The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 1 ended with the fake-out death of Isildur, with this plot point setting up big moments for season 2 that will foreshadow four significant elements of The Lord of the Rings. After the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Doom at the end of The Rings of Power episode 6, the next episode picked up with the fallout with regard to the show's central characters. One of these was Isildur, whose attempt to save other townsfolk led to him being presumed dead by the rest of the Númenóreans.
Because of this, the Númenóreans left for their home kingdom in order to regain their strength, leaving Isildur behind in Middle-earth. This spells big things for Isildur in the future, which can adequately foreshadow huge events from the character's fate established in The Lord of the Rings. From Isildur's eventual rule of Gondor to forging alliances with the elves of Lindon and Rivendell, Isildur's time in Middle-earth in The Rings of Power season 2 can set up a lot for the future of the world. Also, in terms of the show's villainous presence, Isildur could allow the introduction of the men who will become the Nazgûl, as well as a potential meeting between him and Sauron that foreshadows his tragic death in the Third Age and the duo's intense battle on the slopes of Mount Doom.
Isildur's Time In Middle-earth Can Lead To Gondor's Creation
The most likely thing that Isildur's story in The Rings of Power season 2 will set up is his eventual creation and rule of the kingdom of Gondor. In Tolkien's original works, Gondor was founded in the latter stages of the Second Age, with Elendil as its High King, and Isildur and Anárion (his sons) co-ruling alongside him. These elements, alongside Isildur's character arc in The Rings of Power season 1 lay the groundwork for Gondor's creation. Firstly, The Rings of Power season 1 established that Isildur wished for more than being part of the Sea Guard of Númenor. Isildur felt a calling to the west of Númenor, often labeled the "real" Númenor by the characters in The Rings of Power. It was also established that Anárion traveled west much to Elendil's displeasure.
In The Rings of Power season 2, it could be established that Isildur was drawn to the west of Númenor in order to reunite with his brother. With the two wishing for more than life in Númenor, Middle-earth could fill that void. Isildur could become enamored with the land he has been left in and find a growing fondness for the men of Middle-earth. This wish for more in his life, as well as his journeys with the men of Middle-earth, could sow the seeds for the eventual foundation of Gondor that is established by Isildur, alongside his father and brother.
Isildur Can Meet The Men Who'll Become Nazgûl
In forming relationships with the men of Middle-earth, Isildur could be the catalyst for introducing the eventual Nazgûl. As is known from Tolkien's lore, the Nazgûl are the nine kings of men that were given rings of power from Sauron that became corrupted by the rings' power. As The Rings of Power season 1 only established one kingdom of men, the Southlands that has now transformed into Mordor, it would make sense for Isildur to travel to the other kingdoms of men due to his human heritage. Through this, The Rings of Power season 2 could first introduce some of the royal leaders that will eventually be turned into Ringwraiths. As Sauron is confirmed to be moving out in the open in The Rings of Power season 2, and the three elven rings have already been crafted, it is likely that the rings of men and dwarves will follow shortly after in season 2, further setting up the Nazgûl.
Isildur & Elrond's Friendship Can Set Up The Last Alliance
One of the other elements that Isildur being left in Middle-earth can set up is the War of the Last Alliance which ties heavily into the prologue of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The War of the Last Alliance was fought at the very end of The Lord of the Rings' Second Age and was an alliance of elves, men, and dwarves that were united in their war against Sauron. The Last Alliance ended with Isildur cutting the ring from Sauron's hand, defeating him until his eventual reappearance in the Third Age. This war can be set up by Isildur being left behind in Middle-earth by introducing him to other characters integral to the Last Alliance: Elrond and Durin.
Elrond and Durin were shown to have a strong friendship in The Rings of Power season 1, alongside Elrond's connection with the elven king Gil-Galad. In The Rings of Power season 2, Isildur could also choose to seek out the help of Galadriel due to their prior connection, which would allow him to befriend Elrond. Elrond's role as the lord of Rivendell during the Last Alliance is vital, as the Last Alliance spent three years preparing for their war in Imladris. Given how Isildur, Elendil, Elrond, and Gil-Galad are the four main leaders of the Last Alliance, Isildur and Elrond forming a strong bond could be a way of setting up the Alliance between Gondor, Rivendell, and Lindon. Also, Elrond's friendship with Durin would also set up the dwarves of Khazad-dûm being a larger part of the Alliance than was explored in Tolkien's works and create a strong elf, man, and dwarf trio akin to Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli.
Sauron May Manipulate Isildur, Foreshadowing His Death
Finally, the last thing that Isildur's solo stint in Middle-earth could set up is his eventual death at the hands of the Ring of Power. In the Third Age, after Isildur defeats Sauron and takes the Ring for himself, the Ring corrupts his heart and causes Isildur not to destroy it. Eventually, the One Ring betrays Isildur and abandons him in order to find its way back to its master. Should The Rings of Power season 2 establish Sauron manipulating Celebrimbor into crafting the rings as is expected given Tolkien's lore, this manipulation could also include Isildur. While this would be a departure from Tolkien's works, The Rings of Power has shown a willingness to take liberties with the lore of Middle-earth to tell a deeper story.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 could have Sauron manipulating Isildur as he views the Númenóreans as a threat to his power, especially if Isildur begins the foundation of Gondor. Through this, Sauron's corruption could begin early, with the Ring in The Fellowship of the Ring's prologue simply proving too much for Isildur to overcome, leading to his death and making it much more tragic than before. Also, this would further set up the rivalry between Isildur and Sauron which ends with Isildur cutting the Ring from Sauron's hand, setting into motion the events of the Third Age and the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy.