[Bard the Bowman]

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Well the very fact that the ring is too powerful for anyone of mortal race suggest that even the strongest of us can be broken by exterior influences. In the real life instead of demonic ring it may be torture.

I don't want to put words in Tolkien's mouth, but I imagine he would have a similar view to Catholic doctrine.

The impression I get is that knowledge is important in being able to resist initially. Isildur was ensnared partially, because he did not know the full extent of what he was dealing with. However, even after we are ensnared we have the choice to reject the ring. Isildur decides to give it to Elrond, Celebrimbor repents from forging the ring and Galadriel finally accepts returning to Valinor.

In the Tolkien's world nothing is completely evil and even the orcs have some qualities we would consider virtuous. Nurture may leave a person broken and evil like Gollum, but there is always going to be a little light shining through in which it's up to our nature to take advantage. Even Gollum after 500 years possessing the ring and many evil acts had a chance at redemption.

The Edain like other member were under the same darkness of Melkor, but choice to leave.

+1 *Flies away*