Norse Mythology's Enchanted Rings: Influence, Destiny, and Epic Tales
In J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary work, "The Lord of the Rings," the One Ring is a symbol of immense power and darkness, a burden that Frodo Baggins must bear. But did you know that Tolkien drew inspiration from Norse mythology for this iconic artifact?
One of the most intriguing parallels can be found in the Norse mythological story, the Voelsunga saga, which features a cursed ring called Andvaranaut. Like the One Ring, Andvaranaut brings about the doom of its bearer, in this case, the hero Sigurd from the Volsung clan.
In Norse society, rings often held positive connotations, serving as a common gift after successful battles. Chieftains were described as givers of rings. However, Andvaranaut was no ordinary ring. It formed part of the compensation that the gods Odin, Hoenir, and Loki had to pay to a certain king Hreidmar, after killing Otr, his otter shapeshifting son.
Similarly, in Tolkien's legendarium, the Elves hide the Three Rings once the dark intentions of Sauron become obvious. These rings, including Galadriel's ring of healing Nenya, Elrond's mighty ring Vilya, and Narya the Great, have names, much like Andvaranaut.
The indestructible nature of the rings in both Norse mythology and Tolkien's legendarium is another common theme. The One Ring, for instance, can only be molten where it was crafted, and its power is increased by the taboo surrounding its name.
Interestingly, the ring functions as an indirect keeper of oaths in both mythologies. In the Old Norse source, the ring is one of the gold pieces used to cover the otter skin, fulfilling the compensation. In "The Lord of The Rings," Gollum seeks to swear an oath on the Precious itself, but his oath not to harm Frodo is eventually made by and not on the ring.
Tolkien's ring, the One Ring, possesses extreme power and cannot be used for good. This aligns with the ring more likely functioning as a reminder of the hero's inevitable fate following the enchantment of a hoard obtained by force in Norse mythology.
Furthermore, Gandalf, Tolkien's Odinic wanderer, shares common traits with the Allfather, such as their abilities in sorcery and their animals and gear they carry. This connection adds another layer to the parallels between the two mythologies.
In conclusion, while Tolkien's One Ring and the Norse mythology's Andvaranaut may seem vastly different at first glance, a closer look reveals intriguing similarities. Both rings are symbols of power, destruction, and a reminder of the bearer's fate. This exploration of parallels not only enriches our understanding of "The Lord of the Rings" but also sheds light on the timeless appeal of these mythological tales.
