Warning: spoilers ahead for The Rings of Power episode 6The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 6's Battle of Tirharad just made the Arondir vs. Legolas debate much spicier. When the made-for-TV character additions in Amazon's The Rings of Power were first introduced, Ismael Cruz Córdova's Arondir stood out as a clear parallel to The Lord of the Rings' Legolas. Both are woodland Elves descended from the Teleri, both are handy with a bow and arrow, and both are Middle-earth heroes who step beyond their race's natural prejudices to make new allegiances (although, to our knowledge, Legolas never made out with Gimli under a tree).
Comparing the two is only natural. Who was stronger between Legolas and Arondir? Who would win in a fight? Who was the superior archer? Though The Rings of Power is only just scratching the surface of Arondir, that debate becomes way more interesting after episode 6. As the Southlanders clash with Adar's Orcs, Arondir leads the defense, defying terrible odds to hold out until Númenórean support arrives. Arondir displays awesome archery tricks, rousing leadership ability, and a keen strategic mind. He then gets down in the mud for some blade-based combat and hand-to-hand brawling. The Rings of Power's "Udûn" is a showcase for Arondir as a Middle-earth action hero, and suddenly Legolas is peering over his perfectly-carved shoulders.
Legolas Is Still LOTR's Best Archer
Arondir shows off his prowess with a bow during The Rings of Power's episode 6 fight scenes at Tirharad and Ostirith, as well as during the escape from Adar in episode 4. His shots are unnervingly precise, regardless of whether the target is a wriggling Orc or a thin stretch of rope, and he can shoot while on the move. But Arondir is an excellent archer only in the sense that most Elves are pretty excellent archers thanks to their enhanced eyesight, senses and movement. Conversely, J.R.R. Tolkien describes archery as a key aspect of Legolas' character ("tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow"), and the book character shoots down a Nazgûl's Fellbeast in pitch darkness - impressive even for an Elf.
One might argue that Arondir is the better all-rounder. Archery aside, the Southlands' Elf-ally organizes the ill-equipped and amateurish villagers into an impromptu army, while his oratory skills prevent them fleeing or siding with the enemy. The Lord of the Rings doesn't show Legolas as an outstanding leader (that's Aragorn's department), nor a military tactician. And though Legolas carried a dagger for close-quarters fights, the bow and arrow was his preference. Arondir appears perfectly comfortable in either scenario, even pulling out some martial arts techniques in The Rings of Power episode 6.
Arondir Or Legolas? Depends On Which Legolas
Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies don't quite portray Legolas like the original books. A select few moments of greatness aside (the aforementioned Fellbeast shot probably being the most impressive), Tolkien offers little to suggest Legolas is exceptional among Elves. Rather, he's exceptional because he's an Elf. Orlando Bloom's Legolas, however, is a one-man, nigh-on-indestructible Orc-slayer whose onscreen battlefield shenanigans far surpass any other Elf in the trilogy. This is down to Jackson's deliberate shift into action territory - an approach Christopher Tolkien (J.R.R.'s son) criticized.
Comparing Ismael Cruz Córdova's Arondir to Orlando Bloom's Legolas, therefore, the Fellowship's blond marksman remains ahead. Until Arondir can fire multi-arrows, bring down a Mûmakil, and shield-surf, he'll remain in Legolas' shadow. The Hobbit trilogy (which, by rights, he shouldn't feature in at all) even shows Legolas fighting at short range at least as proficiently as Arondir. The Rings of Power's Silvan Elf could only claim superiority in leadership and strategy against his live-action rival. Arondir may fare significantly better against book-Legolas. The Rings of Power introduces Ismael Cruz Córdova's character as a low-ranking soldier, indicating he isn't a standout warrior among his own kind. But Arondir hails from an era of war, and his memories of Beleriand suggest he fought against Morgoth's army before continuing a military career. The painful experience of conflict might mean Second Age Elves of Arondir's ilk were more seasoned fighters than the likes of Legolas.
Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues Thursday/Friday on Prime Video.