palantíri

The palantíri are magical seeing stones described in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. These artifacts, often referred to as "seeing-stones," allow their users to communicate with and view events occurring at distant locations, provided another palantír is in use at that location. They are essentially long-range, two-way communication devices with a visual component.

These stones were originally crafted in the Undying Lands and brought to Middle-earth by the Númenóreans. Their primary purpose was to facilitate communication and maintain unity among the Númenórean colonies. After the fall of Númenor, the palantíri were scattered, with a few ending up in the possession of various rulers in Middle-earth, notably the kings of Arnor and later Gondor, and also the lords of Minas Morgul.

Using a palantír requires significant mental fortitude and willpower. Those who are weak-minded or unskilled can be easily deceived by the stones, as they can be manipulated by a more powerful will. Sauron, in particular, was known to use the palantíri to his advantage, preying on the fears and ambitions of those who gazed into them.

The palantíri played a crucial role in the War of the Ring, with Gandalf and Aragorn using them to gauge Sauron's movements and to communicate with each other. The stones are characterized by their smooth, dark, and often spherical appearance, and their power diminishes over time and with distance. Their use is a double-edged sword, offering strategic advantage but also posing a significant risk of manipulation and despair.