A magic ring, often portrayed as a powerful and enchanting object, has long captured the imaginations of individuals around the world. From folklore and mythology to literature and cinema, the concept of a magic ring has been explored in various cultures and contexts. While many depictions of magic rings showcase their positive attributes and abilities, there are also narratives that highlight the dangers associated with possessing such a ring. One of the most famous examples of a dangerous magic ring is the One Ring from J.R.R.
The discovery created a worldwide press sensation and stories spread about a curse on anyone who dared to break into a pharaoh’s tomb. The Times in London and New York World magazine published the best-selling novelist Marie Corelli’s speculations that ‘the most dire punishment follows any rash intruder into a sealed tomb’. It was not long before Lord Carnarvon died in Cairo aged 56 and the lights in the city went out, which set off a frenzy of speculation. Arthur Conan Doyle told the American press that ‘an evil elemental’ spirit created by priests to protect the mummy could have caused Carnarvon’s death.
Late in 1922 the British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who died in 1323 BC aged about 18, in the Valley of the Kings, across the Nile from Luxor in Egypt. Carter himself angrily dismissed the whole curse idea as tommy rot , but when he died solitary and miserably unhappy of Hodgkin s disease in his London flat in March 1939 at the age of 64, the story of the mummy s curse sprang back to life in his obituaries and it has persisted to this day.
R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. This ring possesses an immense amount of power and holds sway over its possessor, corrupting their mind and driving them towards evil.
Tutankhamun’s Curse?
The archaeologist Howard Carter died on 2 March 1939.
Richard Cavendish | Published in History Today Volume 64 Issue 3 March 2014Late in 1922 the British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who died in 1323 BC aged about 18, in the Valley of the Kings, across the Nile from Luxor in Egypt. Pharaohs had been buried there from the 16th to the 11th centuries BC. Most of the tombs had been plundered from early times and Tutankhamun’s was the first to be found almost entirely undisturbed. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon, a keen amateur Egyptologist who was financing the project, joined Carter and his team to enter the burial chambers, where they found the young pharaoh’s mummified body and a wealth of religious objects, wall paintings and inscriptions as well as equipment he would need in the afterlife.
The discovery created a worldwide press sensation and stories spread about a curse on anyone who dared to break into a pharaoh’s tomb. The Times in London and New York World magazine published the best-selling novelist Marie Corelli’s speculations that ‘the most dire punishment follows any rash intruder into a sealed tomb’. It was not long before Lord Carnarvon died in Cairo aged 56 and the lights in the city went out, which set off a frenzy of speculation. Arthur Conan Doyle told the American press that ‘an evil elemental’ spirit created by priests to protect the mummy could have caused Carnarvon’s death.
No curse had actually been found in the tomb, but deaths in succeeding years of various members of Carter’s team and real or supposed visitors to the site kept the story alive, especially in cases of death by violence or in odd circumstances. Alleged victims of the curse included Prince Ali Kamel Fahmy Bey of Egypt, shot dead by his wife in 1923; Sir Archibald Douglas Reid, who supposedly X-rayed the mummy and died mysteriously in 1924; Sir Lee Stack, the governor-general of the Sudan, who was assassinated in Cairo in 1924; Arthur Mace of Carter’s excavation team, said to have died of arsenic poisoning in 1928; Carter’s secretary Richard Bethell, who supposedly died smothered in his bed in 1929; and his father, who committed suicide in 1930.
Most people who worked in or visited the tomb lived long lives, but this did not undermine belief in the curse by those who wanted to believe it. Carter himself angrily dismissed the whole curse idea as ‘tommy rot’, but when he died solitary and miserably unhappy of Hodgkin’s disease in his London flat in March 1939 at the age of 64, the story of the mummy’s curse sprang back to life in his obituaries and it has persisted to this day.
"Howard Carter with Tutankhamen's coffin" (1922)LIFE Photo Collection
The One Ring's allure is so strong that it lures individuals into a perilous path, leading to the destruction of friendships, kingdoms, and even entire civilizations. Its potential for destruction is immense, as it can be used to control and manipulate others, ultimately leading to chaos and havoc. The concept of a dangerous magic ring also extends beyond popular literature and into real-life scenarios. In ancient Greek mythology, the story of King Midas and the Golden Touch serves as a cautionary tale. After receiving the ability to turn everything he touched into gold through a magic ring, King Midas quickly realizes the disastrous consequences of his newfound power. As he inadvertently turns his loved ones and everything he cherishes into lifeless gold, he realizes the grave danger of possessing such an item. Furthermore, stories from various cultures and folklore tales often warn individuals of the dangers associated with magic rings. In many narratives, wearing or possessing a powerful ring comes with consequences that far outweigh any benefits. These consequences can range from physical and psychological harm to the loss of free will and personal identity. The notion of a dangerous magic ring serves as a metaphor for the potential dangers of power and desire for control. It emphasizes the need for caution and self-reflection when presented with seemingly attractive opportunities or objects. By highlighting the destructive nature of magic rings in both fictional and real-life contexts, we are reminded of the importance of using power responsibly and resisting the temptation to succumb to its corrupting influence. In conclusion, while magic rings often captivate our imaginations and symbolize various virtues and powers, it is crucial to recognize the potential dangers associated with possessing such items. The cautionary tales and warnings found in literature, mythology, and folklore remind us of the potential destruction and corruption that can result from the misuse of power. Through these narratives, we learn the invaluable lesson of the significance of responsibility, restraint, and self-awareness when faced with the allure of a magic ring..
Reviews for "The Untold Shadows: The Dark Side of Magic Rings"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I really wanted to like "Dangerous Things Magic Ring" because of all the hype, but I found it to be a major letdown. The storyline had potential, but the execution fell flat. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth, making it hard to connect with them. There were also numerous plot holes and inconsistencies that made it hard to follow the story. Overall, I was disappointed and wouldn't recommend this book.
2. Alex - 1/5 stars - I can't even begin to express how much I disliked "Dangerous Things Magic Ring". The writing was incredibly amateurish, with clumsy dialogue and awkward prose. The story was predictable and lacked any originality. The world-building was non-existent, leaving me feeling completely detached from the setting. I was hoping for an exciting and immersive fantasy read, but this book fell short in every aspect. I regret wasting my time on it.
3. Mike - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Dangerous Things Magic Ring", but it just didn't deliver. The pacing was all over the place, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed and confusing action scenes. The character development was weak, and I found myself not caring about their fates. There were also too many unnecessary subplots that didn't add anything to the overall story. Overall, the book felt disjointed and haphazardly put together, making it a disappointing read for me.