Rings of Power 2×06: The War Begins

One of the most interesting moments of the sixth episode of the second season The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Poweris that it makes it clear that there is no turning back. On the one hand, the evil that Sauron represents is about to cause war and, what is more, a fatal loss for the Elves of Lindon. On the other hand, none other than Middle-earth, You can stay on the sidelines or, at best, watch what is happening without interfering.

It’s a clever move, allowing the series to tie all of its scenarios into the fact of the battle to come. This takes us south, where Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova) continues to track an army of orcs moving through the area. He finally manages to catch two of them, and discovers that they are both hiding a map that indicates that the entire group of beast-like creatures are heading to Eregion. What does this mean? that the attack on the elven territory will occur immediately and from several fronts.

In fact, the entire episode explores the idea that the Elves are about to suffer a loss from which they will not be able to recover immediately, or at all. It is an ominous idea that causes Lindon to weaken in favor of Mordor for the first time. The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power He plays the strategy card, which benefits his writing and especially his pacing. Unlike the contemplative way the story was told in the previous chapters, the sixth focuses on action. This is good news for the series.

Enemy on the territory

A twist that reinforces how the argument focuses on Celebrimbor’s Efforts (Charles Edwards)for resisting the manipulations of Annatar (Charlie Vickers). As you may recall, J.R.R. Tolkien’s texts do not explain what exactly the master smith’s moral failure was. The only thing that remains clear is that by the time he learned of what was happening, it was already too late and There were more than ten magical artifacts scattered throughout Middle-earth.

The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power It uses the lack of original information to delve into the seduction of evil as a total fact. So while Celebrimbor resists the creation of the Nine Rings for men, his will is not enough to stop Annatar from using the Elven forge for his own benefit. One of the best features of the Prime Video production is undoubtedly its ability to establish a relationship between two antagonistic characters. It is even more interesting to show how Sauron not only does not resort to violence, but uses the greed and weakness of the elf for his own purposes.

In fact, at one point, Annatar replaces Celebrimbor as the leader of the region. This forces him to face the threat of an Orc army approaching Eregion. The part that eventually closes the fence around the Elven territory and makes it clear that its destruction is fast approaching. Which will not only be the point a break in the series and the way it tells its story.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend

While Sauron waits in Eregion, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Adar (Sam Hazeldine) have a strange conversation. The elf is still the latter’s prisoner, but that doesn’t stop them from delving into the motives behind the Orc chieftain’s attack. This leads to a difficult moment. Is Galadriel tainted by Sauron’s influence? Adar analyzes the problem and forestalls it. In particular, because the warrior knows that in the face of danger she will have to pass the final test. Mayan corrupt.

The truth is that Adar currently has better resources and a clear strategy for destroying Sauron. This is despite Galadriel’s belief that no Orc would directly attack the Dark Lord when the opportunity arises. The show’s decision not to directly show the southern vassals’ devotion to the darkness allows for a more complex perspective. Who in Middle-earth is not infected with the evil that Sauron represents?

Betrayal and new trials

In Numenor, Elendil (Lloyd Owen) faces death for treason. The island’s politics are still in chaos, especially because Pharazon (Tristan Gravelle), the de facto king, needs to demonstrate his authority. Which leads him to all sorts of force and violence. Including decreeing that Elendil will be punished according to an old tradition. islands: he will be thrown into the sea, where only the Valar can save him.

Finally, Tom Bombadil (Rory Kinnear) subjects the Stranger (Daniel Weyman) to all sorts of tests and makes it clear that if he fails them, he will not be able to achieve his greatest goal. He The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power insists on maintaining identity Istar secretly. Which means the story around him barely moves forward and makes no sense in the overall map of the series. Something very clear from chapter six.

It’s actually surprising how out of place the story of a nameless wizard is compared to the slow corruption that the Dwarf kingdom is enduring, and even the Orcs’ struggle for seeming freedom. It’s especially special when the series shows the evil vassals’ latest assault on Eregion. It may be the most brutal blow the Elven territory has ever suffered, and it certainly puts the race in a dangerous situation. This point will certainly be addressed in the season finale.