Gandalf is one of Gandalf is a key figure in The Lord of the Rings franchise, acting as a guiding hand to the main protagonists, and his steadfast morals and kind demeanor make him a comforting presence in Middle-earth. Therefore, when he preaches about how Rings of Power are not to be trifled with, you are inclined to believe him.

Gifted to him by Círdan, Gandalf wears the ring Narya, which is sometimes referred to as the Ring of Fire. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power has addressed Narya’s creation, but due to its timeline, Gandalf is not yet in possession of it. Narya is discussed slightly more in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, but even then, details remain fairly elusive, thus creating a lot of questions about Gandalf’s Ring of Power.

Why Gandalf Doesn't Directly Use His Ring Of Power In The Lord Of The Rings

Gandalf’s Narya Ring Is Not Really A Weapon

Gandalf does not directly use his Ring of Power in The Lord of the Rings for a number of reasons. The main reason is due to the need to avoid corruption. Despite being one of Middle-Earth’s most powerful beings, Gandalf was not allowed to use his full power in The Lord of the Rings as he understood the way power could easily corrupt.

Forged by Celebrimbor alone, the three Elven Rings of Power were set apart from the other rings due to their unique qualities. Their purpose was to preserve and protect, not dominate

Therefore, Gandalf did not use his Ring of Power in The Lord of the Rings as it would draw attention from Sauron and other evil forces. However, the other reason why stems from Narya’s actual abilities. Forged by Celebrimbor alone, the three Elven Rings of Power were set apart from the other rings due to their unique qualities.

Their purpose was to preserve and protect, not dominate, and Sauron (as Annatar) had no influence in their creation. As a result, Sauron did not corrupt them in The Lord of the Rings. Although Tolkien was ambiguous about their actual abilities, Narya’s particular purpose was to inspire courage, which is why Gandalf could not directly use it as a weapon. However, as the Ring of Fire, Narya also seemingly complements Gandalf’s abilities with additional enhancements to fire magic.

When Gandalf May Have Used Narya's Power In The Lord Of The Rings

Narya Allows Gandalf To Inspire Others & Remain Strong

Although it’s never explicitly stated that Gandalf used his Ring of Power in The Lord of the Rings, there are plenty of moments where Narya’s powers could have been applied. In Tolkien’s The Silmarillion, when Círdan gifts Gandalf the ring, he claims that “it will thee and defend thee from weariness.” Given Gandalf’s impressive perseverance throughout his journeys, this power is likely always in use, but is particularly evident in the wizard’s steadfastness and apparent intimidation when facing the dark forces of evil. However, there is a much more prevalent ability of Narya that was likely used quite often.

“Take now this Ring,' he said; 'for thy labours and thy cares will be heavy, but in all it will thee and defend thee from weariness. For this is the Ring of Fire, and herewith, maybe, thou shalt rekindle hearts to the valour of old in a world that grows chill.”

Círdan also says that he hopes that, with the Ring of Fire, “thou shalt rekindle hearts to the valour of old in a world that grows chill.” During the Siege of Gondor, when Denethor gives up, Gandalf’s mere presence inspires the cowering soldiers to fight with renewed resolve. Similarly, at Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Gandalf’s appearance at dawn inspires the Rohirrim to fight. The use of color is effective in these scenes, showing Gandalf as a source of light in a grim world, but it could also signify the ring’s power in use.

Another possible use of Narya in The Lord of the Rings comes when Gandalf faces the Balrog. In the famous speech, Gandalf claims to wield the “flame of Anor” in a call for light to defeat the darkness. However, it may also be referencing Narya, given that it’s a Ring of Fire, although Gandalf revealing his possession of the ring is unlikely. Therefore, while Gandalf’s fire abilities and inspiring presence are often attributed to the wizard’s wiseness and magic, considering Narya’s abilities, Gandalf’s Ring of Power may have been subtly enhancing this all along throughout The Lord of the Rings.

Sources: J.R.R. Tolkien The Silmarillion