A fiery demon Balrog wielding a flaming sword emerges in a dramatic scene from a Lord of the Rings game

Major The Rings of Power Spoilers Ahead

The Rings of Power Season 2 concluded earlier this month in October 2024 and the third episode of the season, titled “The Eagle and the Sceptre,” featured a dramatic encounter involving a huge hill troll named Damrod, who then later appeared in the season as well. The sheer size of this Lord of the Rings troll was massive, and his scenes were given a proper take-off, thanks to the atmospheric CGI and use of heavy metal music playing in the background. Damrod was even given a background song of his own for the series, called “The Ballad of Damrod.”

Adar had summoned the fearsome creature to join his army in the show. However, it’s important to note that Damrod is not a character from Tolkien’s original works and he was created specifically for the Rings of Power series. The troll, with its eerie appearance, gave off vibes reminiscent of Dota 2’s Ogre Magi, though it had just one mouth. This massive, intimidating creature would make an excellent addition to any future Lord of the Rings game, provided that it delivers a boss battle with a just as menacing and unique setting.

The Game Should Take Inspiration for Visual and Environmental Design From the Show

Characters from a Lord of the Rings game gathered at a large banquet table in a grand hall, sharing a feast amidst a medieval setting A leader stands before an army preparing for battle in a scene from a Lord of the Rings game
 Two elves converse in a vibrant garden setting in a Lord of the Rings game
 A group of warriors, including a bear, face off against a dark, armored enemy in a Lord of the Rings game woman in a blue dress sits on a bench in a serene forested area with two dogs in Lord of the rings game Adventurers face a giant, multi-tentacled monster in an intense battle scene from a Lord of the Rings game.Characters from a Lord of the Rings game gathered at a large banquet table in a grand hall, sharing a feast amidst a medieval setting A leader stands before an army preparing for battle in a scene from a Lord of the Rings game Two elves converse in a vibrant garden setting in a Lord of the Rings game A group of warriors, including a bear, face off against a dark, armored enemy in a Lord of the Rings game woman in a blue dress sits on a bench in a serene forested area with two dogs in Lord of the rings game Adventurers face a giant, multi-tentacled monster in an intense battle scene from a Lord of the Rings game.

The environment plays a critical role in Damrod’s appearance. As seen in the ambush scene in The Rings of Power, the landscape (the forested area around Pelargir) is pivotal in setting the atmosphere. In a game, this means creating a dynamic, destructible environment. Imagine battling in an ancient, crumbling ruin where Damrod-inspired boss’s attacks can cause the walls to collapse or shake the ground with every footstep.

Players could use this destruction to their advantage, luring the troll into traps or causing him to stumble. Lighting would also play a huge role here. Dark, misty areas lit only by moonlight or fire could build tension before the troll strikes. When this hypothetical video game boss moves, dust and debris could fall, making each attack feel weighty. The troll itself could have scars or glowing eyes to amplify its otherworldly menace.

A Multi-Phase Encounter Would Make It a Full Circle Moment

A boss battle inspired by The Rings of Power‘s Damrod could evolve from a straightforward fight into a thrilling multi-phase encounter. In the first phase, for instance, this boss character could mirror typical troll behavior, smashing the ground and forcing players to dodge and block.

As the battle progresses and Damrod weakens, he becomes more erratic, hurling boulders and causing environmental hazards. This potential game troll then could also tap into darker powers, whilst unleashing devastating roars, shockwaves, and even poison, reminiscent of the dark forces he serves in the show.

Using Damrod as a Potential Boss Will Give Weight to the Narrative and Add Emotional Depth

A rider on a stag approaches a grand fortress under a dramatic sky in a scene from a Lord of the Rings game
 Two characters overlook a misty, illuminated fortress from a rocky ledge in a Lord of the Rings game Two characters point toward a distant fortress nestled in the mountains, overlooking a misty valley in a scene from a Lord of the Rings game. A character examines an assortment of medieval musical instruments laid out on a wooden table in a Lord of the Rings game Warriors face off against a giant orc in an intense battle amidst a dense forest in a Lord of the Rings game A dwarf warrior faces off against a menacing orc in a tense, dimly lit battle scene from a Lord of the Rings gameA rider on a stag approaches a grand fortress under a dramatic sky in a scene from a Lord of the Rings game Two characters overlook a misty, illuminated fortress from a rocky ledge in a Lord of the Rings game Two characters point toward a distant fortress nestled in the mountains, overlooking a misty valley in a scene from a Lord of the Rings game. A character examines an assortment of medieval musical instruments laid out on a wooden table in a Lord of the Rings game Warriors face off against a giant orc in an intense battle amidst a dense forest in a Lord of the Rings game A dwarf warrior faces off against a menacing orc in a tense, dimly lit battle scene from a Lord of the Rings game

Damrod’s introduction to the show comes with the threat of impending war, and his allegiance to Adar makes him part of a larger plotline. A potential game inclusion inspired by such a character could similarly help craft boss fights that feel essential to the ongoing story. The troll could be guarding something critical, for instance, an ancient relic, an important location, or even a captured ally like Theo in The Rings of Power.

Defeating this boss could unlock further story progression elements or perhaps this Damrod-like boss isn’t just an obstacle but part of a larger moral dilemma. He could be designed to serve a dark power against his will. After defeating him, the player might have a choice — end his suffering or spare him, which would also allow for a more dynamic and branched-out storyline. This kind of moral choice could deepen the player’s investment in the world and would be a great opportunity to build upon the epic scope of Middle-earth and modernize non-canon gameplay.