The Messed Up Origins™ of The Rings of Power | Folklore Explained
Jon Solo・20 minutes read
Amazon's new series, Rings of Power, explores the origins of the Rings of Power, delving into their creation by Sauron and their impact on elves, dwarves, and men. The narrative analyzes the significance of magic rings throughout history, from symbolic uses in ancient societies to their portrayal in various myths and legends, ultimately reflecting on the themes of power, corruption, and choice in Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings."
Insights
- The Rings of Power in Amazon's series are a central focus, showcasing how they were used to deceive and manipulate elves, dwarves, and men, drawing parallels to historical uses of rings as symbols of status and power throughout ancient civilizations.
- Various myths and tales, from Plato to Arabian folklore, explore the corrupting influence of magic rings, challenging the idea of whether the rings themselves are inherently evil or if it is the power they grant that leads to corruption, echoing Tolkien's thematic exploration of greed and power in "Lord of the Rings."
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Recent questions
What is the premise of Amazon's Rings of Power series?
Set before Lord of the Rings, focuses on Sauron's rise.
How were magic rings used in ancient societies?
Used as official seals and symbols of power.
What are some famous examples of magic rings in mythology?
Plato's Ring of Gyges and Andvari's Ring.
What is the significance of magic rings in Arabian folk tales?
Question the corrupting nature of power.
How does Tolkien use rings as symbols in Lord of the Rings?
Symbolize greed, control, and the hunger for power.
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Summary
00:00
Rings of Power: From Myth to Reality
- Amazon's new series, Rings of Power, is set before J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, focusing on the rise of the dark lord Sauron and the creation of the Rings of Power, including the One Ring.
- Rings of Power were given to elves, dwarves, and men by Sauron under false pretenses, empowering them but also making them vulnerable to his manipulation.
- The concept of rings as powerful items dates back to Paleolithic times, with mammoth tusk rings being used as currency by early societies.
- Rings evolved from bone to metals like iron, steel, silver, and gold, becoming symbols of status and power, such as the Scarab Rings worn by Egyptians.
- Rings were used as official seals in ancient societies, transferring power and authority to documents and objects.
- In Roman times, rings served various symbolic purposes, from business agreements to magical qualities attributed to gemstones like amethyst, sapphires, rubies, turquoise, and diamonds.
- Anglo-Saxon rings, like Sauron's One Ring, were believed to have magical properties due to runes engraved on them, amplifying their benefits when worn.
- Stories like Plato's Ring of Gyges and Norse myth's Andvari's Ring depict the corrupting influence of magic rings, leading wearers to commit evil deeds or become enslaved by their power.
- Exceptions to the corrupting nature of magic rings, like Sir Percival's invincible ring and Aladdin's genie-summoning ring, often come with catches or gray areas in their stories.
- The real corrupting force of magic rings is questioned in Arabian folk tales like the Enchanted Ring, exploring whether the rings themselves are evil or if it's the power they grant that corrupts individuals.
13:43
Magic Rings: Power, Greed, and Redemption
- The wicked brother falsely accuses the good brother of plotting against their father, leading to the father violently punishing the good son and banishing him from the house.
- While wandering in the forest, the good son encounters a fairy who gifts him a magic ring enabling invisibility and transformation into a prince, which he uses to scare his father and brother into apologizing and then to conquer a troublesome neighboring kingdom.
- The fairy decides to punish the wicked brother by giving him the same ring, knowing it will lead to his downfall due to the corrupting nature of power.
- The narrative delves into the significance of magic rings, particularly Tolkien's use of them in "Lord of the Rings" to symbolize greed, control, and the hunger for power, with specific rings like Narya, Nenya, and Vilya embodying positive values of hope, peace, and healing.
- The text concludes by highlighting the overarching message of "Lord of the Rings" that even the smallest individuals can wield immense power for good, suggesting that the choice of rings as symbols reflects their ability to hold sacred powers despite their unassuming appearance.
