Adar

Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.

Elendil's ship brings Galadriel and Halbrand to Númenor, where the welcome is constrained by the kingdom's estrangement from the Elves. Queen Regent Míriel refuses Galadriel's demand for a ship to Middle-earth and places her under Elendil's supervision. His family has its own disagreements about service: Isildur is approaching the end of naval training but doubts the future his father expects. Halbrand tries to find a place on the island, then ends up imprisoned after a violent encounter with local men.

Elendil takes Galadriel to the Hall of Lore, where an old account changes her understanding of Sauron's mark. It traces the Southlands and describes a plan for evil to establish a new realm. Visiting Halbrand in his cell, she connects his emblem to the displaced royal line of that region and asks him to return with her. He resists the heroic role she offers, reminding her of his family's allegiance in the earlier war. Her route back now involves both a reluctant companion and a government unwilling to help.

Arondir is forced to dig trenches with other captives, creating covered routes for Orcs vulnerable to sunlight. Their escape attempt fails: Médhor and Revion are killed, and Arondir is taken before the leader called Adar. Among the Harfoots, the Stranger exposes Nori's secret before the migration. Her family remains with the community but must travel at the rear, where Largo's injured ankle leaves them struggling. The Stranger helps push their cart instead of leaving them behind.