The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Eyes play key roles in several moments most dramatically in Miriels surprise health crisis.
That immediately calls to mind the Eye of Sauron, but weve yet to see Sauron or his eye.
The episode leaves that question lingering, but maybe it will be clearer in retrospect.
Theres other action in what remains of the building as well.
We know that because of Tolkien.
Its a roller-coaster ride of emotions for the Harfoots too.
(Its a small Middle-earth after all.)
Sadoc draws on lore and legend for an explanation, as hes wont to do.
Such things happen when a new evil is rising.
But Sadocs not so tradition-bound that he cant call on the Stranger for help.
With some strange words, he talks to the trees, then, well, nothing good happens.
At least not immediately.
Sadoc remains sympathetic to the Harfoots visitor even after he nearly accidentally crushes some Harfoots including a terrified Nori.
Thats partly, once again, due to his connection to the past.
After taking an apple from Nori, hes on his way.
This has immediate effects for the Harfoots first good, then bad.
Nori awakens the next day to a scene of abundance.
Thats the good news.
Sensing that theyre looking for the Stranger, Nori attempts to send them on their way.
When that doesnt work, her father tries to drive them off with a torch.
What else are they going to do?
Who could say no?
King Durin III can, it turns out.
While the other dwarf lords seem impressed, Durin III is not.
(Its in her words but also in her hammering.)
And later, she encourages her husband to defy his father again.
Shes like a benevolent Lady Macbeth accent and all.
(It helps that Owain Arthur,Robert Aramayo, and Sophia Nomvete give such rich performances.)
Not that the problem can be solved by the bond between elf and his dwarf friends alone.
This is definitely going to be a problem at some point down the line.
Elrond and Durin arent the only characters given moments of reflection.
She reassures him that the disaster isnt his fault despite his actions.
There are powers beyond darkness at work in this world, she tells him.
Hes not the only one making plans for what comes next.
Miriel isangry, telling Galadriel, Do not spend your pity on me, elf.
Save it for our enemies.
She might be heading back to Numenor now, but shell be back.
And, Galadriel replies, the elves will be ready.
Only, a superimposed title tells us, we shouldnt call this the Southlands anymore.
We should call it Mordor.
But it still works.
But Sadoc knows otherwise, or at least he hasheardabout talking trees.
Could Ents be on the horizon, or is this just a little nod?
Several characters are filled with regret in this episode.
Theo regrets his role in the catastrophe.
Nori regrets helping the Stranger.
Elendil regrets saving Galadriel and bringing all this trouble to his people.
Is it significant that the first two receive reassurances that they did the right thing but Elendil does not?
As with Isildur, we know Celeborn is not dead, because he appears inThe Lord of the Rings.
But where is he?
