Mournful rings are a term used to describe the sound of bells that are rung in a slow and solemn manner, usually to mark a funeral or other solemn occasion. The word knells is often used to refer to this sound, which is derived from the Old English word cnēlan meaning 'to sound.' Knells are typically rung by a bell ringer, who uses a rope to pull the clapper against the bell to create the sound.