The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Episode 5: Galadriel and Halbrand lead the men of Numenor to the Southlands while the Harfoots keep moving

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After securing support from the elves of Numenor to fight for the humans of the Southlands, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) leads them into battle in Episode 5 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

While Galadriel was about to be sent back to her homeland, a powerful omen - the white petals from a sacred tree falling - caused Queen Regent Miriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) to support the elf's cause.

Thursday night's new episode - entitled Partings - also shows the diminutive Harfoots continuing their pilgrimage, while Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) shows Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova) his mysterious blade while Elrond (Robert Aramayon) and Durin (Owain Arthur) pay a visit to King Gil-Galad (Benjamin Walker). 

Training: After securing support from the elves of Numenor to fight for the humans of the Southlands, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) trains them for battle in Episode 5 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Theo: Thursday night's new episode - entitled Partings - also shows the diminutive Harfoots continuing their pilgrimage, while Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) shows Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova) his mysterious blade while Elrond (Robert Aramayon) and Durin (Owain Arthur) pay a visit to King Gil-Galad (Benjamin Walker)

The episode begins in a field with Nori (Markella Kavenagh) and the monstrous Stranger (Daniel Weyman), as she tries to teach him her language.

He keeps saying, 'My great thumb' but she corrects him to say, 'Migration,' the arduous pilgrimage the Harfoot find themselves on.

'You see we winter in the Old Forest, and in mid-summer we make for Norfield Glen to snail while the snailing's good,' Nori explains.

Nori: The episode begins in a field with Nori (Markella Kavenagh) and the monstrous Stranger (Daniel Weyman), as she tries to teach him her language

Snail: 'You see we winter in the Old Forest, and in mid-summer we make for Norfield Glen to snail while the snailing's good,' Nori explains

She adds that, 'at the first blush of the oak leaves we head to the Grove,' which is an orchard with all sorts of food.

'The only trouble is there are hundreds of perils between here and there,' Nori explains while eating a snack.

He asks what 'perils' are and she says 'danger,' and anything that will 'kill ya,' as the Stranger asks what kill means.

Peril: 'The only trouble is there are hundreds of perils between here and there,' Nori explains while eating a snack

Danger: He asks what 'perils' are and she says 'danger,' and anything that will 'kill ya,' as the Stranger asks what kill means

'It means to make something... dead,' she says solemnly, as a realization dawns upon the large stranger.

'I'm peril,' he says, though Nori insists he's not and the fire he caused with the fireflies was, 'just an accident.'

'You're not a peril. You're good,' Nori explains. 'You're good because you're here to help,'  when her mother Marigold (Sara Zwangobani) calls for her and they leave. 

Good: 'You're not a peril. You're good,' Nori explains. 'You're good because you're here to help,' when her mother Marigold (Sara Zwangobani) calls for her and they leave

'I'm... I'm good,' the Stranger stammers as we see the Brandyfoot clan getting ready to move, along with Poppy Proudfellow (Megan Richards).

Nori says it might help them move faster if Poppy sang them her mother's 'walking song,' as Largo (Dylan Smith) insists it will do them some good, as she smiles and begins the song.

We see the Harfoots moving their carts along the picturesque countryside, as we follow their progress with a map as Poppy continues to sing.

Ready: 'I'm... I'm good,' the Stranger stammers as we see the Brandyfoot clan getting ready to move, along with Poppy Proudfellow (Megan Richards)

Poppy sings: We see the Harfoots moving their carts along the picturesque countryside, as we follow their progress with a map as Poppy continues to sing

We see The Stranger help them get their carts out of a swampy marsh as Poppy keeps singing, while we see them walk past a waterfall.

They cross a river in The Braids and are seen happily gathering while taking shelter from a storm.

Nori sees The Stranger standing by himself on a rock, looking up at the moon by himself.

Swampy: We see The Stranger help them get their carts out of a swampy marsh as Poppy keeps singing, while we see them walk past a waterfall

Stranger: We see The Stranger help them get their carts out of a swampy marsh as Poppy keeps singing, while we see them walk past a waterfall

The show cuts back to the scene where The Stranger came from the sky... with the area now all ash... as we see the mysterious character in all white from the trailers - played by Bridie Sisson - walk to the edge of a cliff... while a nefarious whispering in a foreign language is heard. 

The two women flanking this mystery character (Edith Poor and Kali Kopae) are seemingly pleased with what they see below... which is revealed to be the burnt remains of where The Stranger fell from the sky.

The mystery character feels the burnt soil of where The Stranger fell to the Earth... as the show cuts back to the Southlands, where Adar (Joseph Mawle) is seen looking at a tree that is obscuring the rising sun - which burns the Orcs.

Mysterious: The show cuts back to the scene where The Stranger came from the sky... with the area now all ash... as we see the mysterious character in all white from the trailers - played by Bridie Sisson - walk to the edge of a cliff... while a nefarious whispering in a foreign language is heard

Mystery: The two women flanking this mystery character (Edith Poor and Kali Kopae) are seemingly pleased with what they see below... which is revealed to be the burnt remains of where The Stranger fell from the sky

Soil: The mystery character feels the burnt soil of where The Stranger fell to the Earth...

Tree: Adar (Joseph Mawle) is seen looking at a tree that is obscuring the rising sun - which burns the Orcs

An Orc named Grugzuk (Edward Clendon) approaches and tells him the tunnel is finished.

Adar asks Grugzuk to show him his arm, asking how it feels and he replies, 'Like fire, my Lord-father.'

'I wish you could feel it like I do,' Adar says, adding, 'For soon it will be gone. And with it, the part of me that knew it's warmth as well.'

Tunnel: An Orc named Grugzuk (Edward Clendon) approaches and tells him the tunnel is finished

Fire: Adar asks Grugzuk to show him his arm, asking how it feels and he replies, 'Like fire, my Lord-father'

Adar covers Grugzuk's arm and tells him to summon the legions, for, 'it is time,' as Grugzuk runs off to do his bidding.

The episode cuts back to the watchtower in the Southlands where we last saw Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi) and Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova), who address a huge crowd below them.

She tells them that their enemy is going to attack, and they are supposed to abandon the watchtower and pledge fealty to Adar, which causes a commotion.

Tower: The episode cuts back to the watchtower in the Southlands where we last saw Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi) and Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova), who address a huge crowd below them

'I know I'm not the king you have awaited, but if you choose to stand with me and fight, this tower will no longer be a reminder of our frailty, but a symbol of our strength,' Bronwyn tells them.

She asks who among them will stand and fight, as several hands are raised, though Waldreg (Geoff Morrell) is seemingly opposed.

'Stand and fight? Stand and fight? You will die. I say it'd be better to take our chances by bowing to our supposed enemy,' Waldreg says, who revealed in the last episode that he is still loyal to Sauron and awaits his return.

Strength: 'I know I'm not the king you have awaited, but if you choose to stand with me and fight, this tower will no longer be a reminder of our frailty, but a symbol of our strength,' Bronwyn tells them

Chances: 'Stand and fight? Stand and fight? You will die. I say it'd be better to take our chances by bowing to our supposed enemy,' Waldreg says, who revealed in the last episode that he is still loyal to Sauron and awaits his return

Arondir rebukes what Waldreg says, adding he has looked his enemy in the eye, adding, 'He is not your deliverance.'

'And you think you are, elf?' Waldreg says, before turning back to the crowd, adding, 'I'll say this for our ancestors, they lived.'

The crowd starts to turn to Waldreg, who tells them to follow him, as the horde leaves the watchtower.

Elf: 'And you think you are, elf?' Waldreg says, before turning back to the crowd, adding, 'I'll say this for our ancestors, they lived'

Leave: The crowd starts to turn to Waldreg, who tells them to follow him, as the horde leaves the watchtower

Waldreg turns to Theo, saying it's their time and their chance, but Theo won't follow him, while Bronwyn is dismayed, with seemingly half of the villagers having deserted her.

The episode cuts back to Numenor, where men are loading up ships and preparing for a journey. 

Isildur (Maxim Baldry) tries to speak with his father Elendil (Lloyd Owen), asking why he wasn't chosen for the expedition.

Chance: Waldreg turns to Theo, saying it's their time and their chance, but Theo won't follow him, while Bronwyn is dismayed, with seemingly half of the villagers having deserted her

Not chosen: Isildur (Maxim Baldry) tries to speak with his father Elendil (Lloyd Owen), asking why he wasn't chosen for the expedition

Elendil says he thought he was going West, though Isildur says, 'Not until I've done something worthy of Numenor.'

Elendil asks what that something may be, but Isildur says he is having trouble finding it, which is why he needs his help.

Elendil says he wish he could help but they already have too many volunteers, adding, 'half the city wants a spot on those boats.' 

Not worthy: Elendil says he thought he was going West, though Isildur says, 'Not until I've done something worthy of Numenor'

Volunteers: Elendil says he wish he could help but they already have too many volunteers, adding, 'half the city wants a spot on those boats'

Isildur asks his father to sneak him to the front of the line, but Elendil quickly asks what his qualifications are, asking if he belongs to the SeaGuard... after Isildur got him and his friends kicked out.

He asks if he belongs to any of the guilds and Isildur thinks he's being 'ridiculous,' though Elendil says, 'While you were feigning fidelity to the traditions of this isle, these men were living them, finding ways to contribute, to serve, something of which you care very little.'

This seems to insult Isildur, who says, 'I do care. I am ready to serve,' though Elendil says, 'Nothing would make me prouder, but you had your chance, and you made your choice.'

Line: Isildur asks his father to sneak him to the front of the line, but Elendil quickly asks what his qualifications are, asking if he belongs to the SeaGuard... after Isildur got him and his friends kicked out

Contribute: He asks if he belongs to any of the guilds and Isildur thinks he's being 'ridiculous,' though Elendil says, 'While you were feigning fidelity to the traditions of this isle, these men were living them, finding ways to contribute, to serve, something of which you care very little'

Choice: This seems to insult Isildur, who says, 'I do care. I am ready to serve,' though Elendil says, 'Nothing would make me prouder, but you had your chance, and you made your choice'

Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle) is walking through the town square where he's met by complaints from many a Numenor man and woman about fighting for Galadriel and Halbrand (Charlie Vickers).

One of those seeking an audience with Pharazon is Earien (Ema Horvath), when she's intercepted by Kemen (Lean Wadham).

'Forgive me for not sending word to you sooner. Been trying a week,' he says, as she asks why he hasn't tried to stop the Queen Regent.

Earien and Kemen: One of those seeking an audience with Pharazon is Earien (Ema Horvath), when she's intercepted by Kemen (Lean Wadham)

Trying: 'Forgive me for not sending word to you sooner. Been trying a week,' he says, as she asks why he hasn't tried to stop the Queen Regent

He says his father Pharazon is loyal to Miriel and there are many who feel the same way as her, but not enough to sway him yet.

She says it must be him to give his father a 'push,' adding, 'He will listen to you,' though Kemen says, 'When I speak, his ears close up.'

Earien takes Kemen's hands and says, 'Then speak louder,' before walking away.

Speak louder: Earien takes Kemen's hands and says, 'Then speak louder,' before walking away

The episode cuts to Halbrand, who is working at the blacksmith, forging a new sword himself, passing it off to Smithy (Phil Vaughan), who inspects his work, when a number of guards come for Halbrand.

He's taken to see the Queen Regent and Pharazon, with Miriel asking where the enemy would go to next.

'Further south, I should think. Towards the watchtower of Ostirith,' Halbrand says, as Pharazon says he will, 'inform the Sea Guard.'

Smithy: The episode cuts to Halbrand, who is working at the blacksmith, forging a new sword himself, passing it off to Smithy (Phil Vaughan), who inspects his work, when a number of guards come for Halbrand

Next: He's taken to see the Queen Regent and Pharazon, with Miriel asking where the enemy would go to next

South: 'Further south, I should think. Towards the watchtower of Ostirith,' Halbrand says, as Pharazon says he will, 'inform the Sea Guard'

Miriel gives Halbrand her thanks, adding, 'I'm certain your fellowship will prove just as invaluable once we make landfall,' which surprises Halbrand.

Miriel says that Galadriel, 'informed us of your aspiration to unite your people,' which angers Halbrand further.

Miriel asks if Galadriel was, 'speaking in haste,' and Halbrand is about to say something when Galadriel says Halbrand is, 'merely feeling the weight of his task.'

Aspirations: Miriel says that Galadriel, 'informed us of your aspiration to unite your people,' which angers Halbrand further

Fellowship: Miriel gives Halbrand her thanks, adding, 'I'm certain your fellowship will prove just as invaluable once we make landfall,' which surprises Halbrand

'I have no doubt, come time, he will do his part,' as Miriel adds, 'Given I have staked my name upon it, I should hope so.'

Edda interrupts and tells Miriel that her father has requested her presence in the tower, as Miriel leaves Galadriel and Halbrand.

She says she wondered how the queen, 'knew to waylay me at her father's bedside,' adding Halbrand sold her out, 'for a guild crest.'

No doubt: 'I have no doubt, come time, he will do his part,' as Miriel adds, 'Given I have staked my name upon it, I should hope so'

'You used me. After I all but begged you to let me be,' Halbrand says, as Galadriel says she convinced Numenor to send five ships and 500 men to aid his people and place a crown upon his head.

'Many might assume you used me,' Galadriel quips, as an angry Halbrand rips the crest he was wearing around his neck and slams it on the table.

'Find another head to crown,' Halbrand says before walking away.

Used: 'Many might assume you used me,' Galadriel quips, as an angry Halbrand rips the crest he was wearing around his neck and slams it on the table

Head: 'Find another head to crown,' Halbrand says before walking away

The episode cuts back to the Harfoots, who are making their way through some spooky woods, as Dilly Brandyfoot (Beau Cassidy) says she doesn't like it here.

Largo tries to reassure her that it's just the trees, as they keep moving towards Rockford Pass.

Nori comes across some father large footprints in the mud, as Poppy realizes that it's wolves.

Harfoots: The episode cuts back to the Harfoots, who are making their way through some spooky woods, as Dilly Brandyfoot (Beau Cassidy) says she doesn't like it here

At the front of the caravan, Malva (Thussitha Jayassundera) complains to Sadoc (Lenny Henry) about 'the big fella,' saying he should have taken their wheels and left them, which causes Sadoc to gasp.

'What's it gonna take? Make a widow of somebody? Or an orphan?' Malva asks, as Vilma (Maxine Cunliffe) interrupts and says, 'People are getting hungry.'

Malva is gathering food when she notices strange orange leaves when Nori and Poppy tell her they found wolf prints in the mud... when they hear a shrieking.

Sadoc: At the front of the caravan, Malva (Thussitha Jayassundera) complains to Sadoc (Lenny Henry) about 'the big fella,' saying he should have taken their wheels and left them, which causes Sadoc to gasp

Widow: 'What's it gonna take? Make a widow of somebody? Or an orphan?' Malva asks, as Vilma (Maxine Cunliffe) interrupts and says, 'People are getting hungry'

They all start running away from the sound...  as we see a massive pack of wolves bearing down on them.

The Harfoots take to the trees as Nori tries to break a stick off... and just when the wolf gets to her, The Stranger grabs the wolf and tosses it like it was nothing.

The three wolves circle him... but he punches the ground, causing a blast that knocks them all back and sends them scattering.

Wolves: They all start running away from the sound... as we see a massive pack of wolves bearing down on them

Toss: The Harfoots take to the trees as Nori tries to break a stick off... and just when the wolf gets to her, The Stranger grabs the wolf and tosses it like it was nothing

Blast: The three wolves circle him... but he punches the ground, causing a blast that knocks them all back and sends them scattering

The Harfoots all see his arm is starting to turn purple.

The episode cuts back to Numenor, where Elendil is training Ontamo (Anthony Crum) and Valandil (Alex Tarrant) in the art of swordfighting when Galadriel joins him.

She jokes that their strokes, 'fall like the Stone-giants of the North Moors,' adding they are, 'untested against this foe.'

Training: The episode cuts back to Numenor, where Elendil is training Ontamo (Anthony Crum) and Valandil (Alex Tarrant) in the art of swordfighting when Galadriel joins him

Slow: She jokes that their strokes, 'fall like the Stone-giants of the North Moors,' adding they are, 'untested against this foe'

He adds that perhaps she would like to offer some instructions, and she takes them up on his offer.

She tells a group there are many ways to kill an Orc but they should keep it short and simple - 'Stab, twist, gut.'

She tells them all to come at her and see who will, 'score flesh,' as Halbrand stops by to watch, as Elendil says anyone who 'scores flesh,' he will promote to lieutenant.

Simple: She tells a group there are many ways to kill an Orc but they should keep it short and simple - 'Stab, twist, gut'

Score: She tells them all to come at her and see who will, 'score flesh,' as Halbrand stops by to watch, as Elendil says anyone who 'scores flesh,' he will promote to lieutenant

Valandil steps up and tries his best, but has no success against Galadriel, who tells them that, 'Swordsmanship is about balance, not strength. Fight with your feet, not arms,' as Ontamo joins his friend and they both start attacking Galadriel... to no avail.

Isildur is walking by when he hears someone saying, 'The elf is fighting a soldier in the square, as Isildur goes and follows them.

Galadriel has two swords now, taking on seemingly all the trainees, giving them small lessons along the way.

Attack: Valandil steps up and tries his best, but has no success against Galadriel, who tells them that, 'Swordsmanship is about balance, not strength. Fight with your feet, not arms,' as Ontamo joins his friend and they both start attacking Galadriel... to no avail

Valandil tries one last lunging attack, but Galadriel blocks it with her sword, as she tells them, 'Never trust brute force to best an Orc.'

Valandil tries another lunging attack and she spins out of the way, knocking the sword from his hand as she adds, 'It's often best to out-maneuver them.'

Galadriel looks at her arm and notices the sleeve of her dress was frayed by Valandil's blade, as she turns to him.

Out maneuver: Valandil tries another lunging attack and she spins out of the way, knocking the sword from his hand as she adds, 'It's often best to out-maneuver them'

Blade: Galadriel looks at her arm and notices the sleeve of her dress was frayed by Valandil's blade, as she turns to him

'Well done, Lieutenant,' she says, as the rest of the men cheer on Valandil, as Halbrand kicks up his sword and performs some fancy maneuvers before handing it back to him.

'Never knew a smith's aide who could do that,' Galadriel says to Halbrand, who just leaves with a smile.

The episode cuts to Kemen, who is trying to convince his father Pharazon to back out of this deal with Galadriel.

Well done: 'Well done, Lieutenant,' she says, as the rest of the men cheer on Valandil, as Halbrand kicks up his sword and performs some fancy maneuvers before handing it back to him

Back out: The episode cuts to Kemen, who is trying to convince his father Pharazon to back out of this deal with Galadriel

Kemen wants his father to, 'assert your influence,' though Pharazon says, 'Sometimes the folly of youth is enough to make an old man weep.'

Kemen asks if it's folly to stop a war, and Pharazon says it is, 'folly to kick against the current.'

'The trick of mastering the current is to know which way it will turn next,' Pharazon says, which angers Kemen.

Influence: Kemen wants his father to, 'assert your influence,' though Pharazon says, 'Sometimes the folly of youth is enough to make an old man weep'

Current: Kemen asks if it's folly to stop a war, and Pharazon says it is, 'folly to kick against the current'

'You all but single-handedly prevented our last king from dragging us back to the old ways. Don't tell me you couldn't sway Miriel's mind now,' Kemen says.

Pharazon asks how he doesn't know Miriel's mind and his are not one on this matter, as Kemen says, 'Because my father would sooner die than take orders from an Elf.'

This gets the attention of a few women gathered around, as Pharazon gives them a look and they leave as he turns back to his son.

Dragging: 'You all but single-handedly prevented our last king from dragging us back to the old ways. Don't tell me you couldn't sway Miriel's mind now,' Kemen says

Back: This gets the attention of a few women gathered around, as Pharazon gives them a look and they leave as he turns back to his son

'Orders from an Elf?' Pharazon says with a laugh. 'When all this has ended, Elves swill take orders from us. Now, my cousin can go to war for Galadriel if she wishes. I go to war for Numenor.'

Kemen asks how this possibly could be for Numenor, as Pharazon says they will give the men of the Southlands the king they've long awaited, 'a king who would be forever in our debt. Now, contemplate if you can, how that might benefit us.'

'Ores, forests, trade, tribute. I wouldn't dare stop that, not for all the salt in the sea. And neither should you,' Pharazon says, as he rolls up his maps and leaves his son with a smile on his face.

Orders: 'Orders from an Elf?' Pharazon says with a laugh. 'When all this has ended, Elves swill take orders from us. Now, my cousin can go to war for Galadriel if she wishes. I go to war for Numenor'

Possibly: Kemen asks how this possibly could be for Numenor, as Pharazon says they will give the men of the Southlands the king they've long awaited, 'a king who would be forever in our debt. Now, contemplate if you can, how that might benefit us'

No trade: 'Ores, forests, trade, tribute. I wouldn't dare stop that, not for all the salt in the sea. And neither should you,' Pharazon says, as he rolls up his maps and leaves his son with a smile on his face

Up in the tower, Ta-Palantir (Ken Blackburn) insists the kingdom is in danger,' though Miriel insists the danger has passed.

'We are doing now what you always believed we must.  We are restoring our connection with the Elves. I'm going to Middle-earth,' she tells him.

'Miriel? Don't go to Middle-earth. All that awaits you there is... darkness,' the King says.

Danger: Up in the tower, Ta-Palantir (Ken Blackburn) insists the kingdom is in danger,' though Miriel insists the danger has passed

Doing: 'We are doing now what you always believed we must. We are restoring our connection with the Elves. I'm going to Middle-earth,' she tells him

Don't go: 'Miriel? Don't go to Middle-earth. All that awaits you there is... darkness,' the King says

The episode cuts back to the Harfoots, as Nori visits The Stranger boasting that the Harfoots have never embraced an outsider like him before.

She brings him some beeswax, saying he should, slather some on that paw, should help with the tenderness,' as she sees he has his purple arm in some water.

She notices that the water starts freezing, as The Stranger says something in another language as the ice starts spreading up his arm.

Purple: She brings him some beeswax, saying he should, slather some on that paw, should help with the tenderness,' as she sees he has his purple arm in some water

Freezing: She notices that the water starts freezing, as The Stranger says something in another language as the ice starts spreading up his arm

Nori tries to touch his arm and the ice spreads to her hand as well, asking him to stop, as she sees a glimpse of him in the fire before she is suddenly propelled behind him by his mystical force.

The Stranger kneels to touch Nori and she runs away as The Stranger examines his hand, now seemingly back to normal.

The episode cuts back to Lindon, where Elrond, Durin and Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) have a feast with High King Gil-Galad.

Flying: The Stranger kneels to touch Nori and she runs away as The Stranger examines his hand, now seemingly back to normal

Feast: The episode cuts back to Lindon, where Elrond, Durin and Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) have a feast with High King Gil-Galad

'To an enduring union between our two great peoples, Khazad and Noldor. To the union,' Elrond toasts, as the others join him.

Gil-Galad commends Durin, saying that Khazad-dum has been called, 'the quietest of Dwarven kingdoms,' but recently his fires have been burning, 'brighter than the eyes of Aule himself.'

Gil-Galad asks, 'To what do you credit, this new invigoration?' though Durin says he could say the same of Lindon, 'Shipping off its warriors, expandin' its cities.'

Enduring: 'To an enduring union between our two great peoples, Khazad and Noldor. To the union,' Elrond toasts, as the others join him

Fires: Gil-Galad commends Durin, saying that Khazad-dum has been called, 'the quietest of Dwarven kingdoms,' but recently his fires have been burning, 'brighter than the eyes of Aule himself'

Durin jokes that it's a bit 'quick for elves' adding that, 'typically it takes you people weeks just to decide to take a sh-' when he's interrupted by Elrond.

'The hand of time crawls so slowly for our kind. We often overlook the years of effort we perceive as taking but a moment. In so doing, I would not wish to offend our guest,' Elrond tells Gil-Galad.

The High King says Durin is, 'far too stout of heart to be offended by an honest inquiry,' as Durin has an honest inquiry for the King: 'From where did you procure  the table?'

Quick: Durin jokes that it's a bit 'quick for elves' adding that, 'typically it takes you people weeks just to decide to take a sh-' when he's interrupted by Elrond

Table: The High King says Durin is, 'far too stout of heart to be offended by an honest inquiry,' as Durin has an honest inquiry for the King: 'From where did you procure the table?'

Gil-Galad asks why he asked, as Durin explains, 'This stone grows only at certain depths. So rarely do our resonators locate a deposit. We consider each to be a precious gift. We reserve its use for the most sacred purposes - monuments, tombs, to our honored dead.'

Gil-Galad says, 'Please forgive our sacrilege, Lord Durinn. We shall have to send it home with you, so it can be treated with proper respect.'

'It's good to know there's still some honor left among the Elves,' Durin says, while raising his glass to Gil-Galad, as they toast to  'the union.'

Forgive: Gil-Galad says, 'Please forgive our sacrilege, Lord Durinn. We shall have to send it home with you, so it can be treated with proper respect'

Honor: 'It's good to know there's still some honor left among the Elves,' Durin says, while raising his glass to Gil-Galad, as they toast to 'the union'

After the feast, Gil-Galad tells Elrond his loyalty to the dwarf is 'admirable,' as Elrond says, 'Loyalty to a friend ought to be expected. Regardless of his race.'

Gil-Galad asks if it justifies, 'lying to your King,' though Elrond wonders if it is him that has been lying to him.

Elrond says he went to Khazad-dum with a proposal of friendship but he accuses the king of seeking, 'something far more tangible.'

Devotion: After the feast, Gil-Galad tells Elrond his loyalty to the dwarf is 'admirable,' as Elrond says, 'Loyalty to a friend ought to be expected. Regardless of his race'

Lying: Gil-Galad asks if it justifies, 'lying to your King,' though Elrond wonders if it is him that has been lying to him

Gil-Galad asks Elrond if he is familiar with, 'The Song of the Roots of Hithaeglir?' asking him to recount it.

'It speaks of a battle, high among the peaks of the Misty Mountains. Not over honor or duty, but over a tree, within which some claim was hidden the last of the lost Silmarils,' Elrond says, as Gil-Galad takes a drink as Elrond continues.

'On one side fought an Elven warrior, with a heart as pure as Manwe, who poured all of his light into the tree to protect it,' Elrond says.

Familiar: Gil-Galad asks Elrond if he is familiar with, 'The Song of the Roots of Hithaeglir?' asking him to recount it

Recount: 'It speaks of a battle, high among the peaks of the Misty Mountains. Not over honor or duty, but over a tree, within which some claim was hidden the last of the lost Silmarils,' Elrond says, as Gil-Galad takes a drink as Elrond continues

'On the other, a Balrog of Morgorth, who channeled all of his hatred into the tree to destroy it. Amidst their duel unending, lightning ensnared the tree,' as a graphic shows the lightning burrowing through the trees roots.

'Forging of their conflict, a power...' Elrond says, as Gil-Galad continues, 'A power as pure and light as good. As strong and unyielding as evil. They say it seeped down the roots into the mountain depths, where for centuries now, it has waited,' Gil-Galad says.

Elrond looks at Gil-Galad with contempt, stating, 'Durin was right,' as Gil-Galad sayss, 'Then you admit the Dwarves did find it. The ore containing the light of the lost Silmaril.'

Ore: Elrond looks at Gil-Galad with contempt, stating, 'Durin was right,' as Gil-Galad sayss, 'Then you admit the Dwarves did find it. The ore containing the light of the lost Silmaril'

'I admit only this. I promised Durin never to reveal his people's secrets,' though Gil-Galad counters, 'What if keeping the secrets of his people meant ensuring the doom of your own?'

Gil-Galad walks away, leaving Elrond confused ass he walks after him, as they both head outside under a great gold tree. 

Gil-Galad says they first noticed it just before Galadriel returned and they hoped by sending her away and ending 'the last vestiges of war might arrest the decay,' as Elrond notices the blackened decaying tree.

Doom: 'I admit only this. I promised Durin never to reveal his people's secrets,' though Gil-Galad counters, 'What if keeping the secrets of his people meant ensuring the doom of your own?'

Gold: Gil-Galad walks away, leaving Elrond confused ass he walks after him, as they both head outside under a great gold tree

'But despite our every effort, our decline has only quickened. The blight upon this tree is  but an outer manifestation of an inner reality,' Gil-Galad says, as we see the black darkness spreading throughout the tree.

'That the light of the Eldar, our light, is fading,' Gil-Galad says, as Elrond asks who else knows about this.

'Precious few,' Gil-Galad says, before asking if the Dwarves found the ore or not.

Spread: 'But despite our every effort, our decline has only quickened. The blight upon this tree is but an outer manifestation of an inner reality,' Gil-Galad says, as we see the black darkness spreading throughout the tree

Fading: 'That the light of the Eldar, our light, is fading,' Gil-Galad says, as Elrond asks who else knows about this 

Fading: 'That the light of the Eldar, our light, is fading,' Gil-Galad says, as Elrond asks who else knows about this

'I swore an oath to Durin. To some, that may now hold little weight, but in my esteem, it is by such things our very souls are bound. I do not intend to let mine slip away on the basis of mere hope,' Elrond says.

Gil-Galad says hope is never mere, even when it is meager, adding 'hope is the first awaken, last to shut,' adding if the Elves abandon Middle-earth now, 'the armies of darkness will march over the ends of the Earth.'

'It will not be the end of our people but all peoples. If the hope of not preventing that is not reason enough to make you reconsider your oath, then I suggest you find another,' Gil-Galad tells him before walking away.

Swore: 'I swore an oath to Durin. To some, that may now hold little weight, but in my esteem, it is by such things our very souls are bound. I do not intend to let mine slip away on the basis of mere hope,' Elrond says.

End: 'It will not be the end of our people but all peoples. If the hope of not preventing that is not reason enough to make you reconsider your oath, then I suggest you find another,' Gil-Galad tells him before walking away

Elrond pulls out the piece of the mysterious ore that Durin gave him and looks to the skies.

Back in Numenor, the townsfolk are drinking and cheering as Ontamo chats with his maiden Mairen (Ella Hope-Higginsson) when Valandil finds him, asking him to sing along.

They notice Isildur, as they go off to chat and Valandil immediately says the answer is no, before Isildur even asked.

Chat: Back in Numenor, the townsfolk are drinking and cheering as Ontamo chats with his maiden Mairen (Ella Hope-Higginsson) when Valandil finds him, asking him to sing along

No: They notice Isildur, as they go off to chat and Valandil immediately says the answer is no, before Isildur even asked

Valandil surmises that now that he's been promoted, he could get him on the expedition... when Isildur asks, 'Can you?'

Isildur insists he's sorry he started the fight and asks to bring him, but Valandil says, 'No' and walks away.

Isildur follows and asks what it will take to make this right, offering a 'free hit,' which gets their attention.

Can you: Valandil surmises that now that he's been promoted, he could get him on the expedition... when Isildur asks, 'Can you?'

Valandil says, 'Three,' and Isildur says, 'Two,' as Valandil wastes no time punching him in the face and the gut in quick succession.

'That felt like three,' Isildur jokes, asking if he'll still bring him on the ship, as Valandil gets close to him.

'Isildur, you're my oldest friend. And if you want to know the truth, you're probably still my best, but I can't, in good conscience, stake my name recommending you for a duty that you might well decide to abandon.'

Duty: 'Isildur, you're my oldest friend. And if you want to know the truth, you're probably still my best, but I can't, in good conscience, stake my name recommending you for a duty that you might well decide to abandon'

Isildur insists it will be, 'different this time,' as Valandil smiles and says, 'One day, I hope it will be. One day, I hope you find something that you'd be willing to sacrifice anything for.'

Ontamo turns to Isildur and says he promises to take care of Berek for him, adding, 'Sorry, Isil. The sea is always right.'

The episode cuts to a cloaked figure sneaking onto one of the ships... but it's not Isildur, it's Kemen.

Berek: Ontamo turns to Isildur and says he promises to take care of Berek for him, adding, 'Sorry, Isil. The sea is always right'

Kemen: The episode cuts to a cloaked figure sneaking onto one of the ships... but it's not Isildur, it's Kemen

He goes down below and causes gas to leak onto the ship, and he's just about to toss his lantern onto it when he hears a coughing.

He goes to check  and finds Isildur stowing away, while the casks keep pouring, as Isildur asks if he was going to burn the boat.

Kemen says if he gets out of there this moment he won't tell anyone he saw him, as Isildur asks for the lantern.

Lantern: Kemen says if he gets out of there this moment he won't tell anyone he saw him, as Isildur asks for the lantern

They struggle for it and it drops, setting the ship ablaze, as Isildur makes it topside while Kemen trips and falls.... as Isildur looks back.

The ship explodes with a firey blaze as everyone from Numenor comes rushing out, including Elendil, who tells someone to gather every hand... when he sees Isildur dragging Kemen to the port.

Elendil asks what happens and he lies and says Kemen was in a fishing boat and one of the casks must have, 'went off.'

Ablaze: They struggle for it and it drops, setting the ship ablaze, as Isildur makes it topside while Kemen trips and falls.... as Isildur looks back

Went off: Elendil asks what happens and he lies and says Kemen was in a fishing boat and one of the casks must have, 'went off'

Kemen says he could have left him there but Isildur saved him, as Elendil nods and rushes off.

Elendil tells Pharazon they suspect a passing ship did the damage and they're lucky they didn't lose all the ships. 

Galadriel says it was an, 'attempt to kindle your doubts,' though Pharazon says he is, 'forced to disagree with the Elf.'

Left: Kemen says he could have left him there but Isildur saved him, as Elendil nods and rushes off

'Perhaps we did act in haste. A kingdom should be led, not dragged. I recommend we delay the voyage, until we've had time enough to win more hearts to your cause,' Pharazon says.

Galadriel insists that the enemy grows stronger every day and they still have three ships and her father's blessing.

Miriel asks, 'What of Lord Halbrand?' as Galadriel says, 'He awaits our departure.'

Haste: 'Perhaps we did act in haste. A kingdom should be led, not dragged. I recommend we delay the voyage, until we've had time enough to win more hearts to your cause,' Pharazon says

Enemy: Galadriel insists that the enemy grows stronger every day and they still have three ships and her father's blessing

Miriel says, 'This council will reconvene at first light to make a final decision. See to it Lord Halbrand attends.'

The episode cuts back to Lindon, where Elrond is meeting with Celebrimbor, who hands the mystery ore back to Elrond.

Elrond asks what he's been able to ascertain, as Celebrimbor asks for forgiveness, 'I didn't tell you sooner.'

First light: Miriel says, 'This council will reconvene at first light to make a final decision. See to it Lord Halbrand attends'

Ore: The episode cuts back to Lindon, where Elrond is meeting with Celebrimbor, who hands the mystery ore back to Elrond

'You knew,' Elrond says, as Celebrimbor says he wanted to have him in their confidence from the beginning but the High King forbade it.

Elrond asks if the mystery ore named mithril is in fact their, 'only salvation' and Celebrimbor says he has, 'tested it under every duress. Nothing diminishes its light.'

'We believe if we can secure vast quantities of it quickly, enough to saturate every last Elf in the light of the Valar once more, then yes, yes, it very well  could be,' Celebrimbor says.

Forbade: 'You knew,' Elrond says, as Celebrimbor says he wanted to have him in their confidence from the beginning but the High King forbade it

Celebrimbor says he is sorry, as Elrond asks, 'That the High-King deceived me? Or that now our people are doomed unless I break an oath and betray a friend.'

Celebrimbor says he was there the night his father set sail, 'A mortal man who believed he could convince the very Gods to come to war in our aid.'

He added he heard his smother imploring why it must be him, but he said, 'Because he was the only one who could do it.'

Sorry: Celebrimbor says he is sorry, as Elrond asks, 'That the High-King deceived me? Or that now our people are doomed unless I break an oath and betray a friend'

The episode cuts back to Numenor as Galadriel tells Halbrand she was wrong to use him and that the Queen will have an audience and his voice may decide whether the mission stands or falls.

'Help me,' she asks, as Halbrand says, 'I think I helped you quite enough,' as she tells him to stop fighting her and let's fight them together.

Halbrand looks into the fire and says he doesn't know what he did before he ended up on that raft.

Wrong: The episode cuts back to Numenor as Galadriel tells Halbrand she was wrong to use him and that the Queen will have an audience and his voice may decide whether the mission stands or falls

They flash back to his homeland with many bowing before Adar as Halbrand doesn't know how he or anyone else survived.

'And when these people discover it they will cast me out. So will you,' Halbrand says, as Galadriel tells him,' Sometimes to find the light, we must first touch the darkness.'

Halbrand looks at her and says, 'What do you know of darkness? Whose dagger was it, Galadriel/ Who is it you lost?'

Cast: 'And when these people discover it they will cast me out. So will you,' Halbrand says, as Galadriel tells him,' Sometimes to find the light, we must first touch the darkness'

'My brother. He was killed in a place of darkness and despair by servants of Sauron. Is that enough for you?' she says.

He asks why she keeps fighting and, 'You're asking me to go to the once place that I swore never to return. The least you can do is tell me why.'

'Because I cannot stop,' Galadriel says before turning away from Halbrand. 'The company I lead mutinied against me. My closest friend conspired with the king to exile me. And each of them acted as they did because I believe they could no longer distinguish me from the evil I was fighting.'

Cannot stop: 'Because I cannot stop,' Galadriel says before turning away from Halbrand. 'The company I lead mutinied against me. My closest friend conspired with the king to exile me. And each of them acted as they did because I believe they could no longer distinguish me from the evil I was fighting'

'I'm sorry,' Halbrand says,' For your brother. For all of it. I'm sorry,' though Galadriel says her sorrow cannot ease her pain.

'There is no peace to be found for you here, nor me. No lasting peace in any path, but that which lies across the sea,' Galadriel says.

'I have fought for centuries seeking to earn mine. This is how you earn yours,' she says before leaving Halbrand, giving him back the crest he ripped off.

No peace: 'There is no peace to be found for you here, nor me. No lasting peace in any path, but that which lies across the sea,' Galadriel says

Back in the Southlands, the traitor Waldreg kneels before Adar, saying he has waited for his kind to return, 'to lift us up from the muck and the filth, to take our rightful place at your side. I pledge my undying service to you. I pledge my loyalty to Sauron.'

Adar turns to a kneeling Waldreg and walks close to him, as Adar asks, 'You are Sauron, are you not?'

Adar grabs Waldreg by the throat and slams him to the ground, as Waldreg says, 'I'll serve you then, whoever you are.'

Pledge: Back in the Southlands, the traitor Waldreg kneels before Adar, saying he has waited for his kind to return, 'to lift us up from the muck and the filth, to take our rightful place at your side. I pledge my undying service to you. I pledge my loyalty to Sauron'

Serve: Adar turns to a kneeling Waldreg and walks close to him, as Adar asks, 'You are Sauron, are you not?

Adar grabs Rowan (Ian Blackburn) and tosses Waldreg a blade, telling him, 'Only blood can bind.'

Rowan whispers Waldreg's name as he looks at the blade, getting closer to a whimpering Rowan... but before we learn his fate, the episode cuts to Arondir teaching Theo how to shoot a bow and arrow. 

Theo asks why he's teaching him, as Arondir says it took him 200 years, 'to develop the bravery that's keeping my standing here tonight.'

Rowan: Adar grabs Rowan (Ian Blackburn) and tosses Waldreg a blade, telling him, 'Only blood can bind'

Adar: Rowan whispers Waldreg's name as he looks at the blade, getting closer to a whimpering Rowan

Bravery: Theo asks why he's teaching him, as Arondir says it took him 200 years, 'to develop the bravery that's keeping my standing here tonight'

'You found it at only 14. You'll need it in the fight to come,' though Theo says, 'All my life your kind has watched us, counting every whisper. We're about to be buried in this tower, so why be buried with us?'

Arondir smiles and says, 'Because in counting all the whispers and the knives I've come to know the voices and the hands of those behind them.'

Theo bemoans, 'Half of us just left,' but Arondir says, 'But half stayed, including you,' before handing him another arrow and adding, 'So lift your aim.'

Buried: 'You found it at only 14. You'll need it in the fight to come,' though Theo says, 'All my life your kind has watched us, counting every whisper. We're about to be buried in this tower, so why be buried with us?'

Theo is about to pull the bow back when he turns to Arondir and says, 'There's something you don't know,' and shows him the hilt.

'I've seen this before,' Arondir says, before pulling vines off a wall, revealing a sword stuck in a stone.

Arondir tells Bronwyn that it's a key, 'conjured by some forgotten craft of the enemy, to enslave your ancestors.'

Hilt: Theo is about to pull the bow back when he turns to Arondir and says, 'There's something you don't know,' and shows him the hilt

Enslave: Arondir tells Bronwyn that it's a key, 'conjured by some forgotten craft of the enemy, to enslave your ancestors'

Bronwyn asks what it's a key for, but Arondir doesn't know, though the commander, 'spoke of becoming a God' and giving the Orcs a home in this land.

'Our enemy knows your son has what he needs to enact it,' Arondir tells Bronwyn, who asks 'How long?'

'Days, maybe hours. We can survive this, Bronwyn. There is a way. There must be,' Arondir tells her, who says, 'There is one.'

Key: Bronwyn asks what it's a key for, but Arondir doesn't know, though the commander, 'spoke of becoming a God' and giving the Orcs a home in this land

Enemy: 'Our enemy knows your son has what he needs to enact it,' Arondir tells Bronwyn, who asks 'How long?'

Arondir chases after her saying, 'Bow to the enemy and you take away everything. From your son and his sons after him. Your people have worked an entire age to earn back their virtue. Would you undo it all in just one moment of despair?'

He says there must be another way and Bronwyn says, 'Name it, I beg you,' though he can't. 

'See? You were right to watch us, because we are destined for the darkness. It's how we survive. Perhaps it's who we are, who we will always be,' Bronwyn says.

Bow: Arondir chases after her saying, 'Bow to the enemy and you take away everything. From your son and his sons after him. Your people have worked an entire age to earn back their virtue. Would you undo it all in just one moment of despair?'

Arondir says there is more at stake than just their lives, adding that when Morgoth was at war, 'whole continents sank. Who is to say what horrors this might unleash, should our enemy obtain it?'

She asks what power they have to stop it and says it's over but Arondir insists, 'Not yet.

Not yet: She asks what power they have to stop it and says it's over but Arondir insists, 'Not yet'

'When they march upon us, this tower will fall,' Bronwyn says, as they both look up to the Watchtower.

Adar and his army marches at night, carrying torches, all marching towards the tower.

The episode cuts back to Lindon, where a number of Elves struggle to move the heavy table Gil-Galad promised to send back with Durin.

Table: The episode cuts back to Lindon, where a number of Elves struggle to move the heavy table Gil-Galad promised to send back with Durin

Elrond realizes something... 'You made it up, didn't you?'

'Disa's been wanting a new table for years, so...' Durin says, as he shares a chuckle with Elrond.

Elrond admits that he did not come to Khazad-dum for friendship, but ambition, and he did not know it, but he came for mithril.

Made it up: Elrond realizes something... 'You made it up, didn't you?'

Mithril: Elrond admits that he did not come to Khazad-dum for friendship, but ambition, and he did not know it, but he came for mithril

Durin asks why and Elrond says that without it, his kind must either, 'abandon these shores by spring or perish.'

A surprised Durin ask how they will perish and Elrond says their, 'immortal souls will dwindle into nothing.'

Durin sighs and takes a seat and says, 'So the fate of the entire Elvish race is in my hands?'

Abandon: Durin asks why and Elrond says that without it, his kind must either, 'abandon these shores by spring or perish'

How: A surprised Durin ask how they will perish and Elrond says their, 'immortal souls will dwindle into nothing'

'It would appear so,' Elrond says, as Durin asks him to repeat it, with a glimmer in his eye.

'Fetch your feathery shirts, let's start walking,' Durin says, adding, 'Don't thank me yet. Thank me after we find a way to convince my father.'

Elrond says he wants Durin to tell Disa the table is from her, but Durin says, 'Don't push your luck, Elf' as they share a laugh, as we see Gil-Galad has been watching them.

Appear: 'It would appear so,' Elrond says, as Durin asks him to repeat it, with a glimmer in his eye

Watching: Elrond says he wants Durin to tell Disa the table is from her, but Durin says, 'Don't push your luck, Elf' as they share a laugh, as we see Gil-Galad has been watching them

The episode cuts back to Numenor, as Halbrand is gazing at the seal as she is told the Queen Regent summons him... as he leaves the seal behind...  before snatching it quickly.

Halbrand must have been convincing, because the episode cuts to the Queen, Halbrand, Galadriel and others leaving on their arduous journey to the Southlands.

Earien is seen making her way through the crowd, as it's revealed Isildur has been chosen for the journey as part of the SeaGuard.

Halbrand: The episode cuts back to Numenor, as Halbrand is gazing at the seal as she is told the Queen Regent summons him... as he leaves the seal behind... before snatching it quickly

Three large ships and many smaller vessels are seen setting sail from the Numenor port, as Isildur is told to report to the horsemaster by his father... telling him he's a 'stable sweep,' which causes his friends Valandil and Ontamo to laugh as they embrace.

Elendil tells the soldiers to stand at attention as Galadriel walks onto the ship with her armor, meeting Halbrand as they shake hands and share a smile.

Friends: Three large ships and many smaller vessels are seen setting sail from the Numenor port, as Isildur is told to report to the horsemaster by his father... telling him he's a 'stable sweep,' which causes his friends Valandil and Ontamo to laugh as they embrace

Galadriel: Elendil tells the soldiers to stand at attention as Galadriel walks onto the ship with her armor, meeting Halbrand as they shake hands and share a smile.

Shake: Galadriel and Halbrand shake hands

'Clear the lines, square the sail, we head nor-east, for Middle-earth,' Elendil says, as the ship roars with applause, as the episode comes to an end. 

The new episodes will roll out simultaneously across the globe, with the first two episodes dropping on Thursday at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET/2 AM UK.

The final six episodes will roll out weekly at 9 PM PT/12 AM ET/5 AM UK, with the finale of the eight-episode season arriving Thursday, October 13 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

Ship: 'Clear the lines, square the sail, we head nor-east, for Middle-earth,' Elendil says, as the ship roars with applause, as the episode comes to an end

Episodes: The new episodes will roll out simultaneously across the globe, with the first two episodes dropping on Thursday at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET/2 AM UK

History: The show made history long before the first two episodes debuted on Thursday evening, since it's considered the most expensive series ever

Estate: Amazon also struck a deal with the Tolkien Estate and the Tolkien Trust where they are believed to have given the green light for upwards of five seasons of the show

Commitment: With an estimated production commitment of between $100 million and $150 million per season, Amazon is expected to shell out $1 billion for the production costs and the rights, when all is said and done

Expand: They wanted to expand this into roughly 50 hours of television, which would include the forging of the Rings of Power, the rise of the dark lord Sauron, the fall of the island kingdom Numenor and the final alliance between men and elves

Speculation: 'We are enjoying all the speculation online and can tell you Bridie Sisson is an incredible actor,' Weber began

Episodes: The new episodes will roll out simultaneously across the globe, with the first two episodes dropping on Thursday at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET/2 AM UK