Unveiling the Mysteries of Mordor: 10 Burning Questions Season 2 of The Rings of Power Must Answer

In The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 1, the transformation of the Southlands into Mordor was a significant event. This iconic location, which Galadriel and the Númenóreans had fought so hard to protect, was ultimately destined to be taken over by Sauron. This is where the One Ring was forged and where Frodo would ultimately journey to destroy it. However, there are still many unknowns, particularly regarding the changes made to the Rings of Power canon.

During season 1, Halbrand was believed to be the lost king of the Southlands, making him a key figure in Galadriel's plan to save the region and uncover Sauron's plot. However, things did not go as expected. It was revealed that Halbrand was actually Sauron himself, and the first season concluded with the Dark Lord claiming Mount Doom and the power it held. As we enter season 2 of The Rings of Power, there are numerous mysteries surrounding this dark kingdom that need to be clarified.

9 Who Picked The Southlands As A Target, Sauron Or Adar?

The Rings of Power introduced significant revelations about the origin of Mordor that were previously undisclosed in The Silmarillion or any other works by J.R.R. Tolkien. Particularly, the Prime Video series introduces the novel concept of Mordor as a former realm of Men, known as the Southlands. It should be noted that this idea draws some inspiration from Morgoth's establishment of the region, but doesn't delve into the specifics. However, beyond this, there is little explanation regarding the significance of the Southlands. Galadriel's discovery that Sauron had etched an image of the Southlands landscape on her brother Finrod indicates that this region had always been a part of his plans. Could it be possible that Adar took upon himself the task of fulfilling this plan, assuming that the dark lord was deceased?

8 Why Does Sauron Keep Adar's "Mordor" Name?

In the finale of season 1 of The Rings of Power, Adar, the devoted orc, finally named the territory he had tirelessly cultivated for himself and his orc companions. Drawing on his background, the corrupted elf opted for a word from Sindarin, one of the Elvish languages from the Lord of the Rings universe, which loosely translates to "shadow land." This choice aligns perfectly with Adar's ultimate goal of constructing a land enshrouded in darkness, thereby ridding it of the perils posed by sunlight. While this explanation sheds light on the origin of the land's name, it remains unclear why Sauron, after assuming control, chose to retain it. One can only hope that season 2 of Rings of Power will provide some clarity on this matter.

7 Who Created The Sword Key & Water System In The Southlands?

The enigmatic artifact discovered by Theo in The Rings of Power was a perpetual enigma throughout season 1, and while it was uncovered that the sword served as the catalyst for Adar's scheme to trigger the eruption of Mount Doom, the case remained open. Drawing upon Waldreg's foreboding warnings, it was surmised that this weapon once belonged to Sauron. Thus, the question arose: Was it Morgoth's lieutenant who fashioned this intricate water system or the malevolent Vala himself? Given the extraordinary intricacy of the entire design, it is safe to assume that years of meticulous planning preceded Adar's takeover and successful execution of the grand transformation.

6 How Does Sauron Build The Tower Of Barad-dûr?

Tolkien elucidated in his literary works that the malevolent tower, famously known as Barad-dûr, was crafted by Sauron by harnessing the power of his One Ring. Nevertheless, very few details were ever divulged regarding the specific methodology employed in this endeavor. Given that Sauron has not yet created any of his own Rings of Power as depicted in The Rings of Power, it is plausible that there still remains some time before audiences witness the Dark Lord initiating the construction of his formidable weapon or utilizing it to erect the dreadful tower. According to the canonical lore of Lord of the Rings, this process is destined to consume 600 years, although Rings of Power is likely to condense this timeframe. Regardless of when, it will be intriguing to observe Prime Video's interpretation of a procedure that Tolkin never explicitly portrayed.

5 Will Barad-dûr Have A Great Eye In Rings Of Power?

In the Lord of the Rings trilogy directed by Peter Jackson, Barad-dûr was adorned with the fiery crimson eye of Sauron, serving as a visual representation of the Dark Lord in his disembodied form. Interestingly, the books did not describe the tower in this manner, where the Eye of Sauron carried more symbolic significance rather than a literal depiction. Nevertheless, this iconic eye has become synonymous with the Lord of the Rings universe, making it challenging to picture a screen adaptation of Barad-dûr without its blazing gaze. As the tower is anticipated to materialize in The Rings Of Power season 2, it will be intriguing to discover which interpretation of Sauron's formidable stronghold the series will embrace.

4 How Long Will Adar Have Control Over Mordor?

By the conclusion of Season 1 of The Rings of Power, Mordor has come under Adar's control. However, it is anticipated that Sauron, who is bound to reclaim power in Mordor, will make his way there soon. It appears that Adar genuinely believed Sauron to be deceased, so his arrival will undoubtedly be a shock. Galadriel has been informed by Halbrand that Adar is undoubtedly their adversary, implying that Season 2 of The Rings of Power might not have a pleasant outcome. Considering Sauron's immense might, it seems improbable that Adar would be able to resist him for long, even with the assistance of his orc offspring. Thus, the question arises: how long can Adar sustain his newfound dominion?

3 Will Sauron Rule Mordor In His "Halbrand" Form?

2 Does Mordor's Creation Lead The Harfoots Toward The Shire?

At the conclusion of season 1 of The Rings of Power, Sauron emerged in his Halbrand incarnation, indicating that he intends to maintain this form for the foreseeable future. This is bolstered by the inclusion of actor Charlie Vickers in the cast list for season 2. Nonetheless, this development presents a few complications moving forward. Primarily, Sauron is expected to assume the guise of Annatar, his fair form, when crafting the Rings of Power in Eregion. Furthermore, another fair form is meant to venture to Númenor, instigating further deceit there. While it is plausible that Halbrand serves as The Rings of Power's interpretation of Annatar, it may not be entirely logical for him to retain this likeness throughout his dominion in Mordor.

The Rings of Power have identified the Harfoots as the ancestors of Frodo and the other Shire Hobbits. However, in season 1, the group finds themselves far from their eventual home in The Lord of the Rings. Nori's family reveals that the Harfoots have been following the same migration routes for generations. Nevertheless, their current location on the opposite side of the mountains from the Shire suggests an imminent change. It is possible that the close proximity to the newly erupted Mount Doom will impact the Harfoots' way of life, offering an explanation for their different location.

1 Why Is Mount Doom Important (Did Morgoth Create It?)

Mount Doom in Tolkien canon is believed to have been created by Morgoth, the true enemy in The Lord of the Rings, during the First Age of Middle-earth. The limited information suggests that Morgoth infused the fires of this mountain with evil, making it an ideal location for Sauron to further his sinister ambitions. However, the introduction of characters like Adar, the Southlanders, and other intriguing elements in The Rings of Power may open up possibilities for altering or expanding this narrative. The forthcoming season 2 of The Rings of Power will hold the answers.