In The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Episode 8, Galadriel began to suspect her friend Halbrand’s identity and she discovers that he is not a Southland king. When confronted, Halbrand reveals himself to be Sauron. He offers to make her a queen who could rule Middle-Earth alongside him but she refuses and he escapes to Mordor.
The idea of Sauron wanting Galadriel by his side already has fans shipping the two characters but is the Dark Lord truly in love with the Elf? Charlie Vickers tells Entertainment Weekly that people shouldn’t find a love story here. “I don’t think it’s out of romance, at all. It’s not a proposal. It’s based on his own personal gain. He thinks he can rule more effectively with her at his side. And if she says no, by no means is it the end of the world,” he said. Vickers then points out that Sauron is incapable of love but he recognizes Galadriel’s potential as a powerful ally. “I think he is evil, and he is terrible, and in the end, he is going to be in charge by himself. Whether or not she’s by his side, he’ll find a way to do that. But at this time, it’ll be more effective with her there,” he said. Vickers certainly has a point here considering that Halbrand saw just how determined Galadriel is when she sets her mind on something. We’ll just have to wait until the second season to see if they will be reunited.
