Tolkien was known to be well read in many areas of linguistics, as well as having studied many of the classics. With this in mind, I’d like to offer an interpretation of some of the key themes and their potential inspirations.
Plato wrote of a thought experiment in the form of ‘The ring of Gyges’ – a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible. This was to demonstrate the disparity of the morality stance we occupy when confronted with the idea that we are observed by others, and the actions we might take if we were not. If- Plato says, we would act differently if granted this magical power, then our original morality is not ‘innate’, it is not truly virtuous, as it is only done out of the fear of the repercussions of our actions.
In the LotR the magical ring that Bilbo finds and eventually gets passed down to Frodo, also gives the power of invisibility. It’s noted a few times that Hobbits seems to have a natural resistance to the corrupting powers of the ring- but why might this be?
Hobbits are a simple people, in need and want only of good food, good company, fine beer, and music. Their desires are not in the realms of great power, grandiose self interest, or material wealth. Marcus Aurelius once said: “The wealthy man is not he who has much, but he who needs little”, and that is realised in the culture of the Shire. It is for this reason, that the ‘Ring of Gyges’ does not hold much power over Frodo in his adventures- as there are very few things that he is in want for other than to be back at home next to a fire with a good beer. The temptations of the ring don’t offer Frodo the opportunity to acquire anything that would further satisfy his needs.
When we look at Boromir or Denethor however- the potential uses of the ring to protect their country are more than tempting. Gandalf comments that he himself is tempted- that he would no doubt begin with good intentions, but that the corrupting power of the ring would eventually overcome him. Why is this?
Outside of Tolkien’s universe- we might use the ring of Gyges to steal from the rich and give to the poor- we might secretly help others along, all with the best intentions. But by removing ourselves from view- removing ourselves from the observing judgement of others, we essentially remove ourselves from the collective moral framework of humanity. If there is a disparity between what we would do with the ring to what we do (or don’t do) without it, then what we are doing when we act with the ring is holding our own moral choices (that are different from the collective) in higher esteem.
Perhaps you start by helping people out- nudging people out of the way of accidents and the like. Down the line however- maybe you decide that certain individuals are acting immorally, and that they must be removed or debilitated. This is effectively imposing your own moral judgement over the status quo, or in the case where the majority would be in agreement of their immoral character, you are robbing them of the chance to make that decision and to act upon it- negating some element of the social and moral evolution of the people.
I think I will continue writing on some more of the philosophy of the Lord of the Rings, perhaps delving into the symbolism behind the Eye of Sauron and its likeness to a Panopticon of sorts.
Aethnen 
Leave a comment