The High Council · Keepers of the Three

The Seat of Narya

Narya, the Ring of Fire

Narya, the Ring of Fire, was set with a red stone. Celebrimbor made it, and Sauron never touched it. It passed to Círdan the Shipwright, who kept it at the Grey Havens for an age. When a grey wanderer came over the sea, Círdan saw more in him than anyone else did and gave it away. "Take now this Ring," he said, "for thy labours and thy cares will be heavy... herewith, maybe, thou shalt rekindle hearts to the valour of old in a world that grows chill." The wanderer was Gandalf. He wore it in secret for two thousand years and never once used it to rule. When Denethor, jealous of his own rule, bristled at his counsel, Gandalf answered: "For I also am a steward. Did you not know?" This seat honours that kind of keeper - one who carries great knowledge to light fires in others, not to be seen. Whoever holds it does not claim it. It is given, as Círdan gave it, to someone already doing the work.

Sources: The Silmarillion, Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age; The Return of the King, Minas Tirith; Appendix B.