The Rings Of Power Recap Before Season 3

Full spoilers for The Rings Of Power Seasons 1 and 2.

Quick answer: Before The Rings Of Power Season 3, Sauron has taken control of the Orc army, claimed the Nine Rings for Men, completed Barad-dûr, and begun spreading his forces across Middle-earth. The Three Elven Rings protect Lindon and Rivendell, while the Seven have already shown how power can corrupt the Dwarves. Celebrimbor, Adar, and King Durin III are dead. Galadriel survived her confrontation with Sauron. The Stranger has accepted the name Gandalf. Númenor is falling under Pharazôn’s control, Elendil has escaped with Narsil, and Sauron is preparing to forge the One Ring.

This is the essential Rings Of Power recap before Season 3. It covers the story of Seasons 1 and 2, where the major characters and kingdoms currently stand, which Rings have been forged, and what Sauron needs to accomplish next.

For a deeper episode-by-episode breakdown, visit our complete Rings Of Power master episode guide. You can also explore the full Season 1 recap and episode guide and Season 2 recap and episode guide.

The Rings Of Power Season 1 Recap

Season 1 begins with Galadriel convinced that Sauron survived the defeat of Morgoth. The other Elves are ready to believe the war has ended, but Galadriel has spent centuries hunting the enemy responsible for her brother Finrod’s death. When Gil-galad sends her to Valinor, she jumps from the ship and chooses to continue the search.

Galadriel becomes stranded at sea and meets Halbrand, a human survivor carrying a pouch marked with the symbol of the Southlands’ lost royal line. She decides that Halbrand is the missing king who can unite the Southlanders against Sauron. Halbrand repeatedly resists the identity she has created for him, but Galadriel eventually persuades him to return to Middle-earth.

They are rescued by Elendil and taken to Númenor, an island kingdom founded by Men who once fought beside the Elves. Númenor’s relationship with the Elves has deteriorated, and many Númenóreans now fear that Elven immortality and ability threaten their own future. Queen Regent Míriel still has sympathy for the Faithful, while Pharazôn uses fear, resentment, and political ambition to increase his influence.

Galadriel convinces Míriel to send an expedition to the Southlands. Elendil and Isildur join the mission, and Halbrand returns as the supposed king Galadriel believes the people need.

Adar Creates Mordor

The Southlands are already under attack from Orcs led by Adar, an Elf who was captured and corrupted by Morgoth. Adar considers the Orcs his children and wants to create a permanent homeland where they can live without hiding from sunlight or serving another master.

Arondir, Bronwyn, Theo, and the remaining Southlanders attempt to resist Adar’s army. Theo has discovered a broken black sword hilt connected to Sauron. The weapon is also a key capable of activating an ancient mechanism beneath the Elven watchtower of Ostirith.

The Númenórean army arrives in time to defeat Adar’s forces, and Halbrand is welcomed as the returning king of the Southlands. Their victory lasts only a few moments. Waldreg still possesses the real sword hilt and uses it to release a dam. Water rushes through tunnels the Orcs dug beneath the land and enters the volcanic chamber beneath Mount Doom.

The eruption covers the Southlands in fire, smoke, and ash. Adar has created a home for the Orcs, and the land receives a new name: Mordor.

Halbrand Is Sauron

Halbrand is wounded during the destruction of the Southlands, and Galadriel brings him to Eregion for Elven healing. There he meets Celebrimbor, the great Elven smith who has been searching for a way to use mithril to preserve the fading light of the Elves.

Halbrand suggests combining the mithril with another metal to strengthen its properties. His interest in Celebrimbor’s work makes Galadriel suspicious, and her research reveals that the royal line of the Southlands died out approximately a thousand years earlier.

When Galadriel confronts Halbrand, he reveals that he is Sauron. He enters her mind and offers to make her his queen so they can rule Middle-earth together. Sauron describes domination as healing and control as a way to create order. Galadriel rejects him, and Sauron leaves Eregion for Mordor.

Galadriel’s hunt has unintentionally helped restore the enemy she wanted to destroy. She brought Sauron to Númenor, gave him a royal identity in the Southlands, and carried him into Eregion, where he learned about Celebrimbor’s work.

The Three Elven Rings Are Forged

Celebrimbor has only a small piece of mithril, so Galadriel gives him Finrod’s dagger. Its gold and silver came from Valinor and can be combined with the mithril.

Galadriel insists that Celebrimbor create three objects. One Ring could give absolute power to a single ruler, while two could divide their bearers. Three could create balance.

Celebrimbor forges the Three Elven Rings: Nenya, Vilya, and Narya. The Rings have not been touched directly by Sauron, but his ideas influenced the process that made them possible.

Season 1 ends with the Three completed and Sauron entering Mordor.

The Stranger Is An Istar

Nori Brandyfoot discovers the Stranger after he falls from the sky inside a meteor. He has extraordinary power but little understanding of his identity, purpose, or ability to control his magic.

Three mysterious figures pursue him because they believe he is Sauron. When the Stranger rejects them and protects Nori, they realize he is an Istar, one of the beings known as Wizards.

Season 1 strongly suggests that the Stranger is Gandalf without formally confirming his name. Nori leaves the Harfoots and travels east with him toward Rhûn, where they hope to discover more about his purpose.

The Rings Of Power Season 2 Recap

Season 2 reveals what happened to Sauron after Morgoth’s defeat. Sauron attempted to take command of the Orcs, but Adar turned them against him and destroyed his body. Sauron’s essence survived, gradually rebuilt itself, and eventually took the form of Halbrand.

In the present, Sauron returns to Mordor and allows Adar to imprison him. He persuades Adar that Sauron has returned and offers to help find him. The deception directs Adar’s attention toward Eregion while giving Sauron a path back to Celebrimbor.

Galadriel, Gil-galad, and Círdan become the bearers of the Three Rings. Their power restores the Great Tree in Lindon and allows the Elves to remain in Middle-earth, although Elrond continues to fear that anything connected to Sauron could become dangerous.

Sauron Becomes Annatar

Sauron returns to Eregion and transforms himself before Celebrimbor. He calls himself Annatar, the Lord of Gifts, and claims to be a divine messenger sent to help complete the work of the Rings.

Celebrimbor accepts Annatar because Sauron understands his deepest desire. Celebrimbor wants to create something worthy of his family’s legacy and prove himself as one of the greatest smiths Middle-earth has ever known.

Annatar controls Celebrimbor through praise, urgency, isolation, and shame. Every success convinces Celebrimbor that the work must continue. Every failure makes him increasingly dependent on Annatar’s guidance.

Together, they create the Seven Rings for the Dwarves and begin work on the Nine Rings for Men.

The Seven Corrupt King Durin III

Khazad-dûm is struggling after an earthquake blocks the shafts that bring sunlight into the mountain. King Durin III accepts one of the Seven Rings and discovers that it allows him to perceive the mountain in a new way.

The Ring initially appears to save Khazad-dûm. Durin III finds a way to restore the light and strengthen the kingdom. Its influence gradually transforms his desire to protect the Dwarves into greed, certainty, and control.

Durin III orders increasingly dangerous mining and ignores the warnings of Durin IV and Disa. When Durin IV removes the Ring from his father, their confrontation awakens the Balrog beneath Khazad-dûm.

Durin III recognizes what he has unleashed and sacrifices himself by charging the Balrog. Durin IV survives, but he inherits a kingdom threatened by the creature beneath the mountain and by conflict over the Dwarven succession.

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Sauron Destroys Celebrimbor And Eregion

Adar marches on Eregion because he believes Sauron is inside the city. He wants to destroy the Dark Lord before Sauron can reclaim control of the Orcs.

As Adar’s army attacks, Sauron traps Celebrimbor inside an illusion of peace. Celebrimbor continues working on the Nine while Eregion burns beyond his forge. When he finally breaks through the illusion, he realizes that his ambition helped create the instruments Sauron intends to use against Middle-earth.

Celebrimbor completes and hides the Nine, but Sauron eventually recovers them. Before Sauron kills him, Celebrimbor warns that the Rings will become Sauron’s prison and that one Ring will eventually cause his destruction.

Elrond leads the defense of Eregion and expects reinforcements from Durin IV. The Dwarves never arrive because Durin must confront the crisis inside Khazad-dûm. Eregion falls, and the surviving Elves retreat to the sanctuary that will become Rivendell.

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Adar Loses The Orcs To Sauron

Adar captures Galadriel and briefly considers joining her against Sauron. He takes Nenya from Elrond and uses its power, which heals the physical corruption caused by Morgoth and restores his original Elven appearance.

Adar imagines that he can lead the Orcs away from Sauron and end the war. Sauron has already reclaimed their loyalty. The Orcs turn against Adar and kill him, repeating the violence Adar once used against Sauron.

Sauron ends the season with the Orc army, the Nine Rings, and control of the ruins of Eregion. He no longer needs to remain hidden behind the identity of Halbrand or Annatar.

Galadriel Fights Sauron

Galadriel confronts Sauron after the fall of Eregion. Their fight becomes a continuation of the emotional and psychological relationship established during Season 1.

Sauron attempts to use their connection against her, shifting through the forms of Halbrand and other people from her past. Galadriel refuses to give him Nenya and throws herself from a cliff rather than surrender the Ring.

She survives but is gravely wounded by Morgoth’s crown. Elrond and Gil-galad use the power of their Rings to heal her. Galadriel ends the season alive, carrying Nenya, and preparing to resist Sauron in open war.

The Stranger Becomes Gandalf

The Stranger, Nori, and Poppy travel through Rhûn, where the Stranger meets Tom Bombadil and learns more about what it means to become an Istar.

The Stranger’s central test concerns how he will use power. He can pursue the identity and staff he wants, or he can protect the friends who depend upon him. By choosing Nori and Poppy, he demonstrates the qualities that define him more clearly than any name could.

The Stranger embraces the name Gandalf during the Season 2 finale. He now has a name, a staff, and a clearer sense of purpose. The Dark Wizard remains active in Rhûn, leaving another dangerous Istar on the board before Season 3.

Pharazôn Takes Control Of Númenor

Míriel returns to Númenor after the failed expedition to the Southlands. She has lost her sight, her father has died, and the kingdom is searching for someone to blame.

Pharazôn uses public fear, anger toward the Elves, and resentment over the losses in Middle-earth to seize greater authority. During Míriel’s coronation, the arrival of a Great Eagle is interpreted by Pharazôn’s supporters as a sign that he should rule.

The Faithful are persecuted, old traditions become evidence of disloyalty, and Elendil emerges as a visible opponent of the new government. Even after Míriel survives a trial in the sea, Pharazôn declares her the Queen of Lies and continues consolidating power.

Elendil escapes with Narsil, the sword that will eventually become central to the Last Alliance. Míriel remains in Númenor, while the kingdom moves closer to the division and destruction awaiting it.

Where Is Isildur Before Season 3?

Isildur survives the eruption of Mount Doom and spends Season 2 traveling through the occupied Southlands. He meets Estrid, reunites with Arondir, and becomes involved with the survivors building a settlement at Pelargir.

Isildur decides to return to Númenor by the end of the season. He does not yet know how much the kingdom has changed under Pharazôn or that his father has become a fugitive carrying Narsil.

His return places him directly in the conflict that will eventually shape Númenor’s fate and his own role in the war against Sauron.

Where Every Ring Stands Before Season 3

The Three Elven Rings are active. Galadriel carries Nenya, Gil-galad carries Vilya, and Círdan carries Narya. Their power protects the Elven realms from fading and allows Lindon and Rivendell to resist Sauron’s expanding influence.

The Seven Rings have been created for the Dwarves. King Durin III wore one and demonstrated how Sauron’s corruption can magnify a ruler’s existing desires. The remaining Dwarven Rings and their bearers will continue shaping the kingdoms beneath the mountains.

The Nine Rings for Men are complete and in Sauron’s possession. Season 3 will begin showing how Sauron distributes them and how mortal rulers become the servants later known as the Nazgûl or Ringwraiths.

The One Ring has not yet been forged. Sauron’s next great objective is to create the Ring capable of controlling the others and bringing every kingdom under his will.

Where The Major Characters Stand Before Season 3

Sauron controls the Orc army, possesses the Nine, and has expanded his power from Mordor. He is preparing to forge the One Ring.

Galadriel survived her fight with Sauron and still carries Nenya. She now understands how he manipulated her and is preparing to oppose him in open war.

Elrond helped defend Eregion and is now part of the Elven resistance gathering in Rivendell.

Gil-galad remains High King and a bearer of one of the Three Rings.

Gandalf has accepted his name and purpose, although the Dark Wizard and the larger conflict in Rhûn remain unresolved.

Durin IV has lost his father and must contend with the Balrog, the succession, and the consequences of the Dwarven Rings.

Disa remains beside Durin as Khazad-dûm enters a period of danger and political instability.

Pharazôn controls Númenor and is using hostility toward the Elves and the Faithful to strengthen his position.

Míriel remains in Númenor after being branded the Queen of Lies.

Elendil has escaped with Narsil and is becoming a leader of the Faithful.

Isildur is returning to Númenor without knowing what happened during his absence.

Adar, Celebrimbor, and King Durin III are dead.

What Is The Rings Of Power Season 3 About?

Season 3 begins five years after the fall of Eregion. Sauron’s armies have spread across Middle-earth, and only a few isolated strongholds remain beyond his control. Khazad-dûm is sealed beneath the mountain, while Lindon and Rivendell survive under the protection of the Three Rings.

Sauron has completed Barad-dûr in Mordor and is working to forge the One Ring. His goal gives the new season a direct conflict: Sauron wants the weapon that will allow him to dominate every Ring and realm, while the remaining free peoples must find a way to stop him.

Season 3 also introduces Celeborn, Khamûl, Anárion, Thrain, Marnûkh, and the developing servants connected to the Nine Rings. The story moves into the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron, with the Elves, Dwarves, Men, Wizards, and Orcs facing the consequences of everything established during the first two seasons.

Follow our complete Rings Of Power Season 3 guide for the release schedule, episode coverage, cast, trailer analysis, recaps, podcasts, and explainers.

The Rings Of Power Recap Before Season 3 FAQ

When does The Rings Of Power Season 3 premiere?

The Rings Of Power Season 3 premieres Wednesday, November 11, 2026, on Prime Video.

How much time passes before Season 3?

Season 3 begins five years after the fall of Eregion and the events of the Season 2 finale.

Is Halbrand Sauron?

Yes. Halbrand reveals his true identity as Sauron during the Season 1 finale.

Who is Annatar?

Annatar is the Elven form Sauron uses to deceive Celebrimbor during Season 2. He presents himself as the Lord of Gifts and claims to be a divine messenger.

Is the Stranger Gandalf?

Yes. The Stranger accepts the name Gandalf during the Season 2 finale.

Who made the Rings of Power?

Celebrimbor and the smiths of Eregion created the Rings. Sauron influenced the process, particularly the Seven Rings for the Dwarves and the Nine Rings for Men.

Who has the Three Elven Rings?

Galadriel carries Nenya, Gil-galad carries Vilya, and Círdan carries Narya before Season 3.

Does Sauron have the Nine Rings?

Yes. Sauron takes possession of the Nine during the Season 2 finale.

Has the One Ring been forged?

No. Sauron is preparing to forge the One Ring during Season 3.

Who died during Season 2?

Celebrimbor, Adar, King Durin III, and Valandil are among the major characters who die during Season 2.

What happened to Eregion?

Adar’s Orc army attacked and destroyed Eregion while Sauron manipulated Celebrimbor from inside the city. The surviving Elves retreated to the refuge that becomes Rivendell.

What happened to Númenor?

Pharazôn gained control of Númenor, persecuted the Faithful, and branded Míriel the Queen of Lies. Elendil escaped the kingdom with Narsil.

Does the Balrog kill Durin?

King Durin III sacrifices himself while confronting the Balrog. Durin IV survives and must now lead Khazad-dûm through the aftermath.

Continue Through Middle-earth With Mary & Blake

Use the master episode guide to find all 24 announced episodes, or revisit the complete Season 1 and Season 2 hubs for the full recaps and ending explanations.

You can also visit The Rings Of Power With Mary & Blake podcast hub for full-spoiler episode reactions, character analysis, theories, Tolkien context, and our continuing journey through Middle-earth.

The Rings Of Power Recap Before Season 3: Everything To Remember