The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 trailer
The first three episodes of Rings of Power season 2 have been released and fans are already savouring over every new and returning character. Many are speculating about Ciaran Hind's The Dark Wizard who is searching for The Stranger, others are theorising who The Stranger really is and how Sauron is able to shapeshift into other forms so easily.
One of the new characters is Estrid, who first appears in episode 3. Estrid, played by Nia Towle, stabs Isildur in the leg because she feared he was an orc - but the pair thankfully escape to safety.
But in a classic TV twist, it is revealed there is more than meets the eye when it comes to her and why she has the mark of Sauron on her neck.
This is what we know about the new character in Rings of Power and how important she could be in the series.
Who is Estrid in The Rings of Power season 2?
Estrid is a non-canonical woman who was created for the second season of The Rings of Power. We first see Estrid when she ambushes Isildur and stabs him in the leg after thinking he was an Orc.
They are both looking for people - Isildur is searching for his father and Estrid is looking for her betrothed. The pair ride to Pelargir and they stumble upon an injured old man.
As Isildur offers him some bread, it's quickly revealed it's an ambush and the duo are surrounded by a gang. Arondir appears and helps fight off the group with his bow and arrow before leaving them.
Isildur and Estrid later talk to each other and both admit they feel guilty for surviving when their beloved families haven't. Isildur reveals that no one knows his mother died saving his life.
Theo calls away Isildur as they plan to retrieve his kidnapped horse and Estrid pulls her hair up to reveal the mark of Sauron branded onto her back. She places a heated blade on the mark and screams in pain.
It appears Estrid wants to remove the mark of Sauron which raises the question - who is she really? While her intentions early in this season are unclear, it could be she is a former follower of Sauron and wants to cover her past or she is trying to disguise herself.
Or could this be the spark of romance? Isildur's wife was never named in Tolkien's writing.
Who plays Estrid in Rings of Power?
Nia Towle plays Estrid in Rings of Power, which is her first major role in both film and television. Towle previously appeared in Elton John biopic Rocketman and Persuasion as Louisa Musgroves.
Nia studied at the Guildhall School and graduated in 2021. A biography from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London revealed she is a strong singer, has a very good ear for accents and can take part in street dance, ballet, contemporary and show dance.