Rings Of Power Season 3's Shocking Opening Death & Character Fallout Detailed By LOTR Star
Theo kills his father figure
Episode 4, titled “Gundabad,” ends with Arondir discovering that Theo has become one of the Nazgnagôl serving Sauron. On Sauron’s command, Theo thrusts his sword into the Elf, killing a prominent character who had been a father figure to him in the first two seasons.
In an interview with ScreenRant, Tyroe Muhafidin said the scene was a celebration of his co-star, Ismael Cruz Córdova. The sequence was filmed over more than two weeks, and Muhafidin recalled that both actors felt the sadness of their final time working together.
Theo faces lasting guilt
Muhafidin said Theo has reached a point of no return, but viewers will see him fight for himself. The actor also said Theo retains autonomy over his mind and body, and will be troubled by guilt over what he has done.
Theo’s next choices remain uncertain, but his inner conflict may leave room for change. The story could still see him turn away from Sauron or avoid becoming one of the final nine Nazgnagôl.
Earlier events foreshadowed the death
The killing follows developments set up earlier in the series. In the opening battle of season 3, episode 1, Arondir kills a young man whom he briefly hallucinates as Theo, foreshadowing the reversal in episode 4.
Theo’s attraction to the hilt linked to the creation of Mount Doom, along with resentment he had felt toward Arondir, also helped lead to the confrontation. Before Sauron arrives, Arondir appears to be reaching Theo.
Arondir was an original character
Arondir was created for the Prime Video series rather than drawn from J.R.R. Tolkien’s characters, making his fate less predictable. He had been a central figure since the show began, so his death at Theo’s hands is a major turn.
Theo’s mother, Bronwyn, was also an original character. She and Arondir were in love; Nazanin Boniadi did not return for season 2, and the show revealed that Bronwyn died from her wounds in season 1.
Key points
- Theo kills Arondir in episode 4 after becoming one of Sauron’s Nazgnagôl.
- Tyroe Muhafidin described the scene as an emotional farewell to Ismael Cruz Córdova.
- Muhafidin says Theo will struggle with guilt and fight for himself.
- The season 3 premiere’s opening battle foreshadowed the reversal between Theo and Arondir.