Question on Tolkien collectibles

[Teresa Edgerton]

We regularly receive in the mail a catalog featuring beautiful replicas of items from the Peter Jackson LOTR movies. Some of the items have an undoubted appeal, and if I had tons of disposable income I'd probably buy about half of them. But because they are so expensive I have to content myself with just looking at the pictures.

Yet there exists a group of items that continues to puzzle my husband and I, Tolkien fans though we are.

This would be replicas of the One Ring, in both gold and silver versions. As the symbol of ultimate evil, and considering all the grief it brings on poor Frodo to carry it, we just don't understand the appeal of owning and/or wearing a reproduction of that particular artifact.

The crown of Aragorn, sure. The phial of Galadriel, yes. Gimli's axe ... well, er, maybe. But the One Ring?

So I'm curious what the rest of you think. Would you, if you had the money to spend freely, buy a replica of the Ring? Would you actually wear it?

[Raynor]

Well, if we look at the name of Tolkien's most successful book (Lotr), we see that it reffers to a most cruel and evil being (second in those aspects only to Melkor). But in the end, it is a tale about the power of good overcoming evil. So, I guess it wouldn't be out of line with the author's view to say that wearing a replika of the one ring could be an acknowledgement that good moral qualities (compassion, pity - first and foremost) are necessary to prevail against many temptations and trials.

Then again, some could just show their fascination with power, of whatever nature that power is .

[cornelius]

I am more interested in the ring Gandalf was wearing. Wouldn't buy The One Ring, making that a commercial thing kinda ruined it for me...

Would like the swords though. Maybe the Gimlis Helmet to ride around on my Solex... ooow yeah!

[Marky Lazer]

I wouldn't buy that stuff, even if I had the money. It would only collect dust on my shelves.

[I, Brian]

I don't buy, but I can see the appeal of the One Ring as a gift item - it's the focus of Tolkien's most popular works, and probably more easily identifiable than many other items.

[Treikayan]

Originally Posted by cornelius

Would like the swords though. Maybe the Gimlis Helmet to ride around on my Solex... ooow yeah!

Me too. I had a dream about wielding Anduril! And, I have an extensive sword collection here at home.

1. ANDURIL!!!!!

2. Glamdring aka Beater

3. Aragorn's Crown

[Teresa Edgerton]

Originally Posted by Marky Lazer

I wouldn't buy that stuff, even if I had the money. It would only collect dust on my shelves.

Well, yes. That is one of the primary functions of a mathom, isn't it?

And, Brian, I'm not sure how I would take it if someone gave me a replica of the One Ring as a gift. I'd probably suspect a hidden message.

The swords are beautiful, but very expensive. Fortunately for our bank account, my husband, who might otherwise be tempted, is obsessed with crossbows at the moment.

[Marky Lazer]

I know, Kelpie, but I don't like that stuff. I never take pictures either, it's kind of the same thing, I never look at pictures so I don't see any use of taking them. I don't see any need for looking at a helmet, either.

[Teresa Edgerton]

If you don't like collecting items you will never look at or use, you'll never make it as a hobbit, I'm afraid.

[Marky Lazer]

Originally Posted by Kelpie

If you don't like collecting items you will never look at or use, you'll never make it as a hobbit, I'm afraid.

I collect books. That would make me Hugo Bracegirdle

[cornelius]

I would wear the ring, and as I said, maybe the helmets, but wielding the swords in public could cause serious injuries...

would like a nice crossbow too, you know. Decoration isn't completely obsolete, otherwhise you'd might as well buy nothing but plain furniture and all. the house might look a bit empty then.

[Abstract]

I did recieve a cheaply made version for the ring as a gift for my birthday once, and was quite happy about it. I would consider buying and authentic gold version, because at least they last longer. The one I was given has worn so quickly. I think people buy it and wear it because, evil as it may pepresent, it is the ultimate symbol of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. If you boil it down a lot, the plot revolves around the ring, so true Tolkienites like myself would not buy it for it's evil and grief, but its deeper meaning. If I had some income myself, I would ask for a relica of Aragorn's ring, or Gimli's helmet. I also saw this plaque you can get (not a replica of anything) but it is of the eagles flying and I would love to have that in my own house, when I own one.

[I, Brian]

Originally Posted by Kelpie

And, Brian, I'm not sure how I would take it if someone gave me a replica of the One Ring as a gift. I'd probably suspect a hidden message.

The One Ring would be a great gift - it's the Nine for Mortal Men I'd be terrified of.

[cornelius]

point. I like the ring as a concept, but Ten million copies is a bit too much. The most expensive vrsion of it does have quite an appeal to me...

[Teresa Edgerton]

Originally Posted by I, Brian

The One Ring would be a great gift - it's the Nine for Mortal Men I'd be terrified of.

That's an excellent point.

I suppose one of the dwarf rings wouldn't be so bad, as it would only make you very greedy.