Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings and Markella Kavenagh as Nori Brandyfoot in The Rings of PowerSamwise Gamgee is one of the best characters from The Lord of the Rings, and The Rings of Power season 2 has confirmed his replacement with one character’s return. The Rings of Power season 2 premiered on August 29 with three episodes, and these installments continue each storyline introduced in season 1. This includes that of the Stranger and Nori Brandyfoot, both of whom are on their way to Rhûn when this outing opens. Unfortunately, they get lost almost immediately after setting out for the region, wandering in circles as they grow hungry and tired.

Help arrives in the form of a familiar face, with Nori’s best friend, Poppy, showing up to help. Nori tackles the situation with a level head, pulling out a map and using a conversation with Sadoc Burrows to figure out where they need to go. The trio meets more challenges before they’re able to embark on this adventure, but The Rings of Power season 2 makes one thing clear from the start: Poppy is the show’s replacement for Samwise Gamgee, as her role in the story mirrors his character arc in several ways.

The Rings Of Power Season 2 Doubles Down On Poppy As Sam Gamgee’s Replacement

She Follows Nori & Helps Her Find Her Way

Megan Richards as Poppy standing among the trees in The Rings of Power
Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgee looking confused in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Frodo, Sam, and Gollum held prisoner in Lord of the Rings. Sean Astin as Sam raising a crystal in The Lord of the Rings. Nori and Poppy in Rings Of PowerMegan Richards as Poppy standing among the trees in The Rings of Power Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgee looking confused in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Frodo, Sam, and Gollum held prisoner in Lord of the Rings. Sean Astin as Sam raising a crystal in The Lord of the Rings. Nori and Poppy in Rings Of Power

If Nori is The Rings of Power‘s main Hobbit character, she’s essentially the show’s Frodo Baggins — and that makes Poppy an obvious replacement for Sam from the series’ beginning. Poppy is Nori’s dearest friend, and she always seems to have her back. And The Rings of Power season 2 doubles down on her being the new Sam in its first few episodes. Just like Sam loyally follows Frodo, Poppy follows the Stranger and Nori. And similar to Sam, she doesn’t seem to care that she isn’t supposed to be going on this journey with them.

Poppy’s main concern is to support Nori, which makes her feel even more like Sam than she does in season 1.

Poppy’s main concern is to support Nori, which makes her feel even more like Sam than she does in season 1. The fact that she helps Nori and the Stranger find their way also feels reminiscent of Sean Astin’s Lord of the Rings character. Although he doesn’t help Frodo reach his destination in quite the same way Poppy is aiding Nori, he’s a huge reason that Frodo actually makes it to Mount Doom. Given time, Poppy may get some heroic feats under her belt as well. And that’s not the only way The Rings of Power promises to copy Sam’s story.

Poppy’s The Rings Of Power Season 2 Story Looks Set To Copy Sam Gamgee Again

She May Have A Romance In The Coming Episodes

Nori, Poppy, and The Stranger are found by the trackers in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 2Image via Prime Video

The Rings of Power season 2 looks set to copy Sam’s romance with Rosie, too — though the episodes haven’t given any indication of who Poppy will be interested in. During The Rings of Power panel at San Diego Comic-Con, showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne reportedly teased a romance for Poppy (via Tea With Tolkien). It’s hard to imagine who she’d fall for on the road with Nori and the Stranger, but perhaps there’s someone waiting at home for her. This would be another parallel between her and Sam, cementing her as The Rings of Power‘s version of the fan-favorite character.