Sauron pays a visit to Khazad-dûm inThe Rings of Powerseason 2, episode 6, andthere’s a worrisome tease that suggests the villain could use the Balrog against the Dwarvesin future installments.The Rings of Powerhas been teasing the Balrog within Khazad-dûm’s mines since its first season, and its presence grows more ominous as the Dwarves continue digging where they shouldn’t. King Durin III may believe the Rings of Power will save them, but his refusal to help Sauron in episode 6 may seal the Dwarves' fates.
As Sauron — disguised as Annatar — absorbs the fact that the Dwarves won’t come to Eregion’s aid, he notices a shape within the fire burning nearby. It looks a lot like a Balrog, and the villain’s response is concerning for the Dwarves.Sauron’s smile suggests he knows exactly what’s lurking within the mines of Khazad-dûm— and he may be planning to use its power. This raises questions about whether Sauron can control Balrogs inJ.R.R. Tolkien’s loreand whether he could accomplish this in Amazon’sLord of the Ringsshow.
The Balrogs Served Morgoth During Middle-earth’s First Age
Sauron May Attempt To Gain Control Of Them As Well
Tolkien’s writings don’t clarify whether Sauron could control a Balrog inThe Rings of Power.However,the fact that Balrogs served Morgoth during the First Age of Middle-earth means that it’s possible. Morgoth controlled many of Middle-earth’s monsters, so it’s unsurprising that Balrogs were among the creatures that did his bidding. Given how close Sauron was to his former master, he likely knows about Balrogs — and he may even know how to manipulate one.
This doesn’t necessarily mean one would serve Sauron inThe Rings of Power,but the villain seems arrogant enough to try to recruit one.
This doesn’t necessarily mean one would serve Sauron inThe Rings of Power,but the villain seems arrogant enough to try to recruit one. The fact that he marches into Adar’s camp inThe Rings of Powerseason 2’s premiere proves this, and he seems to be growing smugger as his plans fall into place. The fact that the premiere’ssea monster doesn’t attack Sauronalso suggestshe may have control over Middle-earth’s monsters, just like Morgoth.
Sauron Could Still Use The Balrog Against The Dwarves In The Rings Of Power
If Sauron does have the ability to control Balrogs inThe Rings of Power,he could use this against the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm — and season 2 gives him a reason to. If the Dwarves won’t cooperate with his plans,Sauron may retaliate using the monster lurking beneath their mountain. Tensions between King Durin III and Sauron likely haven’t reached this point yet, but it’s a weapon in the villain’s arsenal if he needs it. And knowing that Khazad-dûm will eventually fall, it seems likely he’ll use it.
I Can’t Tell If The Rings Of Power Wants Me To Hate Orcs Or Feel Sorry For Them
The Rings of Power season 2 takes an unclear stance on Orcs, flip-flopping between sympathizing with them and portraying them as irredeemable.
Tensions may rise between Sauron and the Dwarves, too, as Durin III is looking to take advantage of him for profit — and Durin IV simply doesn’t trust Annatar at all. These truths could lead to further conflicts between the Dwarves andThe Rings of Power’s villain, eventually pushing the latter over the edge. He’ll already have torn apart the Elves of Middle-earth, so he’ll have no qualms about doing the same to the Dwarves. This is doubly true if they cross him. And after his visit in episode 6, he knows he has leverage if he needs it.
It’s Not Supposed To Happen Until The Third Age Of Middle-Earth
The destruction of Khazad-dûm doesn’t happen until the Third Age in Tolkien’s lore, butThe Rings of Powermay adapt this piece of Middle-earth’s history early. With all the Balrog teases, it’s certainly setting up some kind of tragic outcome for the Dwarves. With Khazad-dûm becoming the deserted Mines of Moria seen inThe Lord of the Rings, it’s hard to envision the series leading elsewhere. The Dwaves' kingdom falls early in the Third Age, so it’s possibleThe Rings of Power’s later seasons will adapt this tragedy.
It seems like Amazon’sLord of the Ringsseries may push into the Third Age a bit — or move some of its major events up to squeeze them into the end of the Second Age.
The downfall of Khazad-dûm isn’t the only early Third Age event the series is building towards, as it’s also setting up the founding of the Shire through its Harfoot and Stoors storylines. With that in mind, it seems like Amazon’sLord of the Ringsseries may push into the Third Age a bit — or move some of its major events up to squeeze them intothe end of the Second Age. It makes sense, as adapting the history of locations like Khazad-dûm and the Shire allowsThe Rings of Powerto draw clear connections toThe Lord of the Rings.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Cast
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
