Recap: The Rings of Power, Season 2, Episode 6 – “Where is he?”

The episode opens with Arondir traveling through a forest, he is following two Orcs. As he listens to their conversation, he understands that they are deserters, who have left Adar’s army. He accidentally snaps a twig which alerts the Orcs that they are not alone. He quickly kills them and uncovers that one of them is holding a map. 

The episode now switches to Eregion. Celebrimbor is trying to create the rings for the race of Men. He is struggling and is becoming increasingly frustrated. He grows more frustrated when he discovers they are out of mithril as the Dwarves are late with their delivery. He also struggles to remember his workers’ names. At this point Annatar enters and instructs the Elven smiths to take a break. He comforts Celebrimbor who is confused as to why he is struggling to remember even simple things. Carrying on their conversation Annatar informs Celebrimbor that he is wanted for an audience by his people. He declines and claims that only completing the rings is his primary focus. This allows Annatar to step in and take over his duties. He also asks Annatar to resolve the issue with lack of mithril from the Dwarves. 

Annatar leaves the workshop and speaks to the Elven smiths who have gathered outside. He asks what concerns they have. They answer that the number of visitors who travel to the city has drastically dwindled. They sent a party of soldiers across the river and into the forest to check if there was an obstruction with the road. Only one soldier had returned, and he had a message in black speech carved into his chest. Mirdania asks Annatar whether they should inform Celebrimbor, but he stops her and explains all the smiths have been stripped of their duties. He then translates the message to Mirdania at her request, which is “Where is he?”.

The episode now turns to Adar and his captive Galadriel. They are sitting at a table having a discussion. Adar is eating a meal whilst Galadriel is chained. They have a back and forth about Sauron and his manipulation and power. Adar is trying to get Galadriel to help him defeat Sauron. He reveals possession of Morgoth’s crown, this was the weapon he used to previously kill him. He believes the combined power of the crown and the Elven rings could destroy Sauron permanently.  Galadriel has no intention of teaming up with Adar and remains his prisoner.  

In Númenor, Elendil is standing trial for his framed actions in the previous episode. Due to his long and faithful service to the crown, he is given the opportunity to renounce his crimes and pledge his loyalty to the true leader of  Númenor. He does renounce his crimes, but when the opportunity to pledge to Pharazôn comes he instead shouts his support for Míriel as the true ruler of Númenor. He is sentenced to die, but after some advice Pharazôn decides that his death should match his faith’s death sentence.

The scene now changes to Nori who is screaming. This is a dream which is being had by The Stranger. He wakes from his sleep and asks Tom Bombadil when he can teach him magic. Tom then leads The Stranger away. 

Now switching to the real Nori, she is still with the Stoors as The Easterlings are continuing their search for them. She asks the leader of the Stoors why they have not moved, as is common practice with the Harfoots. She explains that this is their home, and they have lived there their whole lives, so that is where they should die. Nori decides she will be the one to save the Stoors from this mess. Meanwhile, Poppy and Nobody are getting close and share a kiss. Poppy then agrees to help Nori’s plan, which is to hand herself over to The Easterlings. 

Returning to Tom and The Stranger, they are walking through the desert when they come across a valley which is filled with dead trees. Tom tasks The Stranger with finding himself a staff. The Stranger asks how, as this could take a significant period of time, and he still has concerns for Nori and Poppy. Tom then misquotes to The Stranger a quote used by Gandalf later on, this could be a red herring to make the audience believe The Stranger is Gandalf. Just a reminder that Gandalf is not supposed to appear until the Third Age. The Stranger decides to return to the valley once he can ensure his friends are safe. Tom replies that if he leaves, he will be unable to return and then disappears. 

We are now taken to Khazad-dûm, where King Durin III is sat on his throne as his son enters the room. He is surprised to see that it is Annatar who has summoned him. He asks Durin IV for more míthril and offers lumber as an exchange. He also explains that Eregion is under siege and the míthril would aid in this. Durin IV wishes to discuss this with his father, however King Durin III has already made his decision and refuses Annatar. They stare at each other as Annatar ponders his next course of action, he looks into a brazier and sees a monster shape which resembles a Balrog. Annatar then decides to leave. Durin IV then begs his father to remove his ring. He then tries to take it by force and is shocked as his father flings him across the room with ease. Durin IV returns to his home with Disa where she tries to comfort him, but also talks about overthrowing the King for the sack of the kingdom. Later on, some mining Dwarves are moving to the next planned dig site. To protect the mountain Disa physically blocks the path. They ask her to move, or they will be forced to remove her. She responds by singing loudly, which summons a large number of bats who scare off the dwarven miners. 

Returning to Númenor, Eärien, is at her father’s cell. She explains that his sentence is to be tossed into the sea and for the “sea worm” to be summoned. She begs him to try to save himself. She then shows she has bought Míriel, to try to convince him of the same thing. He explains that he cannot accept Pharazôn and would rather die believing in what is right, than lie to survive. Míriel continues to try to convince Elendil by asking what of her heart, admitting the growing feelings between them. He is about to be judged by the sea and the Valar, and he can accept this. 

As he arrives at the spot where his sentence will be carried out, his daughter is there and still emotional. As it is about to begin there is a shout and Míriel has arrived to take Elendil’s place, as the crime was committed in her name. The law is on her side, and they do not have a choice but to accept her sacrifice. She steps into the water when suddenly she is pulled underneath. There is the same sea monster from the first season and after a moment she is shot back up towards the surface. As she splutters the water out of her mouth the people can see that she is untouched. Elendil helps her up and starts to shout “Hail, Tar- Míriel, Queen of the sea”. This is then picked up by the crowd who continue to chant this. Pharazôn is very angry about how these events have transpired. We later see him standing in front of the palantír, placing his hand upon it and seeing a vision of Sauron. I believe the third season will focus on the fall of Númenor.

Returning to Adar and Galadriel, it looks like she has agreed to work with him, and they are discussing the best course of action to take. She asks to be released and informs Adar that Elrond, the Lindon Army and her ring are on their way. Adar asks what the High King will do for the Orcs, would they be permitted to live in peace. He answers his own question and decides to attack anyway. Galadriel does not believe the Orcs can take Eregion from Sauron’s control. Adar then shows his large army with multiple legions of Orcs. Galadriel tries to convince Adar that this will all be part of Sauron’s plan, however he ignores her and has her bound, as she will provide use later.   

Celebrimbor is making designs for the rings for the race of Men, when he hears a yell and wishes to look. Annatar tries to stop him and questions him on his progress. Celebrimbor pushes Annatar aside to leave the forge. As he enters the courtyard he sees a scene of peace. He explains to Annatar that he cannot make rings without more míthril. Annatar produces powdered míthril and convinces Celebrimbor to continue with the rings. As Celebrimbor returns to the forge the scene changes and turns to one with burning buildings and chaos. Sauron smiles as he walks through the crowd. As the episode closes you see the flaming artillery from the Orcs catapults attacking Eregion.

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