‘The Rings of Power’ also known as ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ is one of the most anticipated shows of this year. It is based on the novel ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by English writer J. R. R. Tolkien and is set in the Second Age of Middle-earth.
The story takes place thousands of years before Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ events began. The first season is slated to premiere on Prime Video on September 1. This begs us to find out about some of the details of the book, like the 19 lesser rings that were distributed by Sauron.
The Story Of The 19 Lesser Rings Distributed By Sauron
Ahead of the prequel series premiere in September, let’s take a look at Tolkien’s labyrinthian world of middle-earth. The lore states that the 19 lesser rings had been given by Sauron to the people of Middle-earth.
He had done this in hope that they would all fall prey to his gifts and be bound to his will. The evil power wanted to rule the world without having to face a war.
Out of 19, nine went to mortal beings who were doomed to die. People who received this ring were gifted with immortality. But they later realize that an endless life is a punishment. The rings caused them to see visions of Sauron and they eventually bowed down before him.
They later became the Ringwraiths known as Nazgul, the servants of Sauron. Despite having amazing powers, Nazgul were under complete control of Sauron. Their leader, the Witch-king of Angmar, was Sauron’s deputy.
The Seven Rings Were Distributed To Dwarves And Durin
Seven rings were given to the dwarves in their stone halls. Being tougher than immortal men, the dwarves did not bow to Sauron. But the rings made them greedy and everyone eventually fell for greed.
The most powerful of these seven rings was given to Durin III. It was later passed to Thrain II who lost it when he was captured by Sauron.
However, the curse of the ring did not forgive Durin’s line of succession after being taken by Thrain II. The cursed ring caused a “gold sickness” in the lineage of Durin. Thrain’s son Thorin and King under the Mountain were also affected by it.
Celebrimbor had created the last three of the smaller rings for the Elves under Heaven. Also known as the elven “rings of power”, these were created without Sauron’s knowledge. It was possible as Celebrimbor knew the wizard’s intentions. The three rings, named Narya, Nenya and Vilya, possessed unique powers. They were only visible to the one wearing the ring of power.
