Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Rings of Power season 2, episode 8, “Shadow and Flame.”

The Rings of Power season 2 ends with the fall of Eregion, and most of the Elves who mobilize to protect the city fall to Adar’s — and then Sauron’s — forces. However, The Rings of Power‘s most important characters survive the big battle, with Elrond, Gil-galad, and Arondir retreating to a mountainous location with an unconscious Galadriel. When Galadriel wakes up, Elrond tells her that they’re in “a sanctuary” that’s protected by the Three. And the Elves agree to remain there during The Rings of Power season 2’s ending, as they need to recuperate and build their defenses.

This earns the support of the surviving Elves, and their final moments on-screen show them raising their swords and fists atop a stunning valley. The fight against Sauron isn’t over, but they’ve found a new place to reside while they resist the Dark Lord’s plans. Viewers may be wondering where, exactly, the Elves are during the closing moments of The Rings of Power season 2’s finale. This location has more meaning than the Amazon series initially lets on, as it will become an iconic setting from The Lord of the Rings.

In The Rings Of Power Season 2’s Ending, The Elves Are At What Will Become Rivendell

This Elven Stronghold Will Replace Eregion (& Eventually Lindon)

The Elves appear to be at the location that will become Rivendell in The Rings of Power season 2’s final scene, and that’s exciting for multiple reasons. For one, Rivendell will become one of the primary Elven strongholds after Eregion’s fall, and its influence will last into the Third Age. Elrond will also become the Lord of Rivendell, so The Rings of Power is already setting up his Lord of the Rings endgame. This is a great means of infusing The Rings of Power with more Tolkien lore and connecting it to his Third Age story.

The Rings of Power uses the Elves’ need for a sanctuary to give the location a backstory, but it has work to do before it becomes the great fortress ruled by Elrond.

Of course, Rivendell is a long way from becoming the glorious refuge seen during Frodo’s journey — but the trees, mountains, and waterfalls all fit with the stronghold’s appearance later on. The Rings of Power uses the Elves’ need for a sanctuary to give the location a backstory, but it has work to do before it becomes the great fortress ruled by Elrond. Season 2’s ending all but confirms we’ll see the location’s growth over The Rings of Power‘s future seasons. It’s yet another spot on Middle-earth’s map the show will elaborate on, just like Mordor and the Shire.

Building Rivendell Could Be A Major Story In The Rings Of Power Season 3

It Makes Sense With Where The Series Leaves Off

The Rings of Power will likely show how Rivendell is founded in future episodes, and this story could actually be a major part of season 3. This direction would be in line with where the Elves’ storyline leaves off, as they need to rebuild before confronting Sauron again. Additionally, the Fall of Númenor and continued fading of the Elves could affect Lindon, giving the Elves reason to use Rivendell as their primary sanctuary instead. Only time will tell how deeply The Rings of Power season 3 digs into Rivendell’s backstory, but it seems a likely focus for the next outing.