The second season of The Rings of Power may have left viewers with a certain sour taste and more questions than answers, especially after the intriguing final scene that gives us a glimpse into the dark future of Middle-earth. With iconic characters like Galadriel, Elrond, and Sauron at the center of the story, it’s easy to get lost in the intertwined narrative threads and the references to the original books by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Spoiler Alert: This article summarizes the latest episode of the second season of The Rings of Power and contains plot details.
The Shift to a New Era for Middle-earth
In a conversation with Vanity Fair, showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay discussed the events of the final episode, confirming the mysterious character known as The Stranger as none other than Gandalf. At the same time, viewers are shown the unsettling presence of a sinister sorcerer whose name has not yet been revealed, suggesting that he may not be who fans think. The two creatives delve into the main storylines of the series and address the controversy surrounding the significant creative licenses taken when adapting Professor Tolkien’s original work.
The death of Celebrimbor parallels that of King Durin III, whose desire to obtain one of the rings leads to his ruin and the release of the Balrog, a fire demon unleashed by the dwarves by digging too deep. Both characters, representative of a bygone era, are eliminated as a result of the temptation of power and material riches, symbolizing the transition to a new era for the peoples of Middle-earth.
Another key point in the resolution is the fate of Adar, the dark elf who has been described as the “Father” of the orcs. His true name is never revealed, and in his final words, he indicates that he is no longer who he was, suggesting an evolution in his character that distances him from his original identity, which is never fully clear. An enigmatic character created for this series, played by two different actors in the two seasons, and undoubtedly one of the most interesting additions to the original narrative.
At the end of the second season of The Rings of Power, the destinies of several key characters intertwine in a scenario of growing tension. In Númenor, Elendil receives an important legacy from Miriel in the form of the sword Narsil, with a rich history that will culminate in its use by his son Isildur to defeat Sauron in the future. Compared to the first season, the human storylines in this season have progressed little: Miriel, after deciding to remain in Númenor as a symbol of resistance, is captured and chained by the new regime of Pharazôn. Elendil, now marked as a traitor, sets out on a journey to gather allies and dismantle Pharazôn’s power, carrying with him the sword that symbolizes his destiny and the future of his lineage.
Meanwhile, Isildur, who establishes a romantic bond with Estrid, discovers that the situation in Númenor has changed drastically. On the other hand, Arondir and the rest of the elves, after battling in Eregion, acknowledge Sauron’s return to Middle-earth and the need to confront him. With these events, the season culminates in a dramatic climax that sets the stage for future conflicts on the road to the War of the Last Alliance.
Galadriel and Elrond in the Fight Against Sauron
Galadriel, portrayed by Morfydd Clark, faces off against Sauron in a decisive battle that links her to the fate of the rings of power in a way that diverges completely from the original version of the character in Tolkien’s writings. She also strengthens her ties with Elrond, played by Robert Aramayo, who transitions from being a mediator between the different peoples of Middle-earth to a military leader of the elves during the Siege of Eregion.
The Fates of Sauron and Gandalf
One of the most significant moments of the end of the second season of The Rings of Power has been the forging of these legendary objects, which Sauron will use to control Middle-earth, and the death of their creator, Celebrimbor. The latter has a crucial confrontation with Sauron, and in his final moments, reveals that Sauron will become “the Lord of the Rings,” turning what initially seemed like an honorable title into a curse. This interaction highlights that Sauron is, in fact, a prisoner of his own ambition, a central theme of this season.
As the plot unfolds, Sauron finds himself at a crossroads. Although he managed to gravely injure Galadriel and acquire the Nine Rings for Men, it is clear that the Dark Lord still has much work ahead if he wants to dominate Middle-earth. The last image of Sauron this season is quite interesting, though not too subtle, as with a revealing gesture, he firmly grasps Fëanor’s hammer.
The actor portraying Sauron, Charlie Vickers, offers a perspective on what is going on in Sauron’s mind during this scene. “It’s an interesting image to be left with, isn’t it? I think it’s part reflection and part anticipation for Sauron,” Vickers says in an interview with GamesRadar+. “He’s probably thinking about Celebrimbor and Celebrimbor’s last words to him. I think they somehow printed themselves on Sauron.” With the subtlety with which this series references the great moments of Tolkien’s mythology, it’s not difficult to know what we’re talking about, but we have yet to see if it’s something that will be revealed in the third season or if we’ll have to wait a little longer.
Finally, the episode closes with the confirmation of Gandalf’s true identity, who has gradually been revealed throughout the season. His etymology, “elf of the staff” or “the one who bears the rod,” becomes a childish pun that represents his close relationship with the hobbit people. Undoubtedly, the evolution of this character is one of the most interesting aspects that this series can tell us in the future, but we will see to what extent Tolkien’s original ideas are respected or the imaginative current trend is maintained.
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