War has officially started between Adar (Sam Hazeldine) and his Orcs against Sauron (Charlie Vickers) in the latest episode, “Where Is He?,” of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2.
Adar begins his attack on Eregion. Everyone, including Ar-Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle) with his palantír visions and Elrond’s (Robert Aramayo) forces, is heading toward Sauron. The tension is increasing, making each character’s moves more unpredictable as the stakes rise.
One surprising element in this episode is the tentative alliance between Adar and Galadriel (Morfydd Clark). Adar holds Galadriel prisoner but treats her with mercy. He believes that with Galadriel’s help, he can end Sauron once and for all.
Adar is desperate to save his “children,” the Orcs, which pushes him to find common ground with Galadriel. However, his misunderstanding of her character and fear of Sauron lead him straight into Sauron’s trap, setting up an exciting climax for Season 2 of The Rings of Power in the last two episodes.
Adar’s Plan to Use Galadriel’s Elven Ring
While neither character fully trusts the other, Adar starts this truce because he believes Galadriel is the key to defeating Sauron. He plans to use Galadriel’s elven ring, Nenya, along with Morgoth’s crown to finally defeat Sauron and drive him from Middle-earth.
In the Season 2 premiere, Adar stabbed Sauron with Morgoth’s crown, but Sauron’s spirit survived, transforming into the black goo that became Halbrand.
This aspect of the story shows why simply stabbing a Maiar like Sauron does not kill him, adding depth to the lore.
Adar thinks that combining Elvish and Uruk forces will be enough to destroy both Sauron’s spirit and the city of Eregion. Galadriel tells Adar about Elrond’s army movements and location on Nenya.
They do not fully trust each other, but this highlights Adar’s willingness to do anything to eliminate Sauron. He views Galadriel as essential for later, indicating that he believes the combination of Nenya and Galadriel will be crucial when facing Sauron.
Adar Believes Galadriel Shares His Hatred for Sauron
Adar’s motivation for forming this relationship with Galadriel goes beyond the power she possesses. He sees her inner character as similar to his, making her the perfect ally. Adar believes that Galadriel hates Sauron as much as he does because they have both suffered from his manipulation.
Adar recounts how Sauron fed him wine on the mountain, possibly at the time of the Orcs’ creation. Galadriel’s failure to see Sauron’s lies connects both characters, making them willing to do anything to combat him.
By the end of this episode, it becomes clear that Galadriel has grown from her blindness in Season 1 of The Rings of Power. Her possession of Nenya may give her a clearer perspective, meaning her hatred does not cloud her judgment as it does for Adar.
Just like the Elven Rings’ effect on Lindon’s tree, the light reveals the darkness. Galadriel’s motives differ from Adar’s; her hatred for Sauron is about justice and revenge for her brother and other Elves who died in battles against Sauron and Morgoth. In contrast, Adar’s feelings are rooted in fear.
Adar’s Fear of Sauron Is Revealed
While Adar’s hatred for Sauron is significant, his fear of him is evident. We see his Orc soldier, Glüg (Robert Strange), hesitate to give him the horn to call the Orcs to war. Adar’s worried expression as they begin their siege shows his desperation.
This reveals a new side to the Orcs, especially compared to their past leaders, Gothmog (Lawrence Makoare) and the Witch King of Angmar (Makoare). Adar acts for his “children” to find them a safe place, but even fathers can feel fear.
This complexity makes Adar a compelling character, portrayed by Sam Hazeldine and Joseph Mawle. He is not just a typical villain aiming for world domination, like Sauron.
Instead, his somewhat sympathetic motivations make him an antagonist to Galadriel but a hero in his own story. This complexity engages the audience and makes the battle between Eregion’s defenders and Adar’s Orcs more intriguing.
The scene where Adar and Galadriel discuss Sauron’s manipulation is terrifying and increases our fear of Sauron. Normally, simply telling about a character would not impact the audience. However, due to the chaos in Eregion with Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards), we believe this description and feel horrified.
When we remember Adar’s story about Sauron giving him wine, we understand how Sauron twisted Adar’s mind, making him almost addicted to Sauron’s presence. This shows how Sauron’s manipulation breaks people, providing a clear and powerful description of that experience.
Conclusion: The Tenuous Alliance
Galadriel and Adar’s alliance may surprise viewers, but the practical reasons for their collaboration make sense. However, Adar miscalculates by misunderstanding Sauron’s plan and not trusting Galadriel’s instincts. His desperation to destroy Sauron reveals his deep fear of The Deceiver.
With the siege starting, it seems only a matter of time before Adar, Sauron, and Galadriel confront each other again. It will be fascinating to see how this fragile alliance performs when facing Sauron’s power and ability to manipulate both sides.
As the final episodes approach, viewers can expect intense confrontations and unexpected twists. The fates of these characters hang in the balance, and the stakes are higher than ever. Fans of The Rings of Power eagerly await the next chapter in this epic saga, filled with drama and conflict.
Each character’s journey adds depth to the story, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. The resolution of their alliances and the battle against Sauron will shape the future of Middle-earth.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is available to stream on Prime Video, with new Season 2 episodes premiering Thursdays.
