Success through Failure

[Ithaeliel]

What an interesting topic, doug*platypus! Good thinking. I have something to contribute:

Had Isildur not failed to throw the Ring into Mount Doom when he had the chance, then both the Ring and Sauron would have been destroyed there and then.

Quite true, but is that really sucess? I don't think it is, but please tell me if I'm missing anything. The only success i can see is all the bonds and accomplishments of the 'good' characters.

I can see a bit more, actually: A different heir to the throne of Gondor. Isildur was killed on account of the Ring, and had he then thrown it into Mt. Doom, he would not have died. The only remaining heir after his death was one of his sons, and through him came those who led to Aragorn. Was not Isildur's oldest son killed? He would have become king, and it would ultimately lead to a different man than Aragorn assuming his kingdom.