The Rings of Power season 2 ending explained: who dies, The Stranger's name revealed, will there be a season 3, and more big questions answered

You've got big season 2 finale questions – and we're here to answer them

News By Tom Power published 3 October 2024

Full spoilers follow for The Rings of Power season 2's finale and The Lord of the Rings' many literary works.

The Rings of Power season 2 has ended and, as the dust settles on the popular Prime Video show's sophomore outing, I suspect you've got plenty of questions about its finale, aka 'Shadow and Flame'.

Well, I'm here to give you answers – but I'm not alone in doing so. Ahead of the show airing on Amazon's primary streaming service, I sat down with several cast members to discuss the final episode's biggest talking points, and what may be in store for The Rings of Power's third season.

Consider this your final spoiler warning: do not proceed if you haven't watched season 2 episode 8. Bookmark this page, watch it, and then reload this article once you're done.

Who dies in The Rings of Power season 2's final episode?

Three prominent characters die in 'Shadow and Flame' so, sit tight, everyone, this might take a while.

Leading the charge on the 'gone too soon' front is King Durin III, who perishes during his unwinnable duel with the Balrog known as Durin's Bane. After ignoring his son Prince Durin IV's final plea to a) take off his Ring of Power and b) stop excavating the mountain for untold riches, King Durin unearths an apparently unlimited supply of mithril. Indeed, veins of the precious ore, which look ripe for mining, can be seen glistening in a vast cavern.

However, before father and son can even contemplate the magnitude of mithril on show, Durin's Bane attacks them before gearing up to wreak havoc on Khazad-dûm. Realizing (better late than never, eh?) what he's done, a horrified and – for the first time in ages – sane King Durin removes the magical yet mind-poisoning ring from his finger. Asking Prince Durin to forgive his recent follies, an ax-wielding King Durin charges at the Balrog to sacrifice himself and keep his home safe. Unfortunately, we only get the briefest of glimpses at this potentially epic battle; Durin's ax clashing with the Balrog's fiery blade as the mountain collapses around them.

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