In the latest episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, titled “Where the Stars Are Strange,” the focus shifts to the Dwarves in Khazad-dûm.
Following the events of the first episode, which served as a prologue, Episode 2 shows the lives of the Dwarf couple Durin (Owain Arthur) and Disa (Sophia Nomvete). King Durin (Peter Mullan) has recently stripped his son of his title, which leaves the couple grappling with their new reality.
The episode begins with Durin and Disa in the market of Khazad-dûm, where they appear to be adjusting to their new circumstances. Despite the loss of his title, Disa reassures Durin of her love for him, emphasizing that her feelings are not tied to his position.
Their interaction highlights their strong bond and resilience in the face of adversity. However, their peaceful moment is interrupted when Disa senses a disturbance in the stone. She warns everyone to take cover as the rot from Mount Doom finally reaches their kingdom.
The rot’s arrival signifies a significant threat to Khazad-dûm, as the Dwarves face the repercussions of this spreading evil.
The episode portrays the Dwarves’ struggle with dwindling resources and the collapse of their sun shafts. The once-thriving kingdom now finds itself in a dire situation, with Disa and her fellow stone singers concerned about the ominous signs affecting their home.
Disa’s efforts to find a new path to dig for a sun shaft reveal the gravity of their predicament. Although their song is beautiful, the success is fleeting, and the sun shafts collapse almost immediately. This failure reflects the growing sense of doom and despair among the Dwarves.
King Durin, grappling with the broken bond between the Dwarves and their home, dismisses the assembly but asks Disa to stay behind. He subtly inquires about his son’s well-being and attempts to offer an apology, which Disa suggests should be directed towards his son.
Meanwhile, the former Prince Durin, now working in the mines, faces mockery from his fellow Dwarves for his lack of calluses. This interaction leads to a physical altercation, highlighting the tension and frustration within the Dwarven community.
Over a stale dinner with Disa, the former Prince is urged to apologize, but he struggles to see the larger picture. Disa expresses her fear about their breaking connection to the mountain, underscoring the significance of their predicament.
This focus on the Dwarves provides a refreshing change from the typical emphasis on Elves. While the Dwarves are destined to receive rings of power, their current struggle with a rising evil adds depth to their story.
The portrayal of their everyday challenges and the impact of external threats on their lives offers a unique perspective on the fallout of evil, making it an engaging part of the episode.
Galadriel’s Dark Visions and Sauron’s Plans
In Lindon, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) is seen planting seeds at her brother’s grave when Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) approaches with news of a visitor. Galadriel quickly understands the implications and notices the darkening sky. Her vision becomes a nightmare as the seeds she planted form vines that ensnare Celebrimbor.
As he recites a poem about the rings, the vines kill him, and Galadriel wakes from the nightmare to a strategy meeting with Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker) and his commanders.
During the meeting, the group discusses Sauron’s (Charlie Vickers) potential move into Mordor. Galadriel agrees with the plan to invade Mordor but expresses her doubts about Sauron remaining there. She believes that Sauron’s ultimate goal is to conquer all of Middle-earth by bending its people’s wills.
For this, he needs rings, and for rings, he needs Celebrimbor. Gil-galad reassures her that Celebrimbor is safe in Eregion, but Galadriel is not convinced, especially after a vision of Sauron facing her.
Galadriel insists that Sauron is on the move and reveals that her new ring has given her visions of the unseen world. Gil-galad admits to having similar visions of doom but refuses to let her go to Eregion alone. He believes Sauron has the power to manipulate anyone who once trusted him, making it too dangerous for Galadriel to face him alone.
This subplot highlights Galadriel’s growing sense of urgency and her struggle to convince others of the imminent threat. Her visions and fears about Sauron’s plans drive her actions, setting the stage for future conflicts.
The episode goes into the complexities of Galadriel’s character, showcasing her determination to protect Middle-earth despite the risks.
The Stranger’s Pursuit and the Dark Wizard’s Plans
In the desert, the masked, hooded figure following the Stranger (Daniel Weyman), Nori (Markella Kavanaugh), and Poppy (Megan Richards) arrives at a large stone building.
Inside, a procession leads to the Dark Wizard (Ciaran Hinds), who questions the reawakened Dweller (Bridie Sisson) about Sauron’s new form. The Dark Wizard, who resembles Saruman, is interested in capturing the Stranger to harness his power.
The masked figure, one of the Dark Wizard’s scavengers, suggests capturing the Stranger by threatening the halflings he travels with. Meanwhile, Nori, Poppy, and the Stranger continue their journey through Rhûn, struggling with dwindling supplies.
Poppy’s idea of a shortcut proves dangerous due to exposure and lack of water. The Stranger’s refusal to conjure more water leads to a tense moment as the Dark Wizard’s scavengers arrive.
The group hides from the scavengers in a sequence reminiscent of The Fellowship of the Ring. After the scavengers pass, the Stranger advises taking a different path to avoid detection.
This decision adds to their sense of urgency and danger as they show the treacherous scheme. The episode effectively builds suspense around the Stranger’s fate and the Dark Wizard’s plans.
The portrayal of the masked figure and the Dark Wizard adds a layer of intrigue to the story, emphasizing the ongoing threat to the Stranger and his companions. The episode’s focus on their struggle to stay hidden and the looming danger from the Dark Wizard enriches the full narrative.
Elrond’s Conflict and Galadriel’s Request for Help
Elrond is busy working in Círdan’s (Ben Daniels) workshop when Galadriel arrives to ask for his help in Eregion. She wants him to accompany her to check on Celebrimbor, who is not responding to their letters. Elrond refuses but learns that Gil-galad won’t allow Galadriel to go alone due to concerns about her vulnerability to Sauron’s deception.
Galadriel admits that Gil-galad believes she will be deceived by Sauron, and she agrees with him. She tries to explain to Elrond that Sauron has manipulated her, but Elrond counters that Sauron took advantage of her desires. Galadriel’s plea for Elrond’s help highlights her desperation and the weight of her situation.
Elrond’s refusal to accompany her leads to a discussion about their current predicament. He expresses his belief that they are all complicit in Sauron’s schemes due to their connection to the rings. Galadriel’s insistence on going to Eregion reflects her determination to uncover the truth and protect Middle-earth, even as Elrond remains skeptical.
After Galadriel leaves, Elrond turns to Círdan, asking him to remove the ring he wears. Círdan argues that the beauty of their world is not diminished by the evil that helped create it. He encourages Elrond to keep the rings and channel their power for good. This conversation underscores the internal conflict Elrond faces as he grapples with the implications of the rings and their influence.
Celebrimbor and Halbrand’s Complicated Interaction
In Eregion, Celebrimbor is hard at work creating “ithildin,” an alloy made with a sliver of mithril. This alloy renders carvings invisible outside of direct moonlight. He asks his assistant if Halbrand is still present and is informed that Halbrand has been denied entry but refuses to leave.
Celebrimbor visits Halbrand to tell him he must leave. Halbrand seizes the opportunity to manipulate Celebrimbor by playing on his feelings of neglect. He suggests that the Elves of Lindon have used both of them and offers to leave if Celebrimbor agrees to his terms.
Halbrand’s plan involves convincing Celebrimbor to forge rings for Men. Celebrimbor refuses, citing the corruptibility of Men and the need for mithril, which the Dwarves are unlikely to provide. Halbrand reveals that the Dwarves are in trouble and suggests that his true identity is not Halbrand but something more significant.
As Halbrand is about to reveal his true identity as Sauron, he instead claims to be a messenger from beyond their realm. Celebrimbor remains skeptical, but Halbrand’s dramatic performance and promises persuade him to reconsider.
The episode concludes with Halbrand revealing himself as Annatar, the Lord of Gifts, signaling a major development in the story. Episode 2 of The Rings of Power intricately weaves together the struggles of Khazad-dûm, Galadriel’s ominous visions, and the mounting tension in Eregion.
The Dwarves grapple with internal and external threats, while Galadriel’s determination to confront Sauron grows stronger. The episode also introduces significant conflicts and reveals that set the stage for future events. This episode continues to build suspense and deepen the storyline effectively.
