The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 5 Recap by the Elf. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog. 

**SPOILERS AHEAD**

The Rings of Power season 2 episode 5 recap is here. And it was another crushing episode. I had such high hopes for Earien, Elendil’s daughter, at the start of this season. But she and her boyfriend, Kemen, who is also the kings son, are vile.

I think it is especially worth noting that realistic villains always believe that what they are doing is for the greater good of others and themselves. And I think that makes them scarier than the demonic Balrog monsters. They’re able to manipulate themselves and others into fear based and power hungry action. And into believing that they are of greater worth to the world than other groups of beings.

SPOILERS AHEAD!!! If you want to catch up on Season 2, we review episode 1 here.

What happens at Eregion in The Rings of Power Season 2 episode 5 recap?

Sauron declares that he will cast the rings for men by himself as Celebrimbor is hesitant. And manipulates him into helping them forge the new rings. Meanwhile, Prince Durin arrives to talk to Celebrimbor about the fact that the ring has made his father greedy. He suggests that Anatar is not to be trusted and that something is wrong with these wrings.

Sauron starts to convince the Elves at the forge, particularly Mirdania- the assistant, that Lord Celebrimbor has fallen prey to the darkness. Then Sauron convinces Celebrimbor that the issue with the Dwarven rings is that HE lied to the king, not that Sauron’s evil impacted them. And that finishing the 9 rings for men is the only way to redeem and balance all the rings.

What happens to the Dwarves in The Rings of Power Season 2 episode 5 recap?

King Durin and Prince Durin reconcile. They find places to dig to bring the sunlight back into their mountain. The west gate to the mountain is made (we see it in the LOTR trilogy) to signify a deal and bond between Elves and Dwarves.

Princess Disa accidentally discovers that a creature has woken in the mountain. Meanwhile the king is gathering the 7 main lands to let them know about the rings and the cost that comes with them. Prince Durin begs them to stop digging and to give up the rings, he realizes he was wrong. But the ring has already twisted the king and he orders the work and digging to continue.

What happens on the road with the Orcs in The Rings of Power Season 2 episode 5 recap.

Adar tries to convince Galadriel to join him because they have a common enemy in Sauron. The Orcs move closer and closer to Eregion.

The High King gets a letter from Celebrimbor, a falsified letter, that says that everything’s calm and the forge is dark. That neither the Orcs or Sauron is near. When it is, in fact, forging the rings for men. And Sauron is manipulating and directing the forge and politics in Eregion. Elrond returns and urges the king to send aid immediately. Telling him that Galadriel was right. But it seems he is too late and some forces have already been sent out, but we won’t know for sure because the episode ended after their brief exchange.

What happens in Numenor in The Rings of Power Season 2 episode 5 recap?

Pharazon has taken over as King. Queen Regent Miriel commands Captain Elindil to not fight back and he struggles with the loss. His daughter and her boyfriend strips him of his rank. She urges him to reconsider and he urges her to watch out because she will drown in her treachery.

During a remembrance ceremony, The King’s son, Kemen, disrupts it and tells everyone to disband because they’re building a new aqueduct there. He intentionally goads Elendil over and over again. Eventually Elendil punches him and is captured. At which point, Valandil steps in and causes a fight to break out. Kemen tries to drown Valandil but Valandil gets the upperhand. With his sword to Kemen’s throat, Elendil orders him to drop the sword and walk away.

And, in one of the most heartbreaking and agonizing scenes of this season, Kemen then stabs Valandil in the back and kills him. He dies in Elendil’s arms. And then Kemen has Elendil arrested and claims that he is the one who started the fighting.

Discussion Questions for The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 5:

-Were you expecting Prince Durin and Princess Disa to change their minds and ask the King to not dig?

-What is the difference in these rings and the Elf rings?

-How does Annatar manipulate Celebrimbor into creating the nine rings for men?

-I had such high hopes for Earian in Numenor. Both children rebelled against what their father wanted for them. Where are they all now? Is it possible for redemption?

-Why are Annatars lines and quotes SO inspirational?

Favorite Quotes from The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 5

“Here, we bring the sun to us. At last, it is daybreak once more in our mountain!” -King Durin

“I find it difficult to stay festive, when those most affected by Mordor’s rise are still suffering.” -Annatar

“But when the darkness falls, there are always some that rise forth and shine.” -Annatar

“The scepter is now yours. Is that not high enough?” -Kemen

“You have asked for my command. Now it is given.” -Miriel

“That kind of power would test even the most virtuous of dwarves. I pray your father keeps his path true.” -Princess Disa

“Time and pressure can shape a dwarf as much as it can shape a stone.” -Prince Durin

-The Rings of Power Episode 5 Quotes

 

Check out these related post:

–LOTR: The Rings of Power season 1 episode 1

–LOTR: The Rings of Power Season 1 Recap

–A Graphic Novel about Tolkien

–10 Lessons from Tolkien

–5 Lessons from Narnia on communication

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