Hey Andreas; a nice complement to Nermin's original questions you're offering.
As I mentioned earlier I really think this topic deserves it's own thread because even though it was brought up concerning Tolkien's themes it has many faces or directions in which it could be considered. I'll lay out a couple of areas; (
and these are only a few ); to broaden the canvas with a little then start with some I think might apply within your context.
First of all; I think you have to start with not only how one defines the term but the application to which the context is assigned. Is power the influence or the (
control ) it commands; or is it the object within itself? Is it the value one assigns to it or is it a device to manipulate or even an instrument for change? For instance is the " Ring of Tolkien " the same as the " Fire of Prometheus "? Can it's consideration be only the negative of corruption or can it be the goal won from the hero's quest?
Two; the perimeters you start with are excellent examples of regularly used themes or motifs through which it's value can be assigned and utilized to prove a point; whether in (
Lord of The Rings, Star Wars, Shakespeare's Tragedies, Aesop's Fables ) or indeed any other literary vehicle used to convey a meaning with this applied as a (
catalyst )
is my point here. Money or wealth; political influence, sex; fire, explosive energy, or even water, food or medicine can be facilitated or engineered as such; but the plots you offer are standard motifs and work just fine.
In " Lord of The Rings " there are a couple of excellent examples that show the full effect of the seductive and toxic effects of it's corruptive influence. Of course Frodo's gradual decline as struggles to complete his quest; ( and even early on in the story when Bilbo Baggins who for a brief moment lapses under it's influence while showing the " Ring " to Frodo ); as do all who fall under it's spell. But in this light one of the best examples is " Gollum "; originally known as " Sméagol "; who has become transformed into this grotesque mutation of his former self.
And as you point out in the typical hero character of " outcast " or " Maverick " and this role that the hero assumes; he or she becomes the bearer of " The Boon " that saves society but could also be portrayed as a doctor or scientist or artist who wins or finds a place within his community from which he had been in exile. ( A lot of variables that could be applied here in this one ).
But yes I take your point only I think it might be widened a bit. For instance we could go into " Star Wars " and how the growing threat of power from the Emperor over Darth Vader becomes part of the vehicle through " The Quest "; of salvation for both Anakin and Luke Skywalker. (
Assignment of the role that power plays ) has just as much to do with it's definition is my point here; so I'm not necessarily disagreeing with your basic premise;
just enlarging it. And although there certainly may be other areas to consider; this is just for openers. Shakespeare; the Greek Tragedies or any such similar literary scenarios like "
Faust " for example; would be only a few of many good possibilities here.
Cheers