The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 is finally here. To help make your return to Middle-earth as smooth as possible, we've got all you need to know about the new episodes below.
Here, you can find the lowdown on the cast, trailer, a summary of the plot so far, and much more besides, so you'll be up to date on The Rings of Power season 2 in no time. We've also got some exclusive insight from the cast and showrunners, too, so you can get a peek behind the curtain at the new season of Prime Video's epic fantasy show.
So whether you're a hardcore Lord of the Rings fan or you just love fantasy TV, then you're in the right place. Adventure awaits!
The Rings of Power season 2 release date and episode count
The Rings of Power season 2 released its first three episodes on August 29, 2024. There are eight episodes in total, with the remaining five following weekly on Thursdays.
The Rings of Power season 2 review
Our own Rings of Power season 2 review gave the new episodes 4 stars, with our reviewer Bradley Russell writing: "The overloaded Rings of Power season 2 isn't perfect, but the Sauron-centric season is a bleak, oppressive ode to Middle-earth's rich characters, cast and world – anchored by one of the year's best performances from Celebrimbor actor Charles Edwards."
The new season currently stands at 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, with 42 reviews.
The Rings of Power season 2 trailer
The third trailer for The Rings of Power season 2 has been released, and it gives us our best look yet at the battle ahead. The new season will feature the Siege of Eregion, a huge battle in Tolkien's works. We see all aspects of Middle-earth preparing for the conflict ahead in the new trailer, as well as finally seeing Sauron and Galadriel's reunion. Watch it through the link.
The second trailer for Rings of Power season 2 was packed with upcoming plot details and adventures in Middle-earth. The teaser kicks off by reminding us all of Sauron's plans to control all the rings of power in his quest for total domination.
We also finally see Annatar (aka Sauron's Fair-Form) in the trailer! Annatar is a figure in Tolkien's original work who helped Celebrimbor create the rings of power so that he may control them all with the One Ring. Many fans expected Annatar in season one of the Rings of Power, so seeing him in season 2 is a welcomed surprise.
But canon-speaking, we are still a bit all over the place for all you Tolkien purists. The timeline still doesn't match the one Tolkien set out exactly. This can be seen in clips of the trailer, such as the moments with the Stranger as he seems more likely than ever to be Gandalf (originally only meant to be in Middle-earth during the Third Age).
Celeborn is still also nowhere to be seen, nor is his and Galadriel's daughter (and Elrond's future wife) Celebrían. So keep that in mind before you start contemplating the meaning of Annatar's appearance.
The first trailer for Rings of Power season 2 also had plenty of foreboding warnings about Sauron, who returned to the land during the events of the season 1 finale. You can dive into the first trailer's biggest secrets with our Rings of Power season 2 trailer Easter eggs guide.
The Rings of Power season 2 cast – and new characters
There are many new and returning faces this season. Check out the major players below:
- Morfydd Clark – Galadriel
- Charlie Vickers – Sauron/Halbrand/Annatar
- Robert Aramayo – Elrond
- Benjamin Walker – High King Gil-galad
- Charles Edwards – Celebrimbor
- Ismael Cruz Cordova – Arondir
- Tyroe Muhafidin – Theo
- Sam Hazeldine – Adar
- Markella Kavenagh – Nori
- Daniel Weyman – The Stranger
- Megan Richards – Poppy
- Cynthia Addai-Robinson – Miriel
- Lloyd Owen – Elendil
- Trystan Gravelle – Pharazon
- Owain Arthur – Durin IV
- Sophia Nomvete – Disa
- Ben Daniels – Cirdan
- Ciaran Hinds – unknown wizards
- Rory Kinnear – Tom Bombadil
The Rings of Power season 2 story
In episode 1, we return to Middle-earth and see Sauron's transformation into Halbrand, then his path to meeting and deceiving Galadriel. Speaking of that elven warrior, she manages to convince High King Gil-Galad to use the rings Sauron and Celebrimbor forged to save the Great Tree, though Elrond strenuously objects. Meanwhile, the Stranger and Nori are joined by Poppy on their journey.
Then, in episode 2, danger is ahead for the dwarves, who find their home hit by earthquakes. We're introduced to a mysterious Dark Wizard, though what he wants and who he is remains a mystery for now, though we know it involves the Stranger. Sauron takes on his Annatar form to trick Celebrimbor into continuing to work together.
In episode 3, we return to Númenor, though Miriel's reign is under threat. An eagle appears and seems to affirm Pharazôn as the rightful ruler. We also get confirmation that Isildur survived the events of last season (of course), and we learn that Bronwyn perished. Annatar and Celebrimbor offer rings to the dwarves, but they must forge without Gil-Galad's knowledge.
In The Rings of Power season 2, episode 4, we're finally introduced to Tom Bombadil. He helps the Stranger in his own, unconventional way, while Nori and Poppy, separated from their friend, meet the Stoors. Elsewhere, Galadriel and Elrond get into a sticky situation with a band of Orcs. Galadriel distracts the Orcs so Elrond and the other Elves can escape, though Elrond knows she's only doing this to save the ring she possesses. As for Isildur, Arondir, and Estrid, they meet the Entwives, and Arondir pledges to help them in exchange for Theo's freedom.
The Rings of Power season 2 exclusive insight
We've got the lowdown on the new season from the showrunners and cast. You can dive into our pieces below for our exclusive insight.
- Galadriel and Adar actors tease their unlikely alliance in The Rings of Power season 2: "I think it's sort of a needs must thing"
- The Rings of Power Galadriel actor thinks she and Sauron share a psychic link: "There is some sort of cosmic connection"
- Almost 100 years after Tolkien introduced him, Tom Bombadil actor Rory Kinnear shares why the character’s time has finally come in The Rings of Power season 2
- A huge Lord of the Rings battle is adapted over 3 episodes in The Rings of Power season 2, and the showrunners say it took a year of planning
- The Rings of Power season 2's Sauron and Galadriel reunion will have "incredibly high stakes"
- The Rings of Power season 2's most mysterious new character is already sparking theories, but no one will tell me anything about the Dark Wizard
- The Rings of Power season 2 sets the tone for the show's journey to The Lord of the Rings: "History does repeat itself"
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