The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power star Owain Arthur revealed that Durin's decision to go against his father in defense of Elrond in season 1 of the series will have a major impact on Durin for season 2. Season 1, episode 7 of The Rings of Power saw Durin attempt to secretly help Elrond acquire mithril in order to save Elves from possible extinction. When he's caught by his father, King Durin III, Durin stands up to him, resulting in his father revoking his status as a Dwarf prince.
In an interview with Collider, Arthur explained how Durin's decision to defend Elrond will have major consequences for his character during The Rings of Power season 2. He said that Durin's selflessness when helping Elrond laid the groundwork for his story in season 2, which could result in a myriad of paths for the former prince. Check out Arthur's full statement below:
Certainly, I think that moment happened in Episode 7, where we saw the mithril have an effect on that dead leaf on the table. That was an instant sign for Durin and Disa, that mithril has a quality that would actually help something in a certain capacity. Nobody knows what mithril can do at this point, but all Durin knows at that moment is that 'If I can help save my best friend's life, if I have a hand in not making him vanish, then I will do whatever I can no matter what the outcome.'
I think he was willing to sacrifice everything for Elrond in that moment, and he feels very passionate about him. Like he says in that scene with his father, 'Elrond is like a brother to me, like he'd been fired up in my own mother's womb.' So it's a really strong connection and therefore the loss of Elrond would mean the end of the world for him. But unfortunately, he is disowned by his father, he didn't get the reaction that he wanted. It's certainly not a happy ending for Durin at the end of Season 1, and yet the consequences are huge. So Season 2, moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Durin survives, where he sits in society, whether he stays in Khazad-dum or not, whether his relationship with his father will be rekindled or if mithril will have an effect on them. Who knows? I'm certainly looking forward to exploring that. It's really difficult not to answer this question.
What Durin Might Do In The Rings Of Power Season 2
While Arthur doesn't reveal too much about where Durin will end up in The Rings of Power season 2, he does present multiple possibilities for the former prince following his disownment. While audiences didn't see much in the way of Durin interacting with other Dwarves outside his family in The Rings of Power season 1, it's possible that more will be shown regarding what Durin's status with the everyday Dwarf. How other Dwarves feel about his title of prince being stripped from him could indicate where his story will go during season 2. It's likely his wife, Disa, will continue to support Durin in season 2 as well, given how much she cares for her husband.
Arthur also brings up the possibility that Durin decides to leave Khazad-dûm in season 2, a decision he could make if he wanted to now that he is free of any royal obligations. If Durin did decide to leave the subterranean kingdom, then he would most likely take Disa and his children to Eregion, where Elrond and Celebrimbor have already taken a small amount of mithril and turned it into the first three Rings of Power. Given his friendship with Elrond, he would most likely find plenty of warm sanctuary in the city. Durin's presence in Eregion could also play a role in forging the other 17 Rings of Power as the series progresses.
In addition to these possible fates, Durin could also have a key role in defending Khazad-dûm from the Balrog that awoke in the mithril mines at the end of season 1. The Balrog has yet to breach the mines, but since it appeared in season 1, episode 7, it likely won't be long before it causes chaos in the city. While the Balrog's presence would put Durin and Disa in danger, an attack from it could also open the door for Durin to redeem himself in his father's eyes by fending it off. Arthur may have been vague about Durin's storyline in The Rings of Power season 2, but his speculative list shows audiences that the possibilities are next to endless.
Source: Collider