1. The Black Numenoreans
The Fall of Numenor is an event that changed the world of Middle-Earth forever. As one of the most pivotal parts of Tolkien’s legendarium and all that’s left to do is wonder exactly what about Numenor will be shown. One theory is that the so-called Black Numenoreans will play a role; as corrupted Numenoreans who devoted themselves to Sauron in their search for everlasting life, three of these actually became Ringwraiths. In a series based on Sauron, it seems likely that this could be an important moment to show Sauron’s growing power and corruption of the peoples of Middle-earth.
2. The Istari Could Play A Large Role
Redditor u/Hellbeast1 states a great theory, saying, “We’d be able to have Istari in the series while also not just retconning in Gandalf and co. I also think their proximity to the East would make them interesting to explore regions we don’t know much about…”. The idea of other members of the Istari (the race of Gandalf, Saruman, and Sauron all belong to) being shown through their individual travels is an intriguing one. As mentioned, following the otherwise lost Blue Wizards in their journey East could allow audiences to explore new places in Middle-Earth that Tolkien never focused on very much. It would also allow the show to firmly establish the use of magic and how the Istari work in this world.
3. The Nirnaeth Arnoediad May Be Featured
The ‘Battle of Unnumbered Tears’ was what it sounded like: a huge battle between the forces of Elves, Men, and Sauron’s forces in the First Age, with catastrophic losses for the side of Elves and Men. A large battle between most of the races in Middle-earth is something that could be a great visual scene as well as a way of establishing the protagonists and the fundamental struggle of the series.
4. Finrod And The Ring Of Barahir
Finrod Felagund, King of Nargothrond and brother to Galadriel, has already been confirmed to be in the show, played by Will Fletcher; the Ring of Barahir is an important enough item in the Third Age to warrant an origin story. The Ring, the same one given to Aragorn by Elrond as a reminder of his heritage as King of Gondor, was originally an Elvish item belonging to Finrod. He gave it to a Chief of Men as thanks for saving his life in battle, and from then it passed through his descendants as a prized heirloom.
5. Sauron Might Be Hard To Spot
One popular fan theory surrounds Sauron’s potential appearances in the show. Rather than having Sauron introduced off-the-bat as the main villain, the showrunners might go a different route. In the books, he disguised himself as Annatar, claiming to be benevolent while secretly manipulating most of Numenor and tricking Elvish smiths into creating the Rings of Power. Some fans think that Sauron might be as hard for the audience to spot as he was for the peoples of Middle-earth. Eventually, his true identity will come to light and the show will have to deal with the repercussions of his deception.