Question on Tolkien collectibles

[Teresa Edgerton]

We regularly receive in the mail a catalog featuring beautiful replicas of items from the Peter Jackson LOTR movies. Some of the items have an undoubted appeal, and if I had tons of disposable income I'd probably buy about half of them. But because they are so expensive I have to content myself with just looking at the pictures.

Yet there exists a group of items that continues to puzzle my husband and I, Tolkien fans though we are.

This would be replicas of the One Ring, in both gold and silver versions. As the symbol of ultimate evil, and considering all the grief it brings on poor Frodo to carry it, we just don't understand the appeal of owning and/or wearing a reproduction of that particular artifact.

The crown of Aragorn, sure. The phial of Galadriel, yes. Gimli's axe ... well, er, maybe. But the One Ring?

So I'm curious what the rest of you think. Would you, if you had the money to spend freely, buy a replica of the Ring? Would you actually wear it?

 

[Raynor]

Well, if we look at the name of Tolkien's most successful book (Lotr), we see that it reffers to a most cruel and evil being (second in those aspects only to Melkor). But in the end, it is a tale about the power of good overcoming evil. So, I guess it wouldn't be out of line with the author's view to say that wearing a replika of the one ring could be an acknowledgement that good moral qualities (compassion, pity - first and foremost) are necessary to prevail against many temptations and trials.

Then again, some could just show their fascination with power, of whatever nature that power is .

 

[cornelius]

I am more interested in the ring Gandalf was wearing. Wouldn't buy The One Ring, making that a commercial thing kinda ruined it for me...

Would like the swords though. Maybe the Gimlis Helmet to ride around on my Solex... ooow yeah!

 

[Marky Lazer]

I wouldn't buy that stuff, even if I had the money. It would only collect dust on my shelves.

 

[Brian G Turner]

I don't buy, but I can see the appeal of the One Ring as a gift item - it's the focus of Tolkien's most popular works, and probably more easily identifiable than many other items.

 

[Treikayan]

Would like the swords though. Maybe the Gimlis Helmet to ride around on my Solex... ooow yeah!

Me too. I had a dream about wielding Anduril! And, I have an extensive sword collection here at home.

1. ANDURIL!!!!!

2. Glamdring aka Beater

3. Aragorn's Crown

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

I wouldn't buy that stuff, even if I had the money. It would only collect dust on my shelves.

Well, yes. That is one of the primary functions of a mathom, isn't it?

And, Brian, I'm not sure how I would take it if someone gave me a replica of the One Ring as a gift. I'd probably suspect a hidden message.

The swords are beautiful, but very expensive. Fortunately for our bank account, my husband, who might otherwise be tempted, is obsessed with crossbows at the moment.

 

[Marky Lazer]

I know, Kelpie, but I don't like that stuff. I never take pictures either, it's kind of the same thing, I never look at pictures so I don't see any use of taking them. I don't see any need for looking at a helmet, either.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

If you don't like collecting items you will never look at or use, you'll never make it as a hobbit, I'm afraid.

 

[Marky Lazer]

If you don't like collecting items you will never look at or use, you'll never make it as a hobbit, I'm afraid.

I collect books. That would make me Hugo Bracegirdle

 

[cornelius]

I would wear the ring, and as I said, maybe the helmets, but wielding the swords in public could cause serious injuries...

would like a nice crossbow too, you know. Decoration isn't completely obsolete, otherwhise you'd might as well buy nothing but plain furniture and all. the house might look a bit empty then.

 

[Abstract]

I did recieve a cheaply made version for the ring as a gift for my birthday once, and was quite happy about it. I would consider buying and authentic gold version, because at least they last longer. The one I was given has worn so quickly. I think people buy it and wear it because, evil as it may pepresent, it is the ultimate symbol of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. If you boil it down a lot, the plot revolves around the ring, so true Tolkienites like myself would not buy it for it's evil and grief, but its deeper meaning. If I had some income myself, I would ask for a relica of Aragorn's ring, or Gimli's helmet. I also saw this plaque you can get (not a replica of anything) but it is of the eagles flying and I would love to have that in my own house, when I own one.

 

[Brian G Turner]

And, Brian, I'm not sure how I would take it if someone gave me a replica of the One Ring as a gift. I'd probably suspect a hidden message.

The One Ring would be a great gift - it's the Nine for Mortal Men I'd be terrified of.

 

[cornelius]

point. I like the ring as a concept, but Ten million copies is a bit too much. The most expensive vrsion of it does have quite an appeal to me...

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

The One Ring would be a great gift - it's the Nine for Mortal Men I'd be terrified of.

That's an excellent point.

I suppose one of the dwarf rings wouldn't be so bad, as it would only make you very greedy.

 

[Raynor]

I suppose one of the dwarf rings wouldn't be so bad, as it would only make you very greedy.

I don't think that the elven rings of power were made having specific races in mind; it was rather that specific races reacted differently to the malice that Sauron spread through the one ring and thus through the rings themselves.

Therefore they hearkened to Sauron, and they learned of him many things, for his knowledge was great. In those days the smiths of Ost-in-Edhil surpassed all that they had contrived before; and they took thought, and they made Rings of Power. But Sauron guided their labours, and he was aware of all that they did; for his desire was to set a bond upon the Elves and to bring them under his vigilance.

Now the Elves made many rings; but secretly Sauron made One Ring to rule all the others, and their power was bound up with it, to be subject wholly to it and to last only so long as it too should last. And much of the strength and will of Sauron passed into that One Ring; for the power of the Elven-rings was very great, and that which should govern them must be a thing of surpassing potency; and Sauron forged it in the Mountain of Fire in the Land of Shadow. And while he wore the One Ring he could perceive all the things that were done by means of the lesser rings, and he could see and govern the very thoughts of those that wore them
...
Seven Rings he gave to the Dwarves; but to Men he gave nine, for Men proved in this matter as in others the readiest to his will. And all those rings that he governed he perverted, the more easily since he had a part in their making, and they were accursed, and they betrayed in the end all those that used them. The Dwarves indeed proved tough and hard to tame; they ill endure the domination of others, and the thoughts of their hearts are hard to fathom, nor can they be turned to shadows. They used their rings only for the getting of wealth; but wrath and an over-mastering greed of gold were kindled in their hearts, of which evil enough after came to the profit of Sauron

 

[cornelius]

nice extract, makes me want to read LOTR in english this time