What's the Worst Thing Characters had to Face in Middle Earth? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Farael · 11-30-2005, 11:46 AM

Quote:

If Frodo and Sam set their wills against the Ring, wouldn't they have experienced the same level of suffering in the end? Even if Sam had been the Ringbearer for as long as Frodo, I still do not think he would have suffered to the same degree; as seen in the differing reactions when each Ringbearer wears the Ring, I still believe that it has different effects on each wearer.

I'm not going to argue that it has the same effect on every wearer because I think it does not. Yet I must say that if Sam had actually worn (or carried) the ring with the purpose of destroying it for a time as long as Frodo, he would have been broken by it too. You have to take into account that Sam, when in contact with the ring, only concentrates on saving Frodo (furthermore, when he thinks Frodo is dead and takes the ring to try to finish his task, he looses hope and finds it all but impossible to go on yet when he changes his mind and decides to save Frodo he regains faith and finally achieves it. Maybe the Ring was opposing him first?)

Still, I do agree it depends on the ringbearer but not only on his character but also his purpose for the Ring. As well, whatever they choose to do with the ring depends on their character so both factors are interelated, but I think they are two distinct factors and I think that purpose is just as influential as character.

mormegil · 11-30-2005, 12:02 PM

It cannot be quantified but it is to be remembered that Sam wore the ring for a considerable amount of time and when it was near its power source. It's obvious that the nearer to Mordor the ring was the more powerful it became. Therefore I would postulate that there was a great toll on Sam due to the length of time it was worn and due to the sheer power increase of the ring. I'm not sure if it would equal the total the Frodo used but the huge weight of it must have been great.

Farael · 11-30-2005, 12:08 PM

But then both his character AND his purpose were, if not possitive at least not detrimental to the ring itself, which I believe should also be taken into account. Besides even if he wore the ring, all the "wise men" say that the ring will slowly corrupt you, that you will have good intentions at first but then it'll all be perverted into evil. Perhaps a few hours is not enough to harm you, yet a few months (if not longer, how long did Frodo carry the ring) will be enough to leave a mark. We should also take into account that The Ring did not completely pervert Frodo, as it did to Gollum (who by the way had it for a MUCH longer time, even longer than Bilbo). The weak point on this reasoning is Frodo who didn't really show any adverse consequences (although he had grown greatly fond of the ring) but I guess this is where character and purpose come into play again.

11-30-2005, 12:02 PM	#2
mormegil Maundering Mage Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 4,651	It cannot be quantified but it is to be remembered that Sam wore the ring for a considerable amount of time and when it was near its power source. It's obvious that the nearer to Mordor the ring was the more powerful it became. Therefore I would postulate that there was a great toll on Sam due to the length of time it was worn and due to the sheer power increase of the ring. I'm not sure if it would equal the total the Frodo used but the huge weight of it must have been great. __________________ “I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

11-30-2005, 12:08 PM	#3
Farael Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: In hospitals, call rooms and (rarely) my apartment. Posts: 1,538	But then both his character AND his purpose were, if not possitive at least not detrimental to the ring itself, which I believe should also be taken into account. Besides even if he wore the ring, all the "wise men" say that the ring will slowly corrupt you, that you will have good intentions at first but then it'll all be perverted into evil. Perhaps a few hours is not enough to harm you, yet a few months (if not longer, how long did Frodo carry the ring) will be enough to leave a mark. We should also take into account that The Ring did not completely pervert Frodo, as it did to Gollum (who by the way had it for a MUCH longer time, even longer than Bilbo). The weak point on this reasoning is Frodo who didn't really show any adverse consequences (although he had grown greatly fond of the ring) but I guess this is where character and purpose come into play again.