*The Iron Ring* by Lloyd Alexander is a richly woven tale set in a mythical version of ancient India, blending epic adventure with philosophical depth. The story follows Tamar, a young king bound by honor to a mysterious vow after a fateful game of chance with a stranger. Determined to uphold dharma—the code of righteousness—Tamar embarks on a quest across a land filled with talking animals, wandering ascetics, fierce warriors, and wise sages. As he journeys through trials that test his courage and convictions, Tamar discovers that true nobility lies not in birth but in character. With its lyrical prose and profound themes of duty, compassion, and inner growth, *The Iron Ring* stands as one of Alexander’s most ambitious and thoughtful works.
