After putting the One Ring on his finger, Gollum attacks Frodo to get it back for himself. Although it seems Frodo does resist temptation – with the One Ring eventually being destroyed – it is arguably due to accident rather than Frodo’s exemption from corruptibility. However, the idea that “absolute power corrupts absolutely” must apply to every being, no matter their size or disposition. This contrasts to the men and elves who seek castles and thrones – even without the One Ring – making their races more corruptible as a whole. Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin all fantasize the simplicity of the Shire at some point during their journey, as Hobbits are not inherently desirous of power. Hobbits, it seems, are the least susceptible because of their simple lifestyle and kind hearts, desiring a peaceful life over that of other men. No matter who has it, the ring-bearer will always become possessed and corrupted by its absolute power, such that even to look at it is dangerous.ĭue to Middle Earth being populated by a whole host of creatures and beings, each individual responds differently the One Ring.
Boromir almost kills Frodo after few moments under the One Rings allure, and Galadriel becomes demonically enraged at the prospect of becoming an all-powerful Queen. Although power itself is not inherently bad, it will always corrupt those who have it, perhaps as an allegory for human nature. The Lord of The Rings suggests the One Ring holds a power above all else, able to control and rule whole realms. After all, it is “One Ring to Rule Them All”, thus absolute power is what the ring promises. The phrase “absolute power corrupts absolutely” can be perfectly applied to Tolkien’s symbol of the One Ring. Frodo is entrusted to carry the One Ring to Mordor because his purity makes him the most resistant- though even he succumbs to the One Rings powers when reaching Mount Doom.
The One Ring is not just evil in itself, but practices its power through whoever bears it. One of the key characteristics of Tolkien’s iconic plot device is its effect on man. This is why Frodo must go to great lengths to destroy it – only dissolvable in the fires from which is bred, by a supernatural spirit (Sauron), possibly representative of Satan. You cannot negotiate with Evil, as it wants nothing for itself. It’s this lack of motivation that feeds its power, as it is not weakened by trying to reach any goal. It is simply Evil, without cause or reason, ensnaring anyone that touches it. Therefore, it does not seek wealth or power. It does not represent malcontent villainy or cruelty, but the spirit of Evil itself. Instead, it exists as a metaphysical energy that man must work to destroy. The fact Tolkien conveyed this sense of Evil through an object, rather than a living being, suggests Evil is not a product of mankind. The One Ring is an indestructible force of Evil, that lays wake to death, destruction and darkness. Sauron gathers and builds armies to destroy Middle Earth without any real motive other than power. His soul can transverse beyond the physical realm, still present through in the One Ring even after being “killed” in battle.Īlmost like a Horcrux of Middle Earth, the One Ring embodies Sauron’s powers to influence those around it.
Lord Sauron – who forged the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom – is depicted as an inhuman spirit, not bound by mortality or science. Not just that of hate or envy, but pure, unmotivated Evil. Rather than trailing through the internet in research of what it could mean, we’ve complied a handy list exploring the symbolism of the One Ring from all different perspectives: EvilĪn obvious interpretation of the One Ring is that it symbolises, quite simply, Evil.
This has led to widespread debates on what the One Ring could represent, with its dark, possessive abilities enslaving all those that pursue it.
THE RING FROM LORD OF THE RINGS FREE
Tolkien himself has confirmed that he did not assign one particular meaning to it, preferring readers to be free to interpretation. Although there are hundreds of points to analyse in Tolkien’s meticulously detailed Middle Earth, the most potent symbol is that of the One Ring. Whether from the books or the films, multiple interpretations have been drawn from J.
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