Oh. That makes sense. He must have worn it to sneak into Arwen's chamber without raising suspicion, which validates your last statement. Sorry I jumped the gun, I won't question your knowledge again...
With regards to the the Ring though, why is then that only two characters actually made an attempt to take the Ring? Boromir and Smeagol. What is it that sets these two apart? Many people have desires of differing influence, and in addition have their individual low moments that might make them further susceptible to temptation. But yet only two strike out.
Obviously Smeagol had some problems to begin with, whether evil or not, he was greedy. But this time the greed caused him to kill, I think that was not commonplace previously. Boromir obviously had some issues going on as well, but what was the trigger?
Conversely, some of those tempted face to face with the Ring, even having it offered to them, were able to refuse it. This is a huge difference in behavior, not minor. Boromir using force vs. Galadriel feeling temptation towards a freely given gift. Not really a fair comparison.
Another category could be those who knew of it's existence, yet were not offered it nor did they use force to acquire it. The Hobbits, those of the Council at Rivendell, and those two noble men of Numenor, Aragorn and Faramir. Was it not said that there was a difference in Farimir's blood from that of his father and brother? He was more noble in many ways? I forget the passage, I'll look it up later. That only leaves Isildur. And he fits in this group because he came upon it. Neither was he offered it, nor was he violent (thieving) in it's taking. His crime was in not being as resistant to it's wiles as were Bilbo, Frodo, Sam and Tom.
Perhaps I created more questions than answers, but these are some of the rudementary differences I see.
-If you are resistant to magic (Tom, Hobbits) you may get away with actually wearing/possessing the Ring.
-If you are of High birth and demeanor (Galadriel, Elrond, Gandalf, Aragorn, Faramir) you are equipped to refuse a direct chance at possession. But actual possession would cause corruption just the same, just faster than those more 'magic proof' Isildur would fit into this category
-If you are a lower born, lower moral being you have no defense over the influence of the Ring. This would include both Boromir and Smeagol. Yes Boromir, even though he was of prominent position and character, he was not of the 'quality' that Faramir and Aragorn were. Had any other members of this category learned of the Ring, I would presume they would follow suit in behavior to Boromir and Smeagol, just in varying degrees, like some sort of continuum that solely reflects 'how long' corruption will take, not 'if' it will happen. An example would be Butterbur VS. Ferny - one would take longer, but both would be inevitable.
So what do you think, will this boat float?
[ February 11, 2003: Message edited by: Tar-Palantir ]