What The Rings Actually Do In Lord Of The Rings

Sauron divvies up the 16 Rings of Power that he captures from Celebrimbor and Company, famously giving nine to Mortal Men and seven to Dwarf-lords. The Men are the easiest for him to control with his will — so much so that they remain his servants even after he loses the One Ring. «The Silmarillion» summarizes that Men were easy to ensnare, and those who wield the Nine Rings became mighty and immortal. It says, «they obtained glory and great wealth, yet it turned to their undoing,» adding a bit later that one by one, «they fell under the thraldom of the ring that they bore and under the domination of the One, which was Sauron’s.» Right before this, the text explains that «the Dwarves indeed proved tough and hard to tame,» adding that «they used their rings only for the getting of wealth; but wrath and an over-mastering greed of gold were kindled in their hearts.» It also reports, «It is said that the foundation of each of the Seven Hoards of the Dwarf-kings of old was a golden ring.»

The Elven rings are where things take a turn for the better. Their masters are stronger than expected, and they manage to get their rings off and hide them before Sauron attacks and captures the rest. They keep their Rings hidden, and at the Council of Elrond in the book «The Fellowship of the Ring,» Elrond summarizes their status. He says that the Three are still at work. (At that point they are being worn secretly while Sauron has lost his One Ring.) He adds, «Those who made them did not desire strength or domination or hoarded wealth, but understanding, making, and healing, to preserve all things unstained.»