Seriously - what was it that scared Gandalf to look more into Bilbo's ring? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Priya · 02-04-2024, 02:55 PM

Is there any evidence that before reading Isildur’s scroll, Gandalf knew that the One Ring could change size?

It fit Gollum and Bilbo’ little fingers - but it was really forged for the much larger hand of Sauron. We know it slipped from Isildur’s, but before his investigation in Minas Tirith - might Gandalf have felt it fitted loosely on him - being a partial reason for its loss?

Putting oneself in Gandalf’s position, early on - size-wise Bilbo’s ring might not have been thought to be a good physical match to the One Ring. This might be a reasonable source of doubt - though, I don’t recall Tolkien mentioning or hinting at it.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

02-04-2024, 02:55 PM	#6
Priya Pile O'Bones Join Date: Sep 2023 Posts: 16	Is there any evidence that before reading Isildur’s scroll, Gandalf knew that the One Ring could change size? It fit Gollum and Bilbo’ little fingers - but it was really forged for the much larger hand of Sauron. We know it slipped from Isildur’s, but before his investigation in Minas Tirith - might Gandalf have felt it fitted loosely on him - being a partial reason for its loss? Putting oneself in Gandalf’s position, early on - size-wise Bilbo’s ring might not have been thought to be a good physical match to the One Ring. This might be a reasonable source of doubt - though, I don’t recall Tolkien mentioning or hinting at it.