The Iron Ring

The Iron Ring (1997) is a work of middle-grade fantasy fiction by acclaimed children’s writer Lloyd Alexander, most famous for The Chronicles of Prydain series. It is set in a world inspired by ancient India, and its narrative and themes are influenced by Indian mythology and religion; the concept of dharma (roughly, “duty” or “virtue”), which informs Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and other faiths, is particularly central.

The story follows Tamar, the ruler of the small kingdom of Sumari. One day, a mysterious king named Jaya visits and invites Tamar to a dice challenge. Tamar accepts, wagering his life on the final roll. He loses, but Jaya does not kill him; rather, he gives him an iron ring signifying that Tamar’s life now belongs to him. He also tells Tamar that he must come to Jaya’s realm, Mahapura, to settle this debt.

Just then, Tamar appears to wake, leaving him uncertain whether the encounter with Jaya was merely a dream. Nevertheless, honor compels him to seek Mahapura, so he sets off in search of Jaya against the counsel of his friends and advisors.

One of Tamar’s first adventures involves intervening in a fight between two animals: a monkey king named Hashkat and a snake prince named Shesha. Grateful for his help, Hashkat soon joins Tamar on his journey, providing both wisdom and levity.

While occupied with Haskhat and Shesha, Tamar also meets a young woman named Mirri, a gopi (a milkmaid) from a small village. Resourceful, courageous, and compassionate, she joins Tamar’s quest and often challenges his rigid understanding of dharma.

Tamar and his companions approach the kingdom of Ranpura, which is embroiled in civil conflict. The deposed king, Ashwara, saves Tamar’s life, and Tamar’s sense of duty and justice leads him to set aside his quest to help Ashwara regain the throne from the usurper Nahusha. The group sets off for the kingdom of Muktara, hoping to secure the assistance of its king, Bala, in their campaign against Nahusha.

Upon reaching Muktara, however, the group learns that Nahusha has tried to ally with Bala as well. Bala initially refuses to support either ruler but ultimately intervenes on Nahusha’s behalf. The conflict culminates in a battle between Nahusha’s forces and Ashwara’s. The latter lose, but casualties are heavy on both sides; both Ashwara and Bala are killed.

Tamar, however, escapes. He gathers the other survivors to confront Nahusha once more. Hashkat volunteers the services of his monkey army to help sabotage Nahusha’s forces. In the ensuing battle, the monkeys free the many wild animals Nahusha had imprisoned, and the liberated creatures turn on their persecutor, killing him.

Mindful of his debt, Tamar then travels on to Mahapura. There, he learns that Jaya can see the future and that he foresaw Nahusha’s tyrannical rule. Jaya explains that the dice game was a test of character—one he played with many rulers, all of whom ultimately strayed from the path of dharma. Only Tamar possessed the humility, kindness, and sense of justice that Jaya sought. Tamar’s quest has been about self-discovery, not repaying a debt, as he has learned that rigid adherence to a singular notion of dharma may not always serve justice.

With this understanding, Tamar is free to marry Mirri, though she is far below him in rank. They return to Sundari, where they rule with wisdom, fairness, and compassion. The kingdom flourishes, underscoring The Iron Ring’s lessons about moral growth and leadership.