Rings in the world of The Lord of the Rings have always been more than just decorations. They not only granted their bearers power but also held great symbolic meaning. However, it wasn’t just Sauron who created powerful artifacts. In Middle-earth, there was a ring older than the One Ring, and it belonged to Aragorn. It was shown several times in the films, but its history was left untold.
Where did the Ring of Barahir come from?
This artifact appeared during the Days of the Firstborn. It was crafted by the Noldorin elves in the distant Valinor, where the greatest artisans lived. The ring belonged to the house of Finarfin, and its first owner was Finrod Felagund — Galadriel’s brother. When the elves left Valinor and journeyed to Middle-earth, Finrod took the relic with him.
In one of the battles against Morgoth, Finrod was trapped, but a man — Barahir, the leader , came to his aid. His band saved the elven king, and in gratitude, Finrod gave Barahir the ring, swearing eternal friendship with his family. Thus, the ring became a symbol of the alliance between elves and men.
How did the ring end up with Aragorn?
Barahir’s son, Beren, kept the ring and passed it down through the generations. Over time, it became a relic of the Numenorean kings and was passed on to Elros, the founder of Numenor. After the fall of the great kingdom, the ring survived and came into the possession of Elendil, who, along with the surviving men, founded the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor.
The relic was kept in the family of the kings of Arnor and their heirs. After the fall of Arthedain, it was given to the northern rangers, and later it ended up in Rivendell, where it was kept by Elrond for many years. It was he who passed the ring to Aragorn when he realized his destiny.
Why was the Ring of Barahir so important to Aragorn?
For Aragorn, it wasn’t just a decoration; it was proof of his heritage. It confirmed his right to the throne of Gondor and Arnor. The ring connected him to the great kings of the past and showed his belonging to an ancient lineage.
Moreover, the ring remained a symbol of the alliance between men and elves, which proved crucial during the War of the Ring. This relic was far older than the One Ring and carried with it the light of Valinor.
