Isildur’s Story in ‘The Rings of Power’ Season 2 Echoes an Eerie Hint from ‘The Two Towers’

Poster for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers with Gandalf, Frodo, Aragorn, and Arwen and Isildur in The Rings of Power

The Rings of Power season 2 reveals what becomes of Isildur after the destruction of the Southlands, and his story features an eerie reminder of The Lord of the Rings: The Two TowersDespite only appearing at the beginning of The Fellowship of the Ring, Isildur is a massively important character in the overall history of Middle-earth. He’s responsible for Sauron’s defeat during the Second Age, but his refusal to destroy the One Ring leads to Sauron’s rise to power during the Third Age.

The Rings of Power shows Isildur’s origin story, which will likely lead into the founding of Gondor and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. The Rings of Power season 1’s ending leaves Isildur in the wreckage of Adar’s attack on the Southlands, with his family returning home under the impression that he’s dead. However, Isildur survives the assault and makes his way to Pelargir, where Arondir and Theo are staying. But when he wakes up, he’s closer to the location that becomes Mordor. And Isildur’s season 2 story already features connections to The Lord of the Rings.

The Rings Of Power’s Isildur Story Is A Callback To The Two Towers

The Bodies In The Water Are Reminiscent Of The Dead Marshes

Isildur (Maxim Baldry) and Estrid (Nia Towle) looking into each other's eyes in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 3Image via Prime Video

The Rings of Power season 2, episode 3 reveals that Isildur is captured by Shelob after the fall of the Southlands, and viewers even get a glimpse of the spider from The Return of the King. This isn’t the only allusion to The Lord of the Rings in Isildur’s season 2 story so far. After escaping Shelob’s lair with Berek, Isildur discovers a body of water and decides to have a drink. As he’s about to, he notices dead soldiers floating in the water — an image that’s reminiscent of the Dead Marshes Frodo, Sam, and Gollum encounter in The Two Towers.

Given where Isildur is, it’s likely these are the very same marshes that will be filled with corpses during the Battle of Dagorlad.

The water Isildur sees isn’t yet called the Dead Marshes — which doesn’t get its name or haunting reputation until later in the Second Age — but his encounter does seem to be a callback to The Two Towers. The Rings of Power weaves numerous Easter eggs and references to Tolkien’s lore into its storytelling, so it’s not surprising it includes this detail. And given where Isildur is, it’s likely these are the very same marshes that will be filled with corpses during the Battle of Dagorlad.

Is Isildur Near The Dead Marshes In The Rings Of Power?

Yes, But They Aren’t Called That Until Later In The Second Age

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum walking through the Dead Marshes in The Lord of the Rings

The Rings of Power season 2 is likely foreshadowing the Dead Marshes in episode 3, as Isildur isn’t far from where they’re located. The Dead Marshes is given its name after the Battle of Dagorlad, which will bring Isildur back to this area of Middle-earth. Although Isildur survives this confrontation, the Elves, men, and Orcs who fall are eventually consumed by the marshes. These are the ghostly faces Frodo sees in The Two Towers, so The Rings of Power season 2 is setting up multiple returns to this location through Isildur.

Related Posts

‘Ransom Canyon’ vs. ‘Virgin River’: The Ultimate Showdown? Cast Breaks Silence Exclusively!

Is Ransom Canyon the next Yellowstone or the new Virgin River? Depends on who you ask. At first glance, Netflix’s foray into Westerns checks everything off our checklist from hot cowboys to…

Shocking Foes and Unlikely Allies: Ransom Canyon Season 2 Promises Heart-Stopping Drama!

Netflix’s Ransom Canyon took the streaming world by storm with its April 17, 2025, premiere, claiming the No. 1 spot on the U.S. TV charts with its potent mix…

Ransom Canyon Season 2 Drops Release Date Bombshell—But the Expanded Cast Steals the Show!

The sweeping vistas of Texas Hill Country are set to return as Netflix officially confirms the premiere of Ransom Canyon Season 2 on May 15, 2026, following the romantic…

King Charles and Prince William’s Dirty Secret Unveiled: Millions from NHS and Charities Spark Outrage!

A bombshell investigation into the finances of King Charles III and Prince William has unveiled a dark secret that has left the British public reeling with anger….

Meghan Markle’s NYC Event Sparks Pregnancy Rumors: Netizens Spot Baby Bump After Court Loss Drama!

New York City, May 7, 2025 – Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s recent appearance at the 2025 TIME100 Summit in NYC was meant to spotlight the Duchess…

Royal Reunion? King Charles and Camilla Visits Grandson Archie for Birthday Amid Court Loss Fallout and Generational Divide!

In a heartwarming turn of events, King Charles III and Queen Camilla reportedly made a surprise visit to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s home in Montecito yesterday…