Magical Rings in English Literature. From Anglo-Saxon Charms to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings

Tesis (Bachelor) , 2016 , 70 Páginas , Calificación: 1,3

Didáctica de la asignatura Inglés - Literatura, trabajos

The thesis elaborates on magical rings' powers, functions and symbolism in selected texts of the Anglo-Saxon times, e.g. Beowulf, Exeter Riddles; the Middle English period, e.g. Romance of King Horn, Hind Horn Ballad; and Tolkien's works on Middle-earth, covering the creation of the Rings of Power until the destruction of the One Ring. The introductory part offers brief information on the origin of the ring, material culture on rings and stone lore, and associations with ancient sources/traditions on ring magic, which show that magic in rings derives mainly from properties of the gemstone(s) set on them.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Rings, Circles and Cultural Exchange
• Material Culture meets Literature I: Precious Stones and their Magic
• Material Culture meets Literature II: Inscribed Rings and Engraved Gems
• Circles and Rings in Old English Literature
• Riddles 48 and 59
• Medical Charms
• Ring-giving as a Social Mechanism
• Magical Rings in Middle English Literature
• The Middle English Romance
• King Horn and Horn Childe
• The Ballad of Hind Horn
• Magical Rings in Modern English Literature
• J. R. R. Tolkien and Middle-earth
• The Three Rings
• The Seven and the Nine Rings
• The One Ring: Sauron
• Isildur
• Déagol and Smeagol (Gollum)
• Bilbo Baggins
• Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship
• Sam as Ring-bearer
• The Strange Case of Tom Bombadil
• Other Rings in Middle-earth

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to explore the significance of magical rings in selected works of Old, Middle, and Modern English literature. It examines the diverse powers of gemstones set on rings, their importance for plot development, and their impact on character destinies.

• The historical and cultural significance of rings and their symbolism
• The use of rings as magical objects in literature
• The relationship between rings and character development
• The role of rings in shaping plot and narrative
• The evolution of magical rings across different periods of English literature

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the historical and cultural significance of rings, exploring their connection to circles and their use in various societies. It also delves into the importance of precious stones in magical rings and examines other types of magical rings, such as talismanic ones.

Chapter 2 focuses on the role of rings in Old English literature, examining their presence in riddles, medical charms, and as social mechanisms. It explores the symbolic meanings associated with rings in this period.

Chapter 3 investigates the use of magical rings in Middle English literature, specifically within the genre of romance. It analyzes the significance of rings in works like "King Horn and Horn Childe" and "The Ballad of Hind Horn," exploring their contribution to plot and character development.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Magical rings, English literature, Old English, Middle English, Modern English, J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, symbolism, gemstones, talismans, plot development, character development.

• Universidad: University of Bonn (Department of English, American, and Celtic Studies)
• Calificación: 1,3
• Autor: Michael Barkas (Autor)
• Año de publicación: 2016
• Páginas: 70
• No. de catálogo: V323880
• ISBN (Ebook): 9783668236080
• ISBN (Libro): 9783668236097
• Idioma: Inglés
• Etiqueta: magical rings, gemstones, Anglo-Saxon charms, Middle English romance, Tolkien, Lord of the Rings