Warning: Spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 4
A mysterious explosion occurred at Durin’s mine in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 4. The event is seemingly linked to game-changing discovery made by the dwarven price in the episode. Apparently, the mine is a source of mithril.
Considering that mithril is the most precious mineral in J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, it’s understandable that Durin would be concerned about keeping this place a closely-guarded secret. But due to Elrond’s persistence, Durin was forced to disclose what he’s really been up to in Amazon’s The Rings of Power show. Now, it’s known that Durin’s goal was to mine mithril, believing that his decision could be a massive boon to their people and their future. Unfortunately for the dwarves, their efforts have already been thwarted. An explosion, which occurred for a reason that has yet to be confirmed, culminated in King Durin III shutting down the operation, presumably for good.
As for what triggered the explosion that set the king’s decision in The Rings of Power episode 4 in motion, it’s possible that a perfectly simple explanation is behind it. After all, it was said early on that the king was against it because of how dangerous it can be. The explosion could be just one of the hazards of mining for mithril. Or, something much more nefarious could be at play, as evidenced by the history of the dwarves in Middle-earth. Mining for mithril woke up a Balrog in the Third Age, which at least creates the possibility that The Rings of Power has its own Balrog lurking in Durin’s mine. In The Lords of Rings, Balrogs are known to be massive, incredibly powerful demons that wield weapons made of fire.
Is The Rings Of Power's Balrog The Same As Durin's Bane?
Though Lord of the Rings' Balrogs may very well be plentiful in the Middle-earth, only a few have been discussed individually. In fact, one in particular has at least a chance at being the creature responsible for The Rings of Power episode 4’s explosion. Later referred to as Durin’s Bane, a Balrog killed King Durin VI and battled Gandalf. But since it supposedly slumbered all through the Second Age without being disturbed, Durin’s Bane may not be able to appear in the Amazon series. If the show does use a Balrog, it may have to be introduced as a different monster entirely.
Either way, a Balrog emerging from the mines would be a disastrous scenario for the dwarves in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. But, based on marketing teases, a Balrog appearing in is confirmed to happen eventually. And when it does, all sorts of chaos could unfold if he’s not dealt with swiftly. Balrogs have a well-earned reputation for spreading destruction and misery in The Lord of the Rings.
Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power releases new episodes on Fridays on Amazon Prime Video.