The Rings Of Power Episode 5 Line That Means More Than You Think
Contains spoilers for "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" Season 1, Episode 5
Who doesn't love a bit of good old-fashioned foreshadowing? Whether leading to an ending you don't see coming or linking to a puzzle piece you've already had the pleasure of placing, handling it just right really can make the viewing experience all the better. Of course, sometimes fans might read into something more than they should, particularly the die-hard sort dedicated to picking apart every bit of Amazon's epic Middle-earth-set show, "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power." So far, we've had preferred song choices and characters dropping quote bombs that will prickle the keen-eared listener, Elvish or not.
In this week's installment, "The Rings of Power" sees us spending a fair bit of time in Númenor as the Númenóreans prep for the big journey Galadriel has ushered them to embark on. In doing so, it sets up particular figures that will, for better or worse, have a more considerable part to play in the future of Middle-earth and the battle against Sauron himself. In the line-up of influential parties, there stands a slightly cocky and out-of-his-depth sailor named Isildur (Maxim Baldry), who we know will eventually end the Dark Lord's reign but ultimately damn himself in the process. Too bad one of his good friend's encouraging words predicts a twisted future for the man who would be king.
Valandil's words hold extra weight for Isildur's future
After being the only one to get a blade past Galadriel, Valandil (Alex Tarrant) earns a promotion in the Sea Guard, with Isildur still in his father's bad books and not allowed to join the expedition. It's here where the son of Elendil (Lloyd Owen) asks his friend to use his new status to get him on a boat and off on the voyage to Middle-earth. Valandil has already seen right through Isildur's sheepish methods of dancing around the conversation, resorting to him outright telling his friend, "One day, I hope you'll find something that you'll sacrifice anything for." While the words cut already, they go a little deeper given Isildur's future and his link to the ring that will inevitably rule them all.
During the War of the Last Alliance, Isildur picks up his fallen father's sword, cutting off the ring from Sauron's finger and seemingly destroying his control over Mordor. Of course, besides leaving with a victory, Isildur comes into possession of the One Ring and like anyone who comes into possession of Sauron's hand dressing, gets a little too attached. To quote Galadriel, "The Ring passed to Isildur, who had this one chance to destroy evil forever. But the hearts of men are easily corrupted, and the ring of power has a will of its own. It betrayed Isildur, to his death."