Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Rings of Power season 2, episode 8.The Rings of Power season 2 reveals more about Sauron and his abilities, and the Lord of the Rings show finally uses one of his best powers properly during its finale. The Rings of Power season 1 can’t dig too deeply into J.R.R. Tolkien’s lore surrounding Sauron, as the villain is pretending to be Halbrand during its early episodes. It’s only at the end of The Rings of Power season 1 that Sauron reveals himself to Galadriel, highlighting his knack for deception and ability to worm his way inside people’s minds.

Sauron has numerous names and powers in Tolkien’s books, and Amazon’s Lord of the Rings show finally explores more of them during season 2. The sophomore season digs into the villain’s time posing as Annatar, and it proves that Sauron is a masterful deceiver. It also shows off his shapeshifting abilities, which aren’t portrayed in The Lord of the Rings. While the latest outing covers Sauron’s power to shapeshift early on — it’s how he becomes Halbrand after Adar tries to kill him — The Rings of Power season 2’s finale finally depicts this talent properly.

The Rings Of Power Season 2’s Ending Takes Full Advantage Of Sauron’s Shapeshifting

He Takes Multiple Forms During His Fight With Galadriel

The Rings of Power season 2’s ending really digs into Sauron’s shapeshifting, as the villain takes on multiple forms during his confrontation with Galadriel. The two come face-to-face again during the finale, and Galadriel barely escapes the encounter with her life. Sauron taunts her during their fight, taking various shapes to unnerve her. He shifts from Annatar to Halbrand, the man she considered a friend, and he also turns into Celebrimbor. He even turns into Galadriel herself, forcing the show’s heroine to confront her own darkness.

This is the first time The Rings of Power shows Sauron taking full advantage of his shapeshifting abilities, as the beginning of season 2 depicts him using them out of desperation.

This is the first time The Rings of Power shows Sauron taking full advantage of his shapeshifting abilities, as the beginning of season 2 depicts him using them out of desperation. Sauron finds a new form to inhabit after his defeat during the premiere. However, Tolkien’s lore suggests he could do more with his shapeshifting. The Rings of Power season 2 finale highlights how he can use it to distract his opponents. It also makes it easier to imagine how he could deceive people by taking another shape.

Why Sauron Can’t Shapeshift During The Lord Of The Rings

Sauron Loses The Ability During The Second Age

The Lord of the Rings doesn’t show Sauron shapeshifting to maintain power, as the villain no longer possesses the ability to do so during the Third Age of Middle-earth. According to Tolkien’s writings, Sauron loses the power to assume his “fair form” following the Fall of Númenor. From that point onward, his physical appearance serves as a reflection of the evil within himself (via CBR). And when Sauron is defeated by Isildur during the Battle of Dagorlad, his shapeshifting power disappears entirely.

Sauron is still able to form a new body when he returns during the Third Age, but he lacks a physical state for a long time. He also doesn’t appear capable of choosing what shape he takes in The Lord of the Rings. He’s even missing his finger in his Necromancer form, with the damage Isildur does remaining. Needless to say, The Rings of Power season 2 may be one of the few times viewers get to see Sauron fully embrace his shapeshifting. On the bright side, the finale does a great job of depicting this ability.

Source: CBR