The One Ring was one of the most powerful artifacts ever created in Middle-earth. It was crafted by the Dark Lord Sauron in the fire of Orodruin, also known as Mount Doom, during the Second Age. Sauron's intent was to enhance his own power, and to exercise control over the other Rings of Power, which had been made by Celebrimbor and his people with Sauron's assistance. In this way, he hoped to gain lordship over the Elves and all of the other races in Middle-earth.
The One Ring was also known as the Ruling Ring, the Master Ring, the Ring of Power, and Isildur's Bane.
One ring to rule them all, One ring to find them, One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
Art by middle earth Tolkien fantasy art by Coinna Springl