Episode 2 of Rings of Power commences with a captivating scene: Galadriel, solitary in the vast expanse of the sea, swimming resolutely towards the distant shore. How far that journey might be in miles remains a mystery, yet it is clear that she will persist until she reaches her destination.
Elsewhere, Poppy chases after Nori, who stumbles into the fiery wreckage of the comet's descent. Despite warnings to steer clear, Nori and Poppy decide to escort this stranger back to their humble village. Nori senses a profound significance in this encounter, viewing it as a fateful turn that compels him to take charge of the stranger's welfare.
In another part of the realm, Bronwyn and Arondir traverse the desolate ruins of Hordern. As Arondir discovers a gaping hole in the earth, he is determined to delve deeper into its mysteries. "I must pursue the path," he declares resolutely. Bronwyn cautions him, warning of the unknown dangers below. Yet, Arondir remains steadfast, responding, "That is precisely why I must go." With that, he plunges into the dark tunnels, pressing onward with unwavering determination to uncover what lies within.
Meanwhile, in the realm of Eregion, where the elven-smiths craft their magnificent works, Elrond gazes upon Feanor's hammer, a tool that exudes both beauty and anguish. Celebrimbor aspires to create a forge unparalleled in its might, yet Gil-Galad offers little assistance, instead sending Elrond in his stead. Elrond suggests seeking the aid of the dwarves from Khazad-Dum, whose prince, Durin, is a cherished friend. Believing that such an alliance would mark a significant diplomatic feat, Elrond accompanies Celebrimbor to the dwarves' domain.
Despite the promise of a warm welcome and the honor of rams' horns, Durin is swiftly dismissed with a terse "no." However, Elrond employs the Rite of Sigin-tarag, granting him entry into the dwarves' stronghold. He enters alone, promising Celebrimbor that he shall return in a few days' time, having wrought his diplomatic magic.
It transpires that the Signi-Tarag is indeed a rigorous test of perseverance, requiring Signi-Tarag and Durin to relentlessly batter rocks until one surrenders. Durin effortlessly shatters his rock, and Elrond follows suit, yet this pattern persists for a considerable duration until Elrond falters. Despite his disappointment over Elrond's absence from his wedding and missing the growth of his children, Durin ultimately relents, especially after Elrond's congratulatory words. He is not exiled, instead heading to reunite with his wife, Disa, and their children, Gerda and Gamli. The scene is filled with joyful laughter and mischievous pranks, punctuated by the occasional belch.
As for Galadriel, she had been swimming with her knife ever since we last saw her. Fortunately, she stumbles upon a makeshift raft and manages to board it. However, lurking in the depths is a menacing worm that Galadriel and Halbrand must evade. They narrowly escape the attack and sail towards the mainland on the remains of the raft. Galadriel maintains a distance from Halbrand, eventually questioning, "I wonder what kind of man would so readily abandon his companions to death." The irony is palpable, as Galadriel herself had contemplated leaving one of her own behind in the opening episode.
In the South Lands, Bronwyn confronts the sinister visage of a masked orc, who ransacks the surroundings. Theo and Bronwyn engage in a ferocious battle, with Bronwyn unleashing a red mist upon the orc. The struggle is brutal, and it is Bronwyn who delivers the fatal blow, decapitating the orc and revealing its demise to the others. As they prepare to depart, Theo holds an object that appears to be one of Sauron's trifles. Upon grasping it, the item ignites, sparking a fire. He quickly conceals it in his bag and proceeds with Bronwyn and the others towards the elf watchtower.
As the episode draws to a close, Galadriel and Halbrand are rescued by a shadowy figure resembling Celebrimbor.
