Markella Kavenagh and Megan Richards Discuss Their Journey in Season 2 of ‘The Rings of Power’ as Harfoots: ‘For Poppy, Nori is Home’

How do two Harfoots venture forward without their grand elf in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power? Rachel Leishman from The Mary Sue sat down with actors Megan Smith and Markella Kavenaugh to discuss Nori and Poppy’s evolving friendship as well as their adventures in season 2 of The Rings of Power.

By the conclusion of season 1, Nori embarked on a quest with the Stranger—who is known to viewers as Gandalf—leaving behind her friend Poppy and their Harfoot community. It’s clear that Poppy would eventually pursue them, even if we don’t witness this pivotal choice portrayed on screen. To bridge this narrative gap, Richards consulted Dylan Smith and Sara Zwangobani, who portrayed Nori’s parents, Largo and Marygold, in the first season. Their insights were invaluable. (Following a tragic landslide that caused Poppy to lose her family, the Brandyfoots have essentially taken her under their wing.) “[Zwangobani] mentioned that for Marigold and the Brandyfoot family, there’s always an open door. It’s never been about them becoming parental figures; it’s more about offering Poppy a welcoming presence whenever she needs it,” Richards noted.

Richards shared that in season 2, “with Nori missing from the Harfoot community, Poppy begins to appreciate the deep sense of love and belonging that resides there, along with the comfort she finds in Nori’s presence. She never ventures too far from home, and for Poppy, Nori embodies that sense of home.” Their connection extends beyond mere friendship; they are truly each other’s sanctuary.

The notion of home takes on a poignant significance for the adventurous duo in season 2. They encounter a new faction of halflings known as the Stoors, whose cave dwellings contrast sharply with the once-vibrant surroundings that have now turned arid, forcing them to pilfer water from a nearby well. Poppy and Nori learn that their Harfoot lineage traces back to the Stoors, who sought a new habitat that they never found; instead, they continued their aimless wandering, thereby establishing the motto, “nobody goes off trail, and nobody walks alone.” Nori is particularly unsettled by this knowledge, realizing that the community which nurtured her lacks a permanent home. However, this isn’t entirely negative. For the Harfoots—echoing sentiments from Thor: Ragnarok—home is defined by the relationships among people rather than a physical location. Until, of course, these various halfling tribes settle in the Shire, which seems a distant dream.

Megan Richards as Poppy; Markella Kavenagh as Nori; Gavi Singh Chera as Merimac — Amazon Studios

Poppy, on the other hand, seems unfazed by this revelation—no crisis of identity for her! Her newfound connection during their travels might play a role in her comfort. I find myself wishing for more exploration of Nori’s thoughts regarding Poppy’s budding romance with Merimac in season 2. Did anyone else detect a hint of jealousy or that familiar pang of loneliness when a friend moves forward without you? Perhaps this will be a focal point in season 3.

The dynamic between Nori and Poppy has taken a turn with the addition of Merimac to their circle. Their new mission involves guiding the Stoors to safety, and they’ve temporarily bid farewell to Gandalf. It’s a crucial period of growth for Nori, as Kavenaugh remarks. “[Nori] has been raised in a community centered around connection and belonging,” she observes. “However, she often felt like an outsider due to her unorthodox curiosity, which isn’t always celebrated among the Harfoots as it is with the Stranger. They connected when they both faced feelings of being misunderstood.”

Nori showcases an innate ability to nurture others while placing her trust in those around her—something we saw evidenced in her relationship with the Stranger. Kavenaugh explains, “She doesn’t overthink the potential consequences of her trust; instead, she lives in the moment, making the most of the present because the future remains unknown. She refuses to lose sleep over uncertainties.” Nori believes that the Stranger merits friendship and connection, regardless of their self-doubt. I am eager to observe where Nori’s path of self-discovery will lead her.

Though Nori and Poppy are small in stature, they make excellent companions for Gandalf’s escapades. With Poppy’s outstanding navigational skills and Nori’s expertise in foraging, this trio is unlikely to find themselves lost. If they were part of the Fellowship, they might have reached Mount Doom much faster. But that’s the essence of storytelling, isn’t it? Two halflings who might be more suited for Frodo and Sam’s adventures face their own unique challenges and hurdles.

At the very least, they have each other and Poppy’s melodies to accompany them. We can only hope for more Harfoot songs as the series continues. “She’s not really a singer,” Richards clarifies; she lacks formal training. “For instance, Disa fills that musical role in this series, and I think Sophia [Nomvete] is astounding. I find it charming that we get a glimpse into the Harfoot community. It resonates with me because I think they all share a musical spirit. Much of their vibrant culture revolves around storytelling and song, which ultimately brings joy and meaning to their experiences.”

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