The One Ring of Power: History, Powers, & Travels | Tolkien Explained

Nerd of the Rings19 minutes read

Sauron creates the powerful One Ring to dominate Middle-earth, but it eventually leads to his downfall when destroyed by Frodo and Sam in Mount Doom, ending his reign of terror.

Insights

  • Sauron's creation of the One Ring was a pivotal element in his quest for power, enhancing his abilities and enabling him to control the Nine Rings of Men.
  • The journey of the One Ring, from Isildur to Gollum to Frodo, culminated in its destruction at Mount Doom by Gollum, leading to Sauron's defeat and the end of his reign of darkness.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the One Ring?

    The One Ring is Sauron's source of power, forged in Mount Doom to control the other rings and dominate Middle-earth.

  • Who found the One Ring after Isildur lost it?

    Gollum discovered the One Ring, leading to its eventual possession by Bilbo Baggins.

  • How did the Council of Elrond decide to deal with the One Ring?

    The Council of Elrond resolved to destroy the One Ring by taking it to Mount Doom.

  • Who was the last ringbearer to carry the One Ring to Mount Doom?

    Sam became the last ringbearer, carrying the One Ring to Mount Doom after Frodo's incapacitation.

  • What was the fate of the One Ring and Sauron?

    The One Ring was destroyed in Mount Doom, leading to Sauron's defeat and the restoration of peace in Middle-earth.

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Summary

00:00

Sauron's One Ring: Deception and Power

  • Three Rings for the Elven-kings, Seven for the Dwarf-lords, Nine for Mortal Men, One for the Dark Lord in Mordor.
  • Sauron's greatest work was the One Ring, central to his deception and power.
  • The One Ring was forged by Sauron in Mount Doom, holding his will and power.
  • Sauron's power was at its peak when wearing the One Ring, enhancing his abilities.
  • The elves, aware of Sauron's treachery, sent the three rings to safety, while Sauron claimed the rest.
  • Sauron distributed the rings among dwarves and men, corrupting the latter into the Nazgul.
  • Sauron's abilities with the One Ring included enhancing his powers and dominating others.
  • The One Ring slowed the decay of the world and allowed Sauron to control the Nine Rings of Men.
  • Isildur claimed the One Ring from Sauron, but it slipped off his finger and was lost in the river.
  • Gollum found the One Ring, leading to its eventual discovery by Bilbo Baggins, setting the stage for Frodo's journey to Rivendell.

16:19

Frodo's journey to destroy the One Ring

  • Frodo briefly lets Tom Bombadil wear the One Ring, but it has no effect on him.
  • Frodo wears the ring multiple times on his journey, notably at Weathertop, where it makes him more visible to the Ringwraiths.
  • Men and hobbits wearing the One Ring are not completely invisible, with only a faint shadow visible in full sunlight.
  • The Council of Elrond debates the fate of the One Ring, ultimately deciding to destroy it by taking it to Mount Doom.
  • Frodo volunteers to bear the ring, and the Fellowship departs Rivendell on December 25, 3018.
  • Frodo offers the One Ring to Galadriel in Lorien, but she refuses, knowing the consequences.
  • Gollum betrays Frodo and Sam, leading to Frodo being bitten by Shelob and assumed dead.
  • Sam becomes the last ringbearer, carrying the ring to Mount Doom where Gollum bites off Frodo's finger, causing the ring's destruction and Sauron's defeat.
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