Vilya was one of the Rings of Power created by the Elves of Eregion. It was one of the Three Rings of the Elves apart from Narya and Nenya made by Celebrimbor. They were more powerful than the Rings possessed by men or Dwarves.
Description
Like other Elven Rings, Vilya was jeweled and contained a blue stone in the gold band. This gave it the titles of ‘the Blue Ring’ and ‘the Ring of Sapphire.’ It was also known by the name ‘Ring of Air’ coming from its supremacy over other Rings of Elves. Vilya was considered to be the mightiest of all three bands. While the powers of Vilya are not specified clearly, it may have possessed the ability to preserve and heal. It is also said that the Ring could control various elements as Galadriel used it to exercise power over Lothlorien.
History
It was around 1590 of the Second Age, that Celebrimbor, Lord of Eregion, had forged the three rings Nenya, Narya, and Vilya. He did not know about Sauron, so none of these were affected by his evil. But like other Elven Rings, the Rings of Power came under Sauron’s influence when he forged the One Ring in 1600 SA. As advised by Galadriel, Narya and Vilya were sent to the Elven-king Gil-Galad in Lindon. The third Ring, Nenya, was hidden by Galadriel herself. Sauron declared war against the Elves in Eriador but was ultimately defeated. Gil-Galad handed Vilya to Elrond, who kept it till the end of the Third Age. When Sauron got destroyed, Vilya’s power faded as his Ring was destroyed. Elrond set out across the Great Sea and carried the Ring with him, and Vilya left Middle Earth forever.
Etymology
Vilya is a word derived from the Quenya root Wil and refers to the Ring of Air. It also means ‘sky’ or ‘air’ in Quenya.
Categories:
Magical Objects
Rings and Jewels
Rings of Power
Tengwar
