What if Frodo Was Tempted by the Ring?

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the character Frodo Baggins, accompanied by the Ring, embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring. Frodo's resolve is constantly tested, especially as the quest progresses, and he is repeatedly tempted by the Ring's power. This essay explores the potential consequences if Frodo had succumbed to the Ring's influence.

The Temptation of Frodo

Frodo is a hobbit known for his bravery and kindness, but his journey is fraught with challenges and trials. Along the way, he is often haunted by the Ring's desire to be reunited with its master, Sauron. Despite his strong will, Frodo's resolve wavers at critical moments, particularly as he approaches the Cracks of Doom.

The Near Miss at the Cracks of Doom

At the climax of the story, Frodo is faced with the ultimate test when he stands at the entrance to the Cracks of Doom. The Ring's temptation is at its peak, and Frodo, weakened and despairing, nearly succumbs to its allure. This moment is pivotal because it showcases the inner struggle that Frodo endures throughout his journey.

Imagine the situation if, at this crucial moment, Frodo had given in to the Ring's dark power. The consequences would have been profound for both Frodo and the world of Middle-earth. If Frodo had put on the Ring, he would have accidentally relapsed into the power of Sauron, leading to an even greater evil than Sauron himself.

The Immediate and Far-reaching Consequences

Seventy-five thousand Years ago, Sauron created the Ring to dominate the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. If Frodo had claimed the Ring for himself, Sauron would have been instantly aware of his location and the fact that the Ring was still in existence. This would have triggered a massive retaliation from the Dark Lord, resulting in a renewed confrontation between good and evil.

Upon sensing the Ring's presence, Sauron would have immediately dispatched the remaining Nine Nazg?l to capture it. Their swift and formidable attack would have set the stage for a battle that would have engulfed the entire land. Given their deep-rooted loyalty and Sauron's immense power, these Ringwraiths would have been merciless in their pursuit, leaving a trail of devastation behind them.

The Battle at the Cracks of Doom

During the Battle of the Cracks of Doom, Frodo's nemesis, Gollum, would have turned from an implacable foe into an even more fearsome adversary. Gollum, driven by his insatiable desire for the Ring, became a danger to Frodo not just because of his hatred and malice, but because he was now a weapon in Sauron's arsenal. Sauron would have sent Gollum to destroy Frodo from within, using the corrupted hobbit to achieve his goal.

The sudden reappearance of Gollum would have further complicated the already perilous situation. Gollum's actions would have been infused with the malevolent aura of the Ring, making him even more unpredictable and dangerous. If he managed to regain control of the Ring, the outcome could have been catastrophic for the Quest.

The Aftermath and Consequences for Middle-earth

Had Frodo succumbed to the Ring, the consequences would have been far-reaching. It is possible that not only would Middle-earth have been plunged into a new age of darkness, but also the very fate of the Free Peoples and the land of the Hobbits would have been altered. The victory that Frodo and his companions achieved would have been short-lived, and the resurgence of Sauron and the Nazg?l would have ushered in a new era of suffering and despair.

In conclusion, Frodo's strong will in the face of temptation is a critical element in the story of The Lord of the Rings. If Frodo had been overcome by the Ring's power, not only would Middle-earth have faced a new and possibly more devastating threat, but the entire narrative of Tolkien's world would have taken an entirely different turn. It is the resilience of Frodo and the support of his companions that define the ultimate triumph against unrelenting darkness.

Keywords: Frodo, Ring of Power, Mount Doom