Lesser rings
The lesser rings were magic rings, forged before the Rings of Power, by the elves as essays in the craft of ring-making.
History
The lesser rings were made sometime between Second Age 1200, when Sauron came in disguise to Eregion, and Second Age 1500, when they began crafting the greater Rings of Power. Unlike the greater rings, these were round and unadorned, without gems, much like the One Ring.
During the Third Age, the Hobbits of the Shire had old tales of magic rings that turned people invisible. When Bilbo Baggins found the One Ring in the tunnels near Gollum's lake, he believed that it was one of them.
In the year Third Age 3018, Gandalf mentioned these rings to Frodo when recounting the origins of the Rings of Power. Supposedly, the lesser rings were also mentioned by a messenger of Sauron, who asked Dáin Ironfoot to find and return to Sauron "a little ring, the least of rings", that is, the ring of Bilbo Baggins.
During his conversation with Gandalf in Orthanc, Saruman wore a ring on his finger and claimed himself the 'Ring-maker'. It was possible that he indeed forged one of the lesser rings.
Portrayal in adaptations
1995-1997: Middle-earth Collectible Card Game
Several cards describing and depicting lesser rings were released, for example "The Oracle's Ring", "Wizard's Ring", and "Magic Rings" of different power (lore, stealth, courage, etc.).
2007-: The Lord of the Rings Online:
Narchuil was one of the lesser rings forged by the elven-smiths. It was worn by Amarthiel.
Referencias
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