The Mysterious Journey of the One Ring: From Gollum to Bilbo Baggins
In The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the fate of the One Ring takes an interesting turn as it transitions from Gollum to Bilbo Baggins. This transformation is rooted in a complex interplay of fate, intention, and the inherent nature of the Ring itself. Understanding why the One Ring abandoned Gollum and chose Bilbo as its new host is fascinating, and it provides insight into the broader narrative of Middle-earth.
Why the Ring Left Gollum
Gandalf explains that the Ring desired to return to its master, Sauron, and staying in the caverns beneath the Misty Mountains with Gollum was not serving this purpose. The Ring’s decision to leave Gollum was driven by a combination of its desire to be used and its perception of Gollum’s usefulness temporarily waning. Gollum had become inattentive to the Ring, failing to recognize its true significance during his riddle games with Bilbo, which could have led to its discovery.
The Role of Bilbo Baggins
The answer to why the Ring chose Bilbo as its new host changes when the story moves from The Hobbit to The Lord of the Rings. In the early versions of The Hobbit, Tolkien needed Bilbo to be able to become invisible at various points in the narrative. The Ring, therefore, transformed into an object with this unique ability. However, as the story evolved, Tolkien introduced Sauron as the Ring’s true master, and the One Ring developed a purpose in Gollum’s cave to get out from it.
Initially, the Ring’s choice of Gollum seemed logical as the Ring saw potential in him to further its goals. Gollum’s hidden and isolated nature allowed the Ring to maintain its secrecy. However, Smeagol’s transformation into Gollum was marked by significant isolation, and the Ring foreseeably foresaw that remaining hidden away would hinder its return to Sauron.
The Ring’s decision to leave Gollum was inevitable. Gollum’s life in the caverns was too isolated, and there was no guarantee of encountering beings who could help the Ring achieve its primary goal—returning to its master. The Ring’s plan involved isolating itself from those who might discover its presence and ensuring it could be found by a being who would not uncover its secrets.
Why Bilbo Was Chosen
Bilbo Baggins, on the other hand, was chosen as a host because of the unique circumstances surrounding his interaction with the Ring. Although an orc might have suited the Ring’s purposes more, the events leading up to Bilbo finding the One Ring were orchestrated by a power greater than the Ring itself. Bilbo's benign intentions meant he was less likely to change under the Ring's influence compared to other characters like Thorin Oakenshield.
The Ring saw no further usefulness in Gollum and realized that staying hidden was jeopardizing its ultimate goal. The isolation and lack of new opportunities for the Ring to achieve its ultimate purpose with Gollum were not aligned with its true intentions. Conversely, Bilbo’s benign and simple nature allowed the Ring to influence him more subtly, reducing his compulsion to use the Ring for malicious purposes.
Conclusion
The journey of the One Ring from Gollum to Bilbo Baggins is a pivotal narrative point in the legendarium of Middle-earth. It highlights the Ring's cunning and the complex interplay of fate, character, and power. Understanding why the Ring chose Bilbo provides a deeper insight into the intricate narrative of The Lord of the Rings.
The root reasons for the Ring's decision to leave Gollum and attach itself to Bilbo Baggins are multifaceted, combining elements of fate, character, and the Ring's own intentions. Unraveling these complexities not only enriches our understanding of the story but also adds depth to the mythos of Middle-earth.