We all know of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic tale of how ‘The One Ring’ almost destroyed Middle-Earth, but a new exhibit will give fans a chance to come face-to-face with the very inspiration for that classic story.
 
A solid gold ring, weighing 12 grams and considerably larger than most rings forged at the time, is being put on display in England. The artifact will be on display through a partnership with Britain’s National Trust and the Tolkien Society. The exhibit will be available to the public on Tuesday.
 
The ring was first found in 1785 and is believed to from the 4th century. The ring contains a Latin inscription stating, “Senicianus live well in God,” with an image of the goddess Venus. This ring is also believed to be cursed and it has a companion as well, a curse tablet which is dedicated to a god named Nodens in Gloucestershire.
 
The connection of the two objects is in the name ‘Silvianus’. The ring bears the name and the tablet tells of Silvianus’ story. The tablet states that Silvianus had lost the ring, and it pleads for the Nodens to place a malignant curse on Senicianus until the day he can safely return the ring to the temple.
 
If you happen to live near, or are planning to visit, the ‘The Vyne’ historic mansion in England; you can check out the ring for yourself starting on Tuesday.
 
more info: thevyne