The One Ring: Unexplored Possibilities in Bilbo's Hands

Highlights

Bilbo Baggins had the One Ring for a long time without being corrupted, making some wonder if he could have destroyed it.

Bilbo struggled to resist the irresistible allure of the ring, yet his innate sense of selflessness enabled him to part with it willingly. Had Bilbo set out to destroy the ring, the growing grip of its influence and the latent darkness within him would likely have led to his inevitable downfall.

Throughout The Lord Of The Rings, only a handful of characters possess the capability to bear the immense burden of the One Ring. While Frodo Baggins is the most renowned Ring-bearer, it is crucial not to overlook the fact that Bilbo Baggins managed to hold onto the ring for an unexpectedly long period without succumbing to its corruptive influence like some other Hobbits. This apparent resistance to the ring's corruption raises speculation among Lord Of The Rings enthusiasts about Bilbo's potential to be the one to ultimately destroy the One Ring.

Those who are acquainted with The Hobbit series are aware that Bilbo is not inherently inclined towards confrontation, although he is willing to do what is morally right. This implies that, especially in his youth, Bilbo could have been a strong candidate for embarking on the arduous journey to Mount Doom with the ring. However, whether Bilbo would have succeeded in such a demanding endeavor remains a highly uncertain matter that is far from easy to address.

Was Bilbo Able To Resist The One Ring?

The One Ring possesses an uncanny ability to ensnare all who come into contact with it. Even Sauron, though in a unique manner, falls under its influence. However, a select few individuals, like Bilbo and certain other hobbits, exhibit a degree of resistance against its corrupting power. Bilbo, unlike many, manages to retain some semblance of purity in the face of the ring's allure.

In The Fellowship Of The Ring, Bilbo's struggle with the One Ring becomes evident, despite its inability to corrupt him entirely. Bilbo's character and innate goodness prevent him from harboring evil intentions while wielding the ring. Instead, he would likely employ it solely for self-defense or to aid his companions, reflecting his selflessness. This virtuous trait parallels that of Samwise Gamgee, a crucial figure in Frodo's mission to destroy the ring. Furthermore, it remains uncertain whether Bilbo initially comprehends the true significance of the ring he possesses.

Could Bilbo Have Destroyed The One Ring?

Despite not succumbing to the same level of corruption as Gollum, Bilbo did harbor a potent desire to possess the ring. This inclination becomes evident just before he willingly relinquishes the ring at the onset of The Fellowship Of The Ring, as well as during his conversation with Frodo in Rivendell. These instances unequivocally demonstrate Bilbo's inability to resist the allure of the One Ring. Nonetheless, they also showcase his remarkable strength of character, surpassing that of the majority of other characters in The Lord Of The Rings universe, as he ultimately chooses to relinquish the ring even after spending years in its possession.

The question of whether Bilbo, rather than Frodo, could have been the one to destroy the One Ring has intrigued many. However, the grim reality is that regardless of when Bilbo embarked on the quest or if he was the ring bearer for the fellowship, he would most likely have failed in his attempt to destroy the ring.

Bilbo's resistance to the corruption of the ring, despite possessing it for an extended period, can be attributed to his distance from both the fires of Mordor and significant conflicts. Although he did experience conflict during his adventure in The Hobbit, the events in the film trilogy differ from the original works. Due to his limited exposure to situations where his darker side could emerge, the ring had fewer opportunities to tempt Bilbo towards darkness. However, if Bilbo had embarked on a journey to destroy the ring, he would have faced similar challenges as Frodo and could have fared even worse.

It is important to note that the influence of the ring intensifies as it approaches its place of origin. Bilbo has demonstrated the potential for violent outbursts in his pursuit of the ring, although he can restrain himself. This makes him a potentially more sinister bearer of the ring, particularly if he had companions traveling alongside him. In such circumstances, it is conceivable that Bilbo might eliminate any perceived threats to his possession of the ring. Consequently, Bilbo would likely have failed to cast the ring into Mount Doom, especially without intervention from others.

Could Anyone Have Destroyed The One Ring?

The manner in which the One Ring was ultimately destroyed reveals that its destruction was not the result of a deliberate act. Despite the presence of individuals such as Frodo, Sam, or even Bilbo who were considered the most suitable candidates to carry and destroy the ring, one cannot help but question whether anyone would have been capable of accomplishing this task. Looking at all the available evidence, it becomes evident that no matter how virtuous the individual stepping up to destroy the ring may be, they would ultimately have failed, regardless of whether they were a Baggins or not.

The trilogy makes it abundantly clear right from the start that Men lack the strength of will to resist the allure of the ring, even after merely holding it for a few minutes or being in its presence during a journey. It is also well-established that the other races would swiftly succumb to the ring's temptations in various ways. For this reason, Frodo was chosen to bear the ring, as Hobbits were the least susceptible to corruption due to their passive and inherently selfless nature. While some may hold a different opinion, the reality is that Frodo was actually the most suitable option for the task of bringing the ring to Mordor, yet he too was destined to fail right from the beginning.

Gollum's interference and foolishness were the true cause of the ring's destruction. If it weren't for his selfish desire to reclaim the ring, it would have remained intact. Without Gollum's presence, the only possibility for its destruction would have relied on individuals like Frodo or Bilbo, who would need immense inner strength to willingly hurl the ring into Mount Doom. However, even that scenario appears highly improbable. You can stream The Lord Of The Rings on Amazon Prime Video.