Arondir’s ultimate sacrifice: Ismael Cruz Córdova reveals the ‘Rings of Power’ Season 3 choice behind it |
Spoiler Alert: This article contains major spoilers for ‘The Rings of Power’ Season 3, Episode 4.‘The Rings of Power’ just threw a heartbreaking curveball in Season 3: Arondir’s story is over. Ismael Cruz Córdova, who has played the Elven warrior since the show’s first season, has opened up about the character’s final moments and the choice that sealed his fate.In the fourth episode, “Gundabad,” Arondir comes face to face with Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin), the young man he had come to treat like a son. With Sauron (Charlie Vickers) tightening his grip on Middle-earth, their reunion turns into a devastating confrontation. Córdova has now explained why his character chose to stay despite knowing the danger he was facing.
Why did Arondir make the ultimate sacrifice in ‘The Rings of Power’ Season 3?
The fourth episode takes Arondir, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), and their companions to the Orc fortress of Gundabad. As they attempt to escape, they discover that Theo has become one of Sauron’s ring-bearing servants, known as the Nazgnagol. Theo had accepted one of the Rings of Power offered to mortal men, placing him under the influence of the Dark Lord.Arondir refuses to leave Theo behind. Theo tells Arondir to go, but Arondir keeps pleading with him to remove the ring and run. Then Sauron shows up and orders Theo to attack, and Theo strikes Arondir with his sword.That’s what makes the scene so painful. Since losing his mother, Bronwyn, Theo had come to see Arondir as a father figure, a bond built in tough circumstances. Turning on him is one of the episode’s most emotional beats.
Ismael Cruz Córdova explains why Arondir refused to leave Theo
In an interview with TV Insider, Córdova said Arondir’s final decision came down to his sense of responsibility. The actor said his character could not abandon Theo, even when the situation became dangerous.“I don’t think I would’ve left [Theo]. I think that was it,” Córdova told.He further explained that Arondir understood what needed to happen so the others could escape. “The thing is, [Arondir] knew what had to be done in that moment. One person needed to stay so that the others, including Marnukh, could go. That decision was made.”Córdova also reflected on the importance of personal choice in the scene, saying, “There’s an element of choice.” His comments highlight how Arondir’s final stand was connected to his values rather than simply being another confrontation in the larger war against Sauron.
When did Ismael Cruz Córdova learn about Arondir’s fate?
Córdova revealed that he learned about Arondir’s storyline several months before filming the third season. Showrunners J.D. Payne and McKay got together to map out what was next for the character.At the time, the actor was in Puerto Rico with his father, so the conversation took place over Zoom. Recalling that period, Córdova said, “I was having a very clear moment of existentialism: life is short, life is fragile.”The discussion helped him understand the direction of Arondir’s story and prepare for its conclusion. Although the news meant saying goodbye to a character he had portrayed since 2022, Córdova appreciated the way the final storyline was developed. He described the closing stretch as an “incredible four-episode arc”.
What Arondir’s sacrifice means for Theo’s future
Arondir’s absence leaves Theo facing an uncertain future. His acceptance of Sauron’s ring has brought him closer to the Dark Lord’s forces, but his confrontation with the Elf also exposes the emotional cost of the choices he has made.Now Theo has to reckon with turning on someone who stood by him anyway. His next moves could decide whether he stays in Sauron’s grip or breaks away.Arondir’s final act makes the big Middle-earth conflict feel personal. There’s no clean win here, just a tough decision for Theo and a real emotional turning point for the show.
