Frodo and the One Ring: Considering Alternatives in Lothlórien

In J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring. A pivotal moment in this quest takes place in Lothlórien, where Frodo is tempted to give away the Ring. But would he have truly discarded it, or merely given it away? This article explores Frodo's decision-making, the characters involved, and the significance of this moment in the narrative.

Frodo's Offer to Galadriel

When Frodo and his companions reach Lothlórien, also known as Lórien, the elves are awed by the Ring's power. In Lórien, Frodo considers offering the Ring to Galadriel, the Lady of Light. For a brief moment, he thinks about giving the Ring to someone else. However, this idea is short-lived, as we see in the following quote: 'If you mean by tempted to give it to someone else yes. He offered it to Galadriel when he was in Lothlórien. But she refused.'

Galadriel's refusal is critical because she understands the dangers of wielding such might. As she explains, 'She refused, knowing she would not be able to resist the constant temptation to use the Ring for good—and in doing so would become the Dark Lady of Middle-earth.'

The Role of Desperation and Reason

Frodo's struggle is also a test of will and reason. He considers the idea of casually tossing the Ring into the grass or concealing it, but ultimately, he is guided by the wisdom he learned at the Council of Elrond. The Council had clearly stated that the Ring could only be destroyed or defeated by being thrown into the fires of Mt. Doom.

Hoping to find a simpler solution, Frodo might have relied on the magic of Lothlórien to smother the Ring. Yet, as we see in the following passage, his rationality holds sway: 'Sort of. He might have relied on throwing it away at Lorien if he felt the magic of the place would smother it. But he had been told at the Council of Elrond that the Ring could only be destroyed or defeated by being thrown into the fire. Of course, desperation does not listen to reason.'

Nonetheless, Frodo does try to trust Galadriel, even though she is the more obvious choice being of greater power than the woods themselves. This action is symbolic: 'He did make an effort to trust Galadriel with the Ring. Presumably more reliable than simple flinging it into a shrub, however enchanted. Galadriel was the more obvious choice.'

Galadriel's rejection of the Ring is a crucial turning point in the story. By refusing the Ring, she upholds the integrity of the narrative, reinforcing Frodo's mission and the significance of the journey. Her actions remind us that the Ring, despite its power, cannot be trusted with even the most powerful figures. As she states, 'Galadriel handed his mission back to him in her rejection of the Ring and thereby maintained the narrative journey of the priceless artifact to its eventual destruction.'

Conclusion

The concept of "throwing away" the Ring is a nuanced one. Frodo's actions in Lothlórien are driven by both desperation and reason. While he briefly entertains the idea of giving the Ring to someone else, his ultimate decision is driven by the wisdom of the Council of Elrond and the power of Galadriel's refusal. Frodo's journey, therefore, is not just a physical one, but a moral and mental one, testing his resolve and commitment to the mission until the very end.