The Shadow of Defeat, the Dawn of Hope: Reflecting on The Rings of Power Season Two Finale
The second season of Amazon Prime Video’s The Rings of Power concluded with a resounding, if bittersweet, impact. While the forces of evil, spearheaded by Sauron, achieved significant victories – the fall of Eregion and the forging of nine new Rings of Power – the narrative’s enduring strength lies in the unwavering hope of Middle-earth’s free peoples. The final episode showcased not only the devastating consequences of Sauron’s machinations but also the resilience and evolving dynamics of its key characters, setting the stage for a potentially gripping third season.
The Forging of Alliances and the Growth of Leaders:
The season finale finds the battered remnants of Lindon’s armies and Eregion’s survivors seeking refuge in the nascent Imladris, a haven that will one day become Elrond’s majestic Rivendell. This convergence underscores a crucial shift in the relationship between Gil-Galad and Elrond. Actors Benjamin Walker and Robert Aramayo, who portray Gil-Galad and Elrond respectively, offer insightful perspectives on this dynamic.
Aramayo reflects on Elrond’s pivotal moment of defeat, stating, “There’s a moment [at the end of episode seven] where Elrond’s command of the army has failed, his tactics have failed, and he really is lost. He doesn’t know what to do.” This vulnerability allows Gil-Galad to step forward, solidifying his role as a mentor. Aramayo continues, emphasizing Gil-Galad’s subtle and direct influence: “Gil-Galad is sort of shaping him, sometimes in a direct sense and sometimes in an indirect sense, by his choices and by the way that he moves through the world.” This mentorship highlights the thematic undercurrent of learned experience, failures, and growth crucial for Elrond’s future leadership in the Last Alliance and the Council of Elrond. His journey, marked by struggles inherent to his half-elven nature, forms a significant arc across both seasons.
Walker further elaborates on their relationship, emphasizing its enduring nature amidst setbacks, stating, “Even if we both experience failure together, it does feel like we’re on a trajectory together. It’s a solid relationship, and the failures and the mistakes are… I mean, [Elrond] absconded with the rings early on, but once we come back together, Gil-Galad and Elrond accept aspects of each other and can grow together.” He even draws an unconventional analogy: "in the primate world, the way they teach young monkeys to climb is to let them fall. A parent will stay out of vision of the child so that it can learn its way and then as it falls, they just come miraculously there." This illustrates Gil-Galad’s approach—allowing Elrond the space for mistakes, crucial for his growth into the leader he is destined to become.
Divergent Paths and Individual Journeys:
Beyond the central Elrond-Gil-Galad dynamic, the season finale showcases Nori and Míriel journeying along distinct, diverging paths. Nori, alongside the Stranger (revealed to be Gandalf), chooses to leave the familiar behind, embarking with the Stoors to establish a new home. Markella Kavenagh, who portrays Nori, articulated her character’s complex emotional landscape: “I don’t think this is gonna happen to her for a while, but I do hope that Nori does get to a point where she can just not feel like she’s responsible for everything that’s happening, and really can just be at peace.” This highlights Nori’s evolving sense of self, moving from a constant burden of responsibility towards a more hopeful future.
Míriel’s journey concludes in a different, yet equally compelling manner. Imprisoned by Ar-Pharazôn following his coup, she remains resolute, reflecting her independent nature. Cynthia Addai-Robinson, who plays Míriel, emphasizes the Queen’s inherent strength: “When I think about it, she’s never been dependent on anyone. I think even in the early days, when Pharazôn played more of a consigliere role, it was never about a dependence. I think Míriel’s always been her own woman, and operated, in a lot of ways, within her own mind.” Despite her current predicament, Addai-Robinson anticipates a powerful continuation of Míriel’s journey, noting, “I think that hopefully, she maintains that same sort of ‘Queen Energy,’ if I can say that, under the most trying of circumstances [in season three].”
The Weight of Loss and the Promise of Resilience:
The season’s conclusion powerfully underscores the magnitude of the losses suffered by the free peoples. Eregion’s fall is a stark reminder of the pervasive shadow of Sauron’s influence. Yet, the final scenes also convey the indomitable spirit of Middle-earth’s inhabitants. The forging of new alliances, the resilience of individual characters like Nori and Míriel, and the evolving mentorship of Gil-Galad towards Elrond all demonstrate the enduring strength of hope even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
The finale does not offer a resolution, but rather a pivotal turning point. The free peoples, battered but not broken, are poised to regroup, learn from their mistakes, and confront the looming threat. The narrative effectively highlights the complexities of friendship, leadership, and the enduring battle between good and evil, mirroring some of the central themes within Tolkien’s original works. The lingering questions and unresolved tensions set the stage for a highly anticipated next season, promising a continuation of grand battles, intricate political maneuvers, and the continuing trials faced by the diverse heroes of Middle-earth. The journey ahead is fraught with peril, but the seeds of resistance have been sown, promising a compelling and potentially explosive third season.
