What are the Rings of Power and what do they do?

As a lifelong fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement as I delve into the intricacies of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, particularly the Elven rings – Nenya, Narya, and Vilya. Having grown up with the original works and the iconic film adaptations, these legendary artifacts hold a special place in my heart.

This piece may reveal plot details that could be considered spoilers for Amazon’s show “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” as well as the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. Please proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.

In case the title “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” didn’t already tip you off, this latest offering from Amazon Prime Video delves deep into J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary universe, focusing on the most influential jewelry pieces ever penned in literature. As a movie enthusiast, I found myself captivated by these enchanted rings and their impact on Middle-earth’s history and its diverse characters.

In case your memory recalls Cate Blanchett’s memorable opening for The Fellowship of the Ring, the Rings of Power were apportioned among the three primary societies in Middle-earth: 3 for the Elves, 7 for the Dwarves, and 9 for men.

The Elven blacksmiths from Eregion, under the guidance of Celebrimbor, were inspired and prompted by Annatar – a guise used by Sauron – to create their masterpieces.

In the second season of the popular series, we’ll delve deeper into the fate of the Rings entrusted to Dwarves and men. However, when it comes to the Elven Rings, we already know quite a bit – their names, their abilities, and more.

Those rings are Nenya, Narya and Vilya. But what are they and what do they do?

Nenya

What are the Rings of Power and what do they do?

On other occasions referred to as the Ring of Water or the Ring of Adamant, Nenya is the ring that adorns Lady Galadriel. Crafted by Celebrimbor at the culmination of season 1, and untouched by Sauron’s control, Nenya may be the most uncorrupted source of power found throughout Middle-earth.

In Tolkien’s tales, the ring known as Nenya is fashioned from mithril and adorned with a gem that resembles a diamond. Its brilliance is so intense that ordinary beings are unable to see it. Samwise Gamgee likened the sight of it to a star shining through someone’s fingers. However, Frodo, being a ring bearer himself, can perceive Nenya quite clearly.

The power bestowed upon the wearer enables them to safeguard and shield their community from harm, and keep them hidden from evil. Later in her life, when Galadriel dwells within the woods of Lothlórien, this camouflage becomes crucial for securing her people’s safety as Sauron’s power intensifies.

Unlike the two other Elvish Rings of Power, Nenya is only ever wielded by Galadriel.

Narya

What are the Rings of Power and what do they do?

The Red Ring, or the Ring of Fire, is a striking opposite to Galadriel’s Nenya. A gold-like metal, inlaid with a bright ruby, Narya granted the wearer the ability to resist tyranny and despair, the ability to inspire hope in others, and the ability to resist the weariness of time.

Just as Nenya was forged at the finale of Season 1 in The Rings of Power, its bearer remains unseen by us so far.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I, Ben Daniels, am set to embark on a new adventure by joining the cast for season 2! I’ll be stepping into the role of Círdan the Shipwright, a venerable Elf and Lord of the Grey Havens – a character known for his wisdom, foresight, and age that rivals the oldest beings in all of Middle-earth. This journey through J.R.R. Tolkien’s world promises to be an extraordinary experience!

Towards the end of the tale, Círdan will pass on Narya to Gandalf, a realization of the value Gandalf holds in the eyes of the Elf having come to him.

Vilya

Among the three Elven rings, Vilya – often referred to as the Ring of Air, the Blue Ring, or the Dominant Ring – stands out as the most potent. Forged together with Nenya and Narya, this gold-hued ring is adorned with a sapphire.

There isn’t much information available regarding the powers bestowed by the ring Vilya, but we can make some educated guesses. Since healing and preservation are significant aspects of the other two Elven rings, it’s likely that these elements play a crucial role in the powers of Vilya as well.

Initially donned by the High King Gil-galad, the ring Vilya is destined to be bestowed upon Elrond. The prophetic abilities exhibited by Elrond, as portrayed in both J.R.R. Tolkien’s original works and the Peter Jackson movie adaptations, hint at an additional power associated with this ring.

The Elvish rings, each one of them, brought harm to those who wore them, but the damage they caused was nothing compared to what happened to the Dwarves and the men.

The rings were made with the intent to preserve the Elves’ radiance and stall the progression of time in Middle-earth, which resulted in a feeling of delay and eventually led to a diminished pace in their activities.

When compared to the Seven and the Nine, though, this seems like a fair trade-off.

Little is known about the specifics of the other 16 Rings of Power.

The gifts bestowed upon the Dwarves led them to amass increasing riches, yet this prosperity only stirred their insatiable greed and endless wrath.

The Nine bestowed mortals with power and longevity, but eventually twisted them into the beings we recognize as Nazgûl, or Ringwraiths. They became subservient to Sauron’s control and were destined to become increasingly invisible over time.

Get ready for the second season of The Rings of Power, premiering on Amazon Prime Video on August 29th! If you’re not already a member, take advantage of their complimentary 30-day trial to start watching today.

2024-08-29 10:39

Nenya

Narya

Vilya

Read More