The Dwarven Rings and Their Fate in the War of the Ring

Introduction

In J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, the Dwarven rings of power are a significant but often overlooked aspect of the War of the Ring. These rings play a crucial role in the events of "The Lord of the Rings," influencing the actions of key characters and the overall plot. This article explores the story of the three Dwarven rings, their origin, fate, and their role in the conflict.

The Origin and Distribution of the Dwarven Rings

Under the influence of Sauron, the dwarves were given nine rings for wealth and strength. However, three of these rings were lost to the dragon fire that destroyed Erebor, as recorded in the tale of "The Hobbit." Sauron then claimed these rings, intending to use them for his nefarious purposes. One of the lost rings was recovered by Sauron from the destroyed dragon's hoard, while the other two were presumably taken by Sauron himself after the event.

The Lost Rings of Erebor

The first ring, initially belonging to the dwarf king Thrain II, was taken by Smaug when he destroyed Erebor in the Battle of Five Armies. The second ring was lost with Thrain when he was imprisoned in the dungeons of Dol Guldur, and the third ring, Thror's ring, was kept by Thror until it was taken from him and ultimately claimed by Grishnakh, one of Sauron's minions.

Sauron's Plans and Promises

During the War of the Ring, Sauron once again showed interest in the Dwarven rings. He promised Dain Ironfoot, the ruler of the Iron Hills, that he would give the remaining three Dwarven rings to the dwarf kingdom if they could help locate the One Ring. This offer was made with the intention of manipulating the dwarves into an alliance, potentially used to their disadvantage.

The True Nature of Sauron's Offers

However, as is typical of Sauron, this promise was likely not made out of genuine benevolence. His true intentions were to exploit the dwarves' desire for power and control over the One Ring. By offering the Dwarven rings as a prize, Sauron sought to sow discord and turn the dwarves against each other, separating their remaining rings from Dain's possession and using them to further his own goals.

The Fate of the Dwarven Rings

The exact outcome and fate of the Dwarven rings after these events are not detailed in the main narrative of "The Lord of the Rings." However, it can be inferred that these rings were likely used by Sauron to maintain his influence over the dwarves or for his broader plans. The fact that Sauron made such a specific offer to Dain suggests that he had control over at least some of these rings and was willing to use them as leverage.

Conclusion

The Dwarven rings, once a symbol of the dwarves' wealth and power, became tools of Sauron's manipulation during the War of the Ring. Their fate remains shrouded in mystery, but their impact on the conflict is undeniable. Understanding the story of these rings and their role in the events of Middle-earth adds a layer of depth to the rich tapestry of Tolkien's legendarium.

Further Reading

To delve deeper into the mysteries of the Dwarven rings and the broader context of the War of the Ring, consider exploring Tolkien's works, such as "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Silmarillion."