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 Towers. Despite 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

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

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.