The Rings of Power Season 2, Episode 6 marks a turning point for several characters in Middle-earth. Celebrimbor is obviously still at the mercy of Annatar, but the latest installment of the Prime Video series also marks a radical change for characters like Elendil in Númenor and Prince Durin in Khazad-Dum.
Below, we'll walk you through all the key events and developments from the new episode of The Rings of Power season 2. This includes a full story recap, plus a deeper look at the easter eggs found in an hour filled with political intrigue, subterfuge, and a giant sea creature.
Before you dive into one of the best Prime Video shows, make sure you've read this Spoiler alertWe'll be breaking down important story details in The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 6, so make sure you're up to date before you settle in.
The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 6 Recap
The Rings of Power season 2 episode 6 opens with Arondir following two orc “deserters.” He quickly dispatches the group, and while searching for one, he discovers a map leading to Eregion.
At the Elven stronghold, Celebrimbor grows increasingly impatient with the creation of the nine rings for men.
Asking the smiths to continue their work, Mirdania informs Celebrimbor that the dwarves have been late with the delivery of the mithril. When he responds, Mirdania says that Celebrimbor seemed “in a bad mood.”
At the edge of the abyss, Celebrimbor explains to Annatar that he has become forgetful and has even lost his tools, a trick by Annatar/Sauron to corrupt the “weary” elven craftsman. The Lord of Eregion, absorbed in his work, refuses to address his people, while asking Annatar to find the mithril.
Annatar, sensing an opportunity, says he will replace Celebrimbor as de facto lord of Eregion while the smith continues his work. It is there that Annatar sees the orc's bloody message, carved into a man's torso: “Where is he?”
At the orc camp, Adar sits with Galadriel, who is still a prisoner. There he gives her a warning about Sauron: “His eye bores a hole while the rest of his body slides in,” he says in response to Galadriel's claim that she “resisted” the Dark Lord.
Despite some tension, Adar shows Galadriel the Crown of Morgoth as a means to rid Middle-earth of Sauron once and for all. In a later conversation between the two, Galadriel accuses Adar of playing into Sauron's hands; in her opinion, bringing his army of orcs will provide him with many willing servants for the Dark Lord.
In Númenor, Elendil is on trial for high treason. However, Pharazon decrees that he must be set free, provided he renounces his crimes and swears loyalty to his new ruler.
Inevitably, Elendil refuses and is dragged into a summons. An advisor of Pharazon suggests that the Valar should decide Elendil's fate: a trial in the abyss with the sea-worm.
During a meditation session with Tom Bombadil, the Stranger has a vision of Poppy and Nori. While the Stranger wants to master the powers of fire vision, Old Tom is none too pleased and berates the Stranger for failing every test presented to him so far. “If you fail the test now, there will be no other,” says Tom Bombadil. The wizard then offers the Stranger the choice between his friends or his fate… and saving all of Middle-earth. With that, Tom Bombadil disappears.
Elsewhere in Rhun, Poppy tells Gundabel about the benefits of being constantly on the move as vagabonds. However, the leader of the Stoors is less enthusiastic about the threat of the Dark Wizard and reveals that she has spent her entire life (and her most important moments) at home.
“It's not just about where we live, it's about our home,” says Gundabel. Poppy, who wants to be a hero, says she can give herself up and make sure everyone else is safe.
Things are looking decidedly rosier in Khazad-dum, as King Durin's use of the Ring of Power has led to untold riches being amassed in the dwarven fortress.
However, the atmosphere becomes a little more tense with the arrival of Annatar. The handsome figure of Sauron offers wood or something “more precious” in exchange for the mithril needed to complete the rings. Despite that, King Durin rejects the offer. While Annatar's farewell is cordial, he sees a familiar-looking monster in the fire next to Durin. A father, perhaps, of what is to come?
King Durin boasts to his son that he is in a stronger position because, if an orc invasion occurs, the elves will again ask him for mithril armor. Prince Durin begs his father to take off the ring, but his king refuses. To help him in his plight, Disa blocks the dwarves' path to the mines, using her song powers, summoning a swarm of bats.
At Elendil's trial in the abyss, Miriel chooses to take his place. The former ruler of Númenor is swept away by the sea creature, but in a twist of fate, she resurfaces and survives. The verdict of the Valar? Not guilty. Miriel is even given a fetching new title: Queen of the Sea.
Pharazon's day doesn't get much better as he touches Palantir and has a vision of Halbrand, fire and brimstone.
The episode ends with Eregion being attacked by Adar and the orc army. Realizing he hears the siege alarm, Celebrimbor goes to tend to his people. Annatar stops him and Celebrimbor reacts by pushing him away. After exiting his tower, Celebrimbor is met with a vision of a peaceful Eregion, masking the truth of the chaos outside.
The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 6 Easter Eggs
Balrog: During the brief conversation between King Durin and Annatar, a fiery apparition of the Balrog is seen, a creature that would later encounter the Fellowship. Perhaps a sign of things to come if the ruler of Khazad-Dum does not put an end to his greed?
Palantir: Pharazon uses Palantir, a crystal ball-like object that allows whoever touches it to glimpse a possible future, and sees a face of Halbrand amidst more disturbing images. It was also used, most notably, by Saruman in The Lord of the Rings, leading to him being corrupted by Sauron, and has already been referenced several times this season.
Similar: Three gems created by the elf Feanor, the Simarils, are mentioned by Annatar towards the end of the episode to help motivate Celebrimbor to finish his work. They have long been considered he masterpieces of elven craftsmanship.
Horn of… Uruq?: While there’s no specific reference to Boromir’s use of the Horn of Gondor (as seen in The Fellowship of the Ring), we can’t help but feel that Adar’s own call to arms outside of Eregion is eerily similar in its parallels. In fact, with the framing of the Uruk army’s torches (and the panning of the landscape), we’re getting major Beacon of Gondor inverted vibes earlier than ever before. other great battle.
For more information, check out our guide to The Rings of Power season 2 release schedule and our The Rings of Power season 2 review.