Warning! Spoilers for Rings of Power season 2, episode 8 ahead!
The Balrog of Khazad-dûm appearing inThe Lord of the Rings: TheRings of Powerwas a major breach of Tolkien canon, but the finale of season 2 made it make much more sense. This fearsome beast was teased back inRings of Powerseason 1, bringing up many valid concerns. While the Balrog does famously prove to be the destruction of this Dwarf kingdom, the Prime Video series approached this event in a way that didn’t fit with Tolkien’sLord of the Rings. However, now that “Durin’s Bane” has officially appeared, fears regarding further timeline changes can be calmed.
TheBalrog seen inRings ofPoweris the very same one that will eventually kill Gandalf inThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, so it makes some sense that Prime Video would want to feature it. The massive monster of smoke and flame is an iconic feature of the overarching franchise, and bringing it again to the screen satisfies those eager for a series that feels like Peter Jackson’sLord of the Ringsmovies. The only problem is thatthe Balrog should not wake up and attack Khazad-dûm during theevents ofRings of Powersince this would be thousands of years too early.
The Balrog Isn’t Meant To Wake Up Until The Third Age
Rings ofPoweris set midway through theSecond Age, which spans 3,441 years. The Prime Video series has condensed the timeline so that mortal characters aren’t dying of old age every other episode, which means several events are happening at different points in theLord of the Ringstimeline. While this is understandable in many cases, it didn’t explain the early arrival of Khazad-dûm’s Balrog. This beastisn’t supposed to destroy the Dwarf kingdom until almost 2,000 years into the Third Age—after Sauron’s downfall—when King Durin VI rules.
The Dwarves of Khazad-dûm have a lot left to do in the Second Age of Middle-earth, which means that its fall coming too early would significantly hinder the story going forward. WhenRings of Powerteased the Balrog waking up,it seemed Prime Video was sacrificing the plot for fan service. However, the second season of theLord of the Ringsseries reveals that the Balrog likely won’t be destroying Khazad-dûm any time soon. Instead, Amazon managed to bring the Balrog to the screen in a way that makes sense and doesn’t blatantly ignore canon.
The Rings Of Power Season 2’s Ending Hints The Balrog May Return To Sleep
Rings of Powerseason 2, episode 8 reveals that King Durin III’s greeddidwake up the Balrog, but it doesn’t look like it is going tostayawake.Durin’s Ring of Power caused the Dwarven kingto ignore the warnings of his son and daughter-in-law, and he dug just a touch too deep, exposing himself and Durin IV to the Balrog. Realizing his mistake,Durin III removed his Ring and sacrificed himself in order to close the Balrog’s champer off. The monster is once again sealed beneath the mountain, where it is likely to return to sleep until future generations' greed uncovers it.
The monster is once again sealed beneath the mountain, where it is likely to return to sleep until future generations' greed uncovers it.
The Rings Of Power Season 3’s Dwarf Story Doesn’t Need The Balrog
Rings of Powerimplied that the Balrog would destroy Khazad-dûm in season 2, meaning that Durin and his people would have no home very early in theLord of the Ringstimeline. They would have essentially been aimless, which places all these characters in a tough spot for the continued story. There wouldn’t have been enough time for them to build their famed wealth, andany further participation in the war against Sauron would have been virtually impossible. Since the Seven Dwarf Rings were only just introduced, this would have been a complete mess.
Instead,Rings of Powerseason 3can focus on King Durin IV’s rule following his father’s death. The finale of season 2 sees the Seven Dwarf Rings still in Khazad-dûm possession, which is intriguing since Durin IV was so determined never to use them. The actual corruption of these Rings will begin once Sauron makes his One Ring, so there is a great deal for the Prime Video series to explore going forward. The next three seasons ofRings of Powercan focus on setting up the Balrog’srealawakening when Durin IV’s grandson is king. For now, however, this monster just isn’t needed.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Cast
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
