The One Ring's Untold Fate: Gandalf's Momentous Decision in LOTR Revealed

Highlights

Gandalf's power as one of the Maiar makes him more than just an average wizard in The Lord of the Rings.

Gandalf understands that possessing the One Ring would corrupt him, causing his noble quest to become tainted.

Had Gandalf the White chosen to possess the One Ring, his unparalleled might would probably enable him to overcome Sauron, yet he would ultimately succumb to darkness and become the malevolent ruler of Middle Earth.

Most fans of The Lord Of The Rings may not be aware, but Gandalf is actually one of the most formidable entities in the entire series. He transcends the typical depiction of wizards in the fantasy genre, thanks to the rich mythology of the story. As one of the Maiar, a select group chosen by the Valar to journey to Middle Earth, Gandalf possesses immense power.

Given the true extent of Gandalf's strength, many fans of The Lord Of The Rings often speculate about what would have transpired if he had wielded the One Ring. It is a legitimate point of contemplation, as all we can do is conjecture based on clues from the books and films. While it may remain an unresolved debate, one undeniable consensus is that Gandalf claiming the ring would have dire consequences, far from beneficial.

What If Gandalf The Grey Took The One Ring?

The issue with these questions lies in the lack of sufficient information. However, educated guesses can be made. Judging by Gandalf's reaction when Frodo asks him to take the ring instead, it is likely that Gandalf is aware of the eventual corruption he would face if he possessed the ring. Despite continuing his quest for good in Middle Earth, Gandalf's intentions may gradually become twisted.

One wonders if Gandalf the Grey would have possessed the strength to defeat Sauron had he claimed the One Ring. It is crucial to recognize that Gandalf the Grey, although powerful, primarily served as a supporting wizard and could not fully unleash his potential to confront Saruman. If his true power remained sealed, requiring him to become a white wizard to utilize his full strength, it is possible that Gandalf the Grey, even with the One Ring, would still be unable to overcome Sauron. This may seem peculiar, but it is important to acknowledge the immense power of Sauron, particularly in terms of magic.

If Gandalf were to cast off his limitations or cease holding back due to the influence of the ring, the extent of his power with the ring in his possession would be unimaginable. Furthermore, as a Maiar, the duration it would take for Gandalf to succumb to corruption remains uncertain. It is plausible that he might promptly utilize the ring's power to confront Sauron's forces, indicating a certain level of corruption.

What If Gandalf The White Took The One Ring?

It is a well-known fact among fans of The Lord Of The Rings that Gandalf the White surpasses Gandalf the Grey in terms of magical potency. According to the author himself, it becomes evident that Gandalf the White, at the very least, possesses the capability to defeat Sauron if he were to possess the One Ring. This can be attributed to the substantial enhancement in power that Gandalf attains when he gains complete control over his extraordinary abilities.

With greater self-assurance, Gandalf would have been capable of waging a widespread war, easily defeating Sauron's forces and rallying the realm of Men for assistance. Possessing such immense power, Gandalf would have effortlessly faced even the most formidable adversaries thrown at him by Sauron. He could have vanquished Balrogs and effortlessly defeated the Ring Wraiths, potentially even resulting in his ability to destroy the Witch-King.

It is conceivable that it would have taken Gandalf a longer time to defeat Sauron if he engaged in a large-scale war against the dark lord, unless he utilized his cunning to launch a surprise attack. With the ring under his control, Gandalf would likely retain his wisdom, although he might be more emboldened, leading to further violence. This would be particularly true if Gandalf believed that by demonstrating their strength against Sauron's forces, he would be aiding the realm of Men.

Would Gandalf Have Become Evil?

The problem with any character from the series claiming the One Ring is that, given enough time, they would inevitably succumb to evil. This presents several issues, including the fact that Sauron would always find a way to survive in some form. Despite Gandalf's immense power, he would ultimately succumb to darkness just like Aragorn or Legolas if he were to possess the ring.

This transformation into darkness would bring about a new kind of doom for Middle Earth, this time caused by Gandalf himself. It is highly likely that if Gandalf had taken the ring and decided to confront Sauron, he would have been successful in defeating the dark lord. However, he would then become the new dark lord of Middle Earth. This demonstrates the immense corrupting power of the One Ring.

Imagining the potential evil of someone like Gandalf is truly terrifying. As a member of the same race, the Maiar, as Sauron, it is possible that Gandalf's control over the ring could rival that of a fully empowered Sauron. This would mean that Gandalf has the capability to become so extraordinarily powerful and wicked that Middle Earth would be condemned once again, without any divine intervention. It would be a tragic downfall for a beloved character, but it is the fate of anyone who believes they can harness the power of the One Ring. Fortunately, Gandalf would never be foolish enough to make such a choice in the first place.

Streaming of The Lord Of The Rings is available on Amazon Prime Video.