In Tolkien’s Ring (1994), David Day eschews the encyclopedia format for straight essay writing to pull back the curtain a bit on the creation of Middle Earth.

He focuses on the ring. But not just Sauron’s ring; Day looks at the symbol of the ring throughout mythology. There’s the obvious stuff, like the Volsunga Saga, the legends of King Arthur and the Nibelungenlied. But there is less obvious stuff, too, like strains of Greek and Jewish myths (Solomon had a ring, too, after all). The result is a comprehensive look at a specific facet of human storytelling tradition of thousands of years that, in many ways, Tolkien’s work is a culmination of.

There isn’t anything super surprising about any of what Day puts forward. I am not exactly shocked that there are clear parallels between Norse myth and Middle Earth. But the way in which Day makes the case, taking his time with each piece and doing a fine job as a storyteller in his own right, makes for some compelling stuff. My mind was gently blown when I finished reading it.

The incomparable Alan Lee is the sole illustrator. Lee’s work in Tolkien’s world is well known, even if you don’t realize it (his paintings were an important component in the visual styling of the Peter Jackson films). I’ve always admired how he captures the mix of the majestic and the melancholy that runs through The Lord of the Rings, but it is particularly fun to see him take on other subject matter here. I really dig that one of Odin sticking the sword in the tree.