The object of this puzzle is simple:
You have to remove the large ring from the rest of the puzzle.
Seems impossible, doesn't it? But rest assured, it is possible to completely free the ring, and no forcing or brute force is required. Give it a go!
Iron Maiden Tip 1:
The key to removing the ring can be expressed in a single word: Folding.
You may return to the puzzle armed with this hint, or you may proceed to see the full solution.
Spoiler Alert:
Go to the next page only if you give up and want to see the solution.
Learn the parts of the puzzle from the figure.
Iron Maiden Solution
You can follow the step by step text explanation in this and the following pages. Alternatively, you can watch the video demonstration of the solution by Dennis Sucilsky, founder and master blacksmith of Tavern Puzzles, who created this puzzle based on an 18th century design.
See figure 1 to identify parts. Hold puzzle by the large piece A. Turn puzzle upside down so that the large ring drops down to rest on the small triangle C.
The fold the puzzle at the set of double hinges, so that A rests flat against curved section B. Hold so that A rests on the palm of your hand with B on top, and the hinges pointing away from you.
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Making sure that the ring stays on triangle C, slide C up either siode of B all the way to the hinge.
The next step is called Closing the Door. Thinking of the triangle C as an open door, close it. C will lie flat across both sides of B. the ring can now be dropped between the hinges. See figure 2.
Note: If things seem jammed up at this point, check the position of the small ring D. Unless ring D is hanging freely in the interior of the puzle, it will probably get in the way. C should also be as close to the hinge as possible.
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The ring can now be slipped over the hinge ( the side that C is attached to ). Slide ring along curve of B to opposite hinge. See figure 3. Now Open the Door and slide ring off hinge.
The ring can now be slipped over the hinge (the side C is attached too. Slide ring along curve of B to opposite hinge. Open the door and slide ring of hinge. Look at the puzzle now so you can determine the starting position for reassembly.
Puzzle is easily reassembled by following the above steps backwards. Allow ring to drop down into A to return puzzle puzzle to its starting position.
