Could Aragorn Have Thrown the One Ring into Mount Doom?

Introduction

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the plight of the One Ring is a central theme. Many characters, such as Aragorn,Galadriel, Gandalf, Glorfindel, and Elrond, are shown to be unworthy of taking the Ring into Mount Doom. But what truly makes it impossible for Aragorn to destroy the Ring? Let's delve into the reasons why his attempt would have failed.

Elrond's Failure

Elrond, the wise and powerful elf, was not the right candidate to destroy the Ring. Tolkien explicitly stated that no one, except for the Valar, Eru Ilúvatar, or Tom Bombadil, could willingly throw the Ring into the fires of Mount Doom. Elves, though powerful, wereplenished and could not achieve what was required. Therefore, Elrond's failure was not due to a lack of will, strength, or power, but a matter of design by the creator of the Ring, Sauron.

The Role of Tom Bombadil

Tom Bombadil, a mysterious and enigmatic figure, is unique among the races of Middle-earth, being immune to the One Ring's influence. Despite his immunity, Bombadil would have failed as well. The Ring would have done everything in its power to escape him, and he would likely have not fought to destroy it, choosing instead to maintain the balance and maintain his realm's tranquility. This demonstrates that even those free from the Ring's corrupting influence could not achieve the task.

Destroying the Ring

The destruction of the Ring required a journey to its birthplace, Mount Doom, the very place where Sauron forged it. No force, save for the power of the Ring itself, could destroy the Ring's essence. Even the powerful Valar (spirits of the world) and the world's creator, Eru Ilúvatar, had to rely on the Ring's creator, Sauron, to undo his work.

Exploring Other Options

Aragon, being a human, is even more unsuitable for the task. Tolkien wrote in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien that the only way to destroy the Ring was to return it to its origin. Dragons, even great ones like Smaug, lacked the heat needed to damage the Ring. Dwarves, who were skilled metalworkers, had forges capable of melting metals but not the Ring itself. The only place on Middle-earth with such power was Mount Doom, the same place from which Sauron created it.

The Ring's destruction was so crucial that the choice was between finding a way to destroy it, taking it across the seas, or hiding it away. The Ring could only be unmade in the fire where it was forged, reinforcing the singular importance of Mount Doom in its destruction.

Thus, Aragorn and all others, including the mighty figures of the Lord of the Rings, were unable to destroy the Ring intentionally. Their failures were not due to a lack of will or power but were predetermined by the very essence of the One Ring and the will of Eru Ilúvatar.

Conclusion: While the burden fell upon Frodo and the Fellowship, it was the unmovable force of fate, designed by Tolkien, that ensured the destruction of the Ring at Mount Doom by one of the only souls willing and capable enough—Gimli's beard!