On October 14, season 1 of the Rings of Power ended after an episode 8 rich in revelations. As the end credits begin, a familiar name appears on the screen. Who is this person and what reference is hidden behind this dedication?
The end of the season of the series The Rings of Power has caused a lot of ink to flow, especially about its major revelations concerning certain great mysteries such as the identities of Sauron or the stranger.
Another little enigma may have tickled viewers at the very beginning of the end credits of episode 8, punctuated by the famous poem from The Rings written by Tolkien and sung by Fiona Apple.
The following inscription can be read before the credits: “Dedicated to Dr. John Dundee Payne: 1946 – 2021 – Now in the Far Green Country, in the Sweet Sunrise” (Dedicated to Doctor John Dundee Payne, now in the far green land, under a fleeting sunrise).
But who is this Dr. John Dundee Payne who receives this strong tribute? It is simply the father of the showrunner of the series, JD Payne, who died in 2021 at the age of 75.
Dr. Payne grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He became a psychiatrist after studying at Northwestern Medical School. During his studies, he met Dr. Lillian Marlene Jones. Together they will have three children, Jennifer, JD (also named John Dundee) and Heather.
His son therefore paid him a beautiful tribute at the end of the last episode of season 1 of the Rings of Power. The little phrase that underlines the dedication, “The distant green land, under a fleeting sunrise”is a Tolkien quote from The Lord of the Rings.
These words are present in The king’s return, when Frodo has a vision of Valinor as he sails to the Undying Lands. In Peter Jackson’s film adaptation, Gandalf utters this phrase to Pippin to reassure him about life after death.
“The distant green land, under a fleeting sunrise.” The scene, sublimated by the soft music of Howard Shore, always causes shivers.
OUR PODCAST DEBRIEF ON THE RINGS OF POWER FINALE