As the first season of Amazons Tolkien-inspired series The Rings of Power continues, this original story edges closer to the penultimate events which then establishes the familiar narrative of The Lord of The Rings.

Serving as a prequel to Tolkiens original works, the show can’t help but make references to what will come later in the story of Middle-Earth. Eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed such an Easter egg in the recent episodes of the show.

The Rings of Power newest episode was an action-packed journey the whole way through. To briefly recap [alert – spoilers ahead] the story focused on the villagers of the Southlands defending themselves against the bombardment of orcs at the hands of Adar. While the villagers of Tirharad prepare to defend themselves against a second-wave attack, Bronwyn shares some words of comfort with Theo which had a very familiar ring to them. (No pun intended)

During this touching exchange between mother and son, Theo asks her to repeat the words she spoke to him as a child, when he would have bad dreams.

Bronwyn holds him and says “In the end, this shadow is but a small and passing thing. There is light in high beauty forever beyond its reach. Find the light and the shadow will not find you.”

To any true fan of The Lord of the Rings, this echoes similar words of comfort Sam speaks to Frodo at the end of Peter Jacksons film The Two Towers. After Sam has saved Frodo from being tempted by the Ring, he talks about “…the great stories, the ones that really matter… full of darkness and danger…”. Could these stories be based on the events that are happening now within the series by any chance?

He then utters a very similar expression “… in the end it’s only a passing thing, this shadow… the day will come and when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer”.

It is unlikely that such dialogue has appeared by chance. And instead has been added as a touching tribute and a hidden nod to the much-loved film trilogy that has come before it.

This is not the only hint concerning the films that the series has included so far. Keen fans have spotted other references including Galadriel’s swan boat in episode 1, a subtle reference to the ents made by the Harfoots, and the beacons of Númenor as the ship first docks, hinting at the similar beacons of Gondor Pippin sneakily lights in the trilogy. There are likely many more secret references waiting for the most observant of viewers to uncover. It’s very likely increasingly more will be revealed as dedicated fans break down each episode frame by frame.