The following contains spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 1, Episode 8, "Alloyed," now streaming on Prime Video.

With the first season of The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power concluded, some threads got closure while others were laid down, foreshadowing more drama and action to come. Even with bombshells such as Halbrand being Sauron and the Stranger possibly being Gandalf, it's just the beginning of their stories in this subversion of J. R. R. Tolkien's source material.

Of course, due to the plethora of characters and intersecting stories, not everything could be answered in the Season 1 finale. As such, this leaves plenty of story potential to explore down the line, whetting fans' appetites as they seek resolution to how the LOTR journey begins. However, in addition to a swath of mysteries, there are some plot holes that need to be answered. Here are some of the lingering questions and mysteries that have been left open as Rings of Power concluded its first season.

RELATED: LOTR: The Rings of Power's Sauron Doesn't Tell a Single Lie in Season 1

How Will Sauron Win Back the Orcs?

Rings of Power confirms Halbrand is Sauron

Adar's big revelation was that he killed Sauron in a civil war between Morgoth's disciples. Sauron wanted Orcs enslaved in an oppressive rule, while Adar wanted his "children" free, which is why he created Mount Doom and Mordor. Fans are thus eager to see how Sauron will slay Adar and sway the Orcs back to his side, per the Peter Jackson movies. Sauron could alter his form once more, which was hinted at when Adar didn't recognize him in the Southlands, and could use this to dupe them into following him again. This sets up an enticing prospect, ready to answer how Adar didn't pick up on Halbrand's deceit.

Why Didn't Sauron Stay in Númenor or Kill Galadriel?

Galadriel and Halbrand staring at each other in Rings of Power

Sauron admitted he wanted to be away from Morgoth's hold, which led to him to be lost at sea. If he was really seeking peace, however, he should have stayed in Númenor as following Galadriel was only going to bring him back to the life he fled from. For an individual craving freedom, following Galadriel doesn't add up. Another strange decision occurs when she finds out he's not Halbrand and Sauron doesn't kill her on the spot; instead, he tries to drown her. Understanding Sauron's ambiguous actions surrounding Galadriel is a burning question that needs to be addressed in Season 2.

Why Did Galadriel Keep Sauron's Identity Secret?

Galadriel from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

After Elrond rescues Galadriel from drowning, she doesn't say who Halbrand really is. This doesn't sense considering she could tell he's gotten into Celebrimbor's mind. Instead, she focuses on them making the three rings. Galadriel outing Sauron would've sped up the hunt for him, while allowing the forge to ensure everyone was free from his possible influence. Understanding Galadriel's reason for keeping Sauron's identity a secret needs further development.

RELATED: LOTR: The Rings of Power Season 2 Will Feature Plenty of 'Big' Moments Originally Meant for Season 1

Where are the Other Wizards?

lotr stranger

Since the Stranger is strongly implied to be Gandalf given his "always follow your nose" quote, this has fans wondering where the other members of the Istar are. Since the Valar sent these mages to fight the rising darkness, fans would love to know the locations of Saruman and Radagast, as well as the other two blue wizards whom Tolkien didn't detail much. It's possible their minds are broken like the Stranger's was. If so, this needs to be explained in detail, as the Stranger is now clearly speaking and is full of knowledge.

Why Didn't the White Robes Sense Gandalf?

Rings of Powe White Robes

The white-robed villains (the Dweller, Ascetic and Nomad) think the Stranger is Sauron, but he eventually rises up and incinerates them. The problem is it's never detailed how they could confuse someone of the Light with their dark lord. Instead, it feels like a forced red herring to keep eyes off of Halbrand being the real Sauron. In the process, it makes these Sauron servants look weak.

What's Over in Rhûn?

Nori Brandyfoot and The Stranger in The Rings of Power.

Gandalf takes Nori on a mission east to Rhûn to find answers. However, it's a total mystery what lies there, especially as Tolkien also didn't flesh this region out properly. At best, the lore said Kings of Gondor -- as well as Elves and Dwarves -- resided there at some point. In these early days, however, it might be the base for the wizards or a source of power for their staffs.

RELATED: The Rings of Power: When Did Gandalf Come to Middle-earth?​​​​​​​

Will New Regents Step Up?

the-rings-of-power-miriel-numenor-queen-regent

Míriel comes home via ship with Elendil, only to see black banners, reaffirming her dad's dead. Númenor, however, might not take to her wanting them to keep partnering up with the Elves. As such, this civil war can result in Pharazôn stepping up for the king's throne. Given the Shadow's rising, the queen would be more aggressive in winning so that she can send troops to join Galadriel and save Middle-earth. In addition, as Halbrand doesn't exist, many are wondering if Isildur will come out of hiding in the Southlands. He'd help Arondir and Bronwyn lead, foreshadowing his rise as the king of Gondor.

How Will Sauron Factor Into the New Rings?

lotr e8 celebrimbor elrond

In the LOTR lore, Sauron disguised himself as Annatar and slipped in undercover while Celebrimbor forged more rings of power for Men and Elves. Seeing as Halbrand has already infiltrated -- and Elrond has clues on what Galadriel's hiding -- it's hard to see the Elves at Lindon taking in another unfamiliar face for this new work. Sauron may have to pretend to be another Elf or keep influencing the forger's mind.

How Will the Balrog Make Its Presence Known?

Rings of Power Balrog and Durin

Durin's going to face a struggle to mine Khazad-dûm and get the Mithril after his king forbade it. A bigger creative issue, however, is how the Balrog will return to cause destruction. The source material said it slept until the mining woke it up, but Season 1 had a leaf already making it angry. This has fans wondering if it just went back to sleep, or if it's going to remain awake, which will alter the lore in a big way. If it's the latter, it won't take much digging to put Durin's Dwarves in danger.

RELATED: REVIEW: LOTR: Rings of Power Episode 8 Delivers a Truly Show-Stopping Finale​​​​​​​

Is Galadriel's Husband Alive?

Rings of Power's Galadriel and Fellowship of the Ring's Celeborn

Celeborn is said to have gone off to fight Sauron's forces, but he didn't return. This broke Galadriel because after losing her brother, she's now also lost her husband. Celeborn, however, was seen in The Lord of the Rings movies, which has fans interested in knowing his fate. Among the most burning questions surrounding his character include if he's a prisoner somewhere, if he got fed up with war and hid out, or if lore has been changed, and he has indeed been killed.

How Will the Harfoots Evolve?

lotr poppy (1)

A big question is how and when the Harfoots will find the Shire, settle down and evolve into the Hobbits. Bad luck seems to follow them, and the show might drag this out for a couple of seasons, giving them trial after trial. In addition, they might also send backup to help Nori and Gandalf get to Rhûn. Poppy, after all, wouldn't want her best friend in danger, and it wasn't smart to send a kid alone to babysit the wizard. This is especially true when the Harfoots know other bloodthirsty mages are out there hunting the duo.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 1 is available to stream in its entirety on Prime Video.