6 Epic LOTR Battles That Could Shape Rings of Power Season 2

A possible massive battle is on the horizon for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, set during the Second Age of Middle-earth. This Prime Video series delves into events from The Silmarillion and the appendices of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Season 1 hints at what may unfold in season 2, particularly focusing on the teased two-episode-long battle.

In anticipation of The Rings of Power season 2, showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne have hinted at a significant battle spread across two episodes. The Lord of the Rings franchise is known for epic conflicts, and the Second Age is rich in such impactful battles that may require multiple episodes to fully explore. As season 1 of Rings of Power only scratched the surface of this historical period in Middle-earth, it allows us to speculate on what's to come.

The Siege of Eregion

Sauron vs. the Elves

The Rings of Power's Celebrimbor and LOTR's Sauron - Sauron vs. the Elves - The Siege of Eregion

The Siege of Eregion was when Sauron's forces attacked the Elven city to take the Rings of Power made by Celebrimbor and the Elven smiths. It was a major event in the Second Age of Tolkien's world, leading to Celebrimbor's death, Sauron finding the Three Elven Rings, Eregion's destruction, and the start of Rivendell by Elrond. Including this battle in Rings of Power season 2 is a perfect way to kickstart the story after season 1's setup.

The Rings of Power season 1 left many main characters in Eregion, hinting at a possible storyline for season 2. This significant siege could take place after Celebrimbor and the Elven smiths create all the Rings of Power, with season 1 only showing the making of the Three Elven Rings. Therefore, there would need to be a lot of events leading up to the Siege of Eregion being depicted in the Prime Video series. However, given the series' condensed and altered timeline, this battle could be the major conflict anticipated for season 2.

The Battle of Dagorlad

The Last Alliance vs. Sauron

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum walking through the Dead Marshes in The Lord of the Rings - The Last Alliance vs. Sauron - The Battle of Dagorlad

The Battle of Dagorlad, a significant Second Age battle, would need development before appearing in Rings of Power season 2. It took place near Mordor, where Sauron was establishing his power. Gil-galad's Noldor Elves and Elendil's Sindar Elves joined forces to fight Sauron's army on the Planes of Dagorlad. The brutal battle led to the area being known as the "Dead Marshes."

These creepy marshes are seen in The Lord of the Rings when Gollum guides Sam and Frodo through the eerie landscape. Including the Dead Marshes in The Rings of Power would add depth to their origin and connect with the familiar LOTR story. Prime Video might need to adjust the timeline to incorporate this battle into season 2.

The Coup In Númenor

The King's Men vs. The Faithful

The Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power Numenor natives - The King's Men vs. The Faithful - The Coup In Númenor

The Rings of Power season 1 kicked off with the tension brewing in Númenor. According to Tolkien's stories, the people of this island kingdom started to divide into two groups: one that stayed loyal to their alliance with the Elves and another that believed they were being unfairly denied immortality. This divide escalated into a conflict that led to a coup by Pharazôn, who seized control from the king and became the ruler of Númenor, sealing the fate of the once-great kingdom.

The events of The Rings of Power season 1 suggest that the story will have some differences from Tolkien's original works. Queen Míriel's blindness following Mount Doom's eruption will only add to the unrest in Númenor, with some citizens questioning her ability to lead. This tension could lead to a civil war between the King's Men, supporters of Pharazôn, and the Faithful, who remain loyal to the Valar and other alliances.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is set to premiere on Prime Video in 2024.

Ar-Pharazôn's Assault On Valinor

Númenor vs. The Valar

Elves and the Light of Valinor in The Rings of Power - Númenor vs. The Valar - Ar-Pharazôn's Assault On Valinor

In the Rings of Power season 1, there were hints about a catastrophic event that would destroy Númenor. According to Tolkien's stories, this disaster occurs when Ar-Pharazôn tries to attack Valinor, also known as the Undying Lands in The Lord of the Rings. Valinor is where the powerful Valar live, and it is where the Elves are shown returning to in the first season. Sauron convinces Pharazôn that by attacking Valinor, he can become immortal. This idea turns out to be a very bad decision.

Fall of Mount Gundabad

In The Rings of Power season 2, there is a great battle that is expected to unfold over two episodes. While many fans speculate that it may depict Númenor's failed attack on Valinor, the chances of this being the case are slightly lower. The men of Númenor had no chance against the powerful Valar and were swiftly defeated.

However, it would be intriguing if the show dedicated a few episodes to alternating between Pharazôn's ill-fated mission and Elendil's valiant efforts to join forces with the Elves in another significant battle. This would provide a unique perspective on the events leading up to the fall of Mount Gundabad.

Sauron's Orcs vs. The Dwarves Of Khazad-dûm

Elrond and Durin from The Rings of Power - Sauron's Orcs vs. The Dwarves Of Khazad-dûm - Fall of Mount Gundabad

In Rings of Power season 1, Khazad-dûm's fall to the Balrog was foreshadowed, but there are more Second-Age stories involving the Dwarves. When Sauron conquered Eregion, Elrond and his forces arrived too late to prevent it. Sauron's army then turned to attack the Elf's forces, but Elrond received help from the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm. This angered the Dark Lord, leading to an assault on Mount Gundabad, a sacred place for the line of Durin. Unfortunately, the Dwarves were unable to prevent the Orcs from taking over the mountain.

The fall of Mount Gundabad, intertwined with the Siege of Eregion, could be a part of a two-episode battle sequence in Rings of Power. This would be intriguing, given the unique relationship established between Elrond and Prince Durin IV in the Prime Video series. While not part of the original canon, this event would add depth to the Dwarves rescuing Elrond and his army. However, if Elrond refuses to help protect Gundabad, the situation could take a turn for the worse.

First Siege of Imladris

Sauron's Orcs vs. The Elves Of Rivendell

rivendell-lord-of-the-rings-the-fellowship-of-the-ring-2001 (1) - Sauron's Orcs vs. The Elves Of Rivendell - First Siege of Imladris

The First Siege of Imladris, a conflict closely linked to the Siege of Eregion, took place after Elrond and his army were rescued by the forces of Khazad-dûm. Elrond led his followers to a valley where they established a safe haven known as Imladris, or Rivendell. This location would later play a significant role in The Lord of the Rings. The moment when Elrond creates this sanctuary could be a valuable addition to Rings of Power season 2.

Things didn't stay peaceful at Rivendell for long in the Second Age. When Sauron turned his attention to Elrond and the survivors of Eregion, he sent his army to lay Siege on Imladris. This led to the Battle of the Gwathló, where troops from Númenor surprised the Orc army and defeated them, ending the siege of Rivendell. The battle may not happen until later seasons of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, but the siege could make for some thrilling episodes.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming battle in "The Rings of Power" Season 2 has the potential to be a truly epic event that will captivate viewers. The article provides a comprehensive overview of several possible battles that could unfold, each with its own unique significance and impact on the story. The Siege of Eregion, the Battle of Dagorlad, the Coup in Númenor, and the Fall of Mount Gundabad are all compelling options that would delve deeper into the rich history of Middle-earth and expand upon the events hinted at in Season 1.

Ultimately, the choice of which battle to feature will depend on the creative vision of the showrunners and the narrative direction they wish to take. However, each of these battles has the potential to deliver thrilling action sequences, emotional depth, and further character development. As a fan of the Lord of the Rings universe, I eagerly anticipate the revelation of which battle will grace our screens and immerse us once more in the captivating world of Tolkien's creation.