As a fan who has journeyed through Middle-earth since my earliest days, I must say, the latest scenes of The Rings of Power have left me utterly captivated. The drama unfolding in Numenor is as tense and dramatic as any royal court intrigue, while the Elven sanctuary in Rivendell echoes with the weight of history and prophecy.
*Warning: Full spoilers ahead for The Rings of Power season 2 episode 8.*
In the end, we had been eagerly anticipating and apprehensive about it, but The Rings of Power season 2 episode 8 brought forth death, gloom, and ultimately, a glimmer of optimism as Middle-earth confronted Sauron (played by Charlie Vickers).
In the final episode, Sauron/Annatar’s deceit of Elven smith Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) came to an end, there was a surprising act of treachery from the Orcs, and lastly, the long-anticipated disclosure occurred when The Stranger’s (Daniel Weyman) real identity was finally revealed.
Eagerly anticipating the possibility of another season, let me share some key insights about the eighth episode of The Rings of Power season 2 from a fellow movie enthusiast’s perspective.
The Rings of Power season 2 ending explained: Who is The Stranger?
Finally, it’s confirmed that The Stranger is Gandalf. Here’s how that reveal happened.
In the heart of the episode, we find ourselves reconnecting with The Stranger. This encounter occurs when The Dark Wizard, played by Ciaran Hinds, surprisingly adopts a cordial demeanor towards him.
According to him, it was The Stranger who persuaded him to depart from the Western lands, and apparently, they must join forces to overthrow Sauron. Given the situation, The Stranger seems puzzled, as he believed the Dark Sorcerer intended to collaborate with Sauron instead.
The Dark Wizard assures him that if he accompanies him, he’ll discover his name, his wand, and the solutions to the questions he seeks. Furthermore, he guarantees the safety of Nori (Markella Kavenagh) and Poppy (Megan Richards).
Despite appearing safe, there’s danger lurking. One of the Dark Wizard’s followers brandishes a knife against Nori and Poppy, acting contrary to the Dark Wizard’s instructions. In response, the Dark Wizard slays one of his own followers, causing the rest to scatter, leaving Nori and Poppy in the company of The Stranger once more.
Although The Dark Wizard claims dissent towards the name bestowed upon him, Nori and Poppy remind him of the act he committed by slaying one of his apprentices. The Stranger inquires if The Dark Wizard aspires to become Sauron’s heir, to which The Dark Wizard responds that such a destiny may be in store for them both.
The Unknown Individual expresses his preference for wandering anonymously forever, while the Mysterious Sorcerer performs a ritual, leading to the ceiling collapsing. He wishes that The Unknown Individual experiencing the loss of those dear to him would provide a glimpse of the pain Middle-earth might endure if Sauron were victorious.
Fortunately, the Harfoots have sustained minimal damage, and they are now gathering and rebuilding following the devastation brought about by the Dark Magician. Poppy accompanies Nobody/Merimac as he and his tribe embark on their initial journey, and in a striking hint of things to come, the Harfoots refer to the Stranger as “Great Elf.
Nori conveys to The Stranger that each of them should tread separate journeys, and the duo exchange heartfelt goodbyes. Shortly after, The Stranger locates his staff, bearing a striking resemblance to the one once wielded by Gandalf.
He goes to consult Tom Bombadil (played by Rory Kinnear) in search of some long-overdue clarification. The Stranger ponders if it was all a test, speculating that he was destined to aid the Harfoots and opt for friendship rather than power. Tom responds by stating that a wizard’s staff seeks him out, not the other way around – much like his name.
At last, the moment we’ve longed for has arrived, and The Stranger declares: “Isn’t it ‘Gandalf’ that I’ll be known as from now on?” Afterward, we shared a delightful impromptu song together.
Why do the Orcs kill Adar?
In the end, the Orcs abandon Adar (played by Sam Hazeldine), a decision seemingly influenced by the deceitful machinations of Sauron, leading ultimately to his demise at the hands of the Orcs. This tragic turn of events may not have come as a surprise to many viewers, given that earlier episodes hinted at the Orcs growing dissatisfied with Adar’s orders.
The Siege of Eregion persists, as Orcs shower the ramparts with fire. Galadriel (portrayed by Morfydd Clark) strives to shield the females but finds herself surrounded by the Orcs. In a desperate attempt for their salvation, she surrenders herself and discloses her possession of the nine rings.
While alive, Celebrimbor endures cruel torment at the hands of Sauron, who seeks to learn where the rings have been concealed. In response to Sauron’s inquiries, Celebrimbor reveals that the rings lie beyond his grasp.
Sauron asserts that there are means to keep him in existence, but Celebrimbor jeers, implying that he’s merely a remnant of Morgoth and that the Rings of Power will ultimately lead to his demise, with a single Ring sealing his complete downfall.
As these words were spoken, Sauron pierced Celebrimbor with a spear, hoisting him up a wall. On his last breath, Celebrimbor whispered to Sauron that he was enslaved by the rings. Touched by sorrow, Sauron wept briefly before being disturbed by a horde of Orcs. His demeanor shifted, and he started addressing them as Uruk, as he set out to trick them into thinking he cared for them.
In my humble opinion as a movie enthusiast, I found myself captivated by an intriguing turn of events in the latest Middle-earth installment. The Orcs, to my surprise, had taken Galadriel and escorted her to Adar. What followed was a revelation that left me spellbound – Adar, it seemed, possessed her ring, and through its power, he had transformed back into an elf, albeit under a new name.
Galadriel acknowledges that she’s taken the lives of many Orcs, to which Adar expresses his pardon and desires enduring tranquility. Yet, he clarifies that the authority to establish such peace no longer lies with him.
In no time at all, it’s evident that Adar’s troops are now under Sauron’s control. One Orc feigning injury stabs Adar, causing the rest to attack, mirroring the gruesome manner of Sauron’s death in season 2 episode 1. Sauron then reclaims Morgoth’s crown and gives Galadriel a nod before vanishing.
Sauron commands the Orcs to slaughter every Elf, yet capture their leaders unharmed. However, Galadriel brandishes a sword against Sauron, but he employs Morgoth’s crown as a defense. He demands that Galadriel hand over the rings and declares his intention to mend all of Middle-earth.
During the ongoing Siege of Eregion, Orcs destroy the masterpieces left behind by Celebrimbor. Sauron, in a cunning move, assumes forms reminiscent of Halbrand, Galadriel, and even Celebrimbor himself to trick Galadriel and try to seize the rings from her possession.
In the grandeur of Middle-earth, I stand as a devotee bearing witness to an eventful confrontation. Sauron, in a chilling display, strikes Galadriel with Morgoth’s diadem, hinting at a monarchial destiny for her. Yet, she retorts defiantly, asserting that the free folk of Middle-earth shall forever stand against him. Stricken by her words, Sauron bends to claim the rings. Though Galadriel still clings to hers, she offers it to him in a desperate gesture. In the end, she leaps back off a precipice, taking her ring with her into the abyss.
In anger, Sauron stabs an Orc, proving he’s nothing of the father Adar once was.
What kills King Durin?
King Durin (Peter Mullan) is killed when fighting a Balrog, which becomes known as Durin’s Bane.
The story opens as King Durin, under the influence of his ring, becomes obsessed with mining for more mithril. His son Prince Durin (Owain Arthur) watches in dismay. As King Durin continues his descent into the mine, he urges his wife Disa (Sophia Nomvete) not to follow him, fearing for her safety.
In simpler terms, Durin orders his father to remove the ring, and even brandishes his axe as a warning. However, King Durin, unperturbed, persists in mining and displays to Durin the family’s wealth – mithril treasures.
But, before long, they hear an ominous growl. Durin encourages his father to run – but he’s too late as King Durin faces up to the fiery Balrog, later known as Durin’s Bane.
As death approached, King Durin momentarily regained consciousness, removed the ring, sought forgiveness from his son, and then declared him the next King Durin. With a final look, he leaped from the cliff edge to confront the Balrog.
Towards the end of the episode, King Durin confronts his destiny when he appears before his newly claimed throne.
The dwarves tell Durin that Eregion has been conquered, prompting him to declare that Khazad-dûm is prepared to extend assistance. However, Durin faces troubles of his own: Disa reveals their debts, gossips hint at his being an unwanted heir, and other dwarf lords – including Durin’s brother – are said to question his claim to leadership. As he looks upon the rings, it seems Durin contemplates his predicament.
What is Narsil?
Narsil, a significant sword, is bestowed upon Elendil by Tar-Miriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson). This very same sword later plays a crucial role in Tolkien’s lore as it is used to sever The One Ring from Sauron’s grasp.
In Numenor, Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle) assembles his followers and accuses Miriel of using sorcery to deceive the Valar through a pact with Sauron. Instantly, all who remain loyal to her are labeled traitors to Numenor.
As a passionate movie buff, I found myself in a tense situation as Eärien, the character portrayed by Ema Horvath, when I sensed danger approaching in the form of the guards, looming for my father Elendil. My instinct was to shield him, but it was evident that he had no choice but to flee.
Elendil readies himself and Miriel for their journey westward, seeking his son Anárion. However, Miriel insists on staying behind, explaining that her role is in Numenor.
1) She hands Elendil the sword called Narsil and informs him that he’s taken his fate into his own hands. At a later point, we witness Miriel confronting Pharazon, bound in shackles.
In another location, Isildur (Maxim Baldry) and Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) discuss their remorse over the loss of their mothers. Isildur is about to depart from Pelargir, and they exchange a moving farewell.
Nia Towle’s character, Estrid, shows up and shares with Isildur that she and her intended spouse have been constructing a home together. Yet, she confides in him that her feelings do not align with love for this man. Seizing the moment, he leans in to kiss her. He then proposes she joins him on their journey to Numenor.
As a dedicated cinephile, I find myself stepping into the story at Pelargir, where Kemen, or Leon Wadham’s character, has stirred up trouble. Upon meeting Isildur, Kemen denies Estrid’s return passage to Numenor and confides in him about Pharazon’s usurpation. He makes it clear that Elendil, Isildur’s father, is sought for treasonous acts.
He announces that Pelargir is a fortress for Numenor’s soldiers, and that all men must deliver timber from the forest for the construction of an armada. Without the timber, there’ll be no supplies for the people.
Finally, we see Isildur forced to leave Estrid, with her betrothed taking her hand.
Where is the sanctuary?
In the concluding sequences of The Rings of Power, Galadriel finds herself revived within a haven, a location familiar to viewers as Rivendell. This haven serves dual purposes: it’s shielded by Elven rings and thus a safe sanctuary, yet it also embodies an ethereal, otherworldly quality. Rivendell holds immense significance as the starting point for the journey aimed at destroying The One Ring, marking the beginning of a monumental quest.
As a devoted fan, I find myself reflecting on the heart-wrenching struggle of Galadriel (Benjamin Walker), Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova), and Elrond (Robert Aramayo) as they tirelessly endeavor to mend the inner turmoil that grips her, following her harrowing confrontation with Sauron. Yet, despite their valiant efforts, they are unable to alleviate the darkness that haunts her soul.
Fortunately, upon donning Galadriel’s ring, Elrond manages to triumph. As a result, Galadriel regains consciousness, and Gil-Galad reassures her of their security.
Arondir informs the group that he’s brought together the other Elves, who are now waiting for Gil-Galad’s guidance. Gil-Galad shares his concerns that Sauron’s power has spread across Middle-earth, even reaching Lindon. He poses a tough question to them: Should they engage in battle against him, wielding the sword, or should they fortify their defenses, using the shield?
Galadriel gently reminds everyone about Celebrimbor’s wisdom – it isn’t brute force that conquers shadows, but rather the radiance of light, and indeed, the sun continues to illuminate.
Galadriel, Arondir, Elrond, and King Gil-Galad assume positions at the forefront among the Elves. As Gil-Galad lifts his sword high, a unified battle cry resonates, prompting the rest of the Elven warriors to mimic the gesture.
As season 2 ends, their decision is made clear – they will take the fight to Sauron.
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2024-10-03 11:34