The new Rings of Power clip shows Isildur and a new character, Estrid, falling under attack, only to be saved by the elf Arondir, who fought alongside Isildur against Adar and his orcs in season 1. Check out the clip below:
A hero emerges. The Rings of Power returns August 29 on Prime Video. pic.twitter.com/vABojC6QjN — The Lord of the Rings on Prime (@TheRingsofPower) August 20, 2024
The scene also reveals that Isildur has been reunited with his beloved horse, Berek. Isildur’s horse was last seen galloping into the distance after refusing to return with Elendil to Númenor, but by season 2, Berek and Isildur are together again.
How Isildur And Arondir’s Stories Will Be Different In Season 2
Both Characters Have Undergone Significant Changes
In season 1, Isildur struggled to find his place in the world while being closely watched by Elendil. Even though their father-son relationship was often strained, Elendil cared deeply about Isildur and used his prominent position in Númenor to help his son. Now that Isildur remains in Middle-earth without the security net of his father or other Númenorian allies, he will have to learn to fend for himself in the wilderness, including when he faces Lord of the Rings‘ terrifying and monstrous Shelob.
Shelob the spider is best known for his encounter with Frodo in The Return of the King.
As for Arondir, his season 1 story revolved around helping Bronwyn and the Southland villagers as Adar and his orcs attempted to take their homes and their lives. Now that the Southlands have been transformed into Mordor, and with Bronwyn actor Nazanin Boniadi confirmed not to be returning, Arondir will need to find a new purpose. His journey will now be more intertwined with Isildur and Estrid, as the three of them become an unlikely trio.
While little is known about Estrid, there has been speculation that she could become Isildur’s wife, who is unnamed in J.R.R. Tolkien’s lore. If this does come to fruition, their relationship could help Isildur become further connected to Middle-earth as his arc gradually moves closer toward one day becoming the King of Arnor and Gondor. Together, Isildur, his horse Berek, Arondir, and Estrid may be among the most compelling characters in The Rings of Power season 2.