Looking at the complete group from The Lord Of The Rings, known as the Fellowship Of The Ring, it is difficult to believe that they could have achieved their mission without facing immense challenges. As the events of the trilogy unfolded, it became evident that the journey to destroy the One Ring was far from simple. In fact, one could argue that the group would have had no chance of success if they had not decided to divide after the Battle Of Amon Hen.
Although the fellowship consisted of some of the most formidable warriors in The Lord Of The Rings series, it is possible that they would not have been able to withstand Sauron's forces without making efforts across different lands. A crucial factor in Frodo and Sam's ultimate triumph was the diversion created by Aragorn and his companions in the decisive moments of the War of the Ring. While it remains a subject of speculation, it is plausible that the fellowship would not have survived had they remained united.
Who Was In The Fellowship Of The Ring?
Originally formed by Elrond in Rivendell, the Fellowship of the Ring was a legendary alliance tasked with the perilous mission of destroying the One Ring and ultimately defeating Sauron. Comprised of individuals representing the various races of Middle Earth, the Fellowship stood as a symbol of unity against their shared foe. Without their united efforts, it is highly probable that the One Ring would have fallen back into Sauron's hands, resulting in his complete dominion over Middle Earth.
Featuring a group of nine members, the Fellowship included four Hobbits: Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and the well-known duo, Merry and Pippin. Hailing from The Shire, these four Hobbits played a vital role in the mission. While Merry and Pippin were not initially perceived as obvious choices for the Fellowship, Frodo was deemed the ring bearer due to the peaceful nature of Hobbits and his selfless character. Additionally, Frodo's resistance to the corruptive power of the ring was further reinforced by his lack of desire for dominion and personal strength. In the later stages of their journey, Merry and Pippin were captured, but Sam remained steadfastly by Frodo's side until they reached their ultimate destination: Mount Doom.
In the group, two individuals stood out - Aragorn and Boromir. Aragorn, as Isildur's heir, held great importance as a warrior in Middle Earth, despite his reserved desire for the throne in the film trilogy. Boromir, on the other hand, was significant in his own right as the son of a steward of Gondor and stood out as a formidable warrior. Being the only two Men in the group, Aragorn and Boromir were considered most vulnerable to the allure of the One Ring.
Completing the group were Legolas, a skilled Elf warrior, Gimli, a dwarf, and Gandalf, a wise wizard. One of the group's significant achievements was the friendship formed between Legolas and Gimli, which showcased the possibility of reconciliation between the Elvish and Dwarvish peoples. Gandalf, with his exceptional magic abilities, played a vital role in the success of the group, even when they were separated.
What If the Fellowship Stayed Together?
One of the biggest questions that arise is the potential success the fellowship could have achieved had they remained united instead of being torn apart at the end of The Fellowship Of The Ring. For the purpose of this inquiry, let us assume that the entire group survived the Battle Of Amon Hen unscathed and that Gandalf promptly rejoined them upon his transformation into Gandalf the White. It proves quite challenging to determine the fate of the fellowship under these circumstances.
From the very beginning, there were several significant concerns. Boromir displayed his inclination towards claiming the One Ring, posing a threat to the rest of the group. Additionally, it is difficult to ascertain the exact path the entire fellowship would have chosen to take. Realistically, regardless of the route they ultimately chose, it is perhaps safest to assume that their ultimate destiny would have been doom. Without Aragorn leading his forces to gather support from the Men, there would have been no formidable opposing force against the overwhelming power of Sauron.
Could The Fellowship Have Overcome Sauron’s Forces?
Without the intervention of Aragorn and his companions, significant issues such as Saruman, King Theoden, and numerous others would have persisted. Consequently, the peril to Middle Earth would have amplified, and the chances of achieving success for the group would have drastically diminished due to the absence of multiple armies supporting their cause. Had the fellowship attempted to replicate Frodo and Sam's actions depicted in the films, it is highly plausible that their presence would not only have been detected but also promptly eradicated even before approaching Mount Doom.The battles throughout the trilogy showcased the fellowship's ability to confront formidable adversaries. With the presence of Gandalf the White, the fellowship possessed immense power. However, without the support of other armies, their survival would have been uncertain. Unaware of the challenges faced by the rest of Middle Earth, it is conceivable that the realm would have been devastated, ultimately leading to the fellowship's entrapment amidst Sauron's forces.
Without any available refuge along their journey, the fellowship would consist of a mere nine individuals, albeit a formidable one, pitted against Sauron's vast armies. Given that Aragorn's forces in The Return Of The King were embarking on a highly risky endeavor, it is evident that they would not have been capable of facing an entire army realistically. Despite their courage and valiant efforts, the group would eventually succumb to defeat. Ironically, Sauron's action of scattering the fellowship ultimately resulted in his own downfall.
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