: In a dramatic closing scene, the Southlands are officially renamed Mordor after the volcanic eruption covers the land in ash and shadow.
: Queen-Regent Míriel is blinded during a rescue attempt in the burning village, a literal fulfillment of her father’s prophecy that only "darkness" awaited her in Middle-earth. Viewer and Critic Reception : In a dramatic closing scene, the Southlands
: The episode sparked debate among fans for its changes to Tolkien's lore, such as the early tease of the Balrog (who shouldn't wake until the Third Age) and the suggestion that Celeborn might be dead. : In a dramatic closing scene
: Critics praised the episode's "bleak" and "impressive" visual representation of the volcanic wasteland, noting it as one of the darkest installments of the season. : In a dramatic closing scene, the Southlands
