The tale of Namejs
The leader of the Zemgallians Namejs was one of the last warriors against the invasion of the German crusaders into the territory of Latvia at the beginning of the 13th century. Outnumbered by enemy troops, he was forced to retreat to Lithuania. Before leaving Namejs gave his ring to his young son so that he could recognize him upon return. The crusaders found out and began searching for Namejs` family in order to force him to surrender. In order to save the leader of the nation and his family, many copies of this ring were made and most of Latvian boys and men began wearing the ring.