Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduce the legendary rings of the Mandarin from the comics. However, rather than introduce them in the traditional comic book version, the artifacts take on a new interpretation that turns them into Hung Gar style rings with unique attributes that work in unison. Commanded by the centuries-old warlord Wenwu, the rings are used to decimate enemies without being dealt a single scratch. As a result of its qualities, it’s possible that the metal that makes the rings could make it the strongest metal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In the comics, the Ten Rings fit on the user’s fingers and house the spirits of ten cosmic warriors. Each ring also has unique properties including ice, electricity and darkness projection. The film doesn’t explain the origins of the rings, but explains that they crashed to Earth in a meteor and were found by Wenwu. In the comics, the rings also crash land on Earth, but it’s known they are created by the denizens of Maklua, like the mighty dragon Fin Fang Foom.
In the film, the rings are powerful and grant immortality, but rather than control the base elements of the universe, the rings act under the command of the user and can create force fields and whips. They can also be used as projectiles that break through almost any obstacle, similar to Mjolnir. Even after centuries of combat, the rings show no signs of age, making it a mystery as to what it could be made out of.
The after credits of Shang-Chi show Bruce Banner examining the rings and stating they aren’t vibranium. By ruling out what is considered the strongest metal on Earth, it leaves the doors open for other possibilities of what it’s made out of. One particular example could be a futuristic metal known as Dargonite. This unique metal was first introduced in the 26th Century of Marvel’s Earth-616. Named after Earth-8710’s Thor, the metal is known to be strong enough to pierce Adamantium. As of now, the metal hasn’t been confirmed to exist in the MCU, but Thanos’ sword from Avengers: Endgame could be tied to it.
In the film, Thanos, without the aid of the Infinity Stones, is able to destroy Captain America’s Vibranium shield. Before that point, nothing had ever overpowered the metal. Since the metal is tied to a Thor, it’s also possible that Dargonite is tied to Uru, which is used to make Mjolnir and has its own mystical qualities.
Another mystical metal that the rings could be made with is called Adamantite. In the comics, Adamantite is the inspiration for Adamantium and exists in Olympus, home of the Greek Gods. Typically, the metal is golden and carries unique magical qualities. The Ten Rings are also golden in color and maybe the first connection to more cosmic Gods.
The Ten Rings symbolize power, and their ability to endure thousands of years of combat shows that whatever powers them is immensely strong. If the metal is Dargonite, it could help introduce a new metal MCU fans haven’t encountered. However, if it’s Adamantite, its appearance could usher in even more Gods and even help usher in the origin of Adamantium. For now, the mystery continues as fans try to decipher what exactly these new MCU artifacts are made of.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is streaming now on Disney+!
About The Author