J. R. R. Tolkien Found Inspiration for The Lord of the Rings’ Most Important Item From One of History’s Most Well-Known Philosophers

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In terms of iconic representations within J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythos, none can rival the image of the One Ring. This artifact holds significant weight in “The Lord of the Rings,” transcending into a widely recognized symbol in popular culture. Initially, in Tolkien’s earlier Middle-earth novel, “The Hobbit,” the One Ring served as a helpful trinket for Bilbo Baggins during his escapades. However, it assumed a far more profound role in “The Lord of the Rings.” The One Ring bestowed invisibility upon its bearer, yet it also subtly encouraged wicked deeds and held an insidious allure. This ring seemed to possess a will of its own, constantly maneuvering to return to its maker, the malevolent Sauron. If he had reclaimed it, Sauron would have regained his full power and potentially conquered all of Middle-earth.

In the epic tale of “The Lord of the Rings,” Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous odyssey to Mount Doom, the fiery volcano where the One Ring was created and must be destroyed forever. The One Ring is a masterpiece by J.R.R. Tolkien, but it wasn’t conjured up spontaneously. Much like other elements of Tolkien’s mythos and the fantasy genre in general, the One Ring was influenced by folklore and mythology. Notably, there are two legendary rings that share some striking similarities with the One Ring. The first is rooted in a fable penned by one of ancient Greece’s most renowned philosophers, while the second played a significant role in shaping “The Lord of the Rings” as we know it from Old Norse legend.

Rings of Invisibility Predated The Lord of the Rings By Millennia

In the 4th century B.C., a philosophical work titled Plato’s “Republic” was penned. This text delved into the question of why people opt for righteousness instead of self-interest. It presented and discussed various theories, often using parables as examples. One such parable centered around the legendary Ring of Gyges, a tale set in the ancient kingdom of Lydia. An earthquake exposed a hidden cave where a shepherd named Gyges discovered a skeleton with an enchanted ring. Upon taking it, he learned that turning the ring would render him invisible. With this power, Gyges plotted to elevate his status through unscrupulous actions, culminating in the assassination of the Lydian King and Gyges seizing the throne. This narrative suggested that people abstain from wrongdoing only because they fear retribution. Once Gyges discovered he could commit crimes without facing any repercussions, his moral compass was lost.

The Ring of Gyges and The One Ring from The Lord of the Rings share some striking resemblances: they were both golden rings, bestowed with invisibility powers, discovered in caves, and ultimately drove their bearers to commit despicable acts. However, it’s essential to note that the Ring of Gyges wasn’t inherently evil; rather, it amplified the negative aspects in its user, Gyges. In contrast, The One Ring was a corrupted artifact with a dark influence, even swaying individuals of pure heart to perform actions they wouldn’t have contemplated otherwise.

Another key distinction lies in their abilities: while the Ring of Gyges only granted invisibility, The One Ring boasted an array of powers, such as controlling others’ minds. Consequently, The One Ring was a much more potent and significant artifact. Unlike the Ring of Gyges, it wasn’t just used to conquer a single kingdom; its influence spanned across the entire world. Tolkien did not explicitly comment on the Ring of Gyges, but according to Ralph C. Wood’s The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-earth, he was familiar with the story. It seems that a different tale may have served as a more significant inspiration for him.

Norse Mythology Was One of Tolkien’s Favorite Subjects

Although J.R.R. Tolkien was well-versed in ancient Greek literature, his true passion leaned towards Norse mythology. The Völsunga Saga, an Old Norse epic, narrated the lineage of the Völsung clan, with the latter half focusing on a magical artifact named Andvaranaut, a golden ring. Unlike the Ring of Gyges and the One Ring, Andvaranaut did not grant invisibility but rather helped locate valuable resources, bearing resemblance to the dwarves’ treasures.

However, the similarity between Andvaranaut and the One Ring lies in its negative aspect. Loki, the trickster god, pilfered Andvaranaut from its creator, a Dwarf named Andvari. In retaliation, Andvari cursed the ring, ensuring that anyone who possessed it would meet their demise due to its allure. To escape this curse, Loki passed the ring onto King Hreidmar, a dwarf whom he owed a significant debt. His son, Fáfnir, later killed Hreidmar and seized Andvaranaut for himself. He used the ring to amass an enormous fortune, which eventually led to his transformation into a dragon, potentially serving as inspiration for other dragon tales. Sigurd, Hreidmar’s human foster child, then avenged Hreidmar by slaying Fáfnir. This cycle of vengeance and violence persisted throughout the tale.

In comparison to the Ring of Gyges, the role of Andvaranaut’s narrative was more akin to the One Ring in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” While the Ring of Gyges didn’t have the same impact on characters as the One Ring did, it significantly influenced the plot and the actions of many characters. For instance, Sméagol strangled Déagol to death over the One Ring in Middle-earth, and Gollum bit Frodo’s finger off while trying to possess it. Characters like Frodo also suffered immense harm due to the One Ring, even if they didn’t die from its effects.

Tolkien was inspired by the Völsunga Saga, as evidenced by his adaptation of the story titled “The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún.” Andvaranaut was also the source material for Richard Wagner’s opera “Der Ring des Nibelungen,” although Tolkien denied any influence from this work on his own creation. When a Swedish translation of “The Lord of the Rings” compared the two stories, Tolkien wrote an angry letter to his publishers, stating that the resemblances between the two rings were minimal and that any similarities could be attributed to their shared Norse roots.

The Lord of the Rings Was a Story Unlike Any Other

It might seem plausible to suggest that J.R.R. Tolkien created the One Ring as a direct echo of the Ring of Gyges or Andvaranaut, but the reality is likely more intricate. Rings of invisibility are not rare in folklore and mythology; for example, Sir Yvain from Arthurian legend owned one. Likewise, cursed treasures symbolizing the perils of greed are common motifs. Tolkien was influenced by numerous stories, both consciously and subconsciously, when crafting the One Ring’s narrative. However, it would be unfair to the author to claim that every aspect of Middle-earth was derived from other literature. After all, Tolkien was an incredibly creative mind, and many aspects of the One Ring’s lore bear no resemblance to its mythological counterparts.

Tolkien’s creation, the idea of controlling those with magical rings being unique to him, was also the central tale of a magical ring that needed to be taken across the world and destroyed in a volcanic forge. In one of his writings, “On Fairy-Stories,” Tolkien likened storytelling to a bubbling cauldron: authors add new elements, but every scoop contains remnants from those who came before. Tolkien significantly enriched this metaphorical cauldron, essentially shaping the fantasy genre as we know it today, but it’s crucial to acknowledge his sources of inspiration. Tolkien blended his original ideas with historical facts, mythological elements, and other literary works to craft a story that was far greater than the sum of its components. Without the Ring of Gyges and Andvaranaut, it’s hard to imagine what the One Ring might have been or whether it would have existed at all.

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2025-04-22 00:50