5 questions 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 must answer about Mordor
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 1 delivered a significant twist by revealing that the Southlands, a region Galadriel and the Númenóreans fought desperately to save, would become the dark land of Mordor.
As 'The Rings of Power' progresses, fans anticipate answers about Mordor's creation, Sauron's plans, and how the series's changes will align with or diverge from Tolkien's original lore.
1. Will Barad-dûr feature the Great eye of Sauron in 'The Rings of Power'?
In Peter Jackson’s 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, Barad-dûr, Sauron’s imposing fortress, was crowned with a giant flaming Eye of Sauron, symbolizing the Dark Lord’s ever-watchful presence. This depiction, however, was a cinematic invention, as J R R Tolkien’s books never described the Eye as a literal flaming entity atop the tower.
Instead, the Eye was a symbolic representation of Sauron’s vigilance and malevolence. Given the Eye’s iconic status in popular culture, it’s challenging to envision any screen adaptation of Barad-dûr without it.
As 'The Rings of Power' Season 2 seems poised to introduce Barad-dûr, the question arises: will the series retain the fiery Eye, echoing Jackson’s vision, or will it adopt a more book-faithful interpretation of the Dark Tower?
Fans are eager to see how this emblematic image will be handled in the upcoming season, as it could significantly shape the visual and thematic identity of the show.
2. How long can Adar maintain control over Mordor in 'The Rings of Power'?
By the end of 'The Rings of Power' Season 1, Adar, a twisted and enigmatic figure, has taken control of Mordor, marking a significant power shift in the region.
However, this victory is shrouded in uncertainty, as Sauron, the true Dark Lord, has returned in the guise of Halbrand. Adar, who genuinely believed Sauron to be dead, is likely in for a rude awakening.
With Sauron’s arrival, it seems inevitable that a confrontation will occur, one that Adar is unlikely to win, despite the loyalty of his orc followers.
Sauron’s power and cunning are far beyond Adar’s, making his control over Mordor appear temporary at best. The tension between these two dark forces promises to be a central conflict in Season 2, with the ultimate question being not if, but when Sauron will wrest control from Adar and solidify his dominion over Mordor.
3. Will Sauron continue to rule Mordor in his Halbrand form?
Sauron’s revelation as Halbrand in the finale of 'The Rings of Power' Season 1 has left fans with numerous questions about his future. As Sauron begins to consolidate power in Mordor, it appears he may retain his Halbrand guise for some time, as actor Charlie Vickers is confirmed to return in Season 2.
However, this raises significant issues within Tolkien’s lore, where Sauron adopts different forms for various purposes Annatar when deceiving the Elves of Eregion, and another fair form when manipulating the people of Númenor.
While it’s possible that Halbrand is the show’s version of Annatar, the decision to keep this form throughout Sauron’s rule in Mordor could create inconsistencies in the character’s portrayal.
The showrunners will need to carefully navigate these narrative choices, balancing the demands of the story with fidelity to the source material, to ensure Sauron’s character development remains coherent and compelling.
4. Could Mordor’s creation lead the Harfoots toward the future shire?
'The Rings of Power' Season 1 introduces the Harfoots as the ancestors of the Hobbits we know from 'The Lord of the Rings'. However, their current location is far from the Shire, with their migratory paths taking them on routes east of the Misty Mountains.
The eruption of Mount Doom at the end of Season 1 could serve as a catalyst for significant changes in the Harfoots’s way of life. The proximity to such a destructive force might push the Harfoots to seek safer, more fertile lands, eventually leading them westward toward what will become the Shire.
This potential migration could explain how these proto-Hobbits eventually settled in the idyllic region of Eriador. The evolution of the Harfoots’s journey will be fascinating to watch, as it ties into the broader history of Middle-earth and the eventual emergence of the Shire, a place of quiet far from the shadow of Mordor.
5. Why is Mount Doom significant and what role did Morgoth play in its creation?
Mount Doom, known as Orodruin in Elvish, is one of the most infamous locations in Middle-earth, primarily due to its role in forging the One Ring. However, its origins trace back to the First Age, when Morgoth, the original Dark Lord and Sauron’s master, created the volcano as a site of immense power.
According to Tolkien’s lore, Morgoth imbued the fires of Mount Doom with malevolent energy, making it the perfect location for Sauron to later forge his master ring.
While this backstory is only briefly mentioned in the books, 'The Rings of Power' has the opportunity to explore and perhaps expand upon these origins, particularly with the presence of characters like Adar and the Southlanders.
The series might delve into the ancient history of Mount Doom, exploring how Morgoth’s influence continues to permeate the land, setting the stage for Sauron’s rise to power and the eventual creation of the One Ring.
'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 Trailer