Who is Estrid in The Rings of Power? Nia Towle character explained

First introduced as a woman who had lost her betrothed, suspicions were very much aroused when it was revealed that she was hiding the mark of Mordor on her back.

However, that seemingly amounted to nothing, with the character becoming a love interest of Isildur (Maxim Baldry) – but the latest episode saw her left behind at the orders of actual menace, Kemen (Leon Wadham).

Here's everything we know about Estrid.

Who is Estrid in The Rings of Power season 2?

Estrid is one of the wild men, and her identity is revealed when it's shown that she has the mark of Adar (Sam Hazeldine) on the back of her neck.

She meets Isildur (Maxim Baldry) when she encounters him and stabs him in the leg after thinking he was an orc. It's established they're both looking for people – Isildur for his father and Estrid for her betrothed.

They ride to Pelargir together and soon find an injured old man. Isildur offers him some bread, and it's quickly revealed it's an ambush.

While Isildur and Estrid are outnumbered, Arondir appears, saving the day with his bow and arrow before leaving them to it to settle his own affairs.

Later, Isildur and Estrid have a heart-to-heart, admitting they feel guilty for surviving when their beloved families haven't. Isildur admits that no one knows his mother died saving his life.

Isildur is called away by Theo, leaving Estrid on her own. However, when Estrid is left on her own, we see that she has the mark of Adar branded onto her back. She places a flaming torch on it, screaming in pain.

In episode 4, it's revealed that Estrid is one of the wild men, and she fights Arondir and Isildur. Arondir captures her and places her in manacles. During the episode, she's also reunited with her betrothed.

However, she proves herself when she saves Arondir and Isildur, and Isildur decides to free her.

As the season progresses, Isildur and Estrid get closer - but a spanner is thrown in the works when Estrid's betrothed comes back on the scene.

However, in the season finale, Estrid reveals that she's not in love with him and, as Isildur is preparing to leave Pelargir, they share a kiss and he invites her to return to Numenor with him.

But, as if Isildur hasn't been through enough, things are ruined for him once again when Kemen arrives. He informs Isildur that Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle) has usurped the throne and that his father, Elendil (Lloyd Owen), is wanted for treason.

He denies Estrid passage on his ship back to Numenor, and Isildur is forced to leave without her.

Clearly, there's also unfinished business between Estrid and her betrothed – as Isildur sails away from her, he sees her betrothed take her hand.

Who plays Estrid in The Rings of Power season 2?

Estrid is played by actress Nia Towle.

While she's a relative newcomer, she appeared in the films Rocketman and Persuasion before taking on her role in The Rings of Power.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 premiered on Thursday 29th August 2024 on Prime Video. Sign up now for a free 30-day Prime Video trial.

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