In The Rings of Power season 2's third episode, Sauron disguised himself as Annatar the Lord of Gifts. His plans involve manipulating Celebrimbor onto his side somehow but why is Annatar known as the Lord of Gifts to begin with?
SPOILER WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for The Rings of Power season 2, so proceed with caution.
Why is Annatar the Lord of Gifts in The Rings of Power Season 2?
Before we dig deep into what plan Sauron has in store for Celebrimbor, get to know a little of what we know about Annatar so far in the second season.
In an attempt to convince Celebrimbor that there is a need to craft more rings of power to 'save' Middle-earth somehow, Sauron showcases his shapeshifting abilities to trick him into thinking he had been the Lord of Gifts all along.
Essentially, he described himself as an Elven 'messenger', sent to "bring guidance to the ears of the wise." Sauron's "fair form" that is Annatar is meant to deceive the Elven kingdom for his own gains.
He declares himself 'friends' with the Elves and Dwarves, who had been sent by the gods, the Valar, to "make Rings for Men" under Celebrimbor.
With a promise that Annatar could "bring him knowledge none other possesses" and "unlock his grandest abilities", Celebrimbor falls right into Sauron's trap, bewitched at the proven transformation that once he succeeds, the world will "never overlook him" as he is destined to be the "Lord of the Rings."
What Does the "Lord of Gifts" Want With Celebrimbor?
Celebrimbor, despite his reluctance to create more rings of power for Elves, Dwarves, and Men, follows suit to what Annatar's god-like appearance had warned him of.
"I have walked through the dust and the deserts of far-away lands, in search of an artist possessing the craft to save all Middle-Earth," before he ominously warns Celebrimbor that he might be the savior the peoples have been looking for, "A storm is coming, Celebrimbor."
Since he seemed to believe it is his destiny, Sauron aka Annatar's plan is steadfast on coming true, which is to craft 15 more rings (plus the three rings the High King and Galadriel already possess) and one Ruling Ring.
READ NEXT: The Rings of Power: Why Were the Númenóreans Upset with Miriel and the Palantiri in Season 2?
Meanwhile, The Rings of Power season 2 episode 5 premieres on Prime Video on September 12.
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