1. The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour is a Prime Video Original TV show that has taken the world by storm, ranking high in the list of top 10 highest rated Prime Video Original TV shows. This popular motoring television series, presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, is a must-watch for car enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With its unique blend of humor, action, and stunning visuals, The Grand Tour has captivated audiences worldwide, offering a fresh and exciting take on the traditional car show format. Each episode features the trio embarking on thrilling road trips, testing exotic cars, and engaging in hilarious challenges, making for an entertaining and informative viewing experience.

As one of the highest rated Prime Video Original TV shows, The Grand Tour has received widespread critical acclaim for its high-quality production, witty banter, and authentic chemistry between the hosts. With a rating of 8.7/10 on IMDB and 4.5/5 on Amazon Prime Video, it's clear that fans and critics alike have fallen in love with the show. The Grand Tour's success can be attributed to its well-crafted format, which combines stunning cinematography, impressive car stunts, and laugh-out-loud comedy, making it a standout among other Prime Video Original TV shows. Whether you're a die-hard car enthusiast or just looking for a fun and entertaining watch, The Grand Tour is an absolute must-see, and its inclusion in the top 10 highest rated Prime Video Original TV shows is well-deserved. So, buckle up and get ready to join Jeremy, Richard, and James on their epic motoring adventures, available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is a groundbreaking Prime Video original series that has captivated audiences worldwide with its epic storytelling, stunning visuals, and richly detailed world-building. As a prequel to J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel, The Lord of the Rings, this show explores the untold history of Middle-earth, delving into the forging of the Rings of Power and the events that shaped the fate of the realm. With a talented ensemble cast, including Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, and Charlie Vickers, the series brings to life the iconic characters and locations that fans of the original book and film trilogy know and love. The show's impressive production values, coupled with its faithful adaptation of Tolkien's source material, have earned it widespread critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.

As one of the top 10 highest rated Prime Video original TV shows, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has solidified its place as a must-watch series for fans of fantasy and adventure. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on thousands of user reviews, the show has proven to be a massive hit with audiences, who praise its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and breathtaking cinematography. The show's success has also been recognized by critics, with many praising its ambitious scope, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to staying true to the spirit of Tolkien's work. Whether you're a longtime fan of The Lord of the Rings or just discovering the magic of Middle-earth for the first time, The Rings of Power is an unforgettable viewing experience that is sure to leave you spellbound and eager for more. With its impressive ratings and glowing reviews, it's no wonder that this series has become one of the most popular and highly acclaimed Prime Video original TV shows to date.

3. Reacher

Among the plethora of Prime Video Original TV Shows, "Reacher" stands out as a highly acclaimed series that has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Based on the bestselling novels by Lee Child, "Reacher" follows the story of Jack Reacher, a former military policeman who navigates his way through a complex web of crime and deception. With its unique blend of action, suspense, and intrigue, the show has garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning its place among the top 10 highest rated Prime Video Original TV Shows. The series boasts an impressive 8.1/10 rating on IMDB, with many praising its faithful adaptation of the source material, exceptional performances, and gripping storyline.

The success of "Reacher" can be attributed to its well-crafted narrative, which expertly balances fast-paced action sequences with thought-provoking themes and memorable characters. The show's protagonist, played by Alan Ritchson, brings the iconic character to life with his charisma and nuanced performance. With its gripping plot twists and turns, "Reacher" keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making it an absolute must-watch for fans of crime dramas and thrillers. As one of the top 10 highest rated Prime Video Original TV Shows, "Reacher" is a testament to the streaming platform's commitment to producing high-quality, engaging content that resonates with audiences globally. Whether you're a fan of the novels or new to the franchise, "Reacher" is an unmissable series that promises to deliver non-stop entertainment and suspense from start to finish.

4. The Wheel of Time

The Wheel of Time, a Prime Video Original TV show, has taken the world by storm with its captivating storyline and impeccable production quality. Based on the bestselling book series by Robert Jordan, this fantasy epic has garnered a massive following and critical acclaim. With an average rating of 8.1/10, it secures a spot among the top 10 highest rated Prime Video Original TV shows. The show's intricate world-building, complex characters, and stunning visuals have resonated with audiences, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The Wheel of Time follows the journey of MoiraineDamodred, a powerful Aes Sedai, and her companions as they navigate an unfolding prophecy that will determine the fate of their world.

As one of the most highly-rated Prime Video Original TV shows, The Wheel of Time has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the source material, bringing the beloved characters and storylines to life in a way that both old and new fans can appreciate. The show's attention to detail, from the costumes to the setting, has been meticulously crafted to transport viewers to a richly imagined world. With a talented ensemble cast, including Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, and Zoë Robins, the show delivers performances that are both authentic and compelling. As the series continues to unfold, fans can expect more epic battles, unexpected twists, and character developments that will keep them on the edge of their seats. If you're looking for a captivating and immersive viewing experience, The Wheel of Time is an excellent choice, and its high rating among Prime Video Original TV shows is a testament to its exceptional quality and engaging storytelling.

5. The Boys

The Boys is a dark and subversive superhero satire that has taken the world by storm, and it's no surprise that it's ranked among the top 10 highest rated Prime Video original TV shows. Developed by Eric Kripke, Evan Goldberg, and Seth Rogen, this critically acclaimed series is based on the comic book series of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The show is set in a world where superheroes, known as "supes," are revered and commercialized by the powerful corporation Vought International, but beneath their glamorous facade, they are selfish, arrogant, and often depraved. The Boys follows a group of vigilantes, led by Billy Butcher, as they seek to take down the corrupt superhero team known as The Seven, and expose the dark truth behind their heroic images.

With its unique blend of action, drama, and social commentary, The Boys has resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning a spot among the top 10 highest rated Prime Video original TV shows. The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, and Antony Starr, and has received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, acting, and themes. The show's exploration of toxic masculinity, celebrity culture, and the dangers of unchecked power has struck a chord with viewers, and its high-octane action sequences and shocking plot twists have kept fans on the edge of their seats. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining Prime Video original series, The Boys is an absolute must-watch, and its ranking among the top 10 highest rated shows is a testament to its quality and appeal. With its bold storytelling and unapologetic humor, The Boys is a Prime Video original series that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

6. Invincible

When it comes to the top 10 highest rated Prime Video original TV shows, "Invincible" stands out as a powerhouse in the world of animated series. Based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley, this adult animated superhero show has captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. With a stellar voice cast, including Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, and J.K. Simmons, "Invincible" tells the story of Mark Grayson, the son of the most powerful superhero on Earth, as he develops his own powers and navigates the complexities of being a hero. The show's unique blend of action, drama, and humor has resonated with viewers, earning it a spot among the highest rated Prime Video original TV shows.

One of the key factors contributing to "Invincible"'s high rating is its well-developed characters and storylines. The show explores complex themes such as identity, family, and the consequences of power, making it more than just a typical superhero series. With its crisp animation and engaging storyline, "Invincible" has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its originality and faithfulness to the comic book series. As a result, it has become one of the most popular and highly rated Prime Video original TV shows, with a loyal fan base eagerly anticipating new episodes. Whether you're a fan of superheroes, animation, or just great storytelling, "Invincible" is a must-watch series that is sure to leave you wanting more, and its inclusion in the top 10 highest rated Prime Video original TV shows is well-deserved.

7. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan is a highly acclaimed Prime Video Original TV series that has garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim. Based on the fictional characters created by Tom Clancy, the show follows the story of Dr. Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst who finds himself in the midst of global espionage and intrigue. With its gripping storyline, impressive action sequences, and outstanding performances, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan has secured a spot among the top 10 highest rated Prime Video Original TV shows. The series features John Krasinski as the titular character, along with a talented ensemble cast, including Wendell Pierce, Abbie Cornish, and Ali Suliman. The show's blend of intelligence, suspense, and action has resonated with audiences, making it a must-watch for fans of the spy thriller genre.

The show's impressive ratings and reviews can be attributed to its well-crafted narrative, which explores complex themes and issues, including terrorism, geopolitics, and personal identity. With an average rating of 8.1/10 on IMDB and 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its realistic portrayal of espionage and intelligence gathering. The series has also been nominated for several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Editing. As one of the top 10 highest rated Prime Video Original TV shows, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan is a testament to the platform's commitment to producing high-quality, engaging content that caters to a diverse range of audiences. Whether you're a fan of action, suspense, or drama, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan is an unmissable series that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

8. The Expanse

The Expanse is a highly acclaimed science fiction television series that has garnered a massive following worldwide. In the context of the top 10 highest rated Prime Video original TV shows, The Expanse stands out for its exceptional storytelling, engaging characters, and stunning visuals. Based on the bestselling book series by James S. A. Corey, the show is set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, and it follows a diverse group of characters as they unravel a complex conspiracy that threatens the fragile balance of power in the galaxy. With its unique blend of politics, action, and suspense, The Expanse has received widespread critical acclaim, earning an impressive 8.5/10 rating on IMDB and a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

As one of the top-rated Prime Video original TV shows, The Expanse has been praised for its realistic portrayal of a futuristic world, its well-developed characters, and its thought-provoking themes. The show's attention to detail and commitment to scientific accuracy have also been widely praised, making it a must-watch for fans of science fiction and space exploration. With its exceptional production values, talented cast, and gripping storyline, The Expanse is an excellent example of the high-quality content that Prime Video has to offer. Whether you're a fan of science fiction, action, or drama, The Expanse is a show that is sure to captivate and entertain, and its high rating is a testament to its excellence. If you're looking for a compelling and engaging TV series to watch, The Expanse is definitely worth checking out, and its availability on Prime Video makes it easily accessible to stream and enjoy.

9. Carnival Row

Carnival Row is a fantasy drama television series that has captivated audiences worldwide, securing its place among the top 10 highest rated Prime Video original TV shows. Created by Travis Beacham and René Echevarria, this critically acclaimed series is set in a Victorian-era inspired fantasy world where mythical creatures and humans coexist in a world of wonder and strife. The show boasts an ensemble cast, including Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, who deliver outstanding performances that bring depth and complexity to their characters. With its richly detailed world-building, intricate plotlines, and timely social commentary, Carnival Row has resonated with viewers and critics alike, earning a spot on the list of top-rated Prime Video original TV shows.

One of the key factors contributing to Carnival Row's high rating is its thought-provoking exploration of themes such as immigration, prejudice, and social justice. The show's use of fantasy creatures as a metaphor for real-world issues adds a layer of depth and nuance to the narrative, making it more than just a simple fantasy series. Prime Video has been praised for its bold and innovative approach to storytelling, and Carnival Row is a testament to the platform's commitment to producing high-quality, engaging content. With its stunning visuals, captivating characters, and timely themes, Carnival Row is a must-watch for fans of fantasy and science fiction, and its inclusion in the top 10 highest rated Prime Video original TV shows is well-deserved. Whether you're a fan of mythology, fantasy, or social commentary, Carnival Row is sure to captivate and inspire, making it a standout series in the world of streaming television.

10. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a highly acclaimed Prime Video Original TV show that has taken the world by storm with its unique blend of comedy, drama, and music. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show follows the life of Miriam "Midge" Maisel, a housewife-turned-comedian in the late 1950s. With its impeccable writing, impressive cast, and meticulous attention to period detail, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has garnered widespread critical acclaim and has been ranked as one of the Top 10 Highest Rated Prime Video Original TV Shows. The show's success can be attributed to its well-developed characters, witty dialogue, and hilarious comedic moments, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a light-hearted yet thought-provoking viewing experience.

With an impressive 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has solidified its position as one of the highest rated Prime Video Original TV shows. The show's talented ensemble cast, including Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein, and Tony Shalhoub, deliver outstanding performances that bring the characters to life. The show's 8 Emmy Awards and 3 Golden Globe Awards are a testament to its exceptional quality and appeal. As a Prime Video Original TV show, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel offers a unique and captivating viewing experience that is both entertaining and enlightening. If you're looking for a show that will leave you laughing, crying, and feeling inspired, then The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is an excellent choice, and its ranking among the Top 10 Highest Rated Prime Video Original TV Shows is well-deserved.

In The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth is no stranger to enormous creatures. From the Balrog of Moria to Shelob in Mordor, Tokien's world is filled with oversized monstrosities that terrorize those unfortunate enough to cross their paths. One such creature was the dragon Smaug, who claimed Erebor and all of its gold from the Dwarves with relative ease. Despite Smaug's gargantuan size, the dragon was nowhere near the largest creature ever to roam Middle-earth, as another member of his species takes that trophy by a landslide.

The Hobbit never provides a specific size for Smaug. However, from J.R.R. Tolkien's drawings and notes, it's assumed the dragon's depiction in the Peter Jackson trilogy is pretty accurate. Smaug was able to fit in the door to Erebor but was also large enough to destroy most of Lake-town when he fell from being shot by Bard the Bowman. Being one of the few dragons left in Middle-earth, it's fair to assume Smaug was the biggest dragon to roam the world during Bilbo's lifetime, and his propensity for self-aggrandizement meant that he would eagerly play that up, as he did to Bilbo when the Hobbit intruded upon his horde. However, through the history of Middle-earth compiled in The Silmarillion, it's clear that Smaug would have appeared little more than a rodent in comparison to Ancalagon the Black: a much older dragon big enough to conceivably have destroyed the world itself.

Updated on December 22, 2023, by Robert Vaux: Tolkien's Lord of the Rings isn't limited to the titular trilogy — on the contrary, the fictional universe of Middle-earth is extremely vast and culturally diverse. Countless events have transpired over the course of history, splitting the timeline into the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Ages. Although most of the dragons appeared during the First Age, these malevolent creatures remained part of the internal discourse for thousands of years after, along with similar creatures like giant spiders. Dragons come in a wide range of shapes and sizes; some of the earlier ones were even wingless worms. All things considered, however, only one Lord of the Rings dragon deserves the distinction of being the greatest.

Morgoth Created Dragons

Middle-earth's Most Infamous Fire Drakes

• Ancalagon
• Glaurung
• Smaug

During the First Age of Middle-earth, the Dark Lord Morgoth spread terror across the land as he attempted to rule all of Middle-earth. Tolkien used him as a part of what amounted to a creation story for his imaginary world, echoing cultural myth such as the Christian fall of paradise and the Greek tales of Cronos and Rhea. While having the same goals and ambitions as Sauron, Morgoth was far more powerful and an even greater threat to the world. During Morgoth's reign, he bred a series of vile creatures and entities, the strongest of which were the dragons. The first dragon created by Morgoth was known as Glaurung, a wingless worm capable of hypnotizing both Men and Elves. He plays a critical role during the First Age, particularly in Túrin Turambar's tragic hero's journey.

The dragons that followed Glaurung possessed the ability to fly. Although there are only four named dragons in the story, all of them are capable of breathing a fire so hot that it could have melted all the Rings of Power — except the One Ring. Thankfully, Smaug was killed long before the events in The Lord of the Rings, while he might not have joined forces with Sauron, he was certainly not friend of the people of Middle-Earth, and his occupation of the Lonely Mountain would have kept a powerful stronghold out of their hands: making Frodo and Sam's journey almost impossible. (Gandalf's involvement in the events of The Hobbit is intended partially to correct this state of affairs: returning the dwarves to their ancestral home and providing a ready hard point to resist the armies of Mordoer.) However, despite Smaug's incomparable strength, intelligence, and cunning, he couldn't hold a candle to the biggest dragon in Lord of the Rings.

That title belongs to Ancalagon the Black, a truly massive dragon bred by Morgoth in the deepest pits of Angband. His name can be loosely translated to mean "biting storm," a fitting epithet for such a monster. Nobody knows anything about this creature's origins — some fans posit that Ancalagon could have been a transfigured Maia, whereas others suggest that he was birthed from the filth of the world itself. Whatever the case may be, there's no doubt that Ancalagon was Morgoth's most fearsome and formidable weapon. According to Gandalf, however, "not even Ancalagon the Black... could have harmed the One Ring, the Ruling Ring, for that was made by Sauron himself." As such, there are clear limitations to the dragon's powers.

Ancalagon Would Have Towered Over Smaug

Amazon’s much-awaited show The Rings Of Power was released on 2nd September. Upon release, The Rings Of Power received positive reviews from critics and fans.

So far, here is 3 episodes of The Rings Of Power season 1 has released. The 2 episodes of The Rings Of Power were released together on 2nd September and 3rd episode on 9th of september. Here’s looking at the release time of episode 4 of The Rings Of Power in Australia.

The Rings Of Power Season 1 Episode 4 Release Time in Australia

The release time of The Rings Of Power S1E3 from Australia’s Western Standard Time to Eastern Standard Time is:

The Rings Of Power Episode 4 Release Time in AWST

The 4rd episode of The Rings Of Power will release at 03:00 PM on the 16th of September according to the Australian Western Standard Time (AWST).

The Rings Of Power Episode 4 Release Time in ACST

The 3rd episode of The Rings Of Power will release at 04:30 PM on the 16th of September according to the Australian Central Standard Time (ACST).

The Rings Of Power Episode 4 Release Time in AEST

The 3rd episode of The Rings Of Power will release at 05:00 PM on the 16th of September according to the Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Where to watch The Rings Of Power Episode 4 in Australia?

In Australia, you can watch The Rings Of Fire only on Amazon Prime Video. As The Rings Of Power is an Amazon original series, it gets released only on Prime Video platform in the app and website.

“The past is dead,” Elendil (Lloyd Owen) lectures his children. For many of the characters in Episode 3 of Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, “Adar,” the only way out is through, leaving the past where it lies. Familiar characters meet new ones on unfamiliar shores, friends are reunited in circumstances both dire and hopeful, and alliances are cemented. Amid (literally) visceral action and production design that earns every inch of the show’s most-expensive-ever bona fides, this episode is all about moving forward — through trial, against hardship, beyond the past — for better or for worse.

A barely-conscious Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova), last seen being yanked through an underground curtain of roots, is dragged through dirt-walled passages teeming with skull-clad orcs and their captive humans. With an orc hiss of “for Adar,” Arondir is chained and tossed into a group of human prisoners who are digging a passageway, exposed tree roots reaching out to them like orc fingers, caging them like gnarled bars. He is helped up by another elf — Arondir’s cheeky patrol buddy Médhor (Augustus Prew) and the watch warden Revion (Simon Merrells) are captives here too.

As screams of prisoners echo in Arondir’s ears, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) awakens in the belly of a ship as if from a nightmare. “Saviors or captors?” she asks Halbrand (Charlie Vickers). When they emerge onto the deck, the answer remains unclear. Their captain, presumably the caped silhouette from last week’s cliffhanger, is taking them to his home for guidance — and he’s wearing Galadriel’s blade. As Halbrand marvels at the waterfalls and carved giants of this new land (same, Halbrand, same), Galadriel has pieced it together: They are in “the land of the star, the westernmost of the all mortal realms, the island kingdom of Númenor.” The boat lowers its sails like wings as it passes through an arch into port, all white-washed buildings, climbing trees, and sea blue. It’s a breathtaking new location, putting those many Amazon dollars to work.

Galadriel tells Halbrand that these people fought on the side of the elves, who rewarded them with the island. But Númenor broke that relationship, and elves have been unwelcome ever since. This is made abundantly clear by their hostile reception from Queen Regent Míriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), clad in shimmering jewel-toned scales like a fish from Númenor’s waters. Galadriel, so good with a sword but so bad with diplomacy, demands a ship to Middle Earth, immediately pulling the “Elves gave you this island” card. It takes Halbrand’s surprisingly smooth tongue to defuse the situation. The “companions by chance” will be Númenor’s “guests” while the queen weighs the request. Before they are escorted away, Halbrand gives Galadriel her blade, swiped from the captain. His list of skills grows longer.

Meanwhile, Míriel asks her luxuriously coiffed advisor Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle) about the captain who brought the unwelcome pair ashore. He is Elendil, a guard of noble blood, who has a son, Isildur (Maxim Baldry). These names will be familiar to book or movie fans; I’ll avoid spoilers by not saying why. Isildur is part of a crew of cadets, working to become a member of the Sea Guard. It’s just nine days before the Sea Trial, but this may not be the life he wants to (ahem) dive into. Elendil’s name means "one who loves the stars," but the queen knows it also means “elf-friend,” and she wants to know which meaning is truest for him. To test his loyalty, she asks him to perform a mysterious service.

We fly east across the Sundering Seas to Middle-earth. Númenor’s sun-soaked beauty is traded for the pillaged Southlands, where Arondir, caked in grime and blood, learns that the orcs are ransacking villages, looking for something for their revered leader “Adar”; the captive elves wonder if this Elvish word is one of Sauron’s many names. Has Morgoth’s disciple returned at last? The elves hatch a plan to escape, but before they can enact it, Revion defies the order to tear down an ancient tree. His company is given water in return for his show of strength — but some terrible game is clearly afoot. When Médhor drinks deeply, an orc strikes with whip-crack speed, slashing his upraised throat. The orcs laugh as Médhor collapses, still drinking before he realizes he’s already dead. Arondir takes an ax and climbs up the roots, which now stretch into the pit like pleading arms, and gets a view over the trench to the no-man’s-land devastation above: trees uprooted, grass scorched away, smoke rising from the barrenness. He touches the bark, speaks what sounds like an apology, then begins to chop.

Back to Númenor, where Galadriel, dressed in the flowing ocean blue of the Númenor people, her ears carefully concealed, flits above the guards from roof to roof, eyeing a boat. From the shadows, Elendil stops her — he has been charged with watching her. Galadriel would like him to shut up now, thank you very much, but when he speaks in Elvish, her attention is turned; where he’s from, on the western shores, it’s still taught. When next we see them, they are riding through a wide plain and along the sea. Galadriel is smiling unguardedly for the very first time, her hair and dress rippling behind her like the waves they gallop alongside.

Halbrand wants a fresh start as a smith, but he can’t have a job unless he earns a guild crest. He finds his mark in a tavern and steals a crest from a mouthy bully. But the mark and his crew follow Halbrand into an alley and knock him flat with two punches. Just when they and we think he’s done for, Halbrand jumps screaming to his feet and single-handedly takes out all four attackers, including breaking one’s arm in closeup — the captions said “[screaming]” and so did I. But even he has limits — namely, the tips of the spears from the approaching guards. Who is this mystery Southlander and what else is he capable of?

Galadriel and Elendil arrive at the Hall of Lore, a library piled high with scrolls. The last king kept it from being torn down, and was forced from the throne for his loyalty to the elves, “an exile in his own kingdom.” The materials pulled for her include Sauron’s sigil, as drawn by an escapee from a dungeon. Galadriel suddenly understands: it’s not a sigil, but a map of the Southlands. Morgoth planned to create a land where evil would thrive in case he was defeated, to be built by his successor — Sauron. “If Sauron has indeed returned,” Galadriel warns, “the Southlands are but the beginning.” That’s two portentous references to Sauron’s return, for those keeping score.

Need a break from the doom and gloom? The Harfoots are dancing through a dense and sun-dappled Middle-earth forest, costumed as fanged animals or crowned with grass-and-ivy headdresses. Sadoc (Lenny Henry) leads the merry march and a chant of “nobody goes off trail, and nobody walks alone.” But Marigold (Sara Zwangobani) isn’t so sure. She fears they’ll be left behind because Largo’s (Dylan Smith) foot hasn’t healed. He is relying on Nori’s (Markella Kavenagh) persistence to keep them on course. Right on cue, she pops out of hiding elsewhere in the camp, absolutely plotting mischief. She wants to look through Sadoc’s book for her meteor-man friend’s stars. “There’s head-sense, Poppy, and there’s heart-sense,” Nori pleads. “There’s common sense and there’s nonsense,” Poppy (Megan Richards) replies. But when Nori blackmails Poppy with the knowledge that she put fireweed in Malva’s toe cream (ow and ew), Poppy distracts Sadoc so that Nori can get her hands on the star chart. Full carts, fuller bellies, can’t lose.

At the festival, Sadoc honors those from prior migrations “who fell behind.” “In life, we could not wait for them, but here now, we welcome them to our circle,” he says, and each lost Harfoot’s name is greeted with a chorus of “we wait for you.” Among the roll are five Proudfellows, taken by landslide, intoned as Poppy Proudfellow sits alone, eyes wet for the family she couldn’t wait for. The Stranger (David Weyman) sneaks into camp and takes the star chart to an untended fire. By its light, he finds the lights he seeks: the stars of his constellation. But the festival fires begin to pulse, and the chart begins burning. The Stranger panics, crashing about the half-his-size camp, calling for Nori, who is now in deep trouble. Nori is defiant: “Without friends, what are we surviving for?,” she asks. “Heaven forbid we explore something new for once.” Sadoc won’t decaravan the family, but their cart will travel at the back of the line.

Back in Númenor, Elendil and his children catch up about the eventful day in a fire-bright courtyard. But Galadriel isn’t the only topic of discussion: As his far-off looks implied, Isildur wants to defer his sea trial. Elendil is not pleased; he wants his son to look forward, not back: “The past is dead. We either move forward or we die with it.”

In the prettiest dungeon this side of the Sundering Seas, Halbrand is grappling with the same choice. Galadriel visits to show him something else she found in the Hall of Lore — the winged symbol on the pouch around his neck. A man under that mark united the Southlands ages ago; might that same banner unite the Southlands against Sauron? “Your people have no king, for you are him,” Galadriel reveals. “The armor that ought to rest upon your shoulders weighs upon your soul.” Move forward, Halbrand, she seems to say. Past need not be prologue. While Halbrand’s family sided with Morgoth and lost the war, Galadriel’s people started it; she thinks that this pair of self-exiles can redeem their bloodlines if they go to Middle-earth, together. But it might not be so simple to leave. High above the sea of Númenor’s glowing lights, Míriel visits her deposed father. “It is here, father. The moment we have feared. The Elf has arrived.”

Back in Middle-earth, the camouflaged Harfoot migration caravan rolls along. Poppy carries her cart alone, while Largo struggles with the Brandyfoots; they may all fall behind. But then the cart starts to shake, and the Stranger emerges from behind it. “Friend,” he says simply before beginning to push the cart along the long trail. Nobody goes off trail, and nobody walks alone, because without friends, what are we surviving for?

Friends are all Arondir has back in the orc pit, where rebellion has exploded. Revion and Arondir kick their chains into orc faces, and during a deadly game of tug-of-war, Arondir runs nimbly across the taut chains, leaping off them to take down the ragged sun shelter with one blow, exposing the orcs to the skin-searing sun. “Release the warg,” an orc commands, and a snarling part-dog, part-boar, all-fang creature promptly rips out the guts of two prisoners before Arondir binds it. The felled tree offers its jagged roots up to him: as he is yanked backward, he sinks one into the leader’s throat. Revion frees his own chains and takes off for home. But as Arondir claws his way over the trench, Revion is standing stock still. Is he astonished at his freedom? Immobilized by the ravaged landscape? No — he is struck with an arrow. As Revion falls to the earth he’ll now rejoin, Arondir is pulled screaming back underground. He is saved from certain death for a fate that may be much worse — “bring him to Adar,” snarls an orc.

A sea of skull-helmeted orcs parts for a figure that looks more human than orc, wearing a familiar clawed glove on his left hand. Is this the big bad we, and the elves, have been waiting for? Just as he’s about to come into focus, we cut to black. The show sure knows its way around a “who’s this guy now???” cliffhanger!

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power premieres new episodes weekly every Friday on Prime Video.

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 3

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 3 is now available on Amazon Prime, and with it comes a whole batch of new characters and actors for the series. The first two episodes of the show established what is likely to be the main cast of characters, from Galadriel, Arondil, and Elrond of the elves to Durin of the dwarves and Halbrand and Bronwyn of the humans. However, as the show's cast can certainly be described as a massive ensemble, these are but a few of The Rings of Power's cast members, with even more being introduced in the third episode.

The Rings of Power episode 3 continues where the second left off, with Galadriel and Halbrand aboard the boat that found them adrift at sea. This boat is revealed to belong to Númenor, the kingdom founded by the Men of Edain who assisted the elves of Valinor in the War of Wrath at the end of the First Age. Meanwhile, Arondil finds himself enslaved by orcs in the Southlands and forced to dig tunnels beneath the ground, as Nori Brandyfoot and her family continue to deal with the stranger who fell from the sky in The Rings of Power episode 1.

It is in the first two of these subplots that the major new additions to The Rings of Power come in terms of cast members and their respective characters. Namely, it is predominantly through the kingdom of Númenor wherein The Rings of Power's new characters are introduced that will undoubtedly affect the series itself and Middle-earth's futures. That being said, some other characters are introduced outside the kingdom of men, and here is a comprehensive list of every new character and actor in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 3.

Elendil - Lloyd Owen

Arguably the most prominent new character in The Rings of Power episode 3 was Elendil of Númenor. Elendil is a name that will be familiar to fans of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, as he is a prominent figure in the world of men in the Second Age. In The Rings of Power though, Elendil is introduced as a sailor in the Númenórean fleet and the father of three children, Isildur from Lord of the Rings, Eärien, and Anárion. He is shown in the series as a friend to the elves, differing from many of his kin, and someone who speaks elvish. Elendil is played by Lloyd Owen in The Rings of Power. Owen is prominently known for his minor role in The Originals as Ansel, Apollo 18 as Nathan Walker, and Miss Potter as William Heelis. Owen is expected to have a starring role in the series from this point on, as are the actors who play his son and daughter...

Isildur - Maxim Baldry

The son of Elendil, Isildur, is introduced in The Rings of Power episode 3. Isildur's name is even more well known in the lord of Middle-earth than his father's as he goes on to found the kingdom of Gondor late in the Second Age. In The Rings of Power, however, Isildur is shown to be a mere sailor like his father. Isildur is still in training to become part of the Sea Guard, Númenor's fleet and is nine days out from participating in the Sea Trial to see this a reality. The show, though, depicts Isildur as having doubts about joining the Sea Guard as he yearns to explore further than Númenor's shores. Isildur is portrayed by Maxim Baldry, a British actor known for his roles in Hollyoaks, a British soap opera, Rome, and film roles in Mr. Bean's Holiday and, more recently, Last Christmas.

Eärien - Ema Horvath

Eärien is the sister of Isildur and the daughter of Elendil. Unlike Isildur and Elendil, Eärien was created for the show and wasn't part of Tolkien's works. In The Rings of Power, Eärien is shown to be very close to Isildur who knows of his intentions to defer from the Sea Guard. However, the show also shows her as dealing with a lot herself and reveals that she was granted the role of an apprentice in the Builder's Guild. Similarly, Isildur convinced his sister to reapply to the Guild after she was initially rejected, again showing their close bond. Ema Horvath is the actress who portrays Eärien and is known for her roles in horror films such as The Gallows Act II and What Lies Below.

Tar-Míriel - Cynthia Addai-Robinson

One of the other prominent characters of Númenor is Míriel, named Tar-Míriel, as she is the queen regent of the kingdom. Like the rest of her kingdom, Míriel is shown to be distrusting of elves, tasking Elendil with keeping a close eye on Galadriel (and Halbrand to an extent) while they are guests of Númenor. Also, she is shown to be expecting Galadriel's appearance, later saying to her father that the moment they've feared is here and that the elf has arrived. The queen regent is played by Cynthia Addai-Robinson known for her roles as Amanda Waller in Arrow, Naevia in Spartacus, and Nadine in Shooter, to name but a few.

Pharazôn - Trystan Gravelle

Pharazôn is an advisor to the queen regent of Númenor in The Rings of Power. Similarly to his superior, and the rest of the population, he seems distrustful of elves. The show portrays Pharazôn as holding a lot of influence in the decisions of the Númenórean royalty due to his orders being swiftly heeded by the guards of the throne room with little to no challenge from the queen regent herself in The Rings of Power episode 3. Trystan Gravelle plays Pharazôn and is mostly known for his work in Mr. Selfridge, The Terror, and A Discovery of Witches.

Adar - Joseph Mawle

Adar is a character briefly introduced at the very end of The Rings of Power episode 3 and lends his name to the title of the episode. While the character doesn't have any dialogue in the episode or even an in-focus shot, it is clear from the way the orcs revere him that Adar is the leader of the orcs of the Southlands. In the episode, Arondir notes that Adar means father in elvish, with Adar leading the orcs or being their "father". Rumors of Adar's role in The Rings of Power have been circulating, hinting that he will be the main villain of season 1 of the show and the orc general who conducts Sauron's orders. If the rumors turn out to be true, then Adar will be played by Joseph Mawle, best known for playing Benjen Stark in Game of Thrones. While it remains to be seen if Adar will be the main villain, and the same one from Tolkien's lore, it is clear The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is setting him up as a prominent character by lending his name to the title of episode 3 as well as ending the episode with his presence.

Episodes of Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power air Thursdays/Fridays on Amazon Prime

Amazon’s much-awaited show The Rings Of Power was released on 2nd September. Upon release, The Rings Of Power received positive reviews from critics and fans.

So far, only 2 episodes of The Rings Of Power season 1 has released. The 2 episodes of The Rings Of Power were released together on 2nd September. Here’s looking at the release time of episode 3 of The Rings Of Power in Australia.

The Rings Of Power Season 1 Episode 3 Release Time in Australia

The release time of The Rings Of Power S1E3 from Australia’s Western Standard Time to Eastern Standard Time is:

The Rings Of Power Episode 3 Release Time in AWST

The 3rd episode of The Rings Of Power will release at 03:00 PM on the 9th of September according to the Australian Western Standard Time (AWST).

The Rings Of Power Episode 3 Release Time in ACST

The 3rd episode of The Rings Of Power will release at 04:30 PM on the 9th of September according to the Australian Central Standard Time (ACST).

The Rings Of Power Episode 3 Release Time in AEST

The 3rd episode of The Rings Of Power will release at 05:00 PM on the 9th of September according to the Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Where to watch The Rings Of Power Episode 3 in Australia?

In Australia, you can watch The Rings Of Fire only on Amazon Prime Video. As The Rings Of Power is an Amazon original series, it gets released only on Prime Video platform in the app and website.

Editor's note: The below article contains spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Although The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is clearly leading up to the first war to defeat Sauron and his army of evil, it’s not the first time that conflict has plagued Middle Earth. As we learn in the first two episodes of the series, the Elves have already waged war against the dark lord, Morgoth. Morgoth is defeated and imprisoned in the mystical land of Valinor. However, the ramifications of the conflict have impacted the way the Elven military works.

In the Southlands of Middle Earth, we are introduced to an Elven warrior named Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova). Arondir and a battalion of Elves watch over the human peasants that reside peacefully in the rural area. There is tension between the two species. During Morgoth’s war, some of the humans in the area sided with the dark lord in his conquest of Middle Earth. The Elven guards are sent to watch over the remaining villagers in case of another uprising.

Gil-Galad Orders That Arondir and Other Elves Leave Their Posts and Return Home

Within Arnodir’s brief interactions with humans in a local tavern, we see that the tensions between the species continue to linger. Arondir is both hated and feared by the peasants who want to live in an environment that is free from Elves. They get their wish soon enough as Arnodir is informed by his presiding officer that the Elves are being called back from their posts. High King Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker) has chosen to ignore Galadriel’s (Morfydd Clark) suggestion that the forces of evil have not yet been defeated. The veterans of the conflict are being dispatched to leave their posts and return home.

This pains Arondir, not just because he has his suspicions about the local villagers, but because of a secret romantic relationship that he has fostered with the human Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi), a healer who lives in the Southlands with her son, Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin). It’s implied that Elven law would forbid any relationship between the species. However, Arondir’s affair with Bronywn presents more practical issues.

This Is Far From the First Time We've Seen Elves Falling in Love With Non-Elves

Since Arondir is an Elf, he is immortal. Relationships between immortals and mortals are inherently difficult, as one partner is destined to watch the other grow old and die. This was something explored in Peter Jackson’s trilogy. Elrond (Hugo Weaving) warns his daughter, Arwen (Liv Tyler), not to pursue her relationship with Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen). He knows that Arwen will be heartbroken when Aragorn dies, leaving her to live alone for eternity.

This theme was brought up again in The Hobbit trilogy. One of the storylines that Jackson added to the trilogy was a romantic relationship that emerged between the Dwarf Kíli (Aidan Turner) and the Elven huntress Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly). While the romantic triangle that emerges with Legolas (Orlando Bloom) was one of the weaker aspects of the film, it did show the struggles that the Elves face in relation to the other beings of Middle Earth. It’s part of the reason that they are so secluded by the time of the Third Age.

Who Are the Other Silvan Elves in Middle-earth?

Like Tauriel, Arondir is a Silvan Elf. Unlike the High Elves that reside in Lindon, the Silvan Elves (or “Wood-Elves”) are known for their diligence in combat and connection to the natural world. In The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and his company of Dwarves enter the Silvan Elves’ land in Mirkwood. Beorn (Mikael Persbrandt) tells Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) that the Silvan Elves are “less wise, and more dangerous” than the Elven politicians.

We see the Silvan Elves’ skill in combat in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. During the massive conflict outside the Dwarf’s sacred kingdom, a battalion of Silvan Elves follow King Thranduil (Lee Pace), who rides a giant stag. It’s not until the end of the battle that Thranduil realizes the weight of Kili's romance with Tauriel; he sees that Tauriel is heartbroken over Kíli’s death and tells her that her relationship was “real.”

Tauriel’s mourning has also clearly affected Thranduil’s son, Legolas (Orlando Bloom). Although Legolas has fought alongside the Silvan Elves, he is not considered to be one of them due to his heritage. In the aftermath of the battle, Thranduil dispatches Legolas to seek out Aragorn.

It will be interesting to see how Arondir’s story continues in the first season of The Rings of Power. Romance wasn’t a huge aspect of either The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings, but other works within Tolkien’s bibliography have explored stories of forbidden love. The end of “Adrift” suggested that Arondir is in danger, but given his wartime experience, it’s likely that he’ll emerge standing strong.

Editor's note: The below contains spoilers for Episode 2 of The Rings of Power.

is on the horizon in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Although the Elves believe that the dark lord Morgoth has been defeated for good, the series is already signaling that his chief lieutenant, Sauron, is on the rise. The High Elven King Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker) makes the mistake of sending the Elven warriors to sail off to Valinor. Shortly after Gil-gilad calls back the Elven troops, the young boy Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) discovers a mysterious sword within his family home.

Theo lives in the Southland of Middle-earth with his mother, Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi), the villager’s healer. Bronwyn is secretly in a forbidden relationship with the Silvan Elf Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova). The Silvan Elves watch over the lands of men to ensure that an uprising does not occur. During the war against Morgoth, some humans chose to join the dark lord’s army and fight for the forces of evil. However, because Gil-galad does not believe Galadriel's warnings, Arondir and the others at his post are called home.

Theo Finds a Mysterious Dark Blade Hidden in His Village

But, as we know, Galadriel is right and Gil-galad is wrong. Theo discovers the remains of a mysterious black sword hilt in a local barn that he is exploring. The blade begins to glow with the symbol of Sauron, which was also visible on the corpse of Galdriel’s brother, Finrod (Will Fletcher). While it's clear that Theo might not know what is actually going on with the blade, he stashes it and hides it from his mother.

When Theo is wounded after he and his mother are attacked by an Orc, he picks up the hilt as they flee and a drop of his blood ignites the hilt and transforms it into smoke. The hilt begins to glow with dark energy and reform into a full blade. Although the sword’s owner is not revealed, we know that the area is full of descendants of the people loyal to Morgoth, so perhaps Theo is doomed to follow in the footsteps of his forefathers. It’s possible that either Theo’s father or one of his ancestors was among Morgoth’s servants.

Although the series has been shrouded in mystery, Muhafidin hinted at the sword’s meaning in an interview with Inverse. He stated that the weapon has “some cool things about it” and that “it does maybe drive the storyline a bit.” He also told Entertainment Tonight that the sword was the inciting object of the series, similar to the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings. “I think when you find something that is obviously so special, you’re gonna, you know, feel an attachment to it, and he definitely does.”

Does the Sword Have a Connection to Sauron?

Sauron uses the One Ring to take mortal form and amass his armies. However, the titular “rings of power” have not been constructed yet. Elrond (Robert Aramayo) is sent by the Elven leaders to join Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) in his forge. Tolkien’s mythology refers to Celebrimbor as the architect of the rings, who was deceived by Sauron in disguise.

The sword is also similar to the ones wielded by the Ring-wraiths in The Lord of the Rings. The nine Nazgûl warriors were the original human kings that were given the rings. The corrupting nature of power is a major theme in all of Tolkien’s work. It’s partially drawn from his own personal experiences; Tolkien served in the British Army and grew concerned about the rise of weapons manufacturing. The “One Ring” was conceived as an object that drew out people’s worst impulses. The alliance of men, Dwarves, and Elves in The Lord of the Rings can be seen as a parallel to the unification of the Allies. The Rings of Power focuses on similar themes that would coincide with the pre-World War II era.

It appears that Theo might be on a dark journey. He seems aware that his mother has some kind of relationship with Arondir, one that makes the village look at his mother with suspicion, but he might not be aware of the romantic nature of things. Tension between men and elves is already high; a brawl nearly breaks out at a local tavern between Arondir and a man who spitefully calls him "knife-ears." Whether Theo will fall under Sauron’s influence is unclear, but it's clear Theo and that sword will play a big role in the coming episodes.

Editor's note: The below contains spoilers for the first two episodes of The Rings of Power.

One of the very first images and scenes released for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power was an enigmatic teaser photo of Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) clinging to the wreckage of a ship in the midst of a raging storm. The context gradually became clear with the release of more trailers and interviews: a number of new scenes showed Galadriel traveling with a group of companions, seemingly going westward across the sea into the setting sun, and the scenes of shipwreck elsewhere implied a disastrous reversal for her expedition.

As the first episodes of the Prime Video series have finally arrived, there seems to be a great deal of importance to operations on the sea for the course of the show: the island kingdom of Numenor will be pivotal, for one thing, and Galadriel’s encounter with Halbrand (Charlie Vickers) after abandoning her ship is bound to be important for the development of the overall plot. But what sea is it? Where in Middle-earth is it located? And why is it so important to the story?

Where Are the Sundering Seas Located?

The only question that is actually simple to answer is the first; the others are surprisingly complicated. But the body of water itself is called the Sundering Seas, or sometimes the great sea Belegaer — which simply means “The Great Sea” in Sindarin, but admittedly sounds much cooler. Where things start to become problematic is in actually placing it. Now, millions of gallons of water don’t exactly take vacations, so you might be wondering why locating Belegaer is so difficult, but the answer to the question actually depends a great deal on what Age of the world you are talking about.

The simple answer to the question is that Belegaer is located to the west of Middle-earth, but its history is perhaps as complex as the continent itself. Tolkien’s invented world is actually composed of two continents: while “Middle-earth” is often used to reference all of Tolkien’s invented world, it is actually just the name of the eastern continent, where the major events of The Lord of the Rings take place; the western continent is called Aman, where the angelic Valar and their company dwell in the Blessed Realm. The Sundering Seas are located between those two continents, as is the island of Numenor. It is across this sea that Frodo sails at the end of The Lord of the Rings, but in the First Age, it was actually possible to walk across from Middle-earth to Aman. To the north, a bridge of ice called the Helcaraxë joined the two lands, and at least according to one version of the story, Galadriel walked across it herself early in the First Age during the Exile of the Noldor.

Even at this early stage in the First Age, the sea posed a problem for travelers. As a result of the Noldor rejecting the Valar and returning to Middle-earth, the Valar made it impossible to return, shielding their home with the creation of the Enchanted Isles. No ship could pass through them, and anyone who landed on the Isles would fall asleep forever. A number of ships were sent westward in an attempt to reach Aman during the First Age, but whether lost, sunk, or destroyed in a storm, none succeeded until the man Eärendil in desperate need finally crossed it near the end of the Age.

The first major reshaping of the Sundering Seas happened soon afterward: the War of Wrath that finally ended in the defeat of Morgoth shattered the continent of Middle-earth, and a great part of it fell into the sea. At this point, the Helcaraxë ceased to exist, and so the only passage across from Middle-earth to Aman came to be the sea route. At this point, while many of the exiles chose to return to the Blessed Realm and were permitted by the Valar, Galadriel refused to return, deciding instead to remain in Middle-earth.

With the First Age over, the Second Age gave rise to the kingdom of Numenor, and Numenorean ships sailed across the Sundering Seas to Middle-earth on a number of occasions, for military or commercial expeditions. To the west, however, the mortals who inhabited Numenor were not allowed to set foot on the Undying Lands, and that ban led to the next great relocation of the Sundering Seas.

The Significance of Numenor in 'The Rings of Power'

Perhaps a spoiler warning is in order here, as the fate of Numenor is bound to be central to the story of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Ultimately, Ar-Pharazôn broke the prohibition and attempted to land in the home of the Valar, triggering divine retribution against himself and all of Numenor with him. When he landed, Numenor sank beneath the waves of the Sundering Seas, the entire world was reshaped and made round, and the land of Aman was separated completely from the rest of the world. The only passage to Aman was then by way of “The Straight Path,” a mystical pathway that a ship might still be able to take, if only it could be found.

Finally, its significance to the story of the series can only be beginning, but its full implications are yet to be seen. As the barrier between Middle-earth and Aman, the sea of Belegaer is a token of the separation between the mortal and immortal world, a physical barrier emphasizing the unfathomable gap between the two. As the boundaries of the sea grow larger and larger, the Blessed Realm of the Valar grows further and further away, and the journey to cross the Sundering Seas becomes more and more treacherous. The enigmatic figure on the Numenorean ship at the end of the second episode promises even more mystery, and the strange sea monster stalking the shipwrecked sailors is not likely finished with its prowling.

Ultimately, then, the Sundering Seas are remarkably important in different ways for the whole history of the world: in every Age it presents some sort of divine barrier, and the storm-tossed seas are often associated with the will of the Valar. It is the pathway to an earthly paradise and the way to an early grave, home to the kings of Numenor and the last resting place of one of the Silmarils, treacherous and full of enchantment, and for so many lost souls of Middle-earth, the only way home. But for Galadriel, that is not yet the path she means to take.

The Rings of Power premieres new episodes weekly each Friday on Prime Video.

Editor's note: The below article contains spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Middle-earth Lore.

From the very first episode, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power sets Sauron as the big threat Middle-earth will have to face during the Second Age of Arda, the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien. However, the series also underlines how the world is still recovering from a great war against Morgoth, the Dark Enemy of all creation. In fact, Sauron was only a general to Morgoth who rallied the troops of dark creatures after the Dark Enemy’s defeat. But who is Morgoth exactly? And how could he almost destroy Middle-earth? Now that The Rings of Power is available on Prime Video, let's discuss what happened long before the series starts.

In the Beginning, There was Melkor

In Tolkien’s cosmology, there’s only one God, Eru, a being responsible for all creation. The first things Eru, also called Ilúvatar, ever created were divinities to serve him, spirits who lived together with Ilúvatar long before time even existed. These beings were called the Ainur, and were part of Eru’s plan to bring existence and life into the Void of the universe. As it happens, Eru asks the Ainur to play him a song following a theme he sets. Each Ainur contributes differently to this song, and only one Ainur, Melkor, tries to play his own tune in disobedience. This first song would materialize as a vision of a world filled with life, Arda, and even Melkor’s dissonance is revealed to be part of Eru’s plans.

While the vision of Arda enchants the Ainur, Eru soon explains that their job will be to make the world a reality, using their powers to bring Arda into existence. And so, a few Ainur are sent into the Void to create Arda, and those are known as the Valar. Melkor also follows his siblings, ashamed for being humiliated by Eru, and enraged about the fact that God was creating the world for Elves and Men, and not for himself. So, since the very beginning of existence, Melkor worked to destroy everything the other Valar built. Unable to create anything original, Melkor used his powers to corrupt all that he touched, bringing to life dark creatures that are twisted versions of all good things in the lands.

Melkor is the one responsible for the existence of Balrogs, for instance. The Valar were not alone when they came to Arda and started building the world, as they were followed by lesser Ainur that became known as Maiar. The Balrogs are Maiar that Melkor corrupted, turning fire spirits into demons filled with rage. Even Sauron is a Maia that got seduced by Melkor's promises of power. Melkor is also responsible for creating the Orcs, a race born from tortured and mutilated Elves. So, basically, any evil creature that roams the world comes from Melkor, with very few exceptions. But it wouldn't be until the First Age of Arda that this Valar would be known as Morgoth, which in the Sindarin language means “Dark Enemy.”

Morgoth Is Born

The name Morgoth was coined by the Elves after Melkor attacked Valinor, the land of the Valar, destroying the Trees of Valinor and stealing the Silmarils for himself. The theft of the Silmarils would make the Noldor Elves declare war on Morgoth and anyone who tried to take these special gems, leading to the many battles that are known as the War of the Jewels. So, it’s fair to say that Morgoth’s greed and envy led to the ruin of the people of Middle-Earth. And the War of the Jewels was so brutal that an entire piece of the continent would sink in the sea before Morgoth was defeated. That’s right, Morgoth was so powerful that the conflict that ended with his defeat led to the destruction of a huge landmass. That’s one of the reasons why Arda’s map changes so much across history, as Morgoth’s meddling with the world always leads to unfathomable destruction.

At the end of the War of the Jewels, Morgoth is captured and locked away in the Void, behind the Door of Night. However, Morgoth is prophesied to return someday, bringing the end times with him. During this final war, Morgoth will finally be slain, and the world will be remade in perfection by Eru, without evil. Unfortunately, for the moment, Middle-earth still needs to deal with the long shadow cast by Morgoth, with his general Sauron taking over his place as the commander of a legion of monsters.

The first two episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power are streaming now on Prime Video. New episodes become available every Friday.

Warning: spoilers ahead for The Rings of Power episodes 1 & 2

If it looks like Gandalf, enchants like Gandalf, and mumbles like Gandalf, is it a Gandalf? The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power dives into the weeds of this very conundrum. A huge mystery from The Rings of Power's opening two episodes is the identity of Daniel Weyman's character. Credited as "The Stranger" but more commonly known as Meteor Man, this odd soul falls from the skies of Middle-earth watched by Gil-Galad, Elrond, Celebrimbor, Bronwyn, Arondir, and Nori Brandyfoot, but it's the young Harfoot who actually finds him. Nori takes Meteor Man into her care with the begrudging help of friend Poppy, then later strikes up a tentative friendship with the enigmatic stranger.

Plenty of theories attempting to unravel The Rings of Power's Meteor Man mystery have already been proposed. Sauron is obviously a strong contender given The Rings of Power's focus, and although it's clear the Stranger possesses magical qualities, there's still a host of previously unseen Vala and Maia to pick from. Of course, Meteor Man could be an entirely new creation made especially for Amazon, holding no prior The Lord of the Rings connection whatsoever.

Another popular idea is that The Rings of Power will ultimately reveal its Stranger as Gandalf. The wizard does exist during The Rings of Power's timeline (albeit under the name Olórin), so the theory is at least plausible. The Rings of Power surely also knows what it's doing by introducing a scruffy sorcerer with a long beard dressed in gray.... who likes Hobbits... and whispers magic instructions to bugs like Gandalf in The Fellowship of the Ring. Amazon's The Rings of Power is almost coaxing audiences into assuming Meteor Man is an earlier Gandalf come to nip Sauron in the bud before he becomes a huge problem for Middle-earth, but is Nori really sharing her snails with The Lord of the Rings' most famous wizard?

Why The Old Man Likely Isn't Gandalf

According to J.R.R. Tolkien's mythology, Olórin lived with the other Maia in Aman, but always harbored a curiosity regarding the Children of Ilúvatar (Men and Elves), and would sometimes walk among them. In the Third Age, with Sauron launching yet another comeback, Olórin was one of five Maia chosen to visit Middle-earth and aid its inhabitants, adopting the human guise of Gandalf the Grey. While technically possible, the idea of Gandalf landing in Middle-earth during the Second Age to help fend off Sauron raises a whole slew of continuity wrinkles. Why would Olórin arrive via meteor rather than the usual boat? Why would he leave with the job half-finished? Did the Valar send him, or did Olórin come of his own accord? And does reaching Middle-earth so early contradict Tolkien's version of events, where Olórin needed much convincing before journeying there in the Third Age?

The Rings of Power episodes 1 & 2 also drop major hints that Meteor Man's true identity is much darker than wholesome dear-old Gandalf. When the Stranger first lands, a leaf falls before Gil-Galad's feet in Lindon, the underside of which is rotted by black poison. Meteor Man then seems to break Largo Brandyfoot's ankle when he becomes frustrated, before later killing all the fireflies he enchants. Hurting Harfoots, culling creatures, and fouling flora simply isn't in Gandalf's character - not even if those acts are committed subconsciously.

Meteor Man's physical appearance, general demeanor and use of magic all deliberately point viewers toward the same conclusion, and from a marketing perspective, it's not hard to see why Amazon would be tempted to include Gandalf in The Rings of Power. Alas, too many details aren't adding up. Far more likely, The Rings of Power's Stranger is Sauron, or a different member of the Ainur altogether.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues Thursday/Friday on Prime Video.