The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power debuts a new clip from season 2, episode 7, showing Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) emerging out from under Sauron’s (Charlie Vickers) grasp. Created by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, the hit Prime Video fantasy series returned for its sophomore outing in August, charting Sauron’s rise in Middle-earth during the Second Age. Sauron’s main task in The Rings of Power season 2 has been forging the titular rings, and Celebrimbor, as a great Elven smith, has become an unfortunate victim of his dark influence.

Now, IGN releases a new clip from The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7, showing a quiet moment between Sauron and Celebrimbor in the Eregion forge. The clip sees Celebrimbor seemingly seeing the light after so many episodes of darkness, and he explains the beauty of his work. The clip also ends with a tense moment as Celebrimbor, after revealing that the “Rings of Power are nearly complete,” refuses to say that his time with Annatar has been pleasant. Check out the clip below:

What The Rings Of Power’s New Clip Means For The Rest Of Season 2

The Battle Of Eregion Looms

As trailers and the end of The Rings of Power season 2, episode 6, tease, episode 7 will feature the start of the Battle for Eregion. Adar’s forces have amassed around Eregion, and the final moments of episode 6 feature catapults launching massive burnings masses toward the city. While an epic battle is seemingly on the way, the above clip suggests that the rest of The Rings of Power season 2 won’t lose its focus on quieter, more human moments as well.

Crucially, the clip sets up the forging of the final nine Rings of Power for Men. At this point in the story, the rings for Dwarves and Elves have already been forged and, though he was initially reluctant to make rings for Men, Celebrimbor is set to finish his task before season 2 is complete. This raises the question, however, of whether the One Ring will be forged before season 2’s credits roll or if audiences will have to wait until The Rings of Power season 3 to see Sauron finally become his darkest form.

Our Take On Celebrimbor’s Clarity In The Rings Of Power Season 2 Episode 7

Celebrimbor Has Had A Rough Season 2

Celebrimbor has spent much of season 2 with a veil over his eyes, essentially serving as Sauron’s puppet. Though this speaks to Sauron’s growing power and his capacity for deception, it will be refreshing to see Celebrimbor emerge out from under his shadow, at least to some degree.

Season 2 has already shown the corrupting power of the rings, and the creation of the nine for Men is sure to only plunge Middle-earth further into darkness. Though the Battle of Eregion is likely to be devastating, the show is currently setting up an even more dire future heading into the potential Rings of Power season 3.