On Friday, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power debuted the final episode of its first season, which revealed Sauron’s secret identity (SPOILERS follow for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Episode 8, “Alloyed”). It turns out that Halbrand (Charlie Vickers), supposed king of the Southlands, has been Sauron in disguise all along. Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) discovers this by researching the history of the Southlands’ royal line, discovering it ended 1000 years earlier. Sauron reveals himself to Galadriel, claiming to be penitent while also tempting her to join him as his queen ruling Middle-earth. Galadriel rebukes Sauron, but by the time she breaks his sway, Sauron has vanished. However, he already provided the great Elven smith Celebrimbor with the knowledge needed to forge the Three Rings. With the light of the Valar fading, the Elves have little choice but to go ahead with their plans, and thus the Three Rings are created.
