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The third episode of 'The Rings of Power' takes us to Númenor

Encounter new lands and new faces in episode three, "Adar."

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The Rings of Power really keeps the jaw-dropping vistas coming. The third episode of the series, "Adar," landed today, and gives us more backstory on the focal characters, as well as a grand reveal of the Island Kingdom of Númenor.

Númenor's unveiling is absolutely a highlight, along with several fight sequences between Arondir and his captors. The third episode takes us deeper into the world, allowing for new connections and new faces—including Elendil and Isildur, who might be familiar to fans of the books (and, specifically, of Aragorn's story), and Queen Míriel.

The Rings of Power received three out of four stars from USA Today's review. We’re recapping the series as it progresses. You can find our recap of the first episode, “A Shadow of the Past,” and the second episode "Adrift." Follow along for our synopsis of the third episode.

Where can you watch Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?

You can watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power through your Prime Video subscription. Prime Video is included with a general Prime membership, but you can also subscribe to Prime Video as a standalone service. Prime Video is available to Prime customers in more than 200 countries and territories and can be accessed through most web browsers with an internet connection. Prime Video is also available as a streaming app on numerous devices, including iOS and Android, Amazon Fire TV devices, Roku devices, Xbox, PlayStation, smart TVs and more.

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What happens in episode three of Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?

As episode three, "Adar," opens, Arondir wakes in the Orc camp, and finds himself surrounded by not only Orcs, but people they've taken. "For Adar," many Orcs say. He's dragged to a clearing, where he joins the Elven Wardens he abandoned, who have all been captured—Revion (Simon Merrells) and Médhor are among them.

At sea, Galadrial and Halbrand have been rescued. The ship's captain, Elendil (Lloyd Owen), greets them, and it's revealed that the humans are Númenoreans. Huge stone faces line the walls of the canyon that lead toward Númenor, and Galadriel marvels at the beauty of it. The Men of Númenor were granted technology by the Elves, but at some point a rift arose between them. At a staggeringly large palace, the guard attempts to prevent Elendil from seeing the Queen Regent, Míriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson). "No one kneels in Númenor," the Queen informs them. Galadriel introduces herself, and there is a rumble of recognition through the crowd. Halbrand introduces himself with less fanfare.

Galadriel and the Queen argue about her departure. Halbrand is forced to step in to prevent bloodshed, and Galadriel and Halbrand are deemed guests. As they leave, Halbrand returns her knife to her. "Do try not to make any new enemies."

Elendil's son (Maxim Baldry) is seen working on a ship as a sailor. After some time, the son's identity is revealed: Isildur, ancestor to Aragorn and the eventual High King of Arnor and Gondor (who clashes with Sauron in a crucial moment). Isildur hears a call from the land, but before he can respond he is called back to save a fellow crew member. When they return to shore, Isildur's sister, Eärien (Ema Horvath), comes to fetch him. In the city, Elendil and Queen Míriel talk, and Elendil reveals that his name means "Elf-friend."

In the Southlands, there are more Orcs than previously understood, and it's clear the Orcs have been building underground passageways all throughout the Southlands. The Elves realize that "Adar" could refer to Sauron. Arondir and Médhor make plans for an escape. Lurka, an Orc captain, confronts the Elves when they refuse to remove a large tree. Another Orc comes forward and offers the Elves water, and in a tense moment the Elves drink. As they're drinking, Magrot slits Médhor's throat. Arondir agrees to cut the roots of the tree to stave off more bloodshed.

In Númenor, Galadriel slips the confines of the palace and makes her way through the city to the docks. Elendil confronts her, and they discuss his children and Númenor. He reveals that he speaks Quenya, the language of the Elves, and that there is a Hall of Lore where Galadriel could find answers.

Halbrand, meanwhile, is attempting to earn a place in Númenor. He tries to find work at a smithy, but he needs a guild crest before he can. Halbrand gets into a bit of trouble with some locals and steals one of the men's guild crest. They confront him for it, and the ensuing fight reveals that Halbrand is an accomplished fighter, and perhaps more than he seems. In the Hall of Lore, it's revealed that Elros, Elrond's brother, built the Hall. Galadriel realizes that the sigil she's been seeking is actually a map of the Southlands.

In the Southlands, the Harfoots are on the move, as the Harvest Festival begins. Marigold Brandyfoot (Sara Zwangobani) discusses Nori, who is after Sadoc's book to figure out where the stars are that the Stranger needs. At the festival, the Harfoots honor those they've lost, those that have fallen behind in their travels. The Stranger sneaks into the camp and examines the star maps Nori found, though he starts a fire in the process by mistake. He stumbles into the gathered Harfoots.

Sadoc and the Harfoots discuss the Stranger, and Sadoc mentions he's heard of beings who turned into stars. Nori's crimes are discussed, and her family's cart is relegated to the back of the caravan. In Númenor, Elendil meets with his children and Isildur reveals his desire to defer his Sea Trials. Eärien and Isildur attempt to calm their father, and Eärien is accepted to the Builder's Guild. Galadriel goes to free Halbrand from prison, and reveals that she knows that his line is the royal line of the Southlands.

Back with the Harfoots, the Brandyfoot cart is beginning to fall behind. The Stranger finds Nori and begins to help them pull the cart. Arondir and the Elves in the pit work to free themselves, fighting the Orcs. Arondir exposes them to the sun, gaining an advantage. Lurka releases the warg, a monstrous creature that attacks the Elves. They lose, and Arondir is recaptured, to be taken to Adar.

Episode four will premiere on Friday, September 16.

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