Top 5 Theories on Who Will Receive Sauron’s Rings for Men in The Rings of Power

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and the Rise of the Ringwraiths

As anticipation builds for season 3 of The Rings of Power, viewers are particularly eager to explore the origins of the infamous Nazgûl, or Ringwraiths. Following the shocking reveals in earlier seasons—such as Halbrand’s true identity as Sauron (depicted by Charlie Vickers) and the Stranger’s revelation as Gandalf (portrayed by Daniel Weyman) in the season 2 finale—fans have speculated on which familiar Tolkien characters might make an appearance next. Season 3 promises to unveil even more intriguing narratives from J. R.R. Tolkien’s expansive lore.

The Unveiling of Sauron’s Villainy

Vickers has indicated that Sauron will now embrace his villainous persona openly in the upcoming season. This new direction includes his infamous quest to distribute the Rings of Men among influential individuals, as highlighted in a recent promotional clip from Amazon Prime Video. Through these gifts, these individuals ascend to power but fall victim to the corrupting influence of their rings.

As the narrative unfolds, we may witness the introduction of several unfortunate characters who succumb to their rings, ultimately transforming into wraiths enslaved to the One Ring, which remains in Sauron’s possession. The impending season hints at developing backstories for some of these tragic figures.

5 New Characters Likely to Surface in Season 3

Unknown Cast Members

Morfydd Clark's Galadriel gazing intently at Charlie Vickers' Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Every season of The Rings of Power has introduced original characters, and it is likely that season 3 will continue this trend with additional Ringwraiths. With Sauron preparing to return to Mordor to forge the One Ring, it’s plausible that he may encounter individuals in the desolated Southlands whom he could manipulate.

Flashbacks from the second season highlight the presence of various human tribes within Middle-earth, presenting a canvas rich in diversity. Given the recent buzz surrounding the upcoming film, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, the show could see an expansion of its world through the introduction of a Dunlending character who might eventually take on the mantle of a Ringwraith.

Kilta: A Potential New Easterling Nazgûl

Played By Arkie Reece

Kilta of the Gaudrim from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Arkie Reece’s portrayal of Kilta in season 2 has garnered attention, particularly as there’s speculation about him potentially evolving into a Nazgûl. Kilta hails from the Gaudrim, a tribe introduced by the series as part of its Dark Wizard storyline. While Brânk (played by Yasen Zates Atour) initially seemed poised to become a Ringwraith, he met a tragic fate at the hands of the Dark Wizard during the season finale. If Brânk is not alive, Kilta may emerge as the new leader of the Gaudrim and potentially become the Easterling Nazgûl.

In Tolkien’s lore, anyone from Rhûn is categorized as an Easterling, creating a fitting connection for Kilta’s narrative. Potentially, he could take the name Khamûl, a recognized Easterling Nazgûl in the canon, should the show choose to creatively navigate character rights.

Eärien: The Númenórean Connection

Played By Ema Horvath

Eärien, an original character introduced in the series, is Isildur (Maxim Baldry) and Anárion’s sister. As Elendil’s (Lloyd Owen) daughter, she symbolizes the King’s Men, in contrast to her brothers who represent the Faithful. This dynamic contributes to Elendil’s internal conflict regarding loyalty and faith. Given her potential to receive one of the Rings of Power, her narrative is set for a significant arc in season 3.

Tolkienian Age	Event Marking The Start	Years	Total Length In Solar Years
Before time	Indeterminate	Indeterminate	Indeterminate
Days before Days	Ainur entered Eä	1 – 3, 500 Valian Years	33, 537
Pre-First Age Years of the Trees (Y. T.)	Yavanna created the Two Trees	Y. T.1 – 1050	10, 061
First Age (F. A.)	Elves awoke in Cuiviénen	Y. T.1050 – Y. T.1500, F. A.1 – 590	4, 902
Second Age (S. A.)	War of Wrath ended	S. A.1 – 3441	3, 441
Third Age (T. A.)	Last Alliance defeated Sauron	T. A.1 – 3021	3, 021
Fourth Age (Fo. A)	Elven-rings left Middle-earth	Fo. A 1 – unknown	Unknown

With Eärien positioned between her brothers’ contrasting paths and the villainous Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle), her journey embodies critical themes of loyalty and ambition. As Sauron bestows rings upon his Númenórean followers, Eärien may become a pivotal player whose decisions lead to dire consequences.

Theo: A Dark Path Awaits

Played By Tyroe Muhafidin

Theo’s character is intricately woven with themes of loss and temptation, making him a suitable candidate for a Ringwraith. The series has already illustrated his fascination with dark magic, which began with the Orc sigil hilt. Struggling with the loss of his mother and rejecting meaningful connections, he finds himself vulnerable and susceptible to the darkness of Sauron.

As Theo seeks belonging and attempts to lead his people amidst chaos, the irony of Sauron’s manipulation will deepen. The notion that Sauron might leverage Theo’s vulnerabilities by providing him with power—possibly through one of the Rings of Power—lends itself to a tragic narrative reminiscent of the manipulation tactics synonymous with Morgoth.

Kemen: A Deceptive Character on the Rise

Played By Leon Wadham

Kemen’s character has evolved into one of the more villainous profiles within The Rings of Power. His development hints at a darker transformation, possibly leading him to become a Nazgûl. If Kemen were to receive one of Sauron’s Rings of Men, it would signify his complete moral decline and solidify his ascent into villainy.

With Tolkien’s lore highlighting the inevitable Fall of Númenor, Kemen’s role could effectively intersect with pivotal events as Sauron aligns himself with Pharazôn. His manipulative strategies could lead to devastating outcomes, further illustrating the show’s commitment to exploring darker themes of power and betrayal.

As fans look forward to upcoming episodes, the intricate weaving of character arcs and the looming presence of Sauron promise a thrilling continuation of The Rings of Power.

Source: Amazon Prime Video

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