The captivating tale of the ring in The Lord of the Rings draws inspiration from a fascinating Greek myth recounted by Plato in his work "The Republic." The parallel can be found in the myth of Gyges, which Plato narrates through the character of Glaucon.
The myth unfolds with the discovery of a magical ring by Gyges, a shepherd who stumbles upon it after experiencing a tumultuous storm and earthquake. This ring grants its wearer the power of invisibility when turned on the finger. Gyges harnesses this newfound ability to seduce the queen, slay the king, and seize control of the kingdom, all facilitated by the ring's gift of invisibility.
Through the character of Glaucon, Plato utilizes this myth to shed light on the essence of human injustice when shielded from facing repercussions. The myth challenges perceptions of justice and the struggle between personal interest and moral obligation, proposing that when granted impunity, individuals are inclined to prioritize self-interest and evade accountability.
Ultimately, the myth serves as an allegorical lesson, advocating for the pursuit of righteousness, beauty, and truth through enlightenment and education, urging individuals to combat malevolence and strive for the virtues of justice.