3 ms·
> what makes "magic rings" a leitmotif when "magic hats" (also very common) aren't? The rule in fairy tales is very simple: any object can be magical. But this
by codetrotter 3y ago
> what makes "magic rings" a leitmotif when "magic hats" (also very common) aren't? The rule in fairy tales is very simple: any object can be magical.
But this is not just about fairy tales, it’s also about folk lore. Things that people in real life sometimes actually believe in.
The linked Wikipedia article says:
> A finger ring is a convenient choice for a magic item: It is ornamental, distinctive and often unique, a commonly worn item, of a shape that is often endowed with mystical properties (circular), can carry an enchanted stone, and is usually worn on a finger, which can be easily pointed at a target.
Seems reasonable that in real life a ring might make a more convincing magical item than a hat.
- thaumasiotes 3y agoHats are ornamental, distinctive, and often unique, they are commonly worn, they are circular, they can carry a stone, and they can be easily pointed at a target. People have been wearing special hats for symbolism for several thousand years. And on top of all of that, the specific claim was that rings have a special presence in fairy tales, which is definitely not true.