The Rings of Power season 2 episode 6 just set up the darkest moment of the show yet – if they stick to Tolkien
Sep. 19, 2024Here’s what to know about the sack of Eregion
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Warning: This article contains spoilers forThe Rings of Power season 2 episode 6.
The latest episode ofThe Rings of Power season 2brings Middle-earth to a new level of darkness as danger approaches around every corner. Khazad-Dum is becoming an increasingly treacherous place under King Durin’s rule and the humans in Numenor are using ancient forms of judgement to sentence their occupants. Meanwhile, in Eregion,Annataris growing more impatient with Celebrimbor’s progress on the rings, and the tension reaches boiling point at the end of episode 6.
In the final moments of the latest episode, war approaches as Adar and his army of orcs attack Eregion. The siege alarm sounds in the walled city, but Annatar masks the truth from Celebrimbor. It’s a race against time to make the rings as the battle beckons. And while we don’t see much of it in the final moments of the episode, they neatly set up one of the most brutal sequences of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works: the sack of Eregion.
Below, we get into exactly what happens in the books to give you a taste of what to come. Although,be warned, we’ll be dealing withsome big spoilers from J.R.R. Tolkien’s worksas we discuss the ins and outs of what happens, so make sure you want to know before reading on.
What is the sack of Eregion in Tolkien’s books?
In Tolkien’s novels, the lead up to the sack of Eregion plays out a little differently. In the Second Age, Sauron storms the Elven stronghold in order to claim theRings of Power. Now, as we know in the TV adaptation, Sauron has actually been there all along in his Annatar form.
In the books, Sauron had already left Eregion and returned toMordorafter influencing Celebrimbor to make the rings. At this time, he had crafted a master ring to rule them all, and when the Elven smith discovered this, he gave the Three to the Elves to prevent the Dark Lord from getting the ones he most desired.
It was in response to this that Sauron led an army out of Mordor to attack the city. Elrond and Gil-galad were sent to help defend, resulting in a devastating clash between the two armies.
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Well, we’re getting into big spoiler territory here – although it’s worth pointing out that this might not be how the show adapts the battle. In Tolkien’s writings, eventually Elrond and the Elves were no longer able to hold Sauron back and he reached the city. Celebrimbor was the last line of defence on the steps of the House of the Mírdain, but Sauron captured him.
He took the Nine Rings and tortured him to find out where the Seven were. However, he protected the identity of who had the Three. The Elven smith was then shot with Orc-arrows and used as a banner in Sauron’s stand against Elrond. Pretty, grisly right?
The Dwarves from Khazad-dûm then joined the fight, but they only succeeded in slowing Sauron down, allowing the forces enough time to flee. In the aftermath, many of Elrond’s Elves went to the stronghold of Imladris while the Dwarves returned to Khazad-dûm, where theDoors of Durinwere sealed.
It’s a major turning point in Middle-earth’s history asSauronthen has many of the Rings of Power in his grasp.
The Rings of Power season 2 is airing weekly on Prime Video. For more, check out our picks for thebest shows on Amazon Prime Video, our guide toThe Rings of Power season 2 release schedule, and ourThe Rings of Power season 2 review.
I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I’ve also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.
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