The Three Elven Rings Explained

[@davidtatro7457]

Can we all at least give a slow clap for Cirdan, who for the most part is only recognized as a ship builder, but who actually gifted probably his most prized possession to Gandalf, once he entered the physical world? I mean, this elf was not only the architect of all the vessels that enabled our heroes to escape from their middle earth toils and wounds, but even in the early stages of this conflict, he willingly turned over a great ring of power to another. And that puts him right into the league of Bilbo.

[@marquisejefferson1648]

Cirdan is an unsung hero of Middle Earth

[@chris_2714]

Except unlike Bilbo, Cirdan had a gift of foresight and was able to see that gifting the ring to Gandalf would result in the best outcome. It was less about being selfless and more recognizing that this was the destiny of the ring.

[@taidee]

He is a great individual, who also waited building the ships until all Elves who needed to leave Middle Earth have done so, even though he had wanted for thousands of years to go to the West. A super individual indeed.

[@Wolfeson28]

IDG did a great video about Cirdan specifically a couple months ago. Well worth a watch.

[@allymoo9728]

The morgoth/melkor update was not installed properly 💍

[@maxsalmon4980]

Basically, in a nutshell, Celebrimbor's rings use Sauron's 5G network, but he didn't install the same spyware app that Sauron put on the other 16 while they were made.

[@shokmusic_AC]

@@maxsalmon4980 well said

[@satakrionkryptomortis]

kinda...but those had some kind of backdoor celebrimbor did not account for. but he tried his best and did very well.

[@TheInselaffen]

Is that why I got an advert for a Smart Ring before this video?

[@rollinronin8125]

I won't install ring cameras. They're not all accounted for...🤔

[@Eucalypten]

Must everything be related to todays technology? Im here to get AWAY from industrial modernity, not reminded of it.

[@joseandredeandrademelo9632]

Hello, Robert, this is everyone.

[@etienneporras7252]

I cannot stress enough the 'fate' at play that Elrond, as the Son of Eärendil, holds the Ring of Air, just as Eärendil himself holds the Silmaril of the Skies, the Evenstar.

[@Makkaru112]

Ring of air also ties to Manwë

[@debrickashaw9387]

7:10 You can actually see Narya on Gandalfs finger in the return of the king, at the grey havens for the first time. Such attention to detail is astounding

[@Richard_Nickerson]

Yup!

[@Scientist_Salarian]

Wow, I never noticed that. Time for a re-watch.

[@kreuzrittergottes9336]

@@Scientist_Salarian time for a rewatch due to your rewatch. any time is a good time for a rewatch.

[@EvendarDundragon]

I think it's also at the Battle of the Black Gate, Gandalf waves his hand to Aragorn and clears his mind of Sauron's corruption

[@keithgoodnight3463]

I've always thought that the primary power of Elrond's Ring was knowledge and wisdom, as Galdriel's was preservation and Gandalf's encouragement. Rivendell isn't only a house of hospitality and healing, though it is that as well, but the center of knowledge and lore in Middle-earth. Boromir journeys for a year to find Rivendell to ask for the interpretation of a dream, and does so because Elrond is the "Greatest of Loremasters." As Galdriel's Ring lets her preserve an image of the First Age in Lothlorien, Elrond's lets him preserve in Rivendell the gathered lore and history of all Middle-earth, and with it the wisdom to comprehend and interpret such massive knowledge.

[@Wolfeson28]

I think that makes good sense, in that it fits with Elrond's primary mission and skills similar to how the other rings do with Gandalf and Galadriel. I think there is also a sense that Vilya specifically was meant as a "king's ring", in that it seems to focus on what a post-First Age elven ruler would consider most important: knowledge, wisdom, and good counsel. Considering it was originally given to Gil-Galad (the last High King of the Noldor in Middle Earth) and then passed to Elrond (who was the only potential claimant to that title after Gil-Galad's death), it would be logical for it to have been crafted with that role in mind. There's also the idea of Vilya bolstering Elrond's healing magic, in line with the line about "the hands of the king are the hands of a healer".

[@SLiMBiLT]

If this is the case then why did Gandalf have to go to the White City to do “primary document research” about the One Ring? Couldn’t he have just asked Elrond?

[@keithgoodnight3463]

@@SLiMBiLT Not even a ring of power can grant complete omniscience? "Greatest of Loremasters" can still leave room for specialists in particular subjects, or for troves of documents stored and forgotten elsewhere. Gandalf says of Saruman's study of the Rings that great as his knowledge was, "it must have a source." There's no magic that would just instill true knowledge directly with no other source, so presumably even a Ring of knowledge couldn't do so either. Of course, I'm just guessing: since the powers of Elrond's ring are not specifically stated anywhere I've heard of, we can only speculate.

[@shooter231991]

⁠@@SLiMBiLT It’s my understanding that after Sauron’s defeat, Isildur was the the only person to bear The One Ring. (With the exception of Smeagol). Isildur bore the ring for only a short while before he was killed. Then the ring was lost for millennia. The only credible information about the ring would be Isildur’s personal accounts. Elrond could possibly have had that information, but he had no reason to leave Rivendell to search through those records. He and Gandalf kept an eye on the line of kings. But not much more than that. It took Gandalf more than a decade to find that single written passage, then return to the Shire/Frodo. Elrond had more important issues to deal with. Apparently the library in Gondor didn’t use the Dewey Decimal System 😂. Also keep in mind that Gandalf frequently visited Gondor and stayed in close proximity to the line of Stewards. I believe any information about Isildur was short, and hard to come by.

[@JeffRebornNow]

Excellent comment. Well done.

[@dandiehm8414]

When Elrond says "I think this task was appointed for you, Frodo...." I have always believed that the emphasis was on "appointed" not on "you". Elrond sees the hand of Iluvatar in this - it is Iluvatar who has "appointed" Frodo. That is the key point, in my opinion.

[@thiagocardoso5533]

Iluvatar, like god, work in mysterious ways

[@annecarter5181]

@@dandiehm8414 Good point!

[@ceejay0137]

It always seemed that way to me as well, because of how Tolkien described Frodo's act of acceptance: At last with an effort he spoke, and wondered to hear his own words, as if some other will was using his small voice. "I will take the Ring," he said, "though I do not know the way."

[@dandiehm8414]

@@ceejay0137 Acceptance is a great word here. Frodo accepted the task that was laid on him. He didn't WANT to go (he wanted to stay with Bilbo). He didn't have a burning desire to destroy the ring. He wanted it destroyed but he didn't want to be the one to have do it.

[@ceejay0137]

That speech of Cirdan when he passed Narya on to Gandalf gives me goosebumps: "... with it you may rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill." Wonderful writing.

[@Makkaru112]

From the book I hope

[@ceejay0137]

@@Makkaru112 It's in one of the Appendices, not the main text, but yes.

[@awesomehpt8938]

Frodo: what’s the name of your ring Galadriel? Galadriel: Nenya. Frodo: really? Galadriel: Nenya business.

[@TheHFChang]

That’s the greatest thing I’ve read all week

[@nandoman4769]

Frodo: “Alright then, keep your secrets”

[@dirkness42]

You must be a dad...

[@cronistamundano8189]

ma oeeeeeeeee

[@sajjadalhachami7574]

What that mean

[@Wolfeson28]

9:21 That line is even more powerful considering who it comes from. Aragorn had spent a good portion of his life under the alias "Estel", which literally means "hope". So the person who has been called "hope" for much of his life is now saying they must do without hope.

[@martavdz4972]

Never thought about that, good point!

[@vyl4650]

thats a baller goodbye. Imagine Aragorn droping this line and immediately heading to the nearest tavern to brood in peace😄

[@tpuahseiw]

Another example of Galadriel's use of Nenya is the mists she conjures up to conceal Eorl and the Éothéod while they pass Dol Guldur on their ride to the Undeeps. Without their knowledge, she hides them from the forces of Sauron. The mist even seems to give off a timeless protection, concealing them while giving them speed. Truly a wonderful ring.

[@1984oldblue]

Here's something else worth mentioning about the Elven Rings: Celebrimbor's grandfather, Feanor crafted the 3 Silmarils. At the end of the 1st Age, one of the Silmarils becomes a star in the sky, one is thrown into the sea, and the last one was cast into a fiery pit in the Earth. Celebrimbor's true masterpieces were the 3 Elven Rings: Vilya the Ring of Air, Nenya the Ring of Water, and Narya the Ring of Fire. Coincidence? I think not.

[@Makkaru112]

😊 I have an idea about how the three elven rings of power might correspond with the alchemical stages of development towards the divine perfection of the soul, & how this might have been a key part of Tolkien's original scheme of his story's main conflict, because he was writing the story as applicable to the human process of spiritual evolution according to the teachings of the mystical tradition. I believe that he was a mystic at heart, and that this understanding of his story is an entirely coherent way of interpreting the trilogy. The Tuatha De were a mythical race of real irish beings/people in folklore, and that folklore was heavily influenced by gnostic ideas, which were also influential for Lord of the Rings. The original plan for the history of Middle Earth was that the elves were more or less alien to the ancient world, and this was supposed to echo the original idea that a separate race of spiritual beings had come to this earth from another place, and this idea is also found in the Tuatha De. In terms of esoteric interpretation, there is some strong evidence to suggest that the elves are a symbolic reference to the higher levels of the soul.

[@QuasarSniffer]

As an American listening to this late November of 2024, I really appreciate a video about how the best way to fight evil is through kindness and helping others. Thank you so much.

[@Makkaru112]

You’ll love Tales Of The Rings and GirlNextGondor and The Red Book as well as Tolkien Untangled! Council Of The Rings too

[@martavdz4972]

Sometimes one needs to fight very clearly, with setting boundaries or even physically fighting. Like the hobbits. But otherwise, totally agree. Creativity, joy, fun, good-humoured jokes, fair play, kindness, helpfulness, attempts to understand others - those are very good things. They maintain the good inside the person, as well as spread good. It´s very hard for evil to penetrate them.

[@cruiserflyer]

@@QuasarSniffer I feel you buddy. Me too. Let him me a light to us in a world that grows chill.

[@rocksrocketriddles2635]

America’s future is brighter than ever being lead by a golden light

[@katieandkevinsears7724]

As another American watching this in late November 2024...boy is it cold outside. 🥶

[@PwnySlaystation01]

Gandalf's ring's "encouraging" power I think is pretty explicit in his dealings with Theoden. Not just with his initial encouragement, breaking him out of his "stupor" but throughout The Two Towers. Several times, Theoden is talking of despair or being without hope and then his demeanor changes completely when Gandalf shows up and says a few words. Like, it borders on suspicious the change is so dramatic. I really think this was meant as one of the big clues about that ring. Obviously along with the fellowship.

[@critter5248]

at least 5 power

[@thefench1]

Yeah and also when Gondor is besieged. To argue is for if Gandalf managed to remove Theoden from Sarumans Influence for the Rings power, or for he got promoted to white wizard... id say he did not use the Ring for that ... thats to aktive , something that Sauron would have felt

[@JeffRebornNow]

Your comment was excellent. You have read the books well.

[@toocoolforcuddles]

@@thefench1yeah, siege of Gondor when he’s walking amongst the defenders and raising their spirits

[@nathaniellong4281]

Glorfindel saying he couldn't heal Frodo's wound is significant. After Glorfindel returned from the Halls of Mandos after dying in battle in the First Age, the Valar gave him a piwer upgrade, making him more powerful than any other elf, but weaker than any Maiar. Glorfindel also has a presence in the Unseen, or spiritual, world, as Frodo sees him shining brightly on the opposite riverbank when he arrives at Rivendell. So, given how powerful Glorfindel is, for him to say he can't heal Frodo's wound is saying something.

[@istari0]

Just like anyone else, Glorfindel has his own set of skills. It's likely healing was never anything he was particularly good at, at least compared to someone like Elrond.

[@Richard_Nickerson]

Frodo would see every Elf that way. I'm sure Gandalf would appear in a similar fashion too.

[@Richard_Nickerson]

​@@istari0 Right. Elrond was especially gifted at medicine in general. They make a point of saying only he could deal with such a wound. Maybe that has to do with his ring of power, but maybe it's just an individual skill set thing.

[@Hurricayne92]

@@Richard_Nickerson To a degree yes but none as bright or clear as Glorfindel, Gandalf is an instersting point though.

[@Richard_Nickerson]

@@Hurricayne92 Any Elf that was actually in Valinor. I wonder what Galadriel would've looked like, given her hair already emanated the light of the trees as is.

[@Kite403]

18:00 I really like this theme for the Three Elven Rings. It highlights Celebrimbor's goodness, despite what happens to him in the end. If only he had thought to make more of then like that lol

[@joshuawells5953]

Lets just all take a moment to remember Mr Tolkien. His story greatly shaped my life ( having read the trilogy over 20 times) and the life of everyone who's read it. Im happy that, even though he's gone, he will be forever immortalize through his works. God bless you and your family for generations to come Mr Tolkien.

[@RottenMouse]

Frodo Lives Still!

[@zaphodhead1]

Another water item from Galadriel was the phial that was given to frodo. Filled with water that held the light of Earendil, collected from the refection in the mirror of Galadriel.

[@kriswalter560]

In troubled times, The Lord of the Rings is a beacon in the darkness for finding the way back to The Good. And short of reading the books all over again, there is no better vehicle for communicating the message than you, Robert.

[@dmk_games]

On Gandalf, and his ring that helps others resist tyranny, domination, and dispair - the only being known to have ever willinging given up after holding onto it for a long time is Bilbo, with encouragement from Gandalf. Of course Tom Bombadil and Samwise Gamgee also both gave it up - but those two characters didn't have it very long, plus those two beings are unrealistically overpowered and good.

[@benhayfield6182]

Low-key I always wanted to see Sam visions when he has the ring come true, dark Lord Sam and his army of tyrannical gardeners, aggressively digging everything up and turning it all into parks 😂

[@annecarter5181]

Thank you, Robert; beautifully done. 😊

[@NB4fun]

Had a long day at work today… this video is really what I needed. Thank you Robert 🙏🏻

[@shokmusic_AC]

Great post and excellent writing! I was wondering if there was anymore information concerning the ring of Air. In a way, I am glad that there isn't too much information about the rings of power. Mystery gives Middle Earth so much depth. Again, great post.

[@martavdz4972]

Absolutely agree. J.K. Rowling made the mistake of trying to connect and explain everything. Glad Tolkien and Lewis didn´t fall into that trap. Keeps the joy and imagination alive 🙂

[@corrinflakes9659]

Healing the Past, Preserving the Now, Encouraging the Future.

[@istari0]

I think it is important to remember that all the beings who held the 3 Elven Rings already had extraordinary abilities. Gil-Galad, Galadriel, Círdan, Elrond, and of course Gandalf accomplished great things before they ever put one of those Rings on. The Rings allowed them to do more in certain ways. They may have been similar to the One Ring in that they amplified what the bearer was already good at.

[@JeffRebornNow]

My comment was almost exactly like yours. I think IDG produced a great and thorough video, and what you mentioned (as did I) was the only bit he left out.

[@richardhaas1989]

Seems to me control of Air might have a lot to do with Rivendell not being easy to find even from above to spying birds.

[@FoolsMasque]

The flood triggered by an enemy stepping foot onto the Ford of Bruinen is probably a protection spell powered by Vilya. I know that Gandalf told Frodo that "Elrond commanded it" but he could not discuss the Three so fudged slightly.

[@cruiserflyer]

Nobody has ever said "Welcome" the way Robert says welcome and made me feel truly welcome.

[@Standfaithful]

Is there any connection between the elemental nature of the rings (air, water, and fire/light) and the Valar responsible for those elements (Manwe, Ulmo, and Varda)? I never hear that addressed.

[@robertsmall5168]

I like to look at it as the reason the Elven Three could still sense Sauron with his Ring even while they don’t have his connected influence is because they are still crafted in such a way that they’re still able to hook up to that magical-radar like the other 17

[@EdMcF1]

Given the small World of the Elves and Valar, it is astonishing that no one sussed Annatar as how could he have been accounted for as either Elven or Maiar, given his power?

[@adelkayani2595]

Pretty sure he was seen as someone sent by the valar to gift the elves and people were suspicious. I also do think people knew he was a maiar, just not Sauron himself lol.. wasn't Elrond, gil-galad and galadriel mistrusting towards him to the point where they basically refused to interact with him? with that said, pretty sure there is a good amount if maiar people have no clue about or have ever heard of. In terms of notoriety the valar were more known individually

[@RollMeAFat1]

He called himself the lord of gifts and posed as the equivalent of a god, and there weren’t many elves in eregion that had been in the undying lands, and he stayed away from the elves that had been there

[@spaceyote7174]

Galadriel actually canonically did *exactly* this: she suspected Annatar because she couldn't remember him from back in Valinor

[@richardthomas598]

Huge Kruger - Dunning vibes here

[@Bolano75]

Was there a real Annatar? If so, why didn't he jump in and boot the faker out?

[@kendallcurtis7863]

Great and exhaustive content, as always!

[@dalegaliniak607]

So, I always assumed how the great rings gave invisibility was something that could be taught and controlled. The elvish rings clearly could all go invisible or not at the control of their owners. Sauron clearly wore the ring while being visible. I kinda figured that Sauron taught the ring wraiths how to keep from going invisible while wearing their rings, but it took will. As they became dominated, and lost their own will, their ability to stay visible faded as well. Frodo could have been taught how to stay visible, but the only people who could have taught him (Elrond, Galadriel and Gandalf) wouldn't want to encourage him to wear it, nor would they want to highlight how they had rings of their own. It also would explain Gandalf's ability to slip away, though he probably was much more careful when he used it.

[@rondobrondo]

I like to imagine that the water horses were whipped up into a frenzy and flurried down the river valley by the air, like the waves of the ocean spurred to torrential cascades by an overwhelming storm

[@charleslarrivee2908]

I appreciate the healthy balance of visual aids from across adaptations of Tolkien's legendarium, both in art and on screen 😊

[@황중현-r9i]

6:24 Hi Robert, you mentioned something about the wear of the three and one being able to telepathically communicate. Could this be how Gandalf the White magically told Frodo to take the ring off the ring when he was at the Seat of Seeing on Amon Hen?

[@MrNicoJac]

No, as explained elsewhere, it's due to tbe chair there

[@boromirstark9]

Love these lore vids. They help clear up certain confusing segments of the Silmarillion, and even pointing out details I'd never noticed during some scenes of the main books. I'd really love a deep dive into the 1st & 2nd Ages. (Unfinished Tales, etc.) Thank you for your work regardless!

[@earth2jennyl]

Brilliant video. Thank you!

[@Ironwizard42]

Thanks for the video! The way you prononuce Galadriel is lovely.

[@michikomanalang6733]

Galadriel had no choice but to keep Lothlorien secret because Nenya is short for “Nenyabusiness”

[@steamr0ll]

This is perhaps my favo(u)rite In Deep Geek video to date. For some reason it really "hit me in the feels" as the kids say.

[@BestBFam]

This video is so helpful. I always thought the elves were pretty unhelpful. Now I understand them so much better.

[@GunsNRoses87AXL]

If Frodo can see Galadriels ring, why not Gandalfs ring if they spend so much time together?

[@blakepullen2040]

Possibly because Gandalf is a maiar so he’s more capable of hiding it.

[@MalachiSouth]

To be honest a lot of it is because Tolkien didn't yet know Gandalf would have a ring. For an in world reason I can believe that Gandalf simply took extra precautions or was more powerful and could hide his better or that Galadriel purposely let Frodo see hers.

[@alphax4785]

My headcanon is that Galadriel's ring shines since she's always using it to sustain Lorien while Gandalf has less or no occasions to use his ring in Frodo's presence while he's ringbearer.

[@GroppeljohannKlotenkempe-vr6oh]

Great vid as always! Thanks Robert

[@kathykuecker]

So we have air, water and fire. What of earth? Was the One ring actually the earth ring, or was Celebrimbor going to make an earth ring and was interrupted by Sauron forging the One?

[@ChinrettemnovSnemelk]

He got a copyright strike from a 1970's disco band when he tried to forge the earth ring

[@crowbar_the_rogue]

Everything changed when the ... uh ... Earth ring attacked.

[@tobiasunbekannt3541]

Good question.🤔 Maybe earth is too dwarfy for the elves?

[@chasestrub]

The One Ring was forged by the lava/magma of Orodruín. Lava/Magma is specifically "Raw Earth" so, Sauron made His Ring from the Earth. Full circle if you will.

[@Variable-2-actual]

Earth went to the dwarves.

[@Seven-Seas-of-Baba-O-Riley]

Wasn't there also something about Elrond supporting the line of Isildur and making sure Aragorn became king? That also lines up with healing on a larger scale.

[@retsaMinnavoiG]

Also Elrond's brother was Aragorn's great times a lot grandfather. Might not mean anything to us but it probably means a lot to an immortal elf.

[@martavdz4972]

Coming from a country between Germany and Russia, I love the idea of Elrond healing generational trauma and C-PTSD ❤‍🩹 So it´s probably not a coincidence that he´s my favourite character of them all 😄

[@SkylerinAmarillo]

Very well done. You explain the three rings better than I’ve ever heard before.

[@enoughothis]

This excerpt from the Council of Elrond is the closest that Tolkien comes to defining the powers of the Three elven rings. ‘Ah, alas!’ cried Glóin. ‘When will the day come of our revenge? But still there are the Three. What of the Three Rings of the Elves? Very mighty Rings, it is said. Do not the Elf-lords keep them? Yet they too were made by the Dark Lord long ago. Are they idle? I see Elf-lords here. Will they not say?’ The Elves returned no answer. ‘Did you not hear me, Glóin?’ said Elrond. ‘The Three were not made by Sauron, nor did he ever touch them. But of them it is not permitted to speak. So much only in this hour of doubt I may now say. They are not idle. But they were not made as weapons of war or conquest: that is not their power. Those who made them did not desire strength or domination or hoarded wealth, but understanding, making, and healing, to preserve all things unstained. These things the Elves of Middle-earth have in some measure gained, though with sorrow. But all that has been wrought by those who wield the Three will turn to their undoing, and their minds and hearts will become revealed to Sauron, if he regains the One. It would be better if the Three had never been. That is his purpose.’

[@jamesharmer9293]

"To preserve all things unstained" is a very Elvish motive, they are immortal after all and it's why Rivendell and especially Lothlorien appear so different to the rest of Middle Earth.

[@brettrace]

Switching between Jacksons' LOTR movie characters and Amazons ROP characters while explaining the lore is that attention to detail that puts your content above others

[@stuartgilroy]

Wow Galadriel what does your ring do? Nenya business!

[@Scientist_Salarian]

I never connected Gandalf’s youthful energy to his possession of his ring- makes total sense. And I also missed that the 3 rings were invisible while being worn. I’ve been reading Tolkein for 30 years and I still learn new things.

[@PiraticalBob]

I've thought for a while now that the only reason that Gandalf was able to call out to Frodo upon Amon Hen was because of the link between Narya and the One Ring - - the only instance in which the link between all the Rings of Power was ever used.

[@MrNicoJac]

No It's the chair Explained in the Gandalf or Ring videos, iirc

[@1kevintron]

💯 Vilya is responsible for the horses in the river. Foam is basically just aerated liquid. Elrond shook that river up like a cocktail and dumped right over their heads.

[@beefabob]

It was actually Gandalf that was responsible for the white horses in the river. Gandalf tells us so in book two, chapter one 'Many Meetings' when he is talking to Frodo in Rivendell after the Hobbit first wakes up.

[@MargoB]

😂 "Elrond shook that river up like a cocktail and dumped it right over their heads" is a great image!

[@beefabob]

@@MargoB Elves are very good at river cocktail making but you really need a wizard to put the final touches of white horses.

[@FoxtrotYouniform]

Given the manner by which Sauron considers and expresses power within and over Middle Rarth, my supposition has always been that Sauron was happy that the Elven rings were made, as he would expect them to make the Elves slowly become more and more comfortable with great power, but through an inherently centralizing mechanism as only 3 existed. That centralization of power gives Sauron fewer specific enemies with whom to contend, and given he is dramatically more powerful than any of them this centralization benefits him - from Sauron's own perspective, that is.

[@matthewalanrain5839]

Great Video!

[@MisterTidster]

Thank you for another great video, Robert! This one is my favorite of all you’ve ever made. I really appreciate the work you do, because I have a very difficult time reading with my ADHD, but love the world Tolkien created, so your videos open that world up to me. I find the part about the way to confront the power hungry is not to also be power hungry. Are those your words, or is it a quote? That line of your video has a lovely elegance and makes this fantasy so relevant to modern times.

[@ryanwalker3453]

Great video and detail! Thank you for your content.

[@steveaustin4013]

That was brilliant. Thank you for this. What a positive and insightful take

[@aracazaz]

That yassified Cirdan artwork is hysterical. Every time you use it it always makes me do a double take.

[@DProductions0]

If only they had the rings of earth and heart, they could've summoned Captain Planet

[@PaoloDurham]

Very interesting as always, Robert

[@dresinss]

Favorite essay so far

[@Limubi1]

I think we can also see the element of Air in the clarity and wisdom that Elrond sees issues with. He can read the stars and is in commune with the moon. As a loremaster he is possessed with the right knowledge at the right time for the right people. Air as an element is often equated with an objective and clear minded approach in fiction and in symbolism. We can think of Ravenclaw in Harry Potter, the House of Arryn in ASOIAF, and the suit of Swords in the Tarot.

[@nigeldepledge3790]

"The way to oppose the power-hungry is not to become power-hungry oneself, but to help others." Yes. This. This is almost certainly Tolkien sharing what he learned in the trenches during World War I. He once mentioned (I don't recall if this was in an interview or a letter) that the character of Samwise was based on his batman (a batman being a soldier assigned to serve an officer in the fashion of a personal valet). Tolkien clearly took to heart all of the small acts of kindness that he witnessed amid the destructive chaos of trench warfare.

[@midnight7703]

In addition to the insights from this video, I believe the Elven Rings enhanced the bearer's ability for telepathic communication to each other, and their foresight skill.

[@PopCultureCat]

You are pne of my favourite narrators on KZbin, mate.

[@philadeos]

Hearing the phrase "resist tyranny and despair" hits a lot differently now. Keep up the good work.

[@igorlopes7589]

Imagine thinking Trump will become a dictator lol

[@PeterTeal77]

Yeah the movement against big government is so scary. The dictator is threatening to deregulate, run!!!

[@square444]

​@@igorlopes7589🙄

[@freethefib8357]

Whoa!?! What a fantastic video! Thank you

[@rothbardfreedom]

12:52 - Galadriel fell in love with Gollum and had a daughter

[@victornjoku8250]

😂😂😂😂. I know right? That face 😂😂😂😂

[@dandiehm8414]

Hello robert - excellent video (as always). But where is it written that Galadriel counseled destroying The Three. I don't recall ever reading that before.

[@MemphiStig]

You always have excellent and enjoyable videos. Thank you for such great work.

[@Seeriosa]

I like that, considering frodo COULD have read the thoughts of the three's users, that also explains the unusual fact of gandalf talking to him just before he split from the fellowship. Doubtless he felt when frodo put the ring on, and attempted to contact him.

[@pkthunder7008]

I've been getting frustrated with the reuploads from Robert. But he has been doing a good job of adding a lot to them these days. Good work.

[@Boonton2010]

So in terms of software, the method to make the rings included a 'back door' that could be accessed by the One Ring. The back door was created before the One Ring even was made.

[@connosaurus]

Everyone's happy when the wizard walks by

[@cieskokid]

Never talking, just keeps walking Spreading his magic

[@Karl.Jayce-DE]

You're always the Best Robert ❤

[@nahidrahman]

7:54 watching this while experiencing the ring of fire🚽

[@Jacob-W-5570]

But in secrecy another ring was made, the Ring of Earth, it's travels are lost, but in end it landed on the hand of Gimli.

[@SullyRose15]

Getting close to 1 Million!

[@benjaminkenney3706]

21 minutes?!!! Let’s goooo

[@JeffRebornNow]

I have little to say about this video, IDG, you explained the rings fully and accurately. The only thing I would add is that the 3 rings also increased the powers that the wearers already had. It was not just her ring that allowed Galadriel to create and preserve the beauty and impregnability of Lothlorien. In her younger days, in Arda, she had learned much from the Maiar and Valar who tutored her. She had her own intrinsic power that the ring increased, while also adding to it the magic (or power) that Celebrimbor had captured and instilled in the 3 rings. In her garden, after she is cued by a question from Frodo, she says that the "rings" (plural) -- including the One and the 3 and the 7 and the 9 -- "give power according to the measure of each possessor." In other words, the power one has in wearing one of the rings is dependent in some essential way on the power one possessed prior to a ring coming to one. And then, after the One is destroyed and the power of the three is "cut off," in much the same way an electric current can be cut off (and one be left in the dark), Galadriel travels to Dol Guldur and throws down its walls. She did this with the power she possessed even before she put Nenya on her finger. In the short time remaining to them after the One is destroyed and they embark for Valinor, we do not see Elrond or Gandalf perform any great feats, but this does not mean they weren't capable of any even after the power of their rings had been undone. .

[@Alaedious]

Great video! 😊❤🎉

[@Makkaru112]

The 3 Elven Rings are not susceptible to “The One Ring” in any direct way.. They’re only tied by fate to lose their power if Sauron is defeated completely & absolutely. As they were made by the elves and as always they make things for a purpose and pour their literal spirit into things they create. So if Sauron is defeated then the three rings power will fade and basically become almost useless or diminished versions of their original design since by this era magic has bled from the world by a huge degree thanks to Morgoth’s poisoning the world itself with his very essence that he poured into it. Called The Long Defeat By The Elves and The Men Of The West.

[@procrastinator9]

Fire magic would be awesome to have. But growth and preservation power is that which I would truly want to wield. My woods are hit by a blight. Yearly, beautiful old oaks die. If I had the power to rid the blight and let the old ones tower and the saplings thrive, I would count myself blessed. Still, it gives me plenty of fuel to keep warm through cold Minnesota winters.

[@erickelley9647]

At Amon Hen when Frodo hears “Take it off! Take it off! Fool, take it off! Take off the Ring!"

[@moritzheidenreich8511]

I think it is also interesting that Elrond, who is rightful heir to the high kingship of the elves of middle earth, the Noldor as heir of Turgon, and Sindar as heir of Dior, is not actually King of anything, but the “Master of Rivendell”

[@Debba521]

Thanks for an in depth reading on The Three. When I first read these stories as a kid, I had a lot of trouble understanding why and how the three were distributed. After all, the rhyme says, "Three rings for the Elven Kings under the sky". Who were the three Kings? But as I got older, I realized it wasn't necessary to be so literal. Pretty much. Okay, it still bugs me a little 😆. Maybe Elrond was meant to have the ring associated with air because of his father, Earendil. I'd give anything for a great visual of a flying ship speeding in and Earendil doing battle with Ancalagon the Black! Hoo, that would be fab. Maybe someday. 😊

[@akaXN]

I’m a long time listener and always appreciate your insights and thorough breakdowns. This video shines like the rest, except for one rather minor. That’s more of an opinion than a correction. In the video you say “even though we don’t see [Elrond perform air magic]” in the Lord of the Rings. Here is where I disagree slightly. Perhaps the “air magic“ has to do with clarity of thought. Like clouds, parting, or a perfectly clear view, the ring seems to be about precise and uncluttered thinking. This is why perhaps Ron is performing magic whenever he’s giving council. Which makes sense that people will discuss things in the presence of his ring, because he will encourage clear and honest thought rather than Passion (the ring of fire) or tranquility (ring of water). Arguably, if the magic is about granting people clear thinking, you can see why this really is the most powerful of the three. And you can also see that perhaps Elrond was actually using the magic throughout Lord of the rings, even though it’s very subtle as it is with the other two. A ring that has power over clear thought is not going to be flashy magic as Gandalf did, nor is it going to be blatantly traceable as it is withGaladriel’s. And this opinion that I have might actually contribute to why Elon was such a great healer. If you think about healing, thinking clearly through a problem is going to be very useful when trying to aid someone. Here we see the magic profoundly; being able to think carefully about an intricate wound that’s influenced by both magic as well as the flesh. Having a ring that gives you clarity of thought would certainly be useful. And so I actually argue that we do see the magic, but perhaps (as with so many aspects of Tolkien’s magic) it’s profoundly subtle. You’re often so clear and you’re thinking and so good at concocting explanations I’m surprised this didn’t occur to you as a possibility. And I could be wrong not being quite the scholar you are. However, the logic matches with the other two rings, as well as can be supported directly from the text of the book. Perhaps the ring of air has a power on the clarity of thought, parting the clouds from the mind and allowing intricacy and clarity of view. which is why Elrond knew so much about why hobbits were the best chance they had; quite an important and clear thought, indeed..

[@andrewg8791]

I wonder what the relative 'power' of Saruman's forged ring would be, in relation to the 3 rings. I also wonder why Saruman didn't try to take it from Gandalf by force, when he was imprisoned in Orthanc. Certainly he was aware of it, as he held a grudge against Gandalf being gifted it by Cirdan. Perhaps Gandalf's will, and the concealing powers of the ring, prevented a forceful removal.

[@XFATALxERRORXPRO]

A breath of fresh air...

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

I made my own version of Narya based heavily on the film version but mine has a blue star sapphire and is a bit more girthy.

[@alonys]

Elrond and Galadriel are sadly unable to help Celebrian. Is that Tolkiens way of saying not even Elves are perfect?

[@wsxyz]

Actually Elrond healed her - physically. But she no longer found any joy in Middle Earth, so she left.

[@Makkaru112]

Elrohir and Wlladan shone like elven lords of old with what was called an elf lord in wrath. They rescued mother, slayed all the orcs!

[@alonys]

We see the same thing with Frodo. A very good level of healing allows function but it becomes clear that the wounds go too deep and you have to leave.

[@VonUndZuGeist]

Call it a hint, call it coincidence but there's more too Vilya: a connection to Aragorn. Well, kind of. Before Aragorn became king it was said "The hands of the king are the hands of a healer" or something similar. Vilya allows Elrond to be a great healer. And when Vilya still belonged to Gil-galad he was given healing abilities. Gil-Galad, a High King of the elves. So back then it was also true that "The hands of the king are the hands of a healer". And maybe, just maybe, that's where this old saying in Gondor comes from.

[@opesam]

I wonder if the "depowered" post destruction rings were still viewed as beautiful artefacts of great craftsmanship and still imbued with an iota of power, or were they just common trinkets.

[@Tar-Elenion]

"The chief power (of all the rings alike) was the prevention or slowing of decay (i.e. ‘change’ viewed as a regrettable thing), the preservation of what is desired or loved, or its semblance - this is more or less an Elvish motive. But also they enhanced the natural powers of a possessor - thus approaching ‘magic’, a motive easily corruptible into evil, a lust for domination. And finally they had other powers, more directly derived from Sauron (‘the Necromancer’: so he is called as he casts a fleeting shadow and presage on the pages of The Hobbit): such as rendering invisible the material body, and making things of the invisible world visible. The Elves of Eregion made Three supremely beautiful and powerful rings, almost solely of their own imagination, and directed to the preservation of beauty: they did not confer invisibility." Letter 131 "Now these were the Three that had last been made, and they possessed the greatest powers. Narya, Nenya, and Vilya, they were named, the Rings of Fire, and of Water, and of Air, set with ruby and adamant and sapphire; and of all the Elven-rings Sauron most desired to possess them, for those who had them in their keeping could ward off the decays of time and postpone the weariness of the world." Silm., OtRoP "The Three were not made by Sauron, nor did he ever touch them. But of them it is not permitted to speak. So much only in this hour of doubt I may now say. They are not idle. But they were not made as weapons of war or conquest: that is not their power. Those who made them did not desire strength or domination or hoarded wealth, but understanding, making, and healing, to preserve all things unstained. These things the Elves of Middle-earth have in some measure gained, though with sorrow." LotR, Council of Elrond Tolkien does not say Nenya supports Galadriel's Mirror. Correct, you do not know that the river unleashed by Elrond was a result of "wind". The supportable, 'conclusion' or accurate 'surmise' would be drawn from Letter 131 quoted above: *"they enhanced the natural powers of a possessor"* Elrond had the ability to command the river, and Vilya enhanced that power.

[@EdMcF1]

The One Ring, a sort of Middle-Earth Stuxnet.

[@Makkaru112]

All 17 rings were meant to go to elves (300-500years of infiltration & deception down the drain.) but Mairon of the Maiar(primordial angelic beings in simple terms as they are beyond angels) disguised as a high elf named Annatar when he came to the elves pretending to be an emissary from Valinor on behalf of the Valar so it makes sense how alluring the ring is and how strong it’s pull on people is. (A bit too instant in the movies though) - Galadriel soon saw right through him and especially when after speaking with him regarding not remembering him when in Valinor long ago where she learned from all the Valar thanks to being dominantly Vanyar/Teleri side over her Noldorin side where she gleaned from that encounter that she did not study under Aulë the Vala with any elf named Annatar ! But later named Sauron by the elves as a cursed name meaning “the abhorred” and deceiver! Similar to his former name as Gorthaur. (Correction - The Sindar Elves in Beleriand gave Mairon the name Gorthaur, meaning "dread abomination," while others called him Sauron, meaning "the abhorred" or "the abominable," a play on his original name. Gorthaur was when he ruled in the first age as lord of all werewolves in isle of werewolves called Taur Ín Gaurhoth) After all of this, The three elven rings were made in secret without Saurons touch upon them thanks to Celebrimbor! Remember Gandalf before he became Gandalf was the same species of entity Sauron used to be!! Wow hey? The Rings in this case, would have lost their powers eventually due to the lack of the One Ring and possibly because they were designed to defeat evil, & evil in the form of Sauron had been defeated twice already in the past. The Three Elven Rings served their purpose for a long time. Two out of three of them had several different bearers Unlike the other Rings, the main purpose of the Three is to "heal and preserve", as when Galadriel used Nenya to preserve her realm of Lothlórien over long periods. The Elves made the Three Rings to try to halt the passage of time, or as Tolkien had Elrond say, "to preserve all things unstained". There is problem here with the Rings, the Three were supposed to be never touched by Sauron and that's why they were not corrupting…Sauron had not taken part in their making which made the Three more 'pure' unsullied by his dark power, unlike the Nine and Seven Rings! But Sauron in the show touched the very material they were made of!!! So technically he could have tainted them and corrupted! Even appendices of Lot tell us the order of making the rings, so they didn't even need the righs to more detailed writings in UT or Silmarillion: 1200 Sauron endeavours to seduce the Eldar. Gil-galad refuses to treat with him; but the smiths of Eregion are won over. The Númenoreans begin to make permanent havens. c. 1500 The Elven-smiths instructed by Sauron reach the height of their skill. They begin the forging of the Rings of Power. c. 1590 The Three Rings are completed in Eregion. c. 1600 Sauron forges the One Ring in Orodruin. He completes the Barad-dûr. Celebrimbor perceives the designs of Sauron. 1693 War of the Elves & Sauron begins. The Three Rings are hidden." 'Did you not hear me, Gloin?' said Elrond. 'The Three were not made by Sauron, nor did he ever touch them. But of them it is not permitted to speak. So much only in this hour of doubt I may now say. They are not idle. But they were not made as weapons of war or conquest: that is not their power. Those who made them did not desire strength or domination or hoarded wealth, but understanding, making, and healing, to preserve all things unstained. These things the Elves of Middle-earth have in some measure gained, though with sorrow. But all that has been wrought by those who wield the Three will turn to their undoing, and their minds and hearts will become revealed to Sauron, if he regains the One." - The 3 Elven Rings are not susceptible to “The One Ring” in any direct way.. They’re only tied by fate to lose their power if Sauron is defeated completely & absolutely. As they were made by the elves and as always they make things for a purpose and pour their literal spirit into things they create. So if Sauron is defeated then the three rings power will fade and basically become almost useless or diminished versions of their original design since by this era magic has bled from the world by a huge degree thanks to Morgoth’s poisoning the world itself with his very essence that he poured into it. Called The Long Defeat By The Elves and The Men Of The West.

[@MarkhamShawPyle]

Would submit further that each of the Elven Rings had some correspondence, 'sympathy', or relation to the corresponding member of the Aratar charged with the element each ring represented.

[@kinesta]

Amazing!

[@1701pja]

"The most powerful don't need to show off their power, and they don't need to use it to get more power for themselves. " A lesson some people today would do well to learn.