The Journey of the One Ring: A Comprehensive Overview of its Custody

This article delves into the complex history of the One Ring, following its path from the creation of the Ring by Sauron through to its final resting place. It explores the key figures who held the Ring and the events that influenced its whereabouts over a period of thousands of years. The custody of the One Ring holds a pivotal role in the legends of Middle-earth and remains a fascinating topic of study.

Introduction to the One Ring

The One Ring, a creation of the Dark Lord Sauron, holds a significant place in the storytelling of J.R.R. Tolkien's universe. Its possession and use by various characters significantly shaped the course of events as described in The Lord of the Rings. From the original creation to its final destruction, the One Ring was known by many, each altering its fate in different ways.

The Beginning: Sauron and the Forged Ring

The One Ring originated with Sauron, who sought to rule Middle-earth through his mastery of power. The Ring was crafted in the fires ofMount Doom, a forges of Middle-earth where Sauron's tools could not be destroyed. However, its creation marked the beginning of its complex journey.

The Earl of Gondor: Isildur

After Sauron's defeat, the One Ring ended up in the hands of Isildur, the heir of Elendil. Isildur successfully cut the Ring from Sauron's finger during the Battle of Dagorlad. However, his victory turned to tragedy when he was ambushed on his way back to Gondor, and the Ring slipped from his hand and fell into the river Anduin.

The Fates of the Ring in the Anduin

Lying hidden in the Anduin for more than two millennia, the Ring was eventually discovered by Déagol, a friend and relative of Sméagol. When Sméagol demanded the Ring, a fight broke out, leading to Déagol's murder by his cousin, now known as Gollum. Gollum, driven by his hunger for the power of the Ring, did not last long as its possessor either. The Ring ultimately found its way to Bilbo Baggins and then to Frodo Baggins, setting the stage for the events that follow in The Lord of the Rings.

Chronological Custody of the One Ring

The precise order of ownership of the Ring can be summarized as follows:

Sauron (Crafted the Ring in Mount Doom) Sauron (Possessed in his Barad-d?r) Isildur (When he took it from Sauron's finger) The Anduin River (After Isildur's death) Déagol (Found the Ring in the Anduin) Sméagol (Gollum, who stole the Ring from Déagol) Bilbo (Found the Ring in Gollum's possession) Frodo (Passed by Bilbo, carried by Bilbo to Rivendell) Sam (Frodo's companion during the journey to Mount Doom) Frodo (Returned to Rivendell) Smeagol (Tried to regain the Ring, fell into the river Anduin again) Lava (Destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom)

Conclusion

The journey of the One Ring is a testament to the complexities of power and corruption, as it passed through the hands of various characters, each representing different factions and ideologies. From its creation by Sauron to its ultimate destruction, the custody of the One Ring has been a significant plot device in the storytelling of Middle-earth. Understanding the various owners of the Ring can provide deeper insights into the narrative and themes of The Lord of the Rings.