The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 4 Finale Explained

The journey of The Rings of Power continues, and Season 2 Episode 4 marks an essential milestone for the Stranger as he encounters a legendary character from Tolkien’s lore. This episode also features another exciting live-action debut.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 4, titled “Eldest,” introduces significant plot developments. The stakes increase as several pivotal characters confront challenges that will shape the future of Middle-earth.

1. What happens at the end of Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 4?

In this episode, various story arcs converge as tensions in Middle-earth escalate.

Elrond and Galadriel set out for Eregion to alert Celebrimbor about Sauron’s growing threat, but they encounter a fallen bridge on their journey.

Galadriel is hesitant to take an alternate route through the forest, but Elrond insists they proceed. During their trek, they are attacked by spectral beings and learn that Adar and his Orc army are heading towards Eregion.

Meanwhile, the Stranger, separated from Nori, comes across the enigmatic Tom Bombadil, who hints at the Stranger’s looming conflict with Sauron and a dark wizard. This insight unsettles the Stranger as he contemplates the heavy burden ahead.

Nori and Poppy reach the Stoor settlement, where they meet Gundabel and a curious man called Merimac. Initially held in suspicion, they gain acceptance by mentioning Sadoc Burrows.

Gundabel shares an ancient prophecy about a savior leading the Stoors to safety, although Nori downplays her association with it.

2. What happens with Elrond and Galadriel?

In ‘LOTR: The Rings of Power’ Season 2 Episode 4, the Elves face dire circumstances. Galadriel is surprised when Gil-galad reveals that Elrond will guide their caravan to Eregion to warn Celebrimbor of Sauron’s imminent threat.

Although she has faith in Elrond, Galadriel is troubled by the apparent discord among the Elves. Elrond, still harboring resentment over her interference with the ring, worries about her susceptibility to Sauron’s influences.

The uncertainties surrounding Galadriel’s previous dealings with Sauron heighten his concerns. Despite their mutual goal to combat darkness, Elrond and Galadriel experience a rift.

As they journey towards Eregion, they discover that Sauron has destroyed the bridge they intended to cross. With no other options but to traverse the woods, Galadriel senses a trap and urges against it, haunted by visions linked to the ring.

Nonetheless, Elrond is determined to move ahead, asserting that they cannot let the ring dictate their fate. He suggests Galadriel could return to Lindon if she disagrees, but she opts to accompany him.

They soon find themselves under attack from the spirits of fallen kings, turning the forest into a battleground. Though they fend off the ghosts, their troubles deepen as they spot Adar and his extensive Orc army approaching.

Unknown to them, Sauron is allied with Adar, masquerading as the Southlanders’ king in his war against the Elves. An ill-fated Orc arrow critically injures an elf, but Galadriel utilizes her ring’s power to heal him, startling Elrond with her abilities.

In a gripping twist, Galadriel decides to sacrifice herself for Elrond’s safety and that of their team. However, Elrond perceives her motivations as being more about the protection of the ring than the Elves themselves. She entrusts the ring to Elrond and initiates a fierce battle against the Orcs, eventually facing Adar once more.

Elrond recognizes the dangers of relying on the ring’s dark powers and understands the necessity for unity in their plight. Despite their differences, he is resolute in saving his long-time friend and confronting the ominous threat to Middle-earth.

The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 4 Ending Explained
Morfydd Clark and Robert Aramayo in The Rings of Power | Source: IMDb

3. What did Tom Bombadil tell The Stranger?

Stranded without Nori and Poppy, the Stranger wanders until he encounters the enigmatic Tom Bombadil. Tom, a character shrouded in mystery, claims to have witnessed the birth of the universe and the transformation of forests into wastelands, speaking in riddles and alluding to his powers. When the Stranger requests guidance, Tom informs him he is not yet prepared, alluding to visions of trees around him.

Tom, who holds a profound respect for trees, only liberates the Stranger when he chooses to. The Stranger also perceives a woman’s voice outside Tom’s cottage, which Tom dismisses as trivial, possibly belonging to his wife, Goldberry.

Realizing the gravity of his duty to thwart the evil lord’s ambitions for domination over Middle-earth, he feels the weight of his responsibility. Episode 4 reinforces that his future is sealed—confronting formidable foes is his destined path.

4. What happened between Nori and the Stoors?

Nori and Poppy discover a small Stoor camp after losing track of the Stranger in ‘LOTR: The Rings of Power’ Season 2 Episode 4. They engage with a peculiar character who introduces himself as “Nobody,” later revealing his real name to be Merimac, given by his mother. There seems to be a mysterious attraction between Merimac and Poppy.

Things take a turn when they meet Gundabel, the chief of the Stoors. Initially skeptical of their quest for a horned giant, Gundabel instructs her men to tie them up. However, after hearing the name Sadoc Burrows, she reassesses her decision and allows them to go free.

Gundabel believes in an ancient prophecy regarding a messiah who would lead them to a promised land. Nori, feeling misplaced in this prophecy, attempts to clarify her feelings.

The departure of masked agents of the Dark Wizard seeking information about the wandering halflings escalates the tension.

While Gundabel’s exact place in the overarching narrative remains ambiguous, it’s intriguing to note that a Stoor named Smeagol—who later becomes Gollum—will play a crucial role in the fight against Sauron.

The Rings of Power S2 E4 Ending Explained
Megan Richards and Markella Kavenagh in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power | Source: IMDb

5. Is Theo found?

Arondir sees through Estrid’s deception, realizing she is not who she claims to be. She had misled them into searching for Theo in the forest, but Arondir suspects a trap.

During a conversation between Estrid and Isildur, Arondir surprises her by revealing a Mordor symbol on her neck. This revelation devastates Isildur, who has developed feelings for Estrid.

By the episode’s conclusion, Arondir locates Theo, and they share a moment of reconciliation where Theo apologizes for blaming Arondir for his mother’s fate. Just as Isildur prepares to kiss Estrid, her fiancé arrives, embracing her.

Estrid’s joy at finding him alive leaves Isildur in unexpected grief. Arondir witnesses Isildur’s anguish and empathizes with his situation.

Looking forward, it appears likely that Arondir will join forces with other Elves like Elrond and Galadriel to unite against the formidable threat they face. With Sauron scheming alongside Celebrimbor to ensnare the Elves, the stakes are high. Adar’s capture of Galadriel, which Elrond and Gil-galad could not foresee, will undoubtedly affect their strategies. It will be compelling to see how they manage her rescue and how the Stranger preps for the looming confrontation with the Dark Wizard and Sauron.

About The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is an American television series based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, developed by J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay for streaming on Amazon Prime.

Set 3,000 years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, this series takes place during the Second Age of Middle-earth. Starting from a time of tranquility, the show follows the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron and the creation of the rings of power.

The cast features notable actors such as Robert Aramayo, Owain Arthur, Nazanin Boniadi, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Markella Kavenagh, Joseph Mawle, and Dylan Smith among others.

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