The Rings of Power is likely to reveal who becomes the Nazgûl that appear in The Lord of the Rings, and one popular theory looks even more likely after season 2. The Nazgûl are the hooded creatures who chase Frodo and the Ring throughout his journey to destroy it, and they’re doing Sauron’s bidding by the time The Fellowship of the Ring introduces them. However, J.R.R. Tolkien’s books reveal that the Nazgûl were once men. They were the nine men who received the Rings of Power, which eventually corrupted them and turned them into Sauron’s servants.

With Sauron asking Celebrimbor to make rings for men during The Rings of Power season 2’s premiere, it’s probable viewers will see the emergence of the Nazgûl sometime during the series’ run. And if the Amazon show wants to make this storyline truly tragic, it will turn characters we already know and love into these Dark Riders. One popular theory posits that Theo could become one of the Nazgûl, as he’s shown plenty of pent-up anger and a pull towards the darkness Sauron represents. Unfortunately, a Rings of Power season 2 detail makes Theo’s turn even more likely.

Theo Being The Lord Of Pelargir Makes Him An Even More Convincing Nazgûl Candidate

It Gives Him A Motive & Position Of Power To Receive A Ring

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Arondir reveals that Theo is now the Lord of Pelargir in The Rings of Power season 2, meaning Tyroe Muhafidin’s character holds a position of power in the port city where the Southlanders currently reside. It’s unclear how Theo earned this title or what responsibilities it bestows upon him. However, this detail does make it more likely he’ll become one of the Nazgûl, especially if he’s charged with ensuring the well-being of his people. Theo’s new role gives him a position of power and a motive for receiving a Ring of Power crafted for the race of Men.

Theo being responsible for the Southlanders’ fates could explain why he accepts a ring. He may feel it’s required to keep his people safe from the looming war.

For one, Theo being the Lord of Pelargir means he’ll be more likely to be in rooms where such matters are discussed. Sauron won’t just give the Rings of Power to anyone; Tolkien’s writings note that the Nazgûl were once important people, ranging from kings to lords. Since Halbrand claims to be from the Southlands, he’ll likely bestow one upon its current leader. Additionally, Theo being responsible for the Southlanders’ fates could explain why he accepts a ring. He may feel it’s required to keep his people safe from the looming war.

Bronwyn’s Death Can Explain Why Theo Accepts One Of The Nine Rings

His Grief Could Leave Him Open To Corruption

Theo’s new title in the Southlands makes him a more convincing Nazgûl candidate, but the desire to protect his people may not be the only reason Theo accepts a Ring of Power. The Rings of Power season 2 reveals Bronwyn’s death, and the grief of losing his mother could make him more likely to consider the offer. Theo’s already shown an attraction to Sauron’s blade, which makes it seem like he’s corruptible. He also is holding in deep-seated anger, which appears to have gotten worse after his mother’s death.

Bronwyn certainly wanted the Southlanders to survive, and his efforts to continue that fight could lead Theo straight to a Ring of Power.

With these things in mind, Theo’s grief might make him more susceptible to Sauron’s influence. The loss of his mother may also make him more committed to protecting the remnants of his people. Bronwyn certainly wanted the Southlanders to survive, and his efforts to continue that fight could lead Theo straight to a Ring of Power. From there, it’s easy to see how he’d become corrupted by the object. The show’s characterization of Theo makes him a perfect mark for Sauron.

Theo Becoming A Nazgûl Would Make The Southlands’ Fate Even More Tragic

The Southlanders Seem Doomed In The Rings Of Power

The Southlands fate at the end of The Rings of Power season 1 is already tragic, and Theo becoming a Nazgûl would make this outcome even worse. The Southlanders have already been through so much during Amazon’s Lord of the Rings series, and it feels like they can’t catch a break. They’re currently dealing with Adar and his Orcs, and if Theo receives a Ring of Power, they’ll also need to contend with Sauron. Their leader becoming corrupted by Middle-earth’s Dark Lord makes it unlikely they’ll have a strong comeback in future seasons of The Rings of Power.

And although Pelargir will eventually become part of Gondor, some of Theo’s subjects might wind up following Sauron if he falls prey to the Rings of Power villain. Tolkien describes groups of Men who serve Sauron, and the Southlanders could join the Dark Lord. Even if they don’t do so willingly, having a leader under the influence of a ring will see them playing into Sauron’s hands. It’s a shame to see them on the receiving end of so many schemes, especially when they just seem to want peace throughout The Rings of Power.