Middle-earth in turmoil: A deep dive into ‘The Rings of Power’ Season 2, Episode 7

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 7 of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” now streaming on Prime Video.

The siege of Eregion: A battle for survival

In the latest episode of “The Rings of Power,” the conflict in Middle-earth reaches a fever pitch. The Siege of Eregion is in full swing, with Adar’s (Sam Hazeldine) orc forces breaching the castle walls and wreaking havoc on the elven stronghold. The city is overrun by a horde of orcs, but Elrond (Robert Aramayo) has a desperate plan to call upon dwarven reinforcements led by Prince Durin IV (Owain Arthur). However, the dwarves are conspicuously absent by the episode’s end, as King Durin III (Peter Mullan) has fallen under the corrupting influence of his ring of power.

Celebrimbor’s tragic realization

Among the elves, Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) faces the harshest reality. He uncovers the truth about Sauron (Charlie Vickers) and his disguise as Annatar, but it’s too late. Under Sauron’s manipulation, Celebrimbor has forged all the rings of power. In a desperate act to prevent further harm, he mangles his own hands, ensuring he can no longer create such perilous artifacts.

Heroic rescues and epic battles

Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova) emerges as a key player, rescuing Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) from Adar’s orc camp. Their reunion is marked by a kiss before they join the elven forces at Eregion. In a spectacular display of elven prowess, Arondir and Elrond team up to defeat a massive hill troll rampaging through the battlefield. However, the victory is short-lived as Arondir faces Adar in a one-on-one duel. Despite his skills, Adar gains the upper hand, taking down Arondir and seizing his ring of power. The episode concludes on a somber note, hinting at further devastation to come.

Behind the scenes with Ismael Cruz Córdova

The physical demands of playing Arondir

In an exclusive discussion, Córdova delves into the intense physical training required for his role. “All the wire work and stunts you see on the show, it’s me,” he reveals. “I trained extensively in strength, martial arts, and choreography to bring Arondir to life.” His dedication to authenticity is evident, as he performed most of his stunts, including complex wire work and high jumps.

Mastering new skills

Córdova’s training extended beyond combat. “I did horseback riding for two months, even though it didn’t make it to the final cut,” he shares. His commitment to the role is unwavering, as he continues to hone his skills, including underwater breath holds and 16th-century calligraphy. “I’m always looking to improve and bring new dimensions to my character,” he adds.

The chaos of battle scenes

Filming the chaotic battle scenes in Eregion was a unique challenge. “The energy on set was palpable,” Córdova recalls. “With fire, mud, and countless extras, it felt incredibly immersive.” The realistic set design and intense choreography added to the authenticity, making the scenes both exhilarating and demanding.

The emotional toll of combat

Arondir’s battle with Adar was particularly intense. “As the fight progresses, Arondir becomes more reckless, driven by emotion,” Córdova explains. This vulnerability allows Adar to exploit a moment of weakness, leading to Arondir’s defeat. “We needed to show that even the strongest warriors have flaws,” he notes.

Looking ahead to Season 3

While an official renewal has yet to be announced, Córdova hints at the possibility of a third season. “I’m pretty sure we’re going for a third,” he says, though he hasn’t seen any scripts yet. Fans can look forward to more epic battles and character development as the series continues to unfold.

Did you enjoy this article? Share it on your social channels and let us know your thoughts! Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Follow us on social media to stay informed about the newest releases.