Kemen has been set up for a dark fate inThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and one theory in particular would see him revealed as one ofLord of the Rings’most despicable characters. Many of Sauron’s followers in the Third Age had once been mortal men, but centuries of corruption caused them to forget their previous identities. For this reason,Rings of Powerhas an opportunity to take some creative liberties. It’s likely that the series' original characters will ultimately connect to mysterious figures of canon—Kemen being a likely candidate.
Kemen is the son ofPharazôn inRings of Power, the usurper king of Númenor. His connection to this infamous king of Tolkien’s canon legendarium is already a poor setup for his morality, but Kemen has managed to prove all his own that he is a pretty despicable individual.Rings of Powerseason 2, especially, saw Kemen’s villain arc take flight, andthis has led to a variety of theories regarding how he could further connect toThe Lord of the Rings. One theory, in particular, seems to hold some significant weight.
The Rings Of Power Has Set Up Kemen For A Dark Fate
Kemen May Be Doomed To Become The Mouth Of Sauron
One of the more intriguing teases regardingKemen’s character inRings of Powerseason 2was the reveal that his mother had made a dark prophesy when the boy was born. She said that Kemen would come to “ill ends.” Of course, this could mean a lot of different things. After all, Númenor itself will meet an ill end since the entire island is doomed to be destroyed by a giant wave after Pharazôn leads his people into war against the god-like Valar (a stupid move inspired by Sauron). However, Kemen’s mother specifying her newborn son in her prophecy indicates that the wave isn’t what she meant.
Instead, thisRings of Powertease seems to indicate that the “ill end” will relate to a story thatLord of the Ringsaudiences already know. A popular theory is that Kemen could become a Ringwraith, and this is certainly possible. A few of the Nazgul were Númenóreans, including the Witch-king of Angmar. However, Kemen’s almost weasely nature doesn’t entirely fit with the powerful, menacing villain. Instead,the theory is that Kemen will become the Mouth of Sauron—the Dark Lord’s official herald and loyal servant.
The Rings Of Power Could Adjust The Mouth Of Sauron’s Canon Origin To Fit Kemen
The Timeline Would Need Some Adjusting
The Mouth of Sauronwas the Lieutenant of Barad-dûr in the Third Age and is best known inLord of the Ringsfor delivering the Dark Lord’s terms to Gandalf, Aragorn, and the rest at the Black Gate before the Battle of the Morannon.Though he was cut from the theatrical version of Peter Jackson’sLord of the Ringsmovies, he can be seen in the extended edition. The idea that Kemen could be doomed to become this character, whose mouth is so decayed from constantly repeating Sauron’s evil words, is an interesting one. However, some significant changes would be required onRings of Power’s part.
Tolkien said inLord of the Ringsthat the Mouth of Sauron was a living Man, a Black Númenórean descended from those who escaped the island kingdom’s fate. During the events of Frodo’s story, this villain would only have been about as old as Aragorn—not immortal, but with a life span that extends beyond the typical Man. As a High Man of Númenor, Kemen would also have a significantly longer life than those in Middle-earth, but he couldn’t naturally live long enough to be Sauron’s herald in the Third Age. Still,Rings of Powercould explain this away with sorcery, which the Mouth of Sauron learns from his master.
Being The Mouth Of Sauron Would Fit Kemen’s Role In The Rings Of Power
Kemen Is Already The Mouth Of Pharazôn
Though the timeline doesn’t quite match up, the most convincing argument that Kemen will end up being the Mouth of Sauron comes down to his role in Númenor. Kemen isn’t a powerful force and has no value as a soldier. Sure, he picked up a sword and stabbed Valandil inRings of Powerseason 2, but this was only once the man had thrown down his arms, and his back was turned to Kemen. It was despicable and cowardly, not the act of someone who would go on to be the most feared of Sauron’s Ringwraiths, whom no Man could kill.
It wouldn’t be much of a stretch forRings of Powerto take the Mouth of Pharazôn and turn him into the Mouth of Sauron.
Instead, Kemen’s primary value inRings of Poweris as the mouthpiece to his father, King Pharazôn. His power comes from his master, and he only repeats the orders of the king and assumes this makes him powerful and authoritative. This is precisely what the Mouth of Sauron does for his master in the end. He is despicable and feared, buthe is an emissary and herald first and foremost. It wouldn’t be much of a stretch forRings of Powerto take the Mouth of Pharazôn and turn him into the Mouth of Sauron. However, a lot of work would need to be done before such a twist would work.
How The Rings Of Power Seasons 3 & 4 Could Set Kemen Up As The Mouth Of Sauron
It Will All Depend On Kemen’s Connection With Sauron
The next couple of seasons ofRings of Powershould provide a definitive answer regarding Kemen’s “ill end” and determine whether or not this connects toThe Lord of the Rings' Mouth of Sauron.At the end of season 2, Kemen is exercising his authority in Middle-earth, demanding that the Southland survivors provide lumber to Númenor. Undoubtedly, his despicable nature will only get worse and worse. However, if he truly is the Mouth of Sauron,we should see signs of this once he comes into contact with the Dark Lord Sauron himself.
Prime Video has five total seasons planned forRings of Power.
Kemen’s position in Middle-earth provides ample opportunity for him to meet Sauron, and it may even be that the son of Pharazôn will be the one to bring theDark Lord to Númenor. Sauron is destined to begin manipulating Pharazôn, leading the king to aim his wrath at the Valar in Valinor and thus dooming the island kingdom. Kemen is sure to be involved in this as well. However, if he is to become the Mouth of Sauron even after the villain destroys his home and father, thenthe Great Deceiver will have to begin slowly turning Kemen against Pharazôn. Given their conflicted relationship inRings of Power, this wouldn’t be a stretch.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Cast
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
