With great anticipation, television enthusiasts are keeping their fingers crossed after the dramatic end of season 1 of “The Rings of Power“. Already, people are guessing as to what is going to happen in the upcoming second season.
Perhaps one of the most interesting ideas is a confrontation of two characters of the major antagonists of the Middle Earth universe—Sauron and Adar. Could these dark forces clash, or could they join forces with another enemy and be an even more formidable foe?
Summary: Setting the Stage for Season 2
In the first season of “The Rings of Power“, viewers were also met with two primary villains: Sauron and Adar. Although the true identity of the antagonist was particularly obscured up to the last series of episodes, and although people thought Halbrand to be a good person, deep down he was actually Sauron. This fact paved the way for a great battle between him and Adar—the bitter elf who single-handedly turned Mordor into the lifeless wasteland that it is in the film.
At the close of Season 1, one got to see Sauron and his true colors before he could put on his stealth mode, and all that is left with the viewers is him walking to Mordor with his black cloak floating eerily. While Adar positioned himself in Mordor, enjoying the devastation that he perpetrated. The animosity between these two dark lords was evident, and this gave the impression that season 2 would explore more of their history and the showdown between them.
Sauron and Adar: The Fight for Mordor
Not surprisingly, one of the most expected things that will happen in Season 2 is the confrontation between Sauron and Adar in Mordor. This confrontation was in fact foreshadowed in the first season’s finale when Sauron flies straight towards Adar. But depending on their true relationship, this can only mean that this is no ordinary fight they are going to engage in. Season 2 has a lot to do with these two antagonists, and the showrunner, Patrick McKay, has stated that the season will hopefully reveal why these two have become enemies.
Of the characters we have seen so far, Adar, who was established as the antagonist in season 1, might be up to a lot more in the succeeding season. It can be revealed that Sauron made a deal with Adar that went wrong, ending with Adar being stuck in an orc’s body, an ironic man for an elf. This would have given a background to why they will end up fighting each other in Mordore.
[ Also Read: Isildur & Estrid: Expanding Tolkien’s Lore ]
But Sauron’s fight against Adar could spell doom for anyone in the vicinity. Many fans are disconcerted with the destruction of canon as the showrunners try their best to weave a new story into Tolkien’s legacy. More importantly, the inclusion of additional rings and Sauron’s subsequent encroachment upon the area will be key to preserving the Second Age narrative.
Adar’s Strategic Role: A New Power Play
On top of it, the viewers will be shown the concrete battle between Sauron’s desire to revenge Adar, who killed his nephew, for his murdered nephew on the one hand, and, on the other hand, explore the general political motives underlying the struggle. First, there is Adar, who helped design Mordor; therefore, he was an agent working for Sauron in the campaign of domination and conquest. However, the idea that was introduced might mean that the two villains can put aside their differences and team up, although they are enemies.
It would also benefit this alliance since they would both gain something out of it. For Sauron, signing a deal with Adar meant that he would get the manpower and material, which would complement his war against the elves. In the context of the story, it is not far fetched to assume that for Adar, it makes sense to side with Sauron, as the latter can always be a threat in the background, as it happened to even the mightiest of characters.
[ Also Read: Isildur’s Arc Explored in The Rings of Power ]
This is a possibility hinted at by Halbrand actor Charlie Vickers, as fans will notice in the second season more regarding the past of Adar and Sauron. This could explain how they came into the partnership they had—a forced partnership brought based on need rather than belief.
The Impact on Tolkien’s Lore
Of course one could imagine an alliance of Sauron and Adar being interesting, but it brings up another point: how true to the Tolkien lore is this particular show. The Second Age is one of the periods described in “The Silmarillion” and other books; this is the period when Sauron comes to power and the rings are made. I think that any shift from the standard can be quite problematic, especially in the case where the essence of these characters is changed.
On the other hand, the showrunners get a chance to depict new aspects of such famous personalities and get to know the latter’s motives and intentions better. The difficulty will be to achieve this even in a manner that pays respect to the fantasy world created by Tolkien in his books that has been widely acclaimed in modern literature.
Sauron and Adar: Villains or Victims?
When thinking about the next chapter of the series in the upcoming The Rings of Power Season 2, viewers might question whether Sauron or Adar can be called villains in the way that this term is traditionally understood. Everybody knows that Sauron wants power and that he is willing to do anything to get it; however, is there more to him than simply power? Likewise, the audience could probably feel pity for Adar, considering that he himself used to be an elf but turned into an orc, which could almost be another way of saying that his actions are all due to the fact that he is evil, but it is not entirely his fault.
Please feel free to comment on this blog post with predictions or tips on Season 2. Otherwise, keep your swords pointed and your rings near—the night is coming!