Final answer:
The 'Du Nüoy ring' seems to be a historical reference to magnetic iron rings, possibly coated with gold, given to initiates of the Samothrace mystery religion as souvenirs. These were called 'Samo-thracian rings' according to Pliny, and some scholars have speculated about their association with divine powers, although no evidence supports this.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject in question seems to be related to artifacts from ancient rituals, specifically an item referred to as the ‘Du Nüoy ring’. The reference to Pliny and the term 'Samo-thracian rings' implies a historical context, likely discussing rings from the Samothrace temple complex, which was famous for its mystery religion.
Initiation into these ancient mysteries often involved receiving objects that later became souvenirs of the spiritual experience. One such object mentioned in the historical records is a magnetic iron ring, often coated with gold. These rings were considered valuable and have been found in the sanctuary, indicating that initiates kept them as souvenirs of their initiation. Scholars have speculated about the connection of these rings with divine powers, particularly the power of a goddess, although there is no concrete evidence to support this theory.