How LOTR: Rings Of Power Actually Revealed Sauron's Identity In Its First 2 Episodes

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power composer Bear McCreary opened up about the secret trick used to reveal Halbrand is Sauron in the show's first two episodes. Set in the Second Age of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power showcases the forging of the titular Rings and the start of the Dark Lord Sauron's reign. Season 1 ended by revealing Halbrand, who was Galadriel's trusted ally, was actually Sauron the entire time.

Speaking with Screen Rant in an exclusive interview, McCreary explained how music was a big hint at Halbrand's true identity, even in the first two episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. He revealed Sauron and Halbrand share the same theme song, which was also composed with the One Ring in mind. Check out McCreary's full statement below:

It's interesting because I did give it away, if you are paying enough attention. Sauron's theme is Halbrand's theme backward. Same thing. [singing] Same thing. And I'm so obvious about it, I just state it over and over.

With that said, the colors are very different. The context is very different, but the clues are there. Every character has these big leaps and giant phrases that soar except Sauron. His is very circular; it's a ring. [singing] It comes back to the same note it started on over and over and over. Halbrand's does too, and I think even your subconscious mind might notice that of all our protagonists, this is the only theme that's small. But I'm trying my best to trick you. I'm using harmony and context, going, 'No, no, no, no. He's a hero. Don't pay attention to the notes.'

What's Next For Sauron In The Rings Of Power Season 2?

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 1 ending saw Sauron attempt to turn Galadriel to his side, promising she would become his queen. However, Galadriel refused, forcing Sauron to travel to the newly-created Mordor alone. There's no doubt Sauron will encounter the dark Elf Adar and his legion of Orcs. However, it's unlikely Sauron will ally with Adar due to the Elf's claims of killing Sauron earlier in the series.

Now that Halbrand has revealed himself to be Sauron, it calls into question how the rest of the Rings of Power will be forged throughout the series. While three Rings were created in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 1, episode 8, "Alloyed," Tolkien's work indicates Sauron is involved in creating the rest of the Rings as well. It's likely that season 2 will show Sauron disguising himself as someone else to trick the Elves into making more rings.

While it may not be shown in season 2, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power also builds up when Sauron forges the One Ring, the Ring that binds all other Rings to itself. As the series continues, Sauron is destined to rise to power in Middle-earth, all thanks to the Rings of Power. It should prove interesting to see where Sauron's story goes when The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues.