Mount Doom and Mordor in The Rings of Power explained: origins, significance, and future of the Lord of the Rings location

gamesradar.com:

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has revealed the creation of one of Middle-earth’s most famous landmarks: Mount Doom. It’s been heavily hinted for a while that the grassy mountains of the Southlands are doomed to become the volcanic plains of Mordor. Episode 6 set that in motion with a huge eruption transforming the geography of the human dwellings. But just what is the significance of all this – and what impact will it have going forward?

Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels – and Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy – will know the importance of Mount Doom in Sauron’s plans. For those of you who are newcomers or just wanting a refresher, we’ve got you covered on all things Mount Doom and Morder. Before we go any further, just a quick spoiler warning. We’re diving into what’s happened so far in The Rings of Power as well as the events of Tolkien’s books.

First thing first, we need to point out that it’s not yet been confirmed that the erupted volcano is Mount Doom. However, given that the Southlands are destined to become the legendary evil heartland of Mordor, where Mount Doom is based, it seems very likely.

Mount Doom was never been given a specific origin story by Tolkien. The author previously shared that it was created by Morgoth during the First Age. The Rings of Power changed the story slightly, moving the formation to the Second Age. 

In The Rings of Power, the volcano is formed in the wake of Adar's defeat in the Southlands. After Galadriel and the Númenóreans seemingly stopped Sauron’s sword from falling into the evil Uruk’s hands, Theo notices the sword is missing. The old man Waldreg then plants the blade into a stone that bears Sauron’s mark, which in turn unlocks the dam, sending waters