Just before Miriel could rule as Queen Regnant of Númenor, the people discovered a dark secret she had been keeping from them. What's up with Miriel and the Palantiri (crystal ball) in The Rings of Power?
SPOILER WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for The Rings of Power season 2, so proceed with caution.
What's a Palantiri and Why Does Miriel Have One?
A Palantiri (which is also known as the Seven Stones or 'Seven-Seeing Stones') is essentially an indestructible crystal ball used as a form of communication for distant kingdoms that possess one of the seven. It was created by the Elves of Valinor during the First Age.
As for the series' canonical use, it appears to be able to show the histories and memories of Middle-Earth and seemingly show a glimpse of the future (though fans are not happy about the significant change to it).
These are Elven devices that are usually given as gifts to Faithful Númenóreans, which would then serve as heirlooms until the downfall of the Númenor during the latter part of the Second Age.
Miriel received the Palantir (singular form of Palantiri) crystal ball as a family heirloom from her late father, Tar-Palantir.
The crystal ball's existence was once again brought up in the third episode of The Rings of Power season 2 titled The Eagle and the Scepter.
During Miriel's supposed coronation, someone yells that Miriel is "unfit to rule" and that she has "betrayed Númenóreans." But how, exactly?
Why Are the Númenóreans Against Miriel and the Palantiri?
There are two kinds of Númenóreans: The Faithful (those who still keep and recognize Elves as their comrades) and the King's Men (who abandoned Elvish customs and languages and refuse to get along with them).
While Miriel does have the interest and safety of her people in mind, it doesn't help that she is leaning towards avoiding the fatal Palantir prophecy that is fated to destroy Numenor in the future.
In this case, after losing their warriors in battle, the people couldn't support Miriel, especially when they found out that she still had the Elven device in hand.
They have built resentment against anything Elven-related, and to witness their own ruler keep her allegiance with them sends a bad message.
It wasn't until the great eagle landed during the coronation ceremony and had seemingly chosen Miriel's advisor, Ar-Pharazôn, as their rightful ruler, instead.
READ NEXT: The Rings of Power: How Can Sauron Shapeshift in Season 2?
The Rings of Power season 2 episode 4 premieres on Prime Video on September 5.
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