildur is indeed a hero, and as any scholar of Classical Greek Literature will tell you, tragedy is part and parcel of the Heroic archetype.

Thanks for clearing Isildur's name. I was never quite sure what to make of him. I feel that if people had known that Sauron himself was incapable of destroying the One Ring, they would have been a little more understanding. Awesome video!

Damn right! Isildur has been so misunderstood for such a long time. I was even guilty of it myself. He was an incredible man and his time with the Ring doesn't diminish that in the slightest. The fact that he planned to willingly give it away after having it for TWO YEARS is insane. No one else that we see in the story is capable of that. Frodo wouldn't have been able and he had it (actively) for less time. It wasn't weakness that flowed through his veins, it was strength.

I had put Isildur on the same level as Boromir, in that they weren't bad guys, they just had the unlucky fortune to be tested by the ring (and failed.) Thank you for the more in depth look at Isildur, because his life before meeting the ring is rarely ever talked about, and he deserves his great deeds to be known. I really hope they address this in the Amazon show.

I think Aldarion (and the Numenoreans as a whole) perfectly characterize the inherent curiosity we all have. The Valar gave them Numenor - a land of plenty that was basically as close to living in Valinor that Men would ever get to experience. But Men (humans) are not content to stay in one place forever, for life is too short. Middle-earth in the Second Age was not the settled place we think of in Lord of the Rings, outside of places like Lindon, Khazad-Dum, parts of Eregion, later places like Lothlorien, and MUCH later places like Gondor. During the Second Age, Middle-earth would have seemed wild, untamed, and full of curiosities and possibilities to someone like Aldarion.

Is anyone else secretly craving details about the secret lore of ring-crafting? Like, how cool would it have been to hear (completely fictional) technical details about how to make a magic ring? The special woods required to heat the forge; the length of time to allow for heating the ingots; the particular mix of metals; the magic runes that must be inscribed on the ingots before they're melted; the mixture of clays to make the crucible; the spells that must be recited while casting. It would be so cool to have the recipe! What if a Fourth Age character chanced upon an ancient manuscript recorded by Celebrimbor describing how to craft a magic ring, and spends years trying to find a specific tree whose ash is needed to carburise the alloy, but it has gone extinct.

Thank you for the section on Isildur. It’s one of the most frustrating parts of the movies for me. Glad to see you give him credit

so true on Isildur! i remember hearing the narration by “Galadriel” in the beginning of the movie and was thinking “wtf! this is totally unfair to isildur…and the race of Men”

Awesome!!! loved Cirdan, interesting that he and Elrond urged Isildur to cast or destroy the ring. Loved what you said about Isildur, agreed a truly great hero among men. I think that for me was the biggest disapointment with Jackson was the way he destroys or lessens all the major characters. Like making out that Aaragon was unsure about his path, he did it to all of them, i think to make it more believable, but what makes them awesome, is at the essence of Tolkein's writings... Stay Groovy 💕

Elrond isn't just a half-elf, he is just four generations from the queen of doriath Melian Gwendolyn the Maia, and king Thingol who was of the first Eldar, eldest of the children of Ilúvatar,

Your idea about the Entwives as slaves is interesting. I'd often wondered at how Sauron managed to feed his huge forces. I know it says in the books that the south of Mordor was used for agriculture and there was trade of sort with the South and East, but I can't see orcs and their ilk being any use at all for farming and even enslaved Men would struggle to make green things grow in the required abundance in a land that was so steeped in evil. And imports from Rhun and Harad would only work for non-perishable goods. But if Sauron had Entwives in his thrall, they had the power to make crops grow under almost any conditions. The Ents were the obvious inspiration for the Nym and Ogier in the (unbastardised) Wheel of Time. So perhaps there was some hope for Treebeard after all, and that is an encouraging thought.

Great choices Mellon Dave. The second age has fascinated me as well Dave. The transition age. First age was the pinnacle of elves and introduction of men. Second age was the rise of men and slow decline of elves. Third age was the departing of the elves and the dominion of men

33:44 Sauron was specialized in fighting and was a great warrior. Tolkien stated that Sauron was already very weakened both in body strength and spirit after Akhallabeth. Despite his weakened state he broke the siege of Barad-dur, drove the whole army of the Last Alliance 30 miles back to the slopes of Mount Doom and defeated the 2 High kings with his bare hands singlehandedly! "Sauron was, of course, 'confounded' by the disaster and *diminished* (having expended enormous energy in the corruption of Númenor). *He needed time for his own bodily rehabilitation,* and for gaining control over his former subjects. He was attacked by Gil-galad and Elendil before his new domination was fully established.” [The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien (Letter 211 to Rhona Beare)] "Therefore, after a time he made war upon the Exiles, before they should take root. Orodruin burst once more into flame, and was named anew in Gondor Amon Amarth, Mount Doom. *But Sauron struck too soon, before his own power was rebuilt,* whereas the power of Gil-galad had increased in his absence." [Appendix A. (I) The Numenorean kings (i) Númenor, Return of the King]

You should make a series of videos called „In defense of XY“ and bring justice to many characters, who were wrongfully portrated in the movies „worse“ than how Tolkien wrote them in the books, like you did here so wonderfully with Isildur and with Frodo in one of your other videos... There are so many more who deserve the truth to be spoken loudly - Denethor, Theoden, both Faramir and Boromir, Bard and Thranduil from Hobbit movies, etc. They deserve justice and with your knowledge and interpretation it will be amazing!

"But this is straight up slander!" Ha! As always, a wonderfully researched and wholly groovy video. I have the best time with this content; it is so appreciated during this crazy time.

Dave the Deathless, right on time.

For Gil-galad is my favorite. His character is amazing. He did so much and it seem he was a thorn in Sauron side. Sauron wanted him out of the way

Great video! I'm so happy you included Celeborn in this! He is my favourite character and it always makes me so sad to see him deemed unimportant.

Well done with the defense of Isildur

Gil Galad is the man, or more appropriately the Elf Man!!

Glad you stood up for Isildur. He did everything right in life except fall at the last hurdle, taking the ring in the moment of victory. Might Elendil, or all other men, not have done the same if he survived? Also 37:20 Sauron may well have burned the gardens of the Entwives. Maybe they were all killed, not just lost, as Treebeard said. However, Tolkien throws us a pretty substantial bone. In the chapter The Shadow of the Past, Sam states that his cousin Hal clearly saw a walking elm tree up on the North moors where “there aren’t any trees”. Maybe he saw an isolated Ent. Maybe it was an Entwife.

Wonderful compilation of characters. And kudos to you for giving a “point of view” synopsis on each. When I see the lore explained in this manner rich in Tolkien’s characters - it puzzles me why Amazon takes the route to fill - nay, HIGHLIGHT! - its TV show with so many Amazon-created characters! 5 seasons, about 50hours of screen time, why spend significant chunks of time on Amazon-created characters when there are THESE Tolkien characters to depict?

Another awesome video contribution to promote our deeper understanding of Middle-earth. I am always glad I have taken the time to watch, listen and learn! 👍

Great list and another wonderful video. I do find the Blue wizards fascinating. I really wish there was more about them. Keep up the awesome work.

I like to thank you for your assessment on Isildur. It was spot on. I will be showing this to my friends who love the story but haven’t read the books.

Rainbow Dave videos are like surprise Christmas presents during the year! You made me remember how much better the book is than the films, and why I used to read it every year ( before I had children)… I really long to read it again😊 thanks!

Thanks once more Dave, for an excellent presentation of some of the most important characters of the Second Age. I'm tempted to comment on a number of them but I'll contain myself for simply providing absolute support of your assessment of the character of Isildur. I think his actions by a great order of magnitude, outweigh his understandably naive considerations for just what that hoop of golden metal was capable of. I too felt dismay at the presentation of Isildur provided by PJ in the films. I do think I understand why he did it but it's unfortunate that it inaccurately portrays Isildur as some sort of greedy sap that would learn too late the folly of his decision. I believe the rationale for PJ doing so, was due to (sadly) audience expectations. For some inexplicable reason, we humans seem to always desire a "fall guy" to shift blame on to, when things go tragically wrong. Doesn't seem to matter that any other person in such a situation would undoubtedly have taken the same course of action. We seem to always seek someone to point a finger at and say, "well if it wasn't for him/her, then..." This isn't the only time in the grand Tolkien mythos brought to film we see this; as you accurately identified wrt Radagast, for example in another vid and even Elrond was given short shrift a few times in the films. Again, I can only suppose but I do believe that these developments were again, for the benefit of an unknowing general audience's perceptions, whom more often than not, see most of the world in black and white, good or evil. Fortunately, (as I also believe PJ was aware) true fans of the books know the "truth" of whom these characters truly were. I at least, hope so! :) Oh, just as an aside, one true creep that could have made your list, is one I truly despise, Ar-Pharazon (he doesn't deserve the name Tar-Calion, hrumph!). Regardless, the guy played a HUGE role in the Second Age so though a villain (like his sneaky buddy) is a contender. Thanks so very much, once again!

Well met RD! Anarion, Gil-Galad, Elendil, Isildur, and Celebrimbor. Excellent list as always! Keep up the great work Mellon! Ecthelion!!

Great list! I agree with the treatment of Isildur in the movies. I’m glad he made the list. Thanks for another enjoyable and insightful video Rainbow Dave!

Wow, this is an excellent primer for Rings of Power, unsullied by jealous prejudice, and only garnered by unbridled love. Missed Galadriel though :)

This is fantastic and thank you for putting it together. I never knew any of this and am very grateful for your doing this.

Awesome list and the information in it. I especially appreciated the information about Isildur. I also deplore how he was portrayed in the movie, but I guess the truth was too involved to shortly sum up, so I understand why they made that choice. But the information about how no one would be able to destroy the ring was new to me so thanks!

So glad you mentioned Oropher and Thranduil! But I think it would help to mention that Oropher, as one of the few high-born Sindar elves confirmed to be alive by the end of the second age, would be most likely to know the exact details of the Kinslaying at Alqualondë, the ship burning at Losgar and subsequent deaths during the crossing of the Helcaraxe - putting aside the two Kinslayings of the Sindar themselves by Noldor + the kinda racist implications of dark vs light elves - and, most importantly, the Doom of Mandos. If, as is very likely, Oropher knew about the Doom, he'd know that the Noldor would screw things up EVEN - often, especially - while trying to do good. Since he, unlike Celeborn, wasn't married to a Noldor, it makes perfect sense that he'd want to stay as far away from the Noldor as possible.

"Celeborn gets less attention that his famous wife, Galadriel." Rings of Power: "He died. Also his armor didn't fit him."

I interpreted Isildur's choice to claim the One Ring was a bit more altruistic than people gave him credit. Had he destroyed the One Ring, the other Rings of Power would no longer be capable of preserving their Elven Kingdoms. By claiming it, the Elves were allowed to continue to flourish and thrive as the Third Age began. They owed their added time in Middle-Earth to Isildur.

Tal-Elmar is my favourite Second Age character. Show love for the underdog. A very pleasant video to watch, thank you 🖖🏼

Isildur is so misunderstood he was a good guy it was ring trying to turn him

Happy Easter Friday, Rainbow Dave. Stay Groovy! 🤟

There seems to be a painting by someone or other, of nearly every character in the Legendarium...it's as though the world is nearly ready for a graphic novel. 🙂

Hello Dave! Thanks for this video, I basically binge watching tou entire channel this week (lol) and make me very happy to see a new one uploaded! Until the next one!

Legend suggests that Celeborn did not actually fight in the War of the Last Alliance. He missed it because he had a dental appointment. It is an established fact that Galadriel only dated guys with perfect teeth.

That one image you use of Celebrimbor examining a ring was used for the cover of Treasures of Middle Earth by Iron Crown Enterprises when they had the license for a role-playing game based on Middle Earth. As for finding a written document describing how to make a Ring of Power, something like that would not be written down.

Excellent video, I like the take on Isildur and make him a little justice Cheers!

Cirdan is also the most overlooked character by people yet vital player..

Gil Galad is the best. He's the least elf like elf in my opinion. In my understanding family and bloodlines are the most significant thing to an elf. The goal is to do something great to enhance the prestige of your family. But Gil Galad, next to gandalf, is the big picture guy. The survival of elves as a whole, not just noldor is his driving force. Gil Galad had no problem reaching out to men and establishing friendships and alliances. And Gil Galad is the kind of guy you want to be friends with. Loyalty duty and sacrifice are his values over all. He's loving and kind but is always ready to put the good of the whole above his own and whether anyone knows it or not is inconsequential

Another fantastic video!

When it says that nobody was able to injure the ring, Gandalf threw it into the fire at Frodo’s house. Even if he suspected it was the one ring, nobody throws anything into the fire without expecting it to be damaged or destroyed. Thank you for a very illuminating video!

I love the explosion of colour when you give a video a like these days. It really suits this channel.

What about Ar-Pharazon? He's corrupted yes but don't you think his decisions created so much of what happens in the second and third age? He seems to me to be one of the most pivotal characters in all of Tolkens writings and yes extremely flawed.

I know that he got in over his head with the rings of power, but I just love Celebrimbor. As a crafter myself, I understand the lure of the ability to learn new techniques in order to make marvelous things.

I named my childhood dog "Gil" so this was a nice way of remembering her haha

Another great video! As a Tolkien newbie, it would be interesting to see a video about the meaning behind different symbols and colors worn by all the characters. Like the changing tree symbols used by men, and the different types of clothes and armor worn by elves.

Great video! For future ideas, I would like to hear more about the dwarves of the second age.

You forgot stg about Cirdan that makes him in the top few : his beard. He's the only 100% official bearded Elf that we know... yet proving there can be others

You did an excellent job with this Second Age list. Well done. Thank you (also, your intro 🤣)

Your videos are amazing! Thanks so much.

Another excellent post. Your analysis is always insightful, thanks again!

Thank you for all your hard work.

After his death, Celebrimbor's body being used as a banner by Sauron has the feel of a crucifix. As he didn't return to Middle Earth as Glorfindel and Gandalf did, he isn't a Christ figure. However, he did sacrifice himself so that Gil-Galad and Galadriel, keepers of the elven rings, would be safe.

Can't wait to hear more about these guys when we get to that part of the Legendarium (someday).

Question: When elves dies they stay in a spirit form for 1000 years and are then reborn. By the time of the Hobbit shouldn't some of these more famous and powerful elves of the first age haven been present again?

Excellent work .... made some great points and generalizations that are very enlightening.

I am actually really shocked that Ar-Pharazôn the Golden wasn't on the top ten of 2nd Age Characters. The Last King of Númenor. This is a character that really could make an argument is an all time top ten Middle Earth Character. Forces his cousin Tar-Míriel the Queen of Númenor into marriage. Finds out that Sauron claims the title King of Men and masses together the largest single army ever. This army is probably larger than The Last Alliance Army which was between 110,000-140,000 strong. So your looking at what 200,000-250,000 Númenóreans at least every man able to wield a sword. He has to have a force large enough where open warfare isn't even an option. Forcing Sauron to be humble for a while and allow himself to be captured. Ar-Pharazôn burns the white tree and leads his people into worshipping Morgoth. Than even goes to the Undying Lands and breaks the World. In the process Númenor is destroyed by a giant Tsunami wave sent by the Valar.

Another great video! Thanks Dude.

Did you like this video, dear watcher? Keep it handy; you're going to love it in the next few years.

These ships of the faithful Numenorians muct have been huge, with thousands of people on each ship, it they are to build two nations! Yes, there were Numenorian colonies in Middle Earth, but some of those were the King's Men. I don't have the facts at my fingertips, but I beleive I read/heard that the faithful were strong in the north, the king's men in the south. Still, I don't think the nine ships of the faithful were actually single ships - I rather see them as fleets. Thestrength of the Numenorians in Gondor and Arnor just doesn't fit on just nine ships.

Hello Dave, firstly I want to thank you for all these amazing videos. I also have a question; will you do a series focused on the Second Age, like you did with Feanor and the Silmaris and Wars of Beleriand etc. ?

Great video! Thanks Rainbow Dave

There is a name that belongs on this list, and I am astonished to be the first to give this name as he was possibly the mightiest of the kings of Numenor, and certainly the most daring. I speak of a mortal king that bested Sauron without combat, invaded Valinor itself, and wrought a greater cataclysm that Morgoth at the height of his power or the destruction of the War of Wrath. I speak of Ar-Pharazon the Golden. Without him, Sauron might never have been conquered or the nation of Numenor fallen.

I'm surprised you didn't mention that Cirdan is so old by the end of the Second Age that he is (to my knowledge) the only elf, alive or dead, to have ever born a beard.

Fantastic video!

Anarion was my favorite and I think if he had lived things would have been different. 😁

For me, watching the movies, I always saw Isildur as a tragic character, I never really viewed him as villain or as truly corrupted any more than I really saw Frodo or Boromir that way, corruption is what the ring does

Yeees! 45:27 thank u for putting respect on Isildur’s name. I always say, along with Faramir and Denathor, his character was crapped on in the trilogy. I don’t hear anyone really bring that up.

So....at 21:30 or thereabouts, we see that the Blue Wizards are using holographic A.I.s to guide them? Can *anything* be cooler than a holographic elven personal-assistant? (let's not get into 'fully interactive virtual tactile combat elven A.I.s - that way lies a blissful madness). What's it's name, Caladnette? Calmavende?

Great video love it

ridiculuously incredible ! thankyou so much :)

I'm almost finished reading the Silmarillion. I didn't read anything about Oropher. What book do I read for that and some others that weren't in the Silmarillion? I've read the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. I love your videos and they got me to start reading the Silmarillion since I read the other books decades ago.

I wish their was a 1st and 2nd age movie that were good

Where were the Nazúl during the war of the Last Alliance? Were they still slowly becoming wraiths, and living as men, and so avoiding the wrath of the Last Alliance?

Top ten first age characters would be awesome!!!

Erendis and Aldarion would be a great story for a Second Age TV show.

#isildurdidnothingwrong.. Thanks Dave! What a terrific video. 🤗

Are you going to do the same video for the first and third age?

Aldarion be like: “The sea is always right!”

Idk what the fu** you say at the beginning but i love it. Love the vibe man, keep it up bro, setting yourself apart from all the other ones doing same thing.

Sauron didn't corrupt the Ent Wives into Ent Blights?

i love your way of calling really epic people “guys” and “dudes”

I appreciate your content dude, back story family tree detail files of charactes

What am I saying -- they're all my favorites. Lol

Thank you for your art

Thank you for Justice for Isildur 🤍

Hi love the channel I'm wondering if you could do an explanation on why elves can just switch spieces at will are there any physical changes and why or why not?

Celeborn was literally just a microphone for galadriels mind in the movies lol

No Durin? Without him, Elrond wouldn't have survived the attack on Eregion. No friendship with Celebrimbor, either. And no Moria. Really missed out on this one.

Tolkien Untagled - Galadriel is a fantastic character……….. Amazon - Wanna bet ??

More entertaining than the Amazon show

Fun list! 😁

And not one "urban" elf or dwarf to be seen.