Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Rings of Power season 2, episode 8, “Shadow and Flame.”
The Rings of Powerseason 2 ends with the fall of Eregion, and most of the Elves who mobilize to protect the city fall to Adar’s — and then Sauron’s — forces. However,The Rings of Power’s most important characterssurvive the big battle, withElrond, Gil-galad, and Arondir retreating to a mountainous location with an unconscious Galadriel. When Galadriel wakes up, Elrond tells her that they’re in “a sanctuary” that’s protected by the Three. And the Elves agree to remain there duringThe Rings of Powerseason 2’s ending, as they need to recuperate and build their defenses.
This earns the support of the surviving Elves, and their final moments on-screen show them raising their swords and fists atop a stunning valley. The fight against Sauron isn’t over, but they’ve found a new place to reside while they resist the Dark Lord’s plans. Viewers may be wondering where, exactly, the Elves are during the closing moments ofThe Rings of Powerseason 2’s finale. This location has more meaning than the Amazon series initially lets on, asit will become an iconic setting fromThe Lord of the Rings.
In The Rings Of Power Season 2’s Ending, The Elves Are At What Will Become Rivendell
This Elven Stronghold Will Replace Eregion (& Eventually Lindon)
The Elves appear to be at the location that will become Rivendell inThe Rings of Powerseason 2’s final scene, and that’s exciting for multiple reasons. For one, Rivendell will become one of the primary Elven strongholds after Eregion’s fall, and its influence will last into the Third Age. Elrond will also become the Lord of Rivendell, soThe Rings of Poweris already setting up hisLord of the Ringsendgame. This is a great means of infusingThe Rings of Powerwith more Tolkien lore and connecting it to his Third Age story.
The Rings of Poweruses the Elves' need for a sanctuary to give the location a backstory, but it has work to do before it becomes the great fortress ruled by Elrond.
Of course,Rivendell is a long way from becoming the glorious refuge seen during Frodo’s journey— but the trees, mountains, and waterfalls all fit with the stronghold’s appearance later on.The Rings of Poweruses the Elves' need for a sanctuary to give the location a backstory, but it has work to do before it becomes the great fortress ruled by Elrond. Season 2’s ending all but confirms we’ll see the location’s growth overThe Rings of Power’s future seasons. It’s yet another spot onMiddle-earth’s mapthe show will elaborate on, just like Mordor and the Shire.
Building Rivendell Could Be A Major Story In The Rings Of Power Season 3
It Makes Sense With Where The Series Leaves Off
The Rings of Powerwill likely show how Rivendell is founded in future episodes, and this story could actually be a major part of season 3. This direction would be in line with where the Elves' storyline leaves off, as they need to rebuild before confronting Sauron again. Additionally,the Fall of Númenorand continued fading of the Elves could affect Lindon, giving the Elves reason to use Rivendell as their primary sanctuary instead. Only time will tell how deeplyThe Rings of Powerseason 3 digs into Rivendell’s backstory, but it seems a likely focus for the next outing.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Cast
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
