Episode 3 of The Rings of Power commences with a dramatic scene, where Arondir is dragged before a formidable orc legion. Shackled alongside numerous other captives, he is compelled to labor in the dirt. It transpires that they are serving someone named Adar, a moniker that whispers of Sauron's shadow. When the orcs brutally slash Medhor's neck for daring to question their methods, objecting to the felling of a tree, Arondir rises, volunteering to take the axe, desiring to avert further bloodshed.
Meanwhile, Galadriel awakens on a ship, Halbrand standing by her side. She takes a bowl of food from his hands and ravenously devours its contents. Her distrust of those who have rescued her is palpable as the ship arrives at the Land of the Star, the Island Kingdom of Numenor.
Through Galadriel's narrative, we delve deeper into the history of this island nation. As a reward for the Men's allegiance to the Elves in the epic war that unfolded off-screen during the prologue, the Valar bestowed upon them this island. Since then, Numenor has undergone a profound transformation, breaking free from its Elven roots and turning away their ships.
Halbrand and Galadriel present themselves before the council, where the latter adamantly demands a vessel to journey to Middle Earth. Queen Regent Miriel smiles mischievously as Galadriel vows to traverse the seas regardless, rudely proclaiming that she does not require her welcome. As tensions rise, Halbrand interjects, suggesting they grant a few days' respite—three days, to be precise.
Undoubtedly, it's been quite some time since our last reveal, and here's a fresh instalment. We discover that the gallant captain who rescued Galadriel is none other than Elendil. Once a descendant of noble blood, he now stands as a Sea Guardsman, destined to be followed into service by his son, the illustrious Isildur, destined to lay claim to the One Ring. The name Elendil, though uncommon, whispers of the west, embodying "one who cherishes the stars." It also holds a colloquial allusion to "Elf-Friend." However, the Queen Regent's countenance is clouded with displeasure upon learning of his encounter with Galadriel, fearing it might spell treason. To appease her, Elendil must render her a service.
Meanwhile, Galadriel descends towards the dock, her mind awash with schemes to commandeer a boat from unsuspecting fishermen. Elendil appears, attempting to deter her. Irritated, she brandishes a knife and challenges him, her voice dripping with arrogance: "Who dares to address me, a mortal, as if you comprehend my essence?" Their encounter is interrupted when Elendil mentions the Hall of Lore, and the two embark on a journey together, painting a charming scene of Galadriel's smile as she rides her steed gracefully across the shore.
Back in Numenor, Halbrand weaves riddles and deceit, before unleashing his formidable prowess, dispatching four assailants who dare to attack him in the shadows of the alleyway. The walls are splattered with blood, but his rampage is halted when the royal guard arrives.
Within the Hall of Lore, Galadriel unearths a crucial document detailing the capture of a human spy from an enemy dungeon, bearing the ominous mark of Sauron. This revelation also serves as a blueprint for the map of the Southlands, foreshadowing a malevolent plan where evil shall rise once again. Galadriel warns gravely, "If Sauron has indeed emerged from the shadows, the Southlands shall merely be the first domino to fall."
Amidst the turmoil, the Harfoots' journey of migration looms large. Just before they embark on this momentous journey, an enigmatic wizard, Gandalf perhaps, appears in their midst, uttering Nori's name. Nori yearns to shatter the rigid laws of the Harfoots, yet despite the decree that she should be exiled from the caravan, the Brandyfoots are granted permission to continue, albeit at the rear. Initially, the struggle seems daunting, but then the wizard steps in, lending a hand to propel their caravan forward.
Meanwhile, in the distant land of Numenor, Elendil's daughter is inducted into the prestigious builder's Guild, while Galadriel visits Halbrand, now a prisoner behind bars. Unexpectedly, Halbrand reveals his royal identity, confessing, "I am not the hero you seek, for it was my family who lost the war." Yet, Galadriel remains steadfast, pleading with Halbrand to accompany her on a quest to Middle Earth, seeking to redeem both their bloodlines.
As the episode draws to a close, we are once again transported to the orc-infested pits. Arondir and his comrades engage in a fierce tug-of-war, culminating in Arondir leaping high and shattering the feeble roof. The orcs retaliate, unleashing a solitary warg to halt their escape. Arondir, defying gravity, single-handedly brings the warg down while repelling the orcs. Alas, their efforts are in vain, as the orcs decide to venture into the sunlight, dragging Arondir back into the pits, just as he watches his elf-friend fall under a hail of arrows.
Out of the shadows, Adar emerges, his silhouette blurry, teasing us with a mysterious identity that shall unfold next week.
