THE RINGS OF POWER (2022)

Part 1: The Rise of Evil and the Forging of the Rings

Set thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, The Rings of Power takes place during the Second Age of Middle-earth, a time of relative peace following the defeat of the first dark lord, Morgoth. However, evil is not gone—it is merely hidden, waiting to rise again.

The story begins with Galadriel, a powerful Elven warrior, who refuses to believe that evil has been truly vanquished. She hunts relentlessly for Morgoth’s lieutenant, the dark sorcerer Sauron, despite the Elven high command urging her to abandon the search. Driven by visions and clues, Galadriel becomes a key player in uncovering the shadow growing across Middle-earth.

Elsewhere, we are introduced to a diverse cast of characters from different races and regions:

• Elrond, an ambitious young elf diplomat, forms a political alliance with the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm to help build a powerful forge.
• Durin IV, a Dwarven prince, struggles with his duties to his people and his friendship with Elrond.
• The Harfoots, ancestors of Hobbits, live a nomadic life. Among them is Nori Brandyfoot, a curious and adventurous young Harfoot who finds a mysterious man fallen from the sky—known only as The Stranger.
• The Southlands are home to humans who once served Morgoth. Among them is Bronwyn, a healer, and Arondir, a Silvan Elf who watches over her village. They discover signs that darkness is returning beneath their lands.

Eventually, the Elves begin crafting powerful Rings of Power under the guidance of a mysterious figure named Halbrand, who claims to be a lost king of the Southlands. Halbrand and Galadriel form a tense alliance, even as his true identity remains shrouded in mystery.

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Part 2: Sauron Revealed and the Birth of the Rings of Power

As the threat of evil continues to spread, the Southlands fall into chaos. Orcs begin attacking villages, led by the corrupted elf Adar, who claims to be one of the first Uruks and seeks to create a homeland for his kind. The humans, under Bronwyn’s leadership, unite to defend their land, while Arondir fights bravely to protect them.

The mysterious Stranger discovered by the Harfoots demonstrates great power, hinting that he may be one of the Istari (wizards). However, he struggles with understanding who he is and whether he is good or evil. Mysterious followers of Sauron try to manipulate him, believing he is their master. But in a climactic moment, the Stranger resists their influence and uses his magic to protect the Harfoots, hinting at a more benevolent nature—possibly that of Gandalf or another Istari.

Meanwhile, Galadriel and Halbrand journey to Númenor, a powerful island kingdom of Men. Political tensions in Númenor grow as Queen Regent Míriel struggles with visions of doom and internal unrest. Eventually, Númenor sends aid to the Southlands, helping in a major battle against Adar’s forces.

After the battle, it’s revealed that Halbrand is not who he claimed to be. In a shocking twist, Galadriel uncovers the truth: Halbrand is Sauron in disguise. He had manipulated events from the shadows, using his charm and knowledge to infiltrate the Elves’ plans. Despite this revelation, it’s too late—under his influence, Celebrimbor, the master Elven smith, finishes the forging of the first three Elven Rings of Power, meant to preserve and protect.

The season ends with darkness beginning to spread. Mount Doom erupts in the Southlands, transforming the region into Mordor, Sauron’s stronghold. Galadriel is left haunted by her failure to stop him, while the Elves cling to hope through the new rings. The Stranger and Nori set off on a journey to the East, searching for answers about his origin and the growing shadow.