'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2: Why Sauron's 'Annatar' disguise may not last long
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sauron's new look in 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 sets the stage for a crucial story from JRR Tolkien's mythology. After months of speculation, the Season 1 Finale revealed Charlie Vickers' Halbrand as the Dark Lord Sauron.
Thought to be gone forever after Morgoth's defeat, Sauron returned disguised as a mortal man, claiming the Southlands and renaming it 'Mordor'.
In the Season 2 trailer, Sauron reappears with a surprising new look- flowing golden hair, pointed ears, and impressive armor. This transformation has a basis in Tolkien's canon. Sauron's changed appearance hints at his growing power and influence as he manipulates and corrupts those around him.
The trailer shows Sauron, now dressed in regal robes, surrounded by Elves with swords drawn. This scene suggests a complex web of alliances and rivalries, setting the stage for a thrilling story.
By rebranding Sauron's image, 'The Rings of Power' season 2 is set to explore a fascinating chapter in Middle-earth's history.
Is Sauron Using His 'Annatar' Disguise in 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2?
In JRR Tolkien's 'Middle-earth' legendarium, Sauron deceives the Elves by posing as one of them, named Annatar, to craft the Rings of Power. 'The Rings of Power' Season 1 adapted this story with Sauron infiltrating Eregion as Halbrand, but only managing to create three Rings.
Tolkien described Annatar as a beautiful, fair disguise. The smooth, blond, angelic Sauron in 'The Rings of Power' Season 2's trailer fits this description.
Sauron's drastic appearance change is due to switching from Halbrand to Annatar, masquerading as an Elf instead of a man.
Sauron's shape-shifting ability allows him to change his appearance. This power, which he possesses until the end of Middle-earth's Second Age, enables him to infiltrate Eregion and facilitate the creation of the remaining Rings of Power.
Although his full strength hasn't returned after Morgoth's defeat, Sauron has enough power in 'The Rings of Power' era to morph his appearance and manipulate the Elves.
Is Sauron's Transformation into Annatar the Key to 'LOTR: The Rings of Power's Central Plot?
Sauron's Annatar disguise is key to completing his mission from 'The Rings of Power' Season 1, where three Elven rings were forged. With Celebrimbor now wary of Sauron's Halbrand form, a new facade is needed to create the remaining seven Dwarf and nine Men's rings.
As Annatar, Sauron can freely roam Eregion, manipulating Celebrimbor into crafting more rings. His ultimate goal is to secretly create the One Ring in Mordor, controlling the other Rings of Power.
If Season 2 covers Sauron's transformation into Annatar, the One Ring's debut may be the season's shocking finale, setting up Season 3 and potentially leading into the events of 'The Lord of the Rings'.
'The Rings of Power' core premise is the origin of the Rings and the One Ring. Season 1 only briefly touched on this, introducing the three Elven rings.
Annatar's arrival in season 2 suggests the show is finally delivering on its promise, exploring the creation of Sauron's dark jewelry line.
Does 'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 have the right to adapt Annatar, a character from JRR Tolkien's book 'The Silmarillion'?
A question mark hangs over whether 'The Rings of Power' has the right to adapt Annatar in Season 2. Season 1 was limited to drawing from 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings', including its appendices.
However, Annatar's name is absent from these works, suggesting Sauron can't use this name in Season 2.
Despite this, Amazon's source material does mention Sauron deceiving the Elves, allowing for a loose adaptation of the Annatar story. The Season 2 trailer shows Sauron in a fair, Elf-like form, hinting at this plot.
Additionally, a report from FellowshipofFans claims Amazon gained special permission to explore Tolkien lore beyond the 'Lord of the Rings' appendices, specifically for the Stranger and Istari characters.
This could potentially grant them flexibility to adapt Annatar's story.
'LOTR: The Rings of Power' Season 2 trailer
