All of Tolkien’s works take a direct stance on what are weaknesses, and what are strengths. It is the thing that separates the heroes from the villains. Heroes acknowledge their weaknesses and work together to help each other overcome them, whereas villains fall to theirs. And in the aftermath of the 7th episode of Rings of Power, Queen Mirirel of Numenor found a sudden change to her vision, which, rather than appearing as a weakness, actually demonstrated the true strength of her character. It showed how, when surrounded by the support of those who care about her, and given the incentive to protect those who need her, she chooses to fight rather than to abandon the people of the Southlands to death and tragedy. Ultimately, Rings of Power addresses Miriel’s blindness as a celebration of humanity, and the amazing things that can be achieved when the heroes of the story work together to defeat a growing evil.
The show has already caused controversy with its decisions around representation and diversity. It took this one step further with Miriel’s eyes clouding over after the eruption of Mount Doom. She first realizes that she can no longer see when she asks, “How much further until we are clear of this smoke?” on their way out of the destroyed village of Tirharad, which has been smothered in ashes. When the two soldiers who accompany her stop in silence, she realizes what has happened. But instead of panicking, crying, or reacting like this is a problem to be fixed, she demonstrates that she is perfectly capable of commanding in her usual regal manner. Her resilience and assuredness shows how her sudden difference isn’t something to be feared or mourned. Rather, it is something that she will adapt to and take in stride.
There are many difficult revelations within the episode. Ontamo’s closest friends, Isildur and Valandil, find his body in the wreckage of a burning building. This is quickly followed by another burning building collapsing on top of Isildur. It is clear from the party's return without him, that the others believe the future king of Gondor to be dead, and this becomes very important later in the episode when comparing the reactions of Elendil and Miriel to their own experiences of Middle Earth.
Due to the perceived loss of his son, Elendil is full of anger at Galadriel, whom he blames for bringing them there in the first place. His voice is full of distain as he speaks to her. There is clearly a pain within his words for being so cruel, despite Bronywn being stood right there, having also lost her home and many of her people to the Orc invasion. His harsh words make Galadriel feel even more remorseful as she kneels in front of the queen. But Miriel has the complete opposite reaction, despite also having lost something very personal that day in Middle Earth. She says:
“Do not spend your pity on me elf. Save it. For our enemies, for they do not know what they have begun. For I, Mirirel, daughter of Ar-Inziladun, vow this. Numenor will return.”
This is such a powerful moment for her character. With these short words she demonstrates that her disability is not a pity. Rather, is a strength that she will use to rise up and defeat those who deserve her wrath. When she first came to the lands, she was helping at the behest of Galadriel. However, she has now met the Southlanders and their children, seen them thrive, felt the success of victory, and then had it all taken right in front of them. Now, her battle is personal, and Mirirel will rise to overcome any barriers placed in her way. If anything, her blindness will just become a part of her. It will only aid her in being the steely and formidable queen that people need in such times of crisis.
The Numenoreans head home to heal, regroup, and formulate a battle strategy for their return. During this time, it is difficult to say whether Miriel’s sight will return, as it sometimes does after a head injury. Alternatively, her loss of sight may turn out to be permanent. But either way, Rings of Power has already gone a long way towards challenging the often negative portrayals and perceptions of disability within the media. Instead of disability making her helpless, the show has instead created a character who is a force to be reckoned with. This is neither because of her blindness, nor despite it, but simply because that is who she was from the start, regardless of her ability to see.