SORCERERS AND RINGS

one of the most vivid historic documentations of the belief in the supernatural power of enchanted rings occurred in the 15th century in a town under the rule of Venice. The incident constituted nothing less than a full-scale Faustian battle for a human’s soul, rather reminiscent of Tolkien’s tale of the torments endured by those who possessed or were tempted to possess the Rings of Power – and, more specifically, the One Ring itself.

The case involved a talented artist and sculptor named Pythonickes who possessed an enchanted ring. The spirits within this ring seemed full of charm and wisdom and, through its power, Pythonickes believed that he had gained his reputation as an inspired artist. However, in time, Pythonickes began to fear for his immortal soul and wished to be free of any claim the ring might make on him. Not knowing if he had the strength to rid himself of the ring, he confessed to its possession to a preaching friar, whom he knew to be a good and wise man.

Rings of Power

The friar commanded that Pythonickes immediately destroy the enchanted ring, but the artist was now so enthralled by it that he no longer had the strength of will to do so. Worse still, as soon as the friar spoke his command, a terrible lamenting cry came from the ring. The evil spirits within offered all manner of wisdom and fame to the friar. Whereupon the friar perceived that his own soul would be in jeopardy if he did not act soon. So, in the words of the medieval scholar Mengius, “The churchman being zealously enraged, with a great hammer broke the ring almost to dust.”