This is an interesting and tricky subject to quantify. I never really thought of the *one ring* as sentient, enchanted perhaps, cursed maybe, but not sentient. Pets, talking plants, yes.
I kind of feel that to be sentient requires a form if thought process, and decision making, rather than just following orders, having a set path that the item must attain to.
Though like I said I never thought about it.
I adore the use of artifacts in books. They're such a great story tool and add depth that's fun and hints/adds to lore.
Whether it's spiritual relics, imbued weapons, transmutations, or any other artifact or magical item.
Hmmm, trying to think of some if my menopausal brain fog will allow.
Trudi Canavan had a book in her Millennium’s Rule Series, that was made out of skin and the sentient residue of the mage it was taken from, so it could talk, understand, discuss and evaluate what the bearer wanted.
There are loads, you just have to look at DnD, MTG, WoW, Warhammer etc.
In WoW, Arthus wears the helmet in Icecrown that binds him, and changes his personality, which is similar to the one ring, but it less guides than controls him. But is it sentient?
"Feathertop" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a very ingenious fantasy, involving a witch who turns a scarecrow into a sentient being who accidentally causes mischief when walking around. (I'm pretty sure this was one of the things in L. Frank Baum's mind when he created Oz...).
The only one I can think of at the moment is the sword Need in Mercedes Lackey’s Kethry and Tarma books. Whoever carries it is bound to help women in need - I don’t remember more specifics than that!
This is an interesting and tricky subject to quantify. I never really thought of the *one ring* as sentient, enchanted perhaps, cursed maybe, but not sentient. Pets, talking plants, yes.
I kind of feel that to be sentient requires a form if thought process, and decision making, rather than just following orders, having a set path that the item must attain to.
Though like I said I never thought about it.
I adore the use of artifacts in books. They're such a great story tool and add depth that's fun and hints/adds to lore.
Whether it's spiritual relics, imbued weapons, transmutations, or any other artifact or magical item.
Hmmm, trying to think of some if my menopausal brain fog will allow.
Trudi Canavan had a book in her Millennium’s Rule Series, that was made out of skin and the sentient residue of the mage it was taken from, so it could talk, understand, discuss and evaluate what the bearer wanted.
There are loads, you just have to look at DnD, MTG, WoW, Warhammer etc.
In WoW, Arthus wears the helmet in Icecrown that binds him, and changes his personality, which is similar to the one ring, but it less guides than controls him. But is it sentient?
Not familiar with that one!
Sounds more like 'controlling' than 'sentient', since sentience implies a perception of feelings. What do you think?
A book like that... *shudder*
"Feathertop" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a very ingenious fantasy, involving a witch who turns a scarecrow into a sentient being who accidentally causes mischief when walking around. (I'm pretty sure this was one of the things in L. Frank Baum's mind when he created Oz...).
Sure sounds like an influencing factor to me!
The only one I can think of at the moment is the sword Need in Mercedes Lackey’s Kethry and Tarma books. Whoever carries it is bound to help women in need - I don’t remember more specifics than that!