LOTR: The 20 Rings of Power Explained — Their Creation, Owners and What Happened

Sauron’s plan for the rings

Sauron helped create 20 Rings of Power as instruments of control, not gifts of goodwill. He distributed nine to Men and seven to Dwarves, while the Elves received three; Sauron kept the One Ring for himself.

The article says the Elves made the other 19 rings openly, under Sauron’s influence, while he forged the One in secret. It also describes the series as showing Sauron making many rings in season 2 and beginning the One Ring in season 3.

The One Ring’s long journey

Sauron forged the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, pouring much of his own power into it. It could command the other 19, and Sauron could not be truly killed while it remained whole, though he could not wield all his power without wearing it.

Isildur cut the Ring from Sauron’s hand during the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. He later tried to carry it to Elrond, but orcs attacked his company; the Ring slipped from Isildur’s finger into the River Anduin, where it stayed for more than 2,000 years.

Sméagol found it while fishing, and it later passed to Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins and briefly Samwise Gamgee. Frodo ultimately carried it into the fire where it had been made.

The Three Elven Rings

The three rings given to the Elves were Narya, the Ring of Fire; Nenya, the Ring of Adamant; and Vilya, the Ring of Air. The article says Celebrimbor crafted them alone, although Sauron gave them to the Elves.

Their described abilities include shielding against remote observation and helping resist tyranny. Nenya is associated with Galadriel’s creation of Lothlórien; Narya is linked to inspiration and possible fire magic, while Vilya is associated with healing and possible water control.

Sauron’s return to power

After Morgoth fell at the end of the First Age, Sauron spent 1,500 years rebuilding his strength and military power in Mordor. He then pursued a plan to dominate the peoples of Middle-earth.

Sauron entered the Elves of Eregion in a fair disguise, calling himself Annatar. The account says he worked in secret and stirred divisions among the Elven houses as part of his effort to shape the rings’ creation.