Something I've never quite understood... (Why a Ring?)

[Orofaniel]

One possible reason that Tolkien used the One Ring as a main source of power is he was trying to emphasize the point that Sauron had almost all of Middle-earth at his disposal: right at his fingertips. This sort of power probably coudn't have been explained the same way if the weapon was, say, a frying pan (or a sword).

Just a comment on this one; There are probably many reasons why Tolkien sued “a Ring”. I do think however that he was inspired by Norse Mythology, which many have said before me. Rings are in Norse mythology a sign of power and fortune/wealth. Sauron's Ring was definitely a powerful Ring.( )

I have a couple of very interesting examples that'll bind the tales about Rings in Norse mythology together with LotR, but I'm afraid I'll turn this topic away from it originally theme.

[Lathriel]

I see a ring as a symbol of something precious and something that can't be lost that easily because Sauron wore it like a wedding ring which you never ever take off. Also if this was kind of like a wedding ring you could say that with his ring he was bound to his power as a husband is bound to his wife.

Maybe that is reaching a little far but I thought it was an interesting thought.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

This is an interesting question, which I hope will generate some good discussion! Those who read here might also want to go back to previous old threads on this topic: Why a Ring?(1) and Why a Ring?(2). For an interesting and amusing thread on the aspect of the ring as a 'wife', check out The One Ring?. Enjoy!