In From season 3, episode 6, titled “Scar Tissue,” the story takes several intriguing turns as characters face their past, grapple with haunting visions, and struggle to survive.
This episode follows Tabitha Matthews’ (Catalina Sandino Moreno) return to the Town after her harrowing escape and shows how this affects both her family and the other trapped residents.
From terrifying nightmares to unexpected revelations, “Scar Tissue” continues to build the sense of mystery that has surrounded the Town since season 1. Here, we will go deeper into the episode’s key moments and analyze how they tie into the overarching narrative.
Tabitha’s Nightmares: A Childhood Connection to the Town
One of the most startling revelations in From season 3, episode 6 comes from Tabitha’s chilling confession about her childhood nightmares.
When she sees Jade’s (David Alpay) drawings of wooden statues in the woods, Tabitha is reminded of an eerie recurring dream she had as a child.
In this nightmare, she would encounter three large red stones arranged in a circle, along with the same wooden statues that have appeared in the woods around the Town.
This revelation is not just a throwaway line but a significant piece of the puzzle that suggests the Town does not randomly choose who gets trapped.
Tabitha’s connection to the Town dates back decades, long before her family’s tragic arrival. This is a disturbing idea for both the characters and the audience, raising the question of whether certain individuals are predestined to become part of the Town’s web.
The idea that Tabitha had these nightmares long before she ever stepped foot in the Town points to something much larger at play. It seems that some of the Town’s current residents were drawn into its mysteries well before they physically arrived.
Victor’s mother, Miranda, is another example of this, as she too saw visions of the Town before getting trapped. Both Tabitha and Miranda’s connections hint at a deeper force pulling certain people in. But why these individuals? This remains unclear.
What is certain, though, is that the Town is not a random trap. There’s an intentionality behind who gets pulled in, and the mystery of why Tabitha and Miranda were chosen still looms large.
Could it be that others trapped in the Town also had similar premonitions? This possibility makes the nightmare even more terrifying, as it suggests the Town’s reach extends far beyond its physical boundaries.
Tabitha’s visions also connect to her more recent encounters with the “anghkooey” children, a group of ghostly figures who seem to be watching her every move.
There’s a clear sense that Tabitha’s relationship with these children and her childhood nightmares are linked. These children may hold the key to understanding why Tabitha, and perhaps others, were drawn into the Town.
The wooden statues and red stones form an important part of the Town’s mythos, and their recurring presence suggests they hold some greater meaning. But what is their purpose?
Are they symbols of the Town’s power, or are they relics of an even older force? With so many questions left unanswered, Tabitha’s nightmares offer a tantalizing hint at what may come next in the series.
Jim and Tabitha’s Marriage: The Cracks Begin to Show
In addition to the mystery surrounding her nightmares, Tabitha is also dealing with a different kind of conflict—one much closer to home.
Her relationship with her husband, Jim (Eion Bailey), has been on shaky ground ever since they arrived in the Town, and in “Scar Tissue,” these cracks become even more pronounced.
Before they became trapped in the Town, Jim and Tabitha’s marriage was already in trouble. They had been on the verge of divorce, unable to cope with the immense grief of losing their young son, Thomas.
That pain had fractured their relationship, and while the immediate danger of survival in the Town had put their marital problems on hold, they were never fully resolved. In this episode, those old wounds are reopened.
Jim tries to offer empty reassurances, telling Tabitha that everything will be okay, but she pushes back, frustrated with his inability to accept the reality of their situation.
Their argument quickly escalates, with Jim accusing Tabitha of wanting a divorce so she could run away from the trauma of their son’s death instead of working through it with the family.
Still from From Season 3 (Credit: MGM)
It’s clear that Jim and Tabitha’s emotional baggage runs deep. Their arguments are not just about their situation in the Town but also about their inability to process their shared trauma.
Jim feels abandoned by Tabitha, especially after she left him at the end of season 2, and now that they’re back together, that resentment is boiling over.
This scene highlights one of the central themes of From: the way trauma affects not only individuals but also relationships.
In a place as strange and dangerous as the Town, it’s easy to focus solely on the external threats—monsters, disappearances, and the Town’s strange power—but the internal struggles of the characters are just as critical to the story.
Jim and Tabitha’s marriage is a microcosm of that theme. Their relationship reflects the way people can be torn apart by grief and how surviving together doesn’t always mean healing together.
The argument also ties back to the mysterious phone calls Jim received earlier in the season, where a voice claiming to be their dead son, Thomas, contacted him.
Whether or not the voice was really Thomas, it’s clear that the couple’s unresolved grief over his death will continue to shape their interactions in future episodes.
Fatima’s Cravings: A Dark Twist in the Story
Fatima (Pegah Ghafoori) and her partner, Ellis (Corteon Moore), have been hopeful that her pregnancy would bring some light into their lives. However, things take a dark turn when Fatima begins to experience bizarre cravings, including a desire for rotten crops and even human blood.
These cravings are disturbing enough, but the situation becomes even more shocking when Kristi (Chloe Van Landschoot) and Marielle (Kaelen Ohm) perform an ultrasound and discover that Fatima is not pregnant after all.
This twist raises many questions about what is happening to Fatima. Could she have been infected by something within the Town?
The idea that the Town itself could alter or infect its residents is not new—there have been many instances of strange occurrences that seem to defy explanation. Fatima’s cravings and the fact that she is not carrying a human child suggests that something far more sinister is at play.
One possible theory is that Fatima’s body is being affected by the Town’s influence, and whatever is happening to her is beyond the realm of normal medicine.
This raises the stakes for her character, as she may be facing a danger that neither Kristi nor Marielle can help her with. If Fatima is indeed infected by the Town, it’s unclear what her fate will be.
There’s also the chilling possibility that Fatima is pregnant, but not with a human child. The Town’s supernatural elements could mean that something more terrifying is growing inside her.
This idea adds a layer of horror to the storyline, as it suggests that the Town can manipulate even the most personal and intimate aspects of the residents’ lives.
Fatima’s story serves as a reminder that the Town’s dangers are not just external—there are unseen forces at work that can invade the characters’ bodies and minds. Whatever is happening to her, it’s clear that this development will have significant consequences for her and Ellis in the episodes to come.
Kenny’s Search for a New Home: Moving to Colony House
Kenny Liu (Ricky He) has been one of the most resilient characters in From, but in episode 6, we see him grappling with a profound sense of loss.
The death of his mother, Tian-Chen Liu (Elizabeth Moy), has left him adrift, and the home they shared no longer feels like a place of comfort. With his family house now devoid of its warmth and purpose, Kenny makes the difficult decision to leave it behind.
Kenny’s decision to move to Colony House is symbolic of his need to find a new beginning. Without his mother, he feels disconnected from the past, and Colony House offers a chance for him to start fresh in a new environment.
His move also highlights the theme of community in From. The Town’s residents must rely on each other to survive, and Colony House has become a hub of that communal support.
Donna (Elizabeth Saunders) welcomes Kenny into Colony House, assuring him that there is always space for him.
This gesture of kindness underscores the importance of having a place to belong in such a dangerous and unpredictable environment. Kenny’s move is also marked by a moment of levity when he jokingly asks if they still throw sex parties at Colony House—a nod to the more carefree moments the residents once shared.
However, Kenny’s decision to move into Colony House is not just about physical survival; it’s about emotional healing as well. He has spent much of the series working closely with Boyd Stevens (Harold Perrineau), Jim, and Jade, all of whom live outside of Colony House.
Now, he will have the opportunity to build deeper connections with Donna, Elgin (Nathan D. Simmons), Fatima, Ellis, and others who live there.
Living in Colony House could be a crucial part of Kenny’s journey toward healing after the immense losses he has faced. It gives him a chance to rebuild his sense of belonging and community, both of which are essential in the face of the Town’s dangers.
Jade’s Obsession with the Bottle Tree: A Haunting Encounter
Jade’s quest for answers has been a driving force throughout From season 3. In episode 6, his search takes him to a second bottle tree in the woods, where he experiences a haunting encounter with Tom (Patrick Garrow), the deceased former bartender from the Town.
Jade has been obsessed with finding connections between the Town’s symbols and the world outside, and this moment adds a new layer to his investigation.
When Jade sees Tom standing near the bottle tree, he is initially shocked but quickly realizes that this might not be a real physical encounter.
Instead, it could be a manifestation of Jade’s subconscious, driven by his overwhelming need for answers and his guilt over Tom’s death. Tom’s appearance serves as a warning to Jade, telling him to stop drinking and to take his quest more seriously.
This encounter raises the question of whether the bottle trees themselves hold some deeper meaning.
These strange structures have appeared multiple times throughout the series, often in conjunction with moments of heightened tension or discovery. Are they simply markers, or do they have some connection to the Town’s supernatural forces?
Jade’s determination to understand the Town’s mysteries has often put him at odds with the other residents, but his intelligence and persistence may yet prove vital to unraveling the truth.
The appearance of Tom at the bottle tree is a reminder that there are still many layers of the Town’s mystery that remain unexplored.
Whether Jade will heed Tom’s warning and sober up remains to be seen, but this moment is sure to have a lasting impact on his character’s arc.
The Anghkooey Children: Returning to Haunt Tabitha
The ghostly children, known as the “anghkooey,” made a chilling return in From season 3, episode 6. These children first appeared in season 2, and their presence has been one of the most unsettling elements of the series. In “Scar Tissue,” they reappear to Tabitha, who has had multiple encounters with them.
Tabitha’s relationship with the anghkooey children is complicated. She is both drawn to them and terrified of them, as they seem to hold some knowledge of the Town’s secrets.
The fact that they repeatedly seek her out suggests that they have a specific interest in her—possibly tied to her childhood nightmares.
Jade, in particular, has speculated that the children may not want to harm Tabitha, but rather, they are trying to communicate something important. This theory adds another layer of complexity to the Town’s mysteries. If the children are not purely malevolent, then what do they want from Tabitha?
Still from From Season 3 (Credit: MGM)
These ghostly figures may also be connected to the Town’s history. The recurring theme of lost or abandoned children suggests that they might represent a form of innocence corrupted by the Town’s supernatural forces.
Victor’s Journey into the Tunnels: A Dangerous Search for Jasper
Victor (Scott McCord), one of the most enigmatic characters in From, continues his dangerous journey into the Town’s underground tunnels in episode 6.
His goal is to retrieve Jasper, the ventriloquist doll belonging to Christopher, a young boy who once lived in the Town. Victor’s connection to the tunnels—and to the Town’s monsters—makes his journey particularly perilous.
The tunnels have been a recurring theme throughout the series, representing the Town’s hidden and often deadly secrets. It’s within these dark passageways that many of the show’s most terrifying moments have occurred, including confrontations with the monsters that lurk there.
Victor’s determination to find Jasper is tied to his deep sense of guilt over the loss of the children he once cared for. His journey into the tunnels is not just about survival—it’s about redemption.
In this episode, Victor comes face to face with his father, Henry (played by guest star Richard Harmon), a figure from his past who has haunted him for years.
Henry’s discovery of Miranda’s clothing in the tunnels adds yet another layer of mystery to this storyline. Miranda has been missing since season 2, and it’s unclear whether she is still alive or has succumbed to the Town’s malevolent forces.
The discovery of her clothes suggests that she may have ventured into the tunnels herself, either in search of answers or as a result of the Town’s influence.
The monsters that inhabit the tunnels continue to be one of the show’s most terrifying elements, and Victor’s encounter with them in this episode is no exception. Their presence serves as a constant reminder of the dangers lurking just beneath the surface of the Town.
Victor’s storyline is one of the most emotional arcs in From. His guilt, his determination to protect the children, and his connection to the monsters all make him a compelling and complex character.
As the series continues, it’s likely that Victor’s journey into the tunnels will reveal more about the Town’s dark history and the forces that control it.
Randall’s Move to the Clinic: A New Start
Randall (A.J. Simmons), a character who has struggled with hallucinations and trauma since his arrival in the Town, takes a significant step in his personal journey by moving into the clinic.
Marielle’s offer to let Randall stay at the clinic is an act of compassion that may help him find some stability after his terrifying experiences with the monsters.
Randall’s hallucinations have been one of the show’s more unsettling elements, and it’s clear that his mental state has been deteriorating since he arrived in the Town.
Living in the clinic, under the care of Kristi and Marielle, offers Randall a chance to heal, both physically and mentally.
Still from From Season 3 (Credit: MGM)
This move also has the potential to create new dynamics within the clinic, as Randall’s presence will affect Kristi and Marielle’s relationship.
Both women have been dealing with their own personal challenges, and Randall’s arrival adds a new layer of complexity to their situation.
It remains to be seen whether Randall’s move to the clinic will lead to his redemption, but it’s clear that his journey is far from over. His ability to survive and find peace in the Town will likely depend on his relationships with those around him.
Elgin’s Pictures: The Ghostly Woman in the Kimono
Elgin (Nathan D. Simmons), a resident of Colony House, has been trying to bring some normalcy to the Town by taking pictures of its residents.
However, his attempt at community building takes a chilling turn when he captures an image of a ghostly woman in a kimono standing in the background of one of his photographs.
The woman’s appearance is not just a fleeting moment—her presence has been felt throughout the series, and her connection to the Town’s supernatural forces is becoming increasingly clear.
In this episode, her connection to Fatima is particularly significant, as it seems that the woman is somehow linked to the mysterious cravings Fatima has been experiencing.
Elgin’s role in this storyline is still developing, but it’s clear that his ability to capture moments in the Town may play a crucial role in uncovering its secrets. The woman in the kimono, who has appeared in various forms throughout the series, could be a key to understanding the Town’s power.
Unraveling the Mysteries in From’s Most Chilling Episode Yet
From season 3, episode 6, “Scar Tissue,” continues to build on the mystery and tension that has made the series so attractive.
Tabitha’s childhood nightmares, Jim and Tabitha’s strained relationship, Fatima’s bizarre cravings, and the ghostly woman in the kimono are all pieces of a larger puzzle that is slowly being revealed.
Still from From Season 3 (Credit: MGM)
Each character’s journey is filled with emotional depth and psychological complexity, and the stakes continue to rise with every new discovery. As the series progresses, the mysteries of the Town—and the dark forces that control it—are sure to become even more terrifying.
For now, the residents of the Town are left grappling with their own fears, haunted by their pasts and uncertain of what lies ahead. But one thing is certain: the Town has not yet revealed all of its secrets, and the answers may be far more horrifying than anyone could have imagined.
In this age, all living in Middle-earth face an uncertain fate as an ancient evil attempts to rise again. Though darkness seeks to rule and unexpected heroes challenge it, the battle is not always a simple matter of good versus evil.
Characters in Rings of Power—whether powerful or ordinary—struggle between light and darkness. Often, they must face the darkness to find the light, and some encounter it more than others. Some live in the light but feel drawn to the dark side.
Although Sauron has not yet created the One Ring, if he forged it in Mount Doom during this chaotic period, it would tempt many characters, as the Ring can corrupt instantly. Several characters in the series would find it hard to resist the Ring’s power if they held it.
Gil-galad
In Season 1 of Rings of Power, High-King Gil-galad (played by Ben Walker) faces a serious problem. The Great Tree of Lindon is dying, and the light of the Elves is fading. He believes Galadriel (played by Morfydd Clark) is somehow connected to this darkness, so he sends her away.
When that doesn’t work, he relies on Elrond’s (played by Robert Aramayo) friendship with Prince Durin (played by Owain Arthur) to find out if the Dwarves have discovered Mithril, a rare ore with the light of the last Silmaril, which might stop the darkness threatening the Elves.
With little time left, Gil-galad allows Celebrimbor (played by Charles Edwards) to make three Elven Rings of Power.
Despite knowing that Sauron (in the form of Halbrand, played by Charlie Vickers) helped create these rings, Gil-galad claims they are the only hope and wears one alongside Galadriel and Círdan (played by Ben Daniels).
This ring gives Gil-galad visions of the future, and he prepares for war after realizing Celebrimbor faces danger in Eregion.
The One Ring could easily corrupt Gil-galad because darkness and deception have already affected his heart. His actions in Season 1 show how a person can justify doing wrong to achieve a greater good. He uses Elrond to gain access to the Dwarves but only wants the ore to help his people.
A darker part of him convinces him that his actions are justifiable, but this also makes him more likely to deceive again. Unlike Elrond, Gil-galad does not hesitate to use the three Elven Rings of Power, which could signal that he is open to using powerful objects despite the risks.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
Eärien
Eärien (played by Ema Horvath), the daughter of Elendil (played by Lloyd Owen) and sister of Isildur (played by Maxim Baldry), is ambitious and strong-minded but also desires acceptance and love.
She acts as a confidante for her brother as he searches for his purpose but finds her own path as an apprentice with the Builder’s Guild.
She meets Kemen (played by Leon Wadham), the son of Pharazôn (played by Trystan Gravelle), and urges him to prevent Queen Regent Míriel’s (played by Cynthia Addai-Robinson) expedition to Middle-earth. Though unsuccessful, Eärien discovers something unexpected.
While drawing the dying king, she sees Míriel’s palantir and looks into it. Attracted by Pharazôn’s growing influence, she joins him and gives him access to overthrow Míriel.
Darkness surrounds Eärien’s choices. In Season 1, she uses Kemen’s affection for her to try to halt the expedition. By Season 2, she becomes an opportunist, using Kemen and her knowledge of the palantir to gain a position in court.
When she believes Isildur has died, she uses the palantir to her advantage, essentially giving Pharazôn a tool to overthrow Míriel.
Eärien believes she is protecting Númenór from a queen who supports the Elves, but her actions are actually selfish and fueled by revenge.
Pharazôn takes advantage of her easily, and if she encountered the One Ring, she might convince herself it was best for her to use it for the greater good.
The Stranger
The Stranger (played by Daniel Weyman) falls from the sky, landing near the Harfoot camp. Nori (played by Markella Kavenagh) finds and helps him since he has no memory but wields great power that he struggles to control. In return, he protects Nori and her family.
However, after nearly hurting her, he leaves. Nori later risks her life to help him when the Mystics capture him.
After he destroys the Mystics, he begins to regain his memories. On a journey to Rhûn, he and Nori face many dangers, including near-death experiences.
Following his star map, the Stranger eventually meets Tom Bombadil (played by Rory Kinnear), who tells him he alone can defeat Sauron and the Dark Wizard. Now, the future of Middle-earth depends on his choices.
The Stranger is vulnerable and innocent, much like a child. He has no memory of who he is or where he came from.
At first, he only recalls a star pattern that might help him find his identity. When the Mystics arrive, he is willing to believe their claim that he is Sauron because he doesn’t know otherwise.
His innocence makes him open to darkness. If the Mystics had found him first instead of Nori, he might have become a Dark Wizard.
In Season 2, he learns he is an Istar and begins to understand the responsibilities of power. However, the Ring could easily corrupt him without him realizing, especially because his bond with Nori is the only thing keeping him from the darkness.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
Theo
Theo (played by Tyroe Muhafidin), the teenage son of Tirharad’s healer Bronwyn (played by Nazanin Boniadi), is determined to protect his home, even willing to shed blood to activate a sword hilt bearing Sauron’s sigil. He believes the sword will keep him safe, and it does, but it also binds him to its power.
Waldreg learns Theo used the sword hilt and tries to bring him into Adar’s (played by Joseph Mawle and Sam Hazeldine) forces, but Theo chooses to stay with his mother, Bronwyn, and Arondir (played by Ismael Cruz Córdova).
Later, in a battle, Theo reveals the hilt’s location to save his mother. After his mother’s death, Theo takes her place as healer in Pelargir.
Theo has already fallen under the influence of another powerful object created by Sauron—the sword hilt.
The Ring would undoubtedly draw him in as it did Boromir, with the need to claim its power. Even if his intentions are honorable, Theo would likely become enthralled by the Ring’s strength.
Adar
Adar, known as “father” in Sindarin, is the revered leader of the orcs who terrorize the Southlands. As his followers prepare to trigger the eruption of Orodruin, Adar offers the Southlanders a choice: join him or perish. He goes to war against those who refuse and demands the sword hilt.
During the battle, Waldreg uses the hilt to release a flood that causes Mount Doom to erupt. Adar and his orcs create Mordor and continue enslaving humans until Sauron (as Halbrand) shows up. Adar rallies his forces and heads to Eregion to confront Sauron, not realizing that Sauron wants this outcome.
Adar constantly craves more power but once had very little of it. When Sauron ruled him, he was quickly deceived by empty promises.
If he possessed the One Ring, he would use it for what he believes to be honorable reasons—to protect his people. However, his love for them would fade, and selfishness would eventually take over, amplifying his evil.
King Durin III
King Durin III (played by Peter Mullan), father of Prince Durin IV, rules with a commitment to traditional Dwarven values. He aims to keep Khazad-dûm’s riches hidden and reserved for his people.
After Disa (played by Sophia Nomvete) finds Mithril, he allows mining but stops it after a shaft collapses. When he learns that the ore could save the Elves, he refuses to help, fearing it would risk Dwarven lives.
His son, however, begins mining with Elrond, leading to a major argument. After the collapse of Khazad-dûm’s sun shafts, Prince Durin asks his father to allow Mithril to be used for making Dwarven Rings of Power, hoping they can help.
Once the king wears a ring, it heightens his greed, causing him to become increasingly ruthless, seeing enemies even among family.
King Durin’s actions show his self-centeredness and greed, particularly when he tries to keep Mithril from the Elves. Once he puts on a Dwarven Ring, his desire for wealth grows.
He views the Dwarven Rings as a source of riches and begins to value wealth over his own family. If he wore the One Ring, it would fully corrupt him, making him even more consumed by power.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
Celebrimbor
Celebrimbor, one of the most skilled Elven smiths, dreams of creating something even more impressive than the Silmarils crafted by Fëanor.
He seeks a legacy that will last, and he’s willing to sacrifice anything to achieve it. High King Gil-galad gives him the task of making something from Mithril, a powerful metal.
When Halbrand (Sauron in disguise) offers him advice on how to use Mithril, Celebrimbor accepts it and makes three Elven Rings of Power.
Although Galadriel warns him against Halbrand, Celebrimbor cannot resist knowing if his work succeeded and allows Halbrand into Eregion.
Sauron, posing as a messenger of the Valar, persuades Celebrimbor to make Rings for Dwarves and Men. Then, Sauron traps Celebrimbor in an illusion, convincing him that the choice to make the Rings was all his own.
Celebrimbor’s desire for greatness blinds him to Sauron’s manipulation. He yearns to prove himself and accepts Sauron’s guidance, even though he senses something is wrong.
Sauron’s influence leads Celebrimbor to forge the Rings for Men and Dwarves, which helps him fulfill his ambition but leaves him vulnerable to darkness.
If he encountered the One Ring, it would completely consume him, feeding on his pride and ambition. The Ring would give him promises of greatness, making him powerless against its allure.
Kemen
Kemen, son of Pharazôn, seeks his father’s approval and respect. When Queen Regent Míriel decides to send aid to the Southlands, Kemen feels conflicted by Pharazôn’s support.
His friend Eärien convinces him to use his influence to stop the mission. Failing to do so, he tries to sabotage it on his own.
Later, after Pharazôn seizes the Númenórean throne, Kemen suggests rebuilding Númenór to gain his father’s approval, but Pharazôn wants more.
To test his loyalty, Pharazôn orders Kemen to dismantle the Queen’s Sea Guard and destroy the Faithful’s temple. When challenged by Valendil, Kemen resorts to killing him in cold blood.
Kemen’s need for his father’s approval and his willingness to betray others leave him vulnerable to darkness. His actions reveal a desperation for recognition, and he loses his moral compass along the way.
If he held the One Ring, its power would tempt him with promises of honor and greatness, feeding his ambition. Driven by the Ring, he would likely go to any lengths to prove himself, blinded by the chance to earn his father’s respect.
Isildur
Isildur, training to join Númenór’s Sea Guard, lacks purpose despite his father Elendil’s encouragement. He deliberately gets himself dismissed, dragging his friends down with him, and creates a rift with his father. His only chance to regain Elendil’s approval is by joining the expedition to Middle-earth.
Though assigned as a stable sweep, he shows courage in battle, saving others and risking his life in the fight against the Southlands. Later, he meets Estrid, who deceives him, though he remains trusting and eager to bond.
Long-time fans know Isildur’s eventual fate with the One Ring, though in Rings of Power his susceptibility to it is only beginning to show.
His directionlessness makes him open to temptation. If he found the Ring, he would likely see it as a source of purpose and strength rather than a danger. Easily deceived, Isildur would be vulnerable to the Ring’s influence, leading him to believe its promises and fall under its spell.
Pharazôn
Pharazôn, the ambitious cousin of Queen Regent Míriel, initially supports her decisions as Chancellor of Númenór.
But when Míriel decides to send aid to the Southlands, Pharazôn’s true ambitions surface. He views the expedition as a chance for political and economic gain and dislikes the Elves.
After learning about Míriel’s palantir, Pharazôn takes over the throne. Despite reaching the height of power, he still wants more.
Using his son Kemen, Pharazôn seeks to dismantle the Faithful and disband Míriel’s supporters, though Míriel has the protection of the Valar.
Pharazôn’s traits make him an ideal candidate for the Ring’s influence. His manipulation, arrogance, and selfishness would make him eager to take the Ring.
Driven by greed, Pharazôn would view the Ring as a way to attain even more power. He is exactly the type of person the Ring seeks, and it would easily corrupt him, amplifying his ambition and transforming him into an even more dangerous ruler.
Still from The Rings of Power (Credit: Prime Video)
In The Rings of Power, each character’s journey reveals how ambition, insecurity, or pride can lead even the most well-meaning individuals into dangerous territory.
The One Ring, Sauron’s ultimate tool of corruption, is designed to exploit these traits, drawing individuals closer to darkness by offering them what they desire most.
Celebrimbor, driven by a need to prove his worth as a creator, makes himself vulnerable by ignoring warnings and bending to Sauron’s influence.
His ambition and pride in his craftsmanship blind him to the true nature of Sauron’s intentions, allowing himself to be manipulated in the pursuit of greatness.
Kemen’s desire to gain his father Pharazôn’s approval similarly leaves him susceptible to corruption, as he willingly betrays his own people and even resorts to violence.
His need for validation would easily compel him to use the Ring’s power to achieve his father’s praise, regardless of the moral cost.
Isildur’s story shows how lack of direction and inner conflict can be just as dangerous as ambition. Feeling purposeless, he could fall under the Ring’s sway as he searches for strength and validation, risking his loyalty and relationships. Pharazôn, however, is perhaps the most prepared to wield the Ring’s corruptive force.
His ambition, arrogance, and relentless pursuit of power align perfectly with the Ring’s ability to amplify the darkest parts of a person’s soul.
For Pharazôn, the Ring would not only fulfill his lust for control but also consume his already morally flawed character. Even those who might resist at first would find themselves facing choices that test their deepest fears and weaknesses.
Through these complex character arcs, The Rings of Power demonstrates that anyone, regardless of their initial intentions, can be corrupted by the allure of power.
This exploration of human (and Elven) nature resonates with Tolkien’s original vision, reminding viewers that true strength comes from resisting temptation and choosing humility over pride, compassion over ambition, and loyalty over self-interest.
