The Fates of the Rings of Power After the Lord of the Rings Trilogy

After the climactic events of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the fate of the Rings of Power became a subject of fascination and speculation. This article delves into the disposition of the remaining rings, providing a comprehensive overview of their journeys and ultimate destinies.

The Destruction of the One Ring

The primary catalyst for the disappearance of the Rings of Power was the destruction of the One Ring. As the master and anchor of the other 19 Rings of Power, the One Ring maintained their magical properties. Once it was destroyed, the link was severed, and the other rings ceased to be sources of power.

Many of the rings lost their magic, becoming mere trinkets with no magical properties. However, the manner in which each ring met its end varied, reflecting the complex and convoluted nature of the events described in Tolkien's work.

The Fates of Specific Rings

Dragons and Natural Disasters

Three of the Dwarven rings were consumed by dragons, a natural consequence of dragons raiding dwarven treasure hoards. This fated destruction was a reminder of the dangers that came with possessing such powerful artifacts.

The Nine Rings

The fate of the Nine Rings, intended for mortal Men, was also linked to the fall of Barad-d?r. When the fortress was destroyed, the Númenórean kings who possessed these rings were vanquished with them, their fates merging into the shadow realm. The Ringwraiths, who wore these rings, were inextricably linked to their loss.

The Seven Rings

The fate of the Seven Rings, bestowed upon Earth-kingdom leaders, was also tragic. Four of these rings were destroyed by dragons, and the remaining three fates are less clear. Two of them appear to have been lost in the cataclysmic events that followed the fall of Barad-d?r. The fate of Thrór's ring, possessed by the Mouth of Sauron, is similarly veiled in mystery.

The Three Elven Rings

The Three Rings of Elven power had a more peaceful end. When their bearers boarded the ship that took them into the Undying Lands, these rings lost their magic. Left behind, they served as symbols of the Elven realms and the unity of the Free Peoples against the evil of Sauron.

Speculations and Discussion

Some scholars and fans have speculated about the mystifying fates of specific rings, such as Thrór's ring and the Mouth of Sauron's ring. Speculation suggests that Sauron likely held onto these rings after the fall of Barad-d?r, potentially hiding them amid the rubble of the fortress or wearing them himself.

Additionally, the fate of the Nazg?l and their rings, the Nine, is somewhat ambiguous. It is believed that if the Nazg?l were wearing their rings, they would have landed in the same area where the Ringwraiths were ultimately destroyed. However, this remains a subject of conjecture rather than solid evidence.

Closing Thoughts

The destruction of the One Ring marked a turning point in Middle-earth's history, not only for the Rings of Power but for the fate of many characters and storylines. While the specific fates of all the rings have definitive answers, the ambiguity surrounding some of them adds a layer of intrigue and discussion among fans and scholars alike.