Watch: Rings of Power Recap: What to Know Before Season 2

“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” set during Middle Earth’s Second Age, weaves together various story arcs as the realm edges toward darkness. The first season introduced Tolkien’s legendary universe filled with Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, and Harfoots uniting to confront the menace of the Dark Lord Sauron.

As Season 2 approaches, here’s a recap of the pivotal developments from the first season:

 

Galadriel’s Mission

The season kicks off with Galadriel, one of the mightiest Elves, relentlessly hunting Sauron, whom she suspects will return to devastate Middle Earth. During her quest, Galadriel is rescued by Halbrand, and they are subsequently saved by the Captain of the Seas, who takes them to Númenor. There, Galadriel persuades the queen to provide troops to help defeat the looming evil that has robbed many of their kin.

 

Nori and the Stranger

The show skillfully portrays the touching relationship between Nori and the Stranger, a mysterious being with extraordinary powers who crashes to Earth from the sky. Despite knowing nothing of his origins, the Stranger protects the Harfoots from danger. The Harfoots entrust Nori to accompany him on his mission to save the world, though his true identity remains unknown throughout the season.

 

The Mystery of Sauron

The narrative keeps viewers guessing about Sauron’s true identity. Is it Adar, the leader of the Orcs striving to establish Mordor, or the celestial Stranger? Suspicion falls on Halbrand as Galadriel uncovers his real identity, leading to a suspenseful reveal of Sauron in the season’s climax.

 

Elrond’s Dilemma

Elrond, a young Elf, faces a moral quandary between saving Lindon and staying loyal to his friend, Durin. In his efforts to bridge the Elves and Dwarves, Elrond strengthens his bond with Durin, who unknowingly gifts him a powerful stone that could save Lindon from encroaching darkness.

 

The Forging of the Rings of Power

As the season approaches its finale, the Elven smith Celebrimbor, influenced by Halbrand, starts to forge two rings. Upon discovering Halbrand is Sauron, Galadriel surrenders her sword, made of a Valinorian gold-silver alloy, to create a third ring. The looming question now is who will control Middle Earth and the Rings of Power.

In the upcoming second season, the banished Sauron, stripped of his army and allies by Galadriel, must use his wits to regain power and direct the creation of the Rings of Power, aiming to dominate all the peoples of Middle Earth with his malevolent will.

The second season, produced by JD Payne and Patrick McKay, features stars like Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Cordova, and Charlie Vickers. This epic drama is set to premiere globally on Prime Video on August 29.