[Ancalagon'sFire]

Dragonbreath is fine Doug, my duck-billed friend [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

It is likely that the rings were crafted with the intended race in mind, and that they were each specially tailored to them. The dwarf rings were believed to attract gold.

I wonder if this deserves a thread of its own? Personally, I do not agree with this theory that rings were designed by Sauron based on the weakness or desires of the race to whom he gave them. I believe all Rings were made with the purpose of controlling the bearers, hence the reason for selecting Kings and Lords.

And while he wore the One Ring he could perceive all the things that were done by means of the lesser rings, and he could see and govern the very thoughts of those that wore them. ]The Silmarillion

The problem with the Dwarves was their resilience and hardiness, especially in relation to resisting Sauron's control over their will. However, the desire for gold combined with the potency of the Rings they wore seemed to be an unsought and eventually beneficial side-effect in Sauron's favour.

The Dwarves indeed proved tough and hard to tame; they ill endure the domination of others, and the thoughts of their hearts are hard to fathom, nor can they be turned to shadows. They used their rings only for the getting of wealth; but wrath and an over-mastering greed of gold were kindled in their hearts, of which evil enough after came to the profit of Sauron. It is said that the foundation of each of the Seven Hoards of the Dwarf-kings of old was a golden ring; but all those hoards long ago were plundered and the Dragons devoured them, and of the Seven Rings some were consumed in fire and some Sauron recovered.

It leads me to suspect that Sauron might have inadvertently acheived success in weakening the Dwarves, but not in the manner he had planned. I think this quote regarding 'The Ring of Thráin' reveals a little more in relation to their Rings;

This Ring was the last of the Seven. It may well be that this was known to Sauron, and that the singular misfortunes of his House were due to that. For the days were passed when it would bring profit, but demanded payment rather, and its possession brought only the hate of Sauron. For the Dwarves had proved hard to tame. They were too tough, being made of a purpose to resist such onslaughts of evil will and power, and though they could be slain or broken they could not be made into shadows or slaves of any other will; and for like reason their lives were little affected, to live either longer or shorter because of the Ring. The more did Sauron hate them. Nonetheless each possessor kept his ring as a secret unless he surrendered it; and though those about him doubtless guessed it, none knew for certain that Thráin had the Ring. ](IV) Durin's Folk

Could it be that Sauron got lucky, considering all this talk of numerology and lucky 7s?

[ January 26, 2003: Message edited by: Ancalagon'sFire ]