The first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power left fans with shocking revelations and cliffhangers. As the dust settled, viewers pondered the implications of Halbrand's true identity as Sauron, the forging of the three Elven Rings of Power, and the intriguing hints about the Stranger’s mysterious nature.
With the trailer for season 2 finally here, there might be answers awaiting in Middle-Earth. So, while we wait, here are a few fan theories that might unfold in the upcoming season.
The Black Sword: Morgul Blade or Gurthang?
One theory popularised by the YouTube channel Nerd of The Rings concerns the true nature of the Black Sword. Many speculate that it could be a Morgul blade rather than a Gurthang. This theory is supported by imagery tied to the First Age, such as the two trees and Nirnaeth Arnoediad art seen in promotional materials.
There are also deliberate ties to the Third Age and The Lord of the Rings, suggesting a broader connection to well-known lore.
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Minas Morgul, the home of the Witch-king, is a term most fans associate with Morgul blades. Although Minas Morgul didn’t exist in the Second Age, 'Morgul' means dark sorcery, indicating that Morgul knives could predate the city.
Is The Stranger A Blue Wizard?
While season 1 heavily hinted at the Stranger being Gandalf, the showrunners have avoided confirming this outright. The desert location the Stranger finds himself in The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power season 2 trailer suggests that he might be in Rhûn, a land east of Mordor, seeking clues about his identity.
Despite being identified as an 'istar' in the last season, the Stranger’s true identity remains unclear. Many fan theories believe that he is one of the Blue Wizards. Alternatively, he might be another servant of the Vala Aulë, like Saruman, offering a fascinating twist to the story.
The Fading of the Elves: Sauron’s Scheme?
The backstory involving Silmaril-light-based mithril introduced in episode 5 of season 1 deviated significantly from canonical material. Some fans believe the fading of the tree and the elves, and their need for mithril, could be a plot by Sauron to have the elves create the rings.
Season 2 appears to continue this storyline. A behind-the-scenes video hints that Celebrimbor is interacting with an unexpected guest, which might be Sauron.
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While the mithril-light rejuvenation idea seemed confirmed, fans hope it’s part of Sauron’s long-standing scheme.
Is Galadriel’s Husband Alive?
The fate of Galadriel’s husband, Celeborn, remains uncertain in The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power. Galadriel mentioned meeting Celeborn centuries ago but hasn’t seen him since, leaving his status ambiguous.
Celeborn’s absence made fans wonder what his role is in the series, especially when he appears alongside Galadriel in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We can all safely assume that he might not be dead.
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If Celeborn is alive, as fans speculate, then what might his role be in The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power?
Will We See More of Sauron’s Disguises?
In Tolkien’s lore, Sauron is a master of disguise. The show has emphasised his deceptive nature, and season 2 promises to delve deeper into his shape-shifting abilities.
The reveal of Halbrand as Sauron seemed somewhat inconsistent with his earlier actions in the first season. So many fans can't accept that Halbrand is Sauron. A few fan theories suggest that the Halbrand revealed as Sauron in Episode 8 is not the same Halbrand seen throughout the rest of the season.
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As anticipation builds for the new season, fans eagerly await answers to these burning questions. With its rich lore and complex characters, The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 promises to be a thrilling continuation of the Middle-Earth saga on 29 August.