Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Rings of Power season 2, episode 5 and events to come (based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings).Things are getting tense in Númenor inThe Rings of Powerseason 2, andthe Amazon series is clearly setting the stage for Ar-Pharazôn’s death later on. Those familiar withJ.R.R. Tolkien’s booksknow that Pharazôn perishes duringthe Fall of Númenor, a tragedy thatThe Rings of Powerhas been building to since the beginning. Trystan Gravelle’s character has already begun to stir discontent within his kingdom inThe Rings of Powerseason 2, and the arrival of Sauron on his shores is sure to make matters worse.
IfThe Rings of Powerfollows Tolkien’s source material, Pharazôn should eventually take Sauron back to Númenor as a hostage — though the fact that Halbrand has already been there could complicate matters. But however the Amazon series accomplishes their next meeting, Sauron will corrupt Pharazôn, leading to the downfall of Númenor. It’s thanks to Sauron that the character declares war on Valinor. This seals the fates of Pharazôn and his people, andThe Rings of Powerseason 2 is already foreshadowing this tragic storyline.
The Rings Of Power Season 2 Explicitly Foreshadows Pharazôn’s Demise
He Talks About Immortality & Clearly Resents Valinor
It’s not clear whenThe Rings of Powerwill cover the Fall of Númenor and Pharazôn’s death, but season 2 is heavily foreshadowing the character’s demise. InThe Rings of Powerseason 2, episode 5,Pharazôn speaks of mortality with his son, looking upon Valinor as he does. He laments that “some things will be forever withheld” from the likes of Men, regardless of their rank or accomplishments. He’s obviously resentful of the Valar and the fact that humans can’t reach immortality.
WithThe Rings of Poweralready emphasizing his desire for immortality and resentment towards the Valar, it’s easy to see how Pharazôn will be swayed.
This perfectly sets the stage for his demise, which occurs becauseSauron convinces him to attack Valinor in pursuit of immortality. WithThe Rings of Poweralready emphasizing his desire for immortality and resentment towards the Valar, it’s easy to see how Pharazôn will be swayed. The focus on the mortality of men also feels like foreshadowing, reminding viewers that Pharazôn cannot actually live forever. It feels like a hint that he’ll perish soon enough, which will be a big deal in the Amazon show.
Showing Pharazôn’s Death In The Rings Of Power Would Be A Big Deal
It Will Demonstrate Valinor & Eru’s Power
Pharazôn’s death will be a huge moment inThe Rings of Power,and not just because he’s a prominent character. Pharazôn’s fleets are drowned byEru Ilúvatar, a deitythat’s even more powerful than the Valar. Eru’s devastating strength has yet to be shown on-screen, butThe Rings of Powerwill demonstrate it during the Fall of Númenor. It will also show how powerful Valinor is, and it will reveal why it pulls away from Middle-earthduring the Second Age.
The Rings Of Power Gives The Best Description Of Sauron’s True Form Yet
Sauron takes on numerous forms in J.R.R. Tolkien’s lore, but The Rings of Power season 2 just gave the best description of his true appearance.
All of this will be a big deal for Tolkien fans, and it could easily be one ofThe Rings of Power’s biggest moments overall. Those who think Sauron is a force to be reckoned with will be surprised to see how powerful other beings from Tolkien’s lore can be. Previous adaptations of his work haven’t dug into these elements of Middle-earth, so it’s exciting thatThe Rings of Powerfinally will.
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.
