But one demise fans won't have been too sad to see was that of The Dweller.
As one of three Mystics seeking Daniel Weyman's Stranger, The Dweller (played by Bridie Sisson) battled the gentle giant during the final episode of season 1 after drawing the Harfoots into a trap.
However, it didn't end well for her, with the three Mystics appearing to be destroyed.
But is that definitely the end of them? Showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay have teased that they could potentially return.
Payne told Vanity Fair: "You’re seeing what is underneath the form that they’ve been presenting.
"Were they defeated, or were they just temporarily vanquished? I think that’s a story point that people can be thinking about."
For now, here's everything we know about The Dweller! Alternatively, check out our full recap of season 1 ahead of diving into the new instalment.
Who is The Dweller in The Rings of Power?
The Dweller is a mysterious figure pursuing the equally enigmatic figure credited as "The Stranger" who crashed into Middle-earth as a meteor in the first episode.
Alongside their comrades The Nomad (Edith Poor) and The Ascetic (Kali Kopae), The Dweller first appears in the fifth episode of the series, titled Partings.
The trio observe the crater in Rhovanion where The Stranger had crashed from a hilltop before The Dweller goes down to inspect the crater closer.
The Dweller, played by Bridie Sisson, in The Rings of Power. Amazon Studios
When the figure first appeared in the trailers for the series, many had assumed that the character was the Dark Lord himself, Sauron, and had been misidentified as being played by actor Anson Boon.
Executive producer Lindsey Weber later told TIME that Bridie Sisson was the person portraying this character.
Weber commented: "We are enjoying all the speculation online and can tell you Bridie Sisson is an incredible actor.
"We also thought fans might like to know that her character is travelling from far to the East — from the lands of Rhûn…"
Easterlings dwell from the land of Rhûn and, in Tolkien lore, has been known to have armies and individuals who have allied with Sauron in the past.
In the final episode, however, The Dweller attempts to trap the Harfoots and is defeated by The Stranger, who embarks on a journey with Nori to Rhûn. Could that be the last we see of her?
Who portrays The Dweller in The Rings of Power?
Bridie Sisson attends The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power World Premiere at Leicester Square. Dave J Hogan/Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images
The Dweller is portrayed in The Rings of Power by New Zealander actress Bridie Sisson.
The actress previously appeared in the Netflix series Cowboy Bebop, web series Touch Wood, soap opera Shortland Street, and the film The Justice for Bunny King.
Sisson is on Instagram at the account @bridiesisson.
The actress has also attended premieres and events for the series.
If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Lewis Knight is the Trends Editor for Radio Times, covering trending titles from TV, Film and more. He previously worked at The Mirror in TV, Film, and Showbiz coverage alongside work on SEO. Alongside his past work in advertising, he possesses a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Film Studies.
Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.
