The Secrets of the Ring: Revelation and Mystery in The Hobbit
The Ring of Power, an essential element in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, initially inspires intrigue and mystery. This article delves into who knew of Bilbo Baggins' possession of the ring at different stages of his adventures. It explores the revelations and secrets surrounding the Ring, emphasizing the importance of secrecy and its implications for the protagonists and their journeys.
Secret Keepers of the Ring
The only character definitively known to have been aware of the Ring's presence from the very beginning was Gollum. Under duress, Gollum revealed its existence to Sauron, who in turn informed the nine Ringwraiths. This early discovery underscores the Ring's enigmatic and sinister nature.
Another key figure who became aware of the Ring was Gandalf. He shared his knowledge with Aragorn and possibly with Elrond, indicating the importance of secrecy and the potential dangers associated with the Ring. This reveals the deep-level oversight required to maintain the Ring's concealment from the general populace.
Meriadoc Brandybuck (Merry) was another character who became aware of the Ring's existence. He observed Bilbo using the Ring, a practice especially noticeable after Bilbo began writing about his adventures in the Shire. Merry, along with Samwise Gamgee (Sam) and Peregrin Took (Pippin), shared his concerns about the Ring's influence.
Secretive Knowledge and Associations
Saruman gained insight into the Ring's existence through his connection with Gandalf and his interest in the Shire. Saruman's knowledge of the Ring is significant because it highlights the broader implications of the Ring on the political and mystical landscapes of Middle-earth.
Similarly, the dwarves of Thorin's company were also aware of Bilbo's Ring, though they did not know its true nature. During the Battle of Five Armies, Bilbo used the Ring to his advantage, rescuing his companions from giant spiders and then eluding their capture by elves. The dwarves' awareness of the Ring's existence suggests their familiarity with such magical items, underscoring the Ring's allure and potential.
Thranduil, King of Mirkwood, also alluded to the Ring's presence in a conversation with Bilbo, but it is unclear if Thranduil was specifically referencing the Ring. Thranduil’s cryptic warning to Bilbo about the Ring's influence and the ease of stealing it implies a deeper knowledge, yet its exact source remains ambiguous.
The Unveiling and the Endgame
By Third Age 2941, Gollum knew of the Ring, revealing its existence to Sauron, while Gandalf and Frodo were still unaware. This early revelation by Gollum anticipates Frodo's eventual discovery of the Ring in Third Age 3001, when it was bequeathed to Bilbo by the latter in the Shire.
The Ring's journey through Middle-earth reaches its peak during Bilbo's adventures. The Ring's concealment is crucial, and this is evident even in the early stages. Ironically, Frodo's secret carrying of the Ring revealed it when he foolishly revealed it in an inappropriate manner. This incident demonstrates the Ring's willful and unpredictable nature, further complicating matters for the protagonists.
Conclusion
While the Ring's secrets were occasionally shared, the overall policy of secrecy was crucial to maintain its influence and potential. From its early disclosures to the nuanced and layered revelations, the Ring's story is one of constant intrigue and danger. The characters of The Hobbit navigate these challenges, often risking exposure and conflict to achieve their goals.
The knowledge of Bilbo's Ring, then, is both a story of discovery and betrayal, of enlightenment and grief. The secrets of the Ring are deeply embedded in The Hobbit, making them a central theme throughout Tolkien's work, enriching the narrative and enhancing the reader's understanding of the magical and political world of Middle-earth.