Who is Adar? The Rings of Power season 2's recast villain, explained

Who is Adar? The orc leader is a major antagonist again in The Rings of Power season 2 and a key part of the Siege of Eregion...but his ultimate fate is revealed in The Rings of Power season 2 finale.

Below, we've dived into the reveals about his history, as well as what we already knew about the 'father' of the orcs, and what happens to him in the season finale. And, no, you're not seeing things. There is a new actor playing the character – find out who is portraying the recast villain down below.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for all of The Rings of Power season 2 so far. Turn back now if you're not up to date!

Who is Adar?

Adar is an elf corrupted by Morgoth, known as an Uruk. He lead the legion of orcs (his "children", with Adar meaning 'father' in Sindarin) in a crusade against the Men of Middle-earth.

In the first season, that involved Adar taking on the Numenoreans, Galadriel, Arondir, and 'Halbrand'. It culminated in the Southlands tower of Ostirith being flooded, an act that led to an eruption engulfing the region – and the creation of Mordor, which is now ruled by Adar.

Fast forward to the second season, which opens with one of the most pivotal moments in Adar's history: the assassination of Sauron.

At the Dawn of the Second Age, Sauron (played here by Jack Lowden) is set to be crowned. Unfortunately for him, Adar turns on his would-be ruler, stabbing him with his own crown. It's a shared history that is brought up again later when Charlie Vickers' Halbrand/Sauron meets with Adar in his own camp and tells the orc leader that Galadriel is convening with a sorcerer. It is clear, then, from the opening three episodes that there is no love lost between Adar and Sauron.

Later in the season, we see him attacking Eregion, aiming to destroy Annatar – who, of course, is Sauron. A huge battle ensues, which also involves Celebrimbor, Elrond, Gil-galad, Galadriel, and Arondir. 

Still, what we know so far doesn't quite answer who exactly Adar is. One prevailing theory that picked up steam during the first season is that Adar is Maeglin, an elf who betrayed his people during the First Age and gave up the location of the city of Gondolin to Morgoth. 

There are several factors that line up with this idea, namely that Adar speaks of the land of Beleriand (where Maeglin was born) and that he speaks the Elvish language of Quenya. 

Maeglin was presumed dead after Morgoth's attack on Gondolin, but there's every chance he could have survived and been badly scarred – or even captured and twisted and tortured by Morgoth. After all, death isn't always the end in Middle-earth. However, it does appear to be the end for Adar.

Many fans guessed Adar would die a gruesome death – and they were right.

In the season 2 finale, we learn that Nenya, Galadriel's stolen ring, has healed Adar and restored him back to his elven look. However, it only works as long as he has the ring in his possession. He hands the ring back to Galadriel and asks her to help him earn back his name Adar, which means "father." 

But, before Galadriel can do this, Annatar – who is of course Sauron – appears with the orcs who no longer have allegiance to Adar. History repeats itself as the orcs turn on Adar, stabbing him repeatedly, just as they did to Sauron in the flashback at the beginning of season 2, episode 1. Adar dies, betrayed by his own children. In an ironic twist, the orc leading the pack – and the one the most concerned about the casualties under Adar's leadership – ends up killed by Sauron anyway, after Galadriel escapes. 

Who is Adar's new actor in The Rings of Power season 2?

Adar was played by Sam Hazeldine, who you may know from Peaky Blinders and The Innocents. He replaces Joseph Mawle, who exited the Prime Video show after the first season.

Upon his departure, Mawle wrote on Twitter, "I loved my time exploring middle earth and diving into Tolkien’s mythology. I’m so honoured that the character was liked. He cared deeply about telling you his story. Though as an actor it remains my wish, my job description, to explore new characters and worlds. Wishing all the best to cast and crew for S2. I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines."

What did the new Adar actor have to say about his role? Speaking to GamesRadar+, Hazeldine said, "I feel that Adar was duped by Sauron and Morgoth into becoming what he is now."

He continued, "He feels a sense of responsibility for [the orcs] because really he sort of blames himself for, not so much their creation, because he loves them, but the fact that they are used in the way that they are used. There is nowhere for them to go, so he feels a great sense of responsibility and duty."

For more from the Prime Video series, check out our explainer on The Stranger, plus the full Rings of Power season 2 release schedule.