The Naming of the One Ring: Behind the Myths and the Truth

The Original Naming of the One Ring

The tale of who named the One Ring is a topic that has sparked much debate among fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series. According to legend, the ring was named by Sauron himself, a powerful and malevolent figure in Middle-earth. In the poem that is inscribed on the ring, Sauron wrote the famous lines:

'One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them
One Ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them'.

Elves and the Origin of Sauron's Message

These lines were part of what Sauron referred to as the "Ring-spell." According to scholars, this was a spell that Sauron used to command the other rings, particularly those owned by elves. These elves almost certainly heard the words spoken by Sauron and realized the danger, which is why they removed their rings. This event is how the world knows that the words were an actual spell used by Sauron.

It is widely believed that the ring was initially inscribed with these words when Isildur found it, and they were later used in a spell by Sauron. Thus, these lines became the name by which the One Ring was known to the world.

Alternate References to the One Ring

While the One Ring is commonly referred to as such within the books and films, there is little evidence to suggest that it was directly named "The One Ring." In song-poems about the rings, the second verse of which was inscribed on the Ring itself in Elvish script, only the Elves had the inclination to individualize the rings. Hobbits, such as Merry and Pippin, were known for their irreverence, and it is possible that they might have given it a more casual name like "Bob" or "Bill."

Myths and Suggestive Naming

While some fans have suggested that the ring was originally named "Bennett," a more disturbing suggestion is that it was initially named "Precious" by Sauron, in an absurd take that likened the ring to a valuable possession. Another, even more fantastical theory claims that the ring was initially named "Bennett," but Sauron quickly changed it to "Precious" to avoid a connection to Jewish culture. This comes across as grotesque and inappropriate.

Another myth suggests that Tolkien himself might have had an unintentional reference in his wording. The inscription on the One Ring includes the phrase "Ash nazg," which can be translated as "One ring" in the Black Speech of Mordor. This Black Speech is characterized by words that make dark and sinister associations, as seen in the names of the Ringwraiths, or Nazg?l. The word "Ash" meaning "One" and the use of "Nazg" for "Ring" is uncannily close to the word "Nazi," making it a disturbing reference to Hitler's regime.

Conclusion
While the naming of the One Ring remains open to interpretation and debate, the most plausible explanation is that Sauron himself inscribed the ring with the lines, and that these lines became the name by which the ring was known in Middle-earth. The theories and myths surrounding its naming add to the rich tapestry of Tolkien's creation and continue to fascinate fans and scholars alike.