EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsLord of the Rings TV ShowsThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of PowerWho is Annatar? Everything you need to know about Sauron’s disguise in The Rings of Power season 2When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsLord of the Rings TV ShowsThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of PowerWho is Annatar? Everything you need to know about Sauron’s disguise in The Rings of Power season 2When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Prime Video)
It’s fair to say that Sauron’s ‘fair form’ Annatar has been the true star of mischief throughoutThe Rings of Power season 2. In fact, in the recent finale (The Rings of Power season 2 episode 8), we see him go fully evil - throwing all pretenses that we saw Celebrimbor fall victim to out the window.
Still, Annatar’s manipulation of Celebrimbor has yielded several of the titularRings of Power, and he continues to be a vital character to keep track of. It’s very likely this Sauron form is here to stay and that Annatar will once again be a central star going intoThe Rings of Power season 3. So, we’re here to make sure you know all there is to know about the nefarious “Lord of Gifts”.
Below, we answer: WhoisAnnatar? And what are Sauron’s future plans for this form? Let’s dive into The Rings of Power’s most deliciously evil character – and what it could mean for the future of the Amazon Prime show.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Rings of Power season 2.
Who is Annatar?
(Image credit: Prime Video)
Annatar first appears in the second episode of the new season, telling Celebrimbor that they have “work to do.” To convince Celebrimbor, Halbrand steps into the fires in Eregion’s main tower and emerges as Annatar, his ‘fair form.’
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“I have walked through the dusts and deserts of faraway lands, in search of an artist who possesses a craft to save all of Middle-earth,” Annatar says. “A storm is coming, Celebrimbor.” Annatar – who calls himself the ‘Lord of Gifts’ – also promises that he can unlock Celebrimbor’s “grandest abilities.”
Given what we know of Sauron’s history in Tolkien’s works and that the three elven rings have already been forged in this series – the Dark Lord requires Celebrimbor’s skills to help forge the titular Rings of Power. And he ultimately succeeds.
(Image credit: Prime Video)
In the third episode, Annatar is shown working with Celebrimbor. The latter invites Prince Durin and Disa to Eregion to pitch their idea: sevenRings of Power, one for each of the Dwarven lords. Durin, though, is wary of Annatar, who introduces himself merely as a “friend” to the Elves and the Dwarves.
The sixth episode sees Annatar dipping into Middle-earth’s politics. To calm a frazzled Celebrimbor (who is blissfully unaware of Sauron’s poisonous effect on the rings) and focus on his work, he takes over as the de-facto lord of Eregion. One of his first acts is to witness a message carved on a citizen: “Where is he?” it asks.
Before the siege of Eregion, Annatar also finds time to head over to Khazad-Dum. There, he offers King Durin “something more precious” in exchange for the mithril needed to craft more rings. After being rejected, Annatar spots a familiar (possibly Balrog-shaped) vision in the flames.
We can look towards Tolkien’s works to see that Annatar will be heading back to Númenor at some point after he lets himself be captured. This is a ways off, though, and may not even be part of season 3. But be wary of this prediction as well. The Prime Video series is veering off from being a one-to-one adaptation of the establishedLord of the Rings timeline. Annatar’s fate may look a lot different from what we’d expect, so keep your eyes on this page!
For more, check out ourThe Rings of Power season 2 review. Then, dive into our guides onThe Strangerand how to watch all theLord of the Rings movies in order.
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The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all yearThe Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible”
The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all year
The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all year
The Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible”
The Rings of Power season 3 has a “strong” story as showrunners give an update on writing: “We’re hoping to turn it around as fast as possible”
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