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Nietzsche's Ring: The Platypus Reads Part LXXIX

In "The Lord of the Rings," Sauron's body is diffused throughout Middle Earth in a perverse parody of Christ's Church.  It is significant that the object that ties this diverse organism together is a ring; gold and unadorned.  In fact, Sauron's ring resembles nothing so much as a common wedding ring.  To what might Sauron be wed?

Following the idea that Sauron's body is a mockery of the Church, we can look to Christian imagery to guide us.  The Church is not only referred to as the "body of Christ," but also the "bride of Christ."  Sauron's body is also his bride.  In distinction to the Church, however, the members of Sauron's body are merely extensions of his will; mere puppets.  If this is true, then the bride Sauron is marrying is himself.  This idea should sound familiar to readers of "Thus Spoke Zarathustra."  Indeed, Zarathustra, the herald of Anti-Christ, sings:

Oh how should I not lust for eternity and for the wedding ring of rings - the Ring of Recurrence!  Never yet did I find the woman by whom I wanted children, unless it be this woman, whom I love: for I love you, O Eternity!  For I love you, O Eternity!

By bringing the Ring to the fires of Mount Doom, Frodo sets in motion the events that destroy the One and all it offers: power, the exaltation of self, and eternal life.  In "The Lord of the Rings," Tolkien rejects not only Sauron's ring, but Nietzsche's ring as well. 

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Josh Kenfield said…
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