What caused Frodo to finally give in to the power of the Ring and claim it?

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Frodo’s conflict and victory aren’t about the triumph of the will, they’re about the triumph of sacrifice.

Mr. Underhill, hats off to you, you have it there. The reason the ring cannot be destroyed by force of will is that selfish will is it's nature. Sacrifice is it's opposite. That's what got him that far, and held off the ring. Since no living being is utterly without will (ooo that thing's insidious) his failure of will is inevitable. But in claiming in the ring he had to surrender himself to it, another form of self-sacrifice - victory. In that moment, before will directs it to do this or that, it's potency is weak. The ring brought about it's own downfall at the last. And the source of Frodo's later wisdom is revealed - not that he carried an artifact of power, but that he understood how and why it was defeated.

"Take this cup from me.."
"Listen, I don't like what I see! All that I ask is that you listen to me! And please remember, I've been your right-hand man all along..."

[ December 20, 2001: Message edited by: Marileangorifurnimaluim ]