A good point for debate.
Let me tell you a story (in the great Max Bygraves tradition) of a ring made of gold, which is stolen, and of a character of great power to which the ring actually belongs, of a person who comes into posession of this ring and, ultimately, brings about the downfall of its true owner.
This was an opera written in the 1870s by Wagner (The Ring Cycle) - the LOTR came along in the 30s - then Covenant in the 70s.
There are differences in all three but, ultimately, both Wagner and Tolkien used Norse legends/myths for much of their background - and it's difficult to see where this ends and borrowing from each other begins.
My verdict - all 3 Not Guilty.
