Warning: spoilers ahead for The Rings of Power episode 7.Is Halbrand secretly Sauron? The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power throws another major clue into the pot thanks to episode 7’s ending. Picking up in the aftermath of Mount Doom’s violent eruption, The Rings of Power‘s “The Eye” ends with Galadriel discovering Halbrand has suffered a grave injury – grave enough to kill him, but not so grave he can’t ride a horse across half of Middle-earth to get treated, naturally. Galadriel and Halbrand set off from Mordor on horseback to receive the Elven medicine that’ll save the latter’s life.
Galadriel is most likely taking Halbrand to an Elf settlement The Rings of Power has introduced previously such as Lindon or Eregion, but possibly also early Lothlórien. Regardless of where he goes, Halbrand’s Elvish destination at the end of The Rings of Power episode 7 plays directly into theories that he’s secretly Sauron. When Sauron returns in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Second Age, he appears to the Elves as a friend and convinces them to craft the Rings of Power. Halbrand heading off to get healed by Elves neatly explains how Charlie Vickers’ character might slither his way into their trust – especially if Galadriel takes him to Eregion where the Rings get made. Halbrand would appear as an innocent patient with Galadriel to vouch for him – completely inconspicuous with a perfect excuse to be there. Remember also that Halbrand is an expert Smith. To pay for using their medicine, might he coyly offer assistance on Celebrimbor’s forge-building project, getting into a position where his influence will be felt?
Every Hint Halbrand Is Sauron In The Rings Of Power
The Rings of Power started hinting towards Halbrand’s possible Sauron secret as soon as Charlie Vickers made his presence known. He ominously warned Galadriel “looks can be deceiving” during their first meeting at sea, claimed to have committed serious sins in the past, and sacrificed his companions in order to escape. During his time in Númenor, Halbrand manipulated Galadriel and Míriel against each other, whispered in Pharazôn’s ear like Sauron does in Tolkien’s books, and revealed his skill as a blacksmith (Sauron was aligned to the smith Aulë before joining Morgoth). Halbrand declared himself King of the Southlands just before the region transformed into Mordor and, most convincing of all, is mysteriously seeking revenge against Adar – the same being who claims to have killed Sauron long ago.
How Halbrand Could Become The Rings Of Power’s Annatar
According to Tolkien lore, the disguise Sauron uses to deceive the Elves of Eregion is “Annatar” – the Lord of Gifts. Annatar is described as a “fair visage” and Halbrand would certainly fit that description, but he’s in no position to be giving out presents quite yet, nor has he been referred to as “Annatar” by any other character in The Rings of Power. One possible outcome is that Halbrand thanks the Elves who heal him with a special gift – perhaps a royal heirloom, or something he conjured in secret – and “Annatar” becomes something of a nickname. Alternatively, royal rulers in The Lord of the Rings often adopt unique names once they ascend to the throne. Aragorn, for instance, is dubbed King Elessar. Now Halbrand is officially King of the Southlands, “Annatar” may become his chosen handle.
Before The Rings of Power episode 7, one of the most convincing arguments against Halbrand being Sauron was that Galadriel’s new friend possessed no connection to the Elves or Eregion’s forge project whatsoever. Halbrand needing medicine only Elves possess is the perfect excuse to get close to the super-secretive and permanently-guarded Elven race. No one actually witnessed Halbrand sustain his injury either, which means it might’ve been orchestrated as a road into Elf territory. Whatever happens next in The Rings of Power, Halbrand’s chances of being the Dark Lord Sauron are significantly higher now he’s going to be mingling with Elf society.
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The Lord of the Rings: The RIngs of Power continues Thursday/Friday on Prime Video.
