Everything to Remember From The Rings of Power Before Season 2

Everything to Remember From The Rings of Power Before Season 2

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  • What Happened to Galadriel and Sauron in Season 1?
  • What Did Elrond and Durin Find in Khazad-dûm?
  • A Stranger Falls From the Sky and Into the World of Harfoots (Harfeet?)
  • What Happens to Isildur, Arondir?

As a lifelong fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I found Season 1 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power to be an exhilarating journey that beautifully expanded upon the world I have grown up with and loved for years.


As Season 2 of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” on Prime Video approaches, fans might appreciate a refresher about Middle Earth during the Second Age and Sauron’s (Charlie Vickers) resurgence. From Galadriel’s (Morfydd Clark) mission to vanquish all darkness, Elrond’s (Robert Aramayo) findings in Dwarven mines, and the bond between The Stranger (Daniel Weyman) and Elanor Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh), there are many intriguing storylines awaiting viewers as they delve back into the struggle between good and evil.

In the opening season of this show, I found myself particularly captivated by the intricate web of relationships it unraveled, echoing the richness of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. From the very first episode, fans like me recognized Vickers’ Halbrand as the Dark Lord, a revelation that wasn’t hard to spot. Yet, what truly breathed life into Middle Earth was the power-packed performances in the subsequent episodes, reminding us of the magic years after the original movie trilogy even as we delved deeper into this captivating world.

What Happened to Galadriel and Sauron in Season 1?

Everything to Remember From The Rings of Power Before Season 2Everything to Remember From The Rings of Power Before Season 2

In Season 1, the narrative centers around Galadriel and Sauron’s connection. Initially, viewers encounter a determined Galadriel, who seeks revenge for her brother’s demise. However, her plans are foiled, leading her to join other elves on a voyage westward. On the brink of embarkation, she defies orders and jumps ship, unknowingly putting herself in Sauron’s proximity. Under the guise of Halbrand, whom Galadriel believes to be the long-lost king of the Southland, Sauron exploits her desire for vengeance by skillfully influencing her actions as he ascends to power.

Throughout the initial eight episodes, Galadriel acknowledges a powerful bond with Halbrand. Once his true self is disclosed, she finds herself incapable of hindering his rise and return to the reconstituted Mordor. Instead, she resists his allure to rule Middle Earth jointly with him. However, the harm has already been inflicted: Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) crafts three rings as an attempt to prevent evil’s domination, thereby igniting the journey towards Sauron’s power and shrouding everyone in darkness.

What Did Elrond and Durin Find in Khazad-dûm?

Everything to Remember From The Rings of Power Before Season 2Everything to Remember From The Rings of Power Before Season 2

The friendship between Elrond and Durin IV (Owain Arthur) really shines in Season 1, despite its rocky start. Both are invested in doing what is best for their respective people — while holding true to their brother-like bond — even as pressure mounts on both of them from their kings to betray their promises. Elrond’s loyalty to Durin pays off, as he discovers his friend has found a new element in the mines, one with the power to save the entirety of the Elvish people. Encouraged by his wife, Disa (Sophia Nomvete), Durin trusts Elrond with the knowledge of Mithril’s existence.

In the storyline, King Durin III gains control over the elves’ destiny upon the arrival of Mithril, a precious metal. Delighted by the opportunity to annihilate perceived adversaries in Middle Earth, the Dwarf-lord contemplates such a move; however, his son’s allegiance to Elrond ensures that this power won’t come without costs for the king. As Season 1 concludes, Durin IV loses his position as heir, Elrond faces exile from Khazad-dûm, and the future of Mithril hangs in the balance – not to mention, viewers are aware that dwarves stir danger when they delve too far underground.

A Stranger Falls From the Sky and Into the World of Harfoots (Harfeet?)

Everything to Remember From The Rings of Power Before Season 2Everything to Remember From The Rings of Power Before Season 2

In the initial season, a being known as The Stranger descends from above, catching the attention of both benevolent and malevolent forces. They interpret this event as a prophetic sign for their respective causes. The Stranger develops a bond with Elanor Brandyfoot and assists her family and the Harfoot community throughout the first season. Additionally, the Mystics, three witches of ill-repute, view The Stranger as Sauron. Upon their encounter and allegiance to him, they discover he is not the Dark Lord. In response, they attempt to eliminate him, which incidentally unleashes the full might of The Stranger, who appears to vanquish them.

Through the course of the season, it remains a mystery who exactly this individual truly is. However, what viewers come to discover is that he is an Istari, a formidable wizard whose ultimate goal or intention remains undisclosed. He sets out on a fresh adventure accompanied by Nori, sparking curiosity among fans as to whether this bond could be the foundation for Gandalf’s affectionate feelings towards Hobbits – a sentiment that might propel events during the Third Age. Will The Stranger and his companion Nori run into Tom Bombadil during their voyage?

What Happens to Isildur, Arondir?

Everything to Remember From The Rings of Power Before Season 2Everything to Remember From The Rings of Power Before Season 2

In the future, Isildur (Maxim Baldry), also known as the one who will seize the Ring of Power from Sauron, sets off a series of events that eventually pave the way for Aragorn’s heroics during the Third Age. However, at present, Isildur is grappling with his father Elendil (Lloyd Owen)’s expectations. In Season 1, Isildur struggles initially but demonstrates his worthiness by offering aid against the escalating evil in the Southlands. By season’s end, Isildur finds himself trapped within the newly-formed Mordor, leaving viewers to ponder how he might escape and survive. Unfortunately, his father assumes him dead, which could lead Eärien (Ema Horvath) to take on a more significant role in Season 2 as she enters the fray.

In the initial season, Arondir (played by Ismael Cruz Córdova), an Elf warrior, defends the Southern people while concealing his emotions for Bronwyn. He strives to unravel the enigma of the escalating darkness and follows Adar’s trail, the source of evil. He aids Bronwyn’s son, Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin), in escaping peril and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Southern people as they battle to repel the Orc forces.

No matter what transpires, the homecoming to Middle Earth brings joy to Tolkien fans everywhere, and we can anticipate seeing new characters in Season 2, further fueling viewers’ affection for the show.

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2024-08-04 22:31