In this week’s episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2, we journey to the East once again. After the Stranger (Daniel Weyman) becomes separated from Nori (Markella Kavenagh) and Poppy (Megan Richards), the story shifts to the distant and enigmatic lands of Rhûn in Episode 4, “Eldest.”
This episode introduces us to Tom Bombadil (Rory Kinnear) and the Stoors, giving viewers a fresh look at a region that remains largely unexplored in J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings.
Rhûn is located at the far eastern edge of Middle-earth. It is a vast area stretching from the Iron Hills and Mirkwood to the lands east of Mordor. Although the story in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings reaches as far east as Erebor and Lake Town, Rhûn extends even further.
In Season 1, the Stranger and Nori travel from Rhovanion to Rhûn. They were likely south of Greenwood, known as Mirkwood during the Second Age, when they began their journey. They follow the Hermit’s Hat constellation to uncover more about their mission.
The Geography and Importance of Rhûn
Rhûn’s geography is largely unknown. The main route into Rhûn is through the Sea of Rhûn, a large inland sea formed by rivers flowing from Mirkwood and the Iron Hills.
In The Rings of Power, Rhûn is portrayed as a sprawling desert with sparse vegetation and rocky formations. This depiction highlights how little is known about Rhûn’s views since Tolkien’s stories primarily focus on the western parts of Middle-earth.
Despite the lack of detailed information, Rhûn holds historical significance. When Erú Ilúvatar created the Elves and Men, they awoke in Middle-earth in regions called Cuviénen and Hildórien.
Tolkien did not provide exact locations for these lands, but they are said to be in the far east, near the Sea of Helcar. It is believed that the Sea of Rhûn might be what remains of the Sea of Helcar.
In The Lord of the Rings, the only known inhabitants of Rhûn are the Easterlings. These are the people Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) see entering Mordor through the Black Gate in The Two Towers. Though they do not ride oliphaunts, the Dark Wizard (Ciarán Hinds) mentions “mûmakil thieves,” hinting at a connection.
The Easterlings are known as fierce warriors who allied with Morgoth in the First Age and later with Sauron (Charlie Vickers). Khamul the Easterling, a powerful ruler from Rhûn, is the only Nazgûl with a known identity.
Uncovering New Lore in Rhûn
Season 2 of The Rings of Power goes deeper into the lore left by Tolkien. Rhûn is one of the largest gaps in the lore, and the show fills it with new details. The Harfoots refer to Rhûn as “where the stars are different” due to the Stranger’s quest related to the Hermit’s Hat constellation.
To everyone’s surprise, the Stranger discovers Tom Bombadil’s dwelling. Tom is a well-loved and mysterious character in Tolkien’s lore, and in the series, he is depicted as a hermit with a hat.
Tom Bombadil reveals that he has existed for a very long time. He has witnessed many events and mentions that Rhûn was once green. Tom also notes that another Istar, the Dark Wizard, came to him before.
This Dark Wizard, who now has a fortress in Caras Gaer, seeks the Stranger and the Harfoots and has a pact with local warriors known as the Gaudrim. This alliance suggests his intentions are not good.
The Dark Wizard and the Stoors
The Dark Wizard is also searching for Nori and Poppy, who are on a strange journey through Rhûn. In their quest for water, they encounter Merrimac (Gavi Singh Chera), who has been pursued by the Gaudrim.
In the Season 2 premiere, “Elven Kings Under the Sky,” Poppy mentions that the Harfoots’ Wandering Song contained clues about showing Rhûn and that their tribe probably traveled there in the past.
Merrimac, though not a Harfoot, takes Nori and Poppy to his village, where the chief, Gundabale (Tanya Moodie), explains that they are Stoors.
Stoors are a branch of Hobbits, with Sméagol (Andy Serkis), who later becomes Gollum, being the most famous. The Stoors were likely nomadic like the Harfoots but have settled in Rhûn. They live in holes carved into rocks, similar to how Hobbits will later live in the Shire.
Rhûn’s Role in the Second and Third Ages
The Second Age, the setting for The Rings of Power, is not well-documented in terms of Rhûn’s history. This era is mostly known for the rise and fall of Númenor. As Rhûn is far from the western shores, it is not significantly influenced by Númenor. However, as Númenor rises in the West, Sauron’s influence grows in the East, with the Men of Rhûn being among his strongest allies.
In the Third Age, the Istari arrive in Middle-earth. Saruman (Christopher Lee), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), and Radagast (Sebastian McCoy) come together, while the two Blue Wizards, Alatar and Pallando, arrive a few centuries earlier.
The Blue Wizards’ mission is to travel to Rhûn to spread resistance against Sauron, but their success is uncertain. Later, Saruman visits Rhûn before settling in Isengard. His extensive knowledge of Rhûn and its people, including the Easterlings, suggests he spent significant time there. Some theories propose that Saruman’s travels to Rhûn contributed to his eventual corruption.
These details are important to consider as Season 2 of The Rings of Power progresses. The show introduces two Istari in Rhûn, raising questions about whether the Stranger and the Dark Wizard are the Blue Wizards known to have journeyed there. Alternatively, the Dark Wizard might be Saruman in his early travels to the East.
Season 2 of The Rings of Power is streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes airing weekly on Thursdays.
