The Rings - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Manwe Sulimo · 08-02-2002, 06:38 PM

This has probably been brought up before, so if you could direct me to the appropriate thread where I can find some answeres....

What ever became of the Lesser Rings? How many were there, who wore them, what was their extent of power, and what became of them after the Downfall of Barad-dûr?

Feanaro · 08-02-2002, 07:10 PM

Here'a a link that will answer some of your questions: Of the Rings of Power

There were three rings given to the elves (Vilya, Narya, and nenya.) Gandalf wore Narya, Galadriel wore Nenya, and Elrond wore Vilya.
Nine rings were given to men.
Seven were given to the dwarf lords.
And then there was the One of course.

All of the lesser rings were bound to the One ruling ring, as Sauron had (more or less) a hand in their forging. When the Ruling ring was destroyed, the powers of the three waned. The Nine were destroyed with their Master, the majority of the seven were lost over the course of history, and the powers of the three would fade. This is also the reason for the elves leaving Middle-earth. Without the preservational powers of the three rings, the elven kingdoms would fade.

Manwe Sulimo · 08-02-2002, 08:16 PM

Sorry about any confusion....I didn't mean the *Great* Rings.

Quote:

Now the Elves made many rings....

Quote:

'In Eregion long ago many Elven-rings were made, magic rings as you call them, and they were, of course, of various kinds: some more potent and some less. The lesser rings were only essays in the craft before it was full-grown, and to the Elven-smiths they were but trifles - yet still to my mind dangerous for mortals. But the Great Rings, the Rings of Power, they were perilous.'

It goes on to say that the Great Rings made mortal bearers immortal, etc, so the Nine, Seven, and Three were not the lesser rings. In other words, there were many more. Those are the ones I'm curious about.

Feanaro · 08-02-2002, 08:18 PM

My mistake, I misread "Lesser" and interpreted as "Greater." Looks like my wit is sleepier than I thought. Unfortunately my knowledge on the lesser rings is lacking, sorry.

obloquy · 08-02-2002, 08:46 PM

It sounds like they were pretty inconsequential. I doubt Tolkien ever wrote more about them than that bit you quoted.

08-02-2002, 06:38 PM	#1
Manwe Sulimo Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Taurelilómëa-tumbalemorna Tumbaletaurëa Lómëanor Posts: 553	The Rings This has probably been brought up before, so if you could direct me to the appropriate thread where I can find some answeres.... What ever became of the Lesser Rings? How many were there, who wore them, what was their extent of power, and what became of them after the Downfall of Barad-dûr? __________________ "Monkeys learn sign language so they can tell the dolphins they love them."

08-02-2002, 07:10 PM	#2
Feanaro Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Formenos Posts: 55	Here'a a link that will answer some of your questions: Of the Rings of Power There were three rings given to the elves (Vilya, Narya, and nenya.) Gandalf wore Narya, Galadriel wore Nenya, and Elrond wore Vilya. Nine rings were given to men. Seven were given to the dwarf lords. And then there was the One of course. All of the lesser rings were bound to the One ruling ring, as Sauron had (more or less) a hand in their forging. When the Ruling ring was destroyed, the powers of the three waned. The Nine were destroyed with their Master, the majority of the seven were lost over the course of history, and the powers of the three would fade. This is also the reason for the elves leaving Middle-earth. Without the preservational powers of the three rings, the elven kingdoms would fade. __________________ 'See half-brother! This is sharper than thy tongue. Try but once more to usurp my place and the love of my father, and maybe it will rid the Noldor of one who seeks to be the master of thralls.' -Feanor, threatening Fingolfin with his sword. ~Moderator of the Mordor RPG.~

08-02-2002, 08:18 PM	#4
Feanaro Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Formenos Posts: 55	My mistake, I misread "Lesser" and interpreted as "Greater." Looks like my wit is sleepier than I thought. Unfortunately my knowledge on the lesser rings is lacking, sorry. __________________ 'See half-brother! This is sharper than thy tongue. Try but once more to usurp my place and the love of my father, and maybe it will rid the Noldor of one who seeks to be the master of thralls.' -Feanor, threatening Fingolfin with his sword. ~Moderator of the Mordor RPG.~

08-02-2002, 08:46 PM	#5
obloquy Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: WA Posts: 939	It sounds like they were pretty inconsequential. I doubt Tolkien ever wrote more about them than that bit you quoted.