‘The Rings of Power’ Takes a Bold Step with Its Most Shocking Character Death Yet

The Rings of Power recently released its fifth episode, and tensions are rising across Middle-Earth, with Sauron (or Annatar) nearing the final steps of his plan involving the Rings of Power.

Meanwhile, Númenor faces its own challenges. Pharazon has managed to gain some of Miriel’s power after apparently being chosen by the great Eagle. Pharazon, however, harbors distrust for the Valar and the Elves, and the presence of the Faithful and their Valar symbols in Númenor deeply unsettles him.

Eärien, Isildur’s sister and Elendil’s daughter, deeply resented Miriel’s decision to go to Middle-earth and was even more devastated when Isildur was presumed dead from a war they didn’t need to join. This made it easier for her to align with Pharazon and his son, Kemen.

In episode 5, Elendil and Valandil are holding a burial ceremony at a temple dedicated to the Valar when Kemen enters with guards, demanding they stop, as Pharazon had made Valar worship nearly illegal. Tensions escalate when Kemen shatters a Valar statue. Valandil attacks him, and the two wrestle Valandil having a clear opportunity to kill Kemen, but Elendil prevents him from striking the killing blow.

However, as soon as Valandil turns his back, Kemen stabs him. While Isildur’s presumed death is blamed on Miriel, Valandil’s death falls on Eärien, and it’s unclear how she’ll react to losing one of her closest friends.

The Númenoreans now face more than just civil war. By desecrating the temple, they edge closer to Pharazon breaking the Ban of the Valar and Númenor’s destruction.

What did you think of the latest Rings of Power episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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