The Rings of Power

Sauron, disguised as Annatar, the Lord of Gifts, convinces Celebrimbor to forge new rings in Eregion: seven for the Dwarves and nine for Men. King Durin III receives a ring, grows blind with greed and ends up facing a Balrog in the mines of Khazad-dûm. Galadriel and Elrond race to save Eregion, but Adar's army lays siege to the city. Galadriel is captured, and Adar is killed by his own orcs. Sauron reveals himself and kills Celebrimbor. In Númenor, Ar-Pharazôn seizes power and persecutes the Faithful, and Míriel survives a trial by sea. Isildur, presumed dead in the eruption, turns up alive and joins Arondir. In Rhûn, the Stranger gets help from Tom Bombadil, turns down an offer from a Dark Wizard and learns his name: Gandalf.

1. ReferenceTom Bombadil, finally on screen

   Tom Bombadil, whom Peter Jackson left out of his films, shows up here played by Rory Kinnear. The costume follows Tolkien: blue jacket, yellow boots and a feathered hat.

   source ↗
2. Behind the scenesGoldberry keeps it in the family

   Goldberry, Tom's wife, is only heard, never seen. She's voiced by Raya Yarbrough, wife of the show's composer, Bear McCreary.

   source ↗
3. CameoThe old Sauron

   In the flashback that opens the season, Sauron appears in an earlier physical form, played by Jack Lowden of Slow Horses.

   source ↗
4. SetupRemember the name Narvi

   Narvi, the Dwarf played by Kevin Eldon, is a name taken from Tolkien. It's written somewhere in Middle-earth that the saga will show later.

   source ↗